Corona-related Bitcoin price fluctuations may have caused smaller miners to shut down.
Depending on where you are in the world, you may be on week four, eight, or even thirteen of coronavirus quarantine; while video conferencing in pajama pants may be starting to feel a bit more normal, the world is keenly aware that the full effects and implications of the quarantine have not yet been felt, and will not be fully realized for months--or even years--to come.
Just as in much of the financial world, this is particularly true in the cryptocurrency sector. Every week--and, at times, every day--there is a new revelation of the effects of the spread of COVID-19 on various parts of the nascent industry.
While massive fluctuations in crypto markets are perhaps the most visible part of these effects, there are many other consequences that are somewhat overlooked--namely, the effects of coronavirus on the cryptocurrency mining industry.
This has been evidenced by major fluctuations in the “hash rate” of the Bitcoin network, which measures the amount of computing power that is being devoted to performing “mining” duties.
On the Bitcoin network, “mining” is the process by which transactions are confirmed--computers are chosen by the network solve complex cryptographic equations, which results in transactions being added to the ledger. In exchange for their work, these computers are rewarded with Bitcoins.
Alex Batlin, ex-Blockchain Lead at BNY Mellon and current chief executive of custodial wallet specialist Trustology.
Therefore, a lower hash rate means slower transaction times: “if we look at this from a short term perspective, it is inconvenient as creating the block now takes longer as a result,” said Alex Batlin, ex-Blockchain Lead at BNY Mellon and current chief executive of custodial wallet specialist Trustology, to Finance Magnates. “Suddenly, blocks that could be mined in 10 minutes now take 20-30 minutes, causing massive issues for the blockchain.”
Additionally, some cryptocurrency analysts also believe that hash rate is an indicator of Bitcoin’s price--that, though it may take several months, an increase in hash rate is an eventual indicator of an increase in price, and vice versa.
The spread of the coronavirus is already being blamed in part for a steep dive in the Bitcoin network’s hash rate that took place throughout the month of March; the BTC hash rate reached its highest rate this year at 150 EH/s on March 5th before plummeting to 105.6 EH/s by March 15th, just ten days later--a 29 percent drop.
Then, on March 26th, the drop continued; the hash rate dove as much as an additional 15.95 percent, resulting in a 45 percent decline since the peak in January. It has since shown some signs of recovery but has not neared its higher levels earlier in the month.
Total Bitcoin hash rate throughout March 2020. Source: Blockchain.com.
Practical concerns: quarantine requirements, supply chain disruptions, and non-essential business designations
The decline is, in part, being attributed to the spread of the coronavirus.
Case in point: a 10-K report that was was filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission late last month, Riot Blockchain, a cryptocurrency mining firm based in Castle Rock, Colorado, laid out several scenarios in which fallout from the coronavirus--which has already begun to affect some of the company’s operations--could seriously impair its business.
This is for several reasons: first, quarantined employees cannot perform all of the necessary duties to maintain business-as-usual: “[…] we have experienced and will experience disruptions to our business operations resulting from quarantines, self-isolations, or other movement and restrictions on the ability of our employees to perform their jobs,” the report said.
The firm also pointed to possible issues with its supply chain: “China has also limited the shipment of products in and out of its borders, which could negatively impact our ability to receive mining equipment from our China-based suppliers,” he said.
Finally, Riot Blockchain said that because “we have not been classified as an essential business in the jurisdictions that have decided that issue to date,” there is a possibility that “we may not be allowed to access our mine or offices.”
All of this could result in shutdowns: “if we are unable to effectively service our miners, our ability to mine bitcoin will be adversely affected as miners go offline, which would have an adverse effect on our business and the results of our operations.”
BTC’s price movements may be the most significant factor attributing to the decline in hash power
Riot Blockchain’s 10-K report scenario is largely hypothetical, but there have been reports from other participants in the mining industry who have said that their operations have been impaired by the spread of the coronavirus--this is particularly true for miners in China, which is still home to the majority of Bitcoin’s hash power.
Indeed, in early February, PandaMiner, a mining firm based in China, told CoinDesk that quarantine controls had caused disruptions in business as usual: Abe Yang, the company’s chief executive, said that “not only us, [but] most miner makers have been affected by the outbreak since their factories are based in cities like Dongguan and Shenzhen in Guangdong province.”
But quarantined workers and possible disruption in mining supply chains are not the only corona-related reasons that miners may be shutting off their equipment.
Indeed, the price fallout from the Bitcoin network that has ensued as part of the widespread economic fallout over the last several weeks may have also caused a slowdown in mining: some of the declines in hash rate can be attributed to the possibility that larger mining rigs are also programmed to shut off once the price of Bitcoin passes through set lower limits, and return to full functionality once the price of Bitcoin recovers to a certain level.
However, while these programmatic price limits may have been responsible for some of the decline in hash rate throughout March, it doesn’t seem as March 26th’s hash rate drop was related to any price event on the Bitcoin network--the price hovered around $6600 throughout the day, up from a monthly low of approximately $4200 the week prior.
Smaller mining operations may be forced to shut down
However, the price movements in Bitcoin may have more dire implications for smaller- and medium-sized mining operations, who may have been forced to temporarily (or even permanently) close up shop.
Indeed, Ibrahim Alkurd, the chief executive of New Mine and Partner at Lavaliere Capital, told Finance Magnates that “economies of scale play a big factor in mining farms.”
Ibrahim Alkurd, the chief executive of New Mine and Partner at Lavaliere Capital.
“The recent price drop in BTC caused smaller mining farms that have more expensive power and machine costs to unplug,” he said. “Although the bigger mining farms have seen smaller profits after the recent price crash, they’re still running profitably.”
The exodus of smaller miners could mean more centralization in the long run
Alkurd added that the downward price movements that Bitcoin has experienced as a result of the coronavirus crisis are particularly grizzly because of the upcoming “halvening” or “halving” in May 2020, which will result in the mining reward for Bitcoin miners to be cut in half.
This “will make it even harder for small farms to compete with the big players,” Alkurd said.
This could have other, more serious implications for the Bitcoin mining industry over the long term: “I expect that we will see more centralisation of mining in the Bitcoin sphere with the May 2020 halving,” he continued. “The bar of entry to run a profitable mining farm is constantly being raised due to the reducing supply [of mining rewards] because of halving events.”
Of course, there is quite a bit of evidence that hash power on the Bitcoin network is already highly centralized: earlier this year, blockchain research firm found that as of “27th January 2020, [five] mining entities controlled 49.9% of the hashrate of the bitcoin network.”
Therefore, more centralization at this point could mean that the Bitcoin network is under greater security threats: Alex Batlin told Finance Magnates that in the long-term, lower hash rate “increases the risk of a 51% attack on the network.”
Should Bitcoin move away from Proof-of-Work?
“It’s a point in time issue really at the moment, but the bigger issue is more systemic. BTC currently operates on a ‘proof of work’ model [that requires] significant amounts of electricity and computational needs to operate, and is also very limited in the number of transactions it can process at the same time.”
“Other networks, though, are moving to a ‘proof of stake’ model that doesn’t require the massive computation, in terms of cost, power, and people to operate. So, the question becomes: should BTC migrate to a ‘proof of stake’ model like other networks, and will the halving of BTC perhaps force them to make the move?” (Easier said than done, perhaps.)
On the other hand, Ibrahim Alkurd told Finance Magnates that although the decline in the price of Bitcoin “meant that the profit margins for miners are smaller,” it “isn’t anything out of the ordinary for this market” and that “there’s no effect on the Bitcoin network in terms of security. This volatility in hash rate and price is completely normal for this market.”
“Experienced miners should factor these swings into their models and be ready to react to them,” Alkurd explained, adding that “Bitcoin actually performed better than the DOW and the S+P 500 by a considerable amount in Q1 2020.”
In the meantime...
While the long-term effects of coronavirus on the Bitcoin mining industry may be impossible to avoid, Alkurd says that there are some steps that mining companies may be able to take to abate the effects in the short-term.
For example, instead of in-person maintenance checks, “utilize software to remotely monitor machines,” Alkurd suggested, adding that adding cameras to mining farms can make remote monitoring easier.
If in-person checks are absolutely necessary, “implement social distancing practices within the farms,” he added. Companies “can also reduce the number of staff in the [facility] at any one time. This can be done by altering the shifts of the workers.”
Additionally, mining companies located in countries where the virus has not yet passed its peak “can look at China and see what they did wrong and right, and learn from it.”
“Because of the way this virus has spread, we can use information from countries that have been impacted before us, so we can learn what to expect.”
What are your thoughts on the possible short- and long-term effects of the coronavirus on the Bitcoin mining industry? Let us know in the comments below.
·
Depending on where you are in the world, you may be on week four, eight, or even thirteen of coronavirus quarantine; while video conferencing in pajama pants may be starting to feel a bit more normal, the world is keenly aware that the full effects and implications of the quarantine have not yet been felt, and will not be fully realized for months--or even years--to come.
Just as in much of the financial world, this is particularly true in the cryptocurrency sector. Every week--and, at times, every day--there is a new revelation of the effects of the spread of COVID-19 on various parts of the nascent industry.
While massive fluctuations in crypto markets are perhaps the most visible part of these effects, there are many other consequences that are somewhat overlooked--namely, the effects of coronavirus on the cryptocurrency mining industry.
This has been evidenced by major fluctuations in the “hash rate” of the Bitcoin network, which measures the amount of computing power that is being devoted to performing “mining” duties.
On the Bitcoin network, “mining” is the process by which transactions are confirmed--computers are chosen by the network solve complex cryptographic equations, which results in transactions being added to the ledger. In exchange for their work, these computers are rewarded with Bitcoins.
Alex Batlin, ex-Blockchain Lead at BNY Mellon and current chief executive of custodial wallet specialist Trustology.
Therefore, a lower hash rate means slower transaction times: “if we look at this from a short term perspective, it is inconvenient as creating the block now takes longer as a result,” said Alex Batlin, ex-Blockchain Lead at BNY Mellon and current chief executive of custodial wallet specialist Trustology, to Finance Magnates. “Suddenly, blocks that could be mined in 10 minutes now take 20-30 minutes, causing massive issues for the blockchain.”
Additionally, some cryptocurrency analysts also believe that hash rate is an indicator of Bitcoin’s price--that, though it may take several months, an increase in hash rate is an eventual indicator of an increase in price, and vice versa.
The spread of the coronavirus is already being blamed in part for a steep dive in the Bitcoin network’s hash rate that took place throughout the month of March; the BTC hash rate reached its highest rate this year at 150 EH/s on March 5th before plummeting to 105.6 EH/s by March 15th, just ten days later--a 29 percent drop.
Then, on March 26th, the drop continued; the hash rate dove as much as an additional 15.95 percent, resulting in a 45 percent decline since the peak in January. It has since shown some signs of recovery but has not neared its higher levels earlier in the month.
Total Bitcoin hash rate throughout March 2020. Source: Blockchain.com.
Practical concerns: quarantine requirements, supply chain disruptions, and non-essential business designations
The decline is, in part, being attributed to the spread of the coronavirus.
Case in point: a 10-K report that was was filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission late last month, Riot Blockchain, a cryptocurrency mining firm based in Castle Rock, Colorado, laid out several scenarios in which fallout from the coronavirus--which has already begun to affect some of the company’s operations--could seriously impair its business.
This is for several reasons: first, quarantined employees cannot perform all of the necessary duties to maintain business-as-usual: “[…] we have experienced and will experience disruptions to our business operations resulting from quarantines, self-isolations, or other movement and restrictions on the ability of our employees to perform their jobs,” the report said.
The firm also pointed to possible issues with its supply chain: “China has also limited the shipment of products in and out of its borders, which could negatively impact our ability to receive mining equipment from our China-based suppliers,” he said.
Finally, Riot Blockchain said that because “we have not been classified as an essential business in the jurisdictions that have decided that issue to date,” there is a possibility that “we may not be allowed to access our mine or offices.”
All of this could result in shutdowns: “if we are unable to effectively service our miners, our ability to mine bitcoin will be adversely affected as miners go offline, which would have an adverse effect on our business and the results of our operations.”
BTC’s price movements may be the most significant factor attributing to the decline in hash power
Riot Blockchain’s 10-K report scenario is largely hypothetical, but there have been reports from other participants in the mining industry who have said that their operations have been impaired by the spread of the coronavirus--this is particularly true for miners in China, which is still home to the majority of Bitcoin’s hash power.
Indeed, in early February, PandaMiner, a mining firm based in China, told CoinDesk that quarantine controls had caused disruptions in business as usual: Abe Yang, the company’s chief executive, said that “not only us, [but] most miner makers have been affected by the outbreak since their factories are based in cities like Dongguan and Shenzhen in Guangdong province.”
But quarantined workers and possible disruption in mining supply chains are not the only corona-related reasons that miners may be shutting off their equipment.
Indeed, the price fallout from the Bitcoin network that has ensued as part of the widespread economic fallout over the last several weeks may have also caused a slowdown in mining: some of the declines in hash rate can be attributed to the possibility that larger mining rigs are also programmed to shut off once the price of Bitcoin passes through set lower limits, and return to full functionality once the price of Bitcoin recovers to a certain level.
However, while these programmatic price limits may have been responsible for some of the decline in hash rate throughout March, it doesn’t seem as March 26th’s hash rate drop was related to any price event on the Bitcoin network--the price hovered around $6600 throughout the day, up from a monthly low of approximately $4200 the week prior.
Smaller mining operations may be forced to shut down
However, the price movements in Bitcoin may have more dire implications for smaller- and medium-sized mining operations, who may have been forced to temporarily (or even permanently) close up shop.
Indeed, Ibrahim Alkurd, the chief executive of New Mine and Partner at Lavaliere Capital, told Finance Magnates that “economies of scale play a big factor in mining farms.”
Ibrahim Alkurd, the chief executive of New Mine and Partner at Lavaliere Capital.
“The recent price drop in BTC caused smaller mining farms that have more expensive power and machine costs to unplug,” he said. “Although the bigger mining farms have seen smaller profits after the recent price crash, they’re still running profitably.”
The exodus of smaller miners could mean more centralization in the long run
Alkurd added that the downward price movements that Bitcoin has experienced as a result of the coronavirus crisis are particularly grizzly because of the upcoming “halvening” or “halving” in May 2020, which will result in the mining reward for Bitcoin miners to be cut in half.
This “will make it even harder for small farms to compete with the big players,” Alkurd said.
This could have other, more serious implications for the Bitcoin mining industry over the long term: “I expect that we will see more centralisation of mining in the Bitcoin sphere with the May 2020 halving,” he continued. “The bar of entry to run a profitable mining farm is constantly being raised due to the reducing supply [of mining rewards] because of halving events.”
Of course, there is quite a bit of evidence that hash power on the Bitcoin network is already highly centralized: earlier this year, blockchain research firm found that as of “27th January 2020, [five] mining entities controlled 49.9% of the hashrate of the bitcoin network.”
Therefore, more centralization at this point could mean that the Bitcoin network is under greater security threats: Alex Batlin told Finance Magnates that in the long-term, lower hash rate “increases the risk of a 51% attack on the network.”
Should Bitcoin move away from Proof-of-Work?
“It’s a point in time issue really at the moment, but the bigger issue is more systemic. BTC currently operates on a ‘proof of work’ model [that requires] significant amounts of electricity and computational needs to operate, and is also very limited in the number of transactions it can process at the same time.”
“Other networks, though, are moving to a ‘proof of stake’ model that doesn’t require the massive computation, in terms of cost, power, and people to operate. So, the question becomes: should BTC migrate to a ‘proof of stake’ model like other networks, and will the halving of BTC perhaps force them to make the move?” (Easier said than done, perhaps.)
On the other hand, Ibrahim Alkurd told Finance Magnates that although the decline in the price of Bitcoin “meant that the profit margins for miners are smaller,” it “isn’t anything out of the ordinary for this market” and that “there’s no effect on the Bitcoin network in terms of security. This volatility in hash rate and price is completely normal for this market.”
“Experienced miners should factor these swings into their models and be ready to react to them,” Alkurd explained, adding that “Bitcoin actually performed better than the DOW and the S+P 500 by a considerable amount in Q1 2020.”
In the meantime...
While the long-term effects of coronavirus on the Bitcoin mining industry may be impossible to avoid, Alkurd says that there are some steps that mining companies may be able to take to abate the effects in the short-term.
For example, instead of in-person maintenance checks, “utilize software to remotely monitor machines,” Alkurd suggested, adding that adding cameras to mining farms can make remote monitoring easier.
If in-person checks are absolutely necessary, “implement social distancing practices within the farms,” he added. Companies “can also reduce the number of staff in the [facility] at any one time. This can be done by altering the shifts of the workers.”
Additionally, mining companies located in countries where the virus has not yet passed its peak “can look at China and see what they did wrong and right, and learn from it.”
“Because of the way this virus has spread, we can use information from countries that have been impacted before us, so we can learn what to expect.”
What are your thoughts on the possible short- and long-term effects of the coronavirus on the Bitcoin mining industry? Let us know in the comments below.
Rachel is a self-taught crypto geek and a passionate writer. She believes in the power that the written word has to educate, connect and empower individuals to make positive and powerful financial choices. She is the Podcast Host and a Cryptocurrency Editor at Finance Magnates.
In this conversation, we sit down with Drew Niv, CSO at ATFX Connect and one of the most influential figures in modern FX.
We speak about market structure, the institutional view on liquidity, and the sharp rise of prop trading, a sector Drew has been commenting on in recent months. Drew explains why he once dismissed prop trading, why his view changed, and what he now thinks the model means for brokers, clients and risk managers.
We explore subscription-fee dependency, the high reneging rate, and the long-term challenge: how brokers can build a more stable and honest version of the model. Drew also talks about the traffic advantage standalone prop firms have built and why brokers may still win in the long run if they take the right approach.
In this conversation, we sit down with Drew Niv, CSO at ATFX Connect and one of the most influential figures in modern FX.
We speak about market structure, the institutional view on liquidity, and the sharp rise of prop trading, a sector Drew has been commenting on in recent months. Drew explains why he once dismissed prop trading, why his view changed, and what he now thinks the model means for brokers, clients and risk managers.
We explore subscription-fee dependency, the high reneging rate, and the long-term challenge: how brokers can build a more stable and honest version of the model. Drew also talks about the traffic advantage standalone prop firms have built and why brokers may still win in the long run if they take the right approach.
In this conversation, we sit down with Drew Niv, CSO at ATFX Connect and one of the most influential figures in modern FX.
We speak about market structure, the institutional view on liquidity, and the sharp rise of prop trading, a sector Drew has been commenting on in recent months. Drew explains why he once dismissed prop trading, why his view changed, and what he now thinks the model means for brokers, clients and risk managers.
We explore subscription-fee dependency, the high reneging rate, and the long-term challenge: how brokers can build a more stable and honest version of the model. Drew also talks about the traffic advantage standalone prop firms have built and why brokers may still win in the long run if they take the right approach.
In this conversation, we sit down with Drew Niv, CSO at ATFX Connect and one of the most influential figures in modern FX.
We speak about market structure, the institutional view on liquidity, and the sharp rise of prop trading, a sector Drew has been commenting on in recent months. Drew explains why he once dismissed prop trading, why his view changed, and what he now thinks the model means for brokers, clients and risk managers.
We explore subscription-fee dependency, the high reneging rate, and the long-term challenge: how brokers can build a more stable and honest version of the model. Drew also talks about the traffic advantage standalone prop firms have built and why brokers may still win in the long run if they take the right approach.
Executive Interview | Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller| CEO & Founder Muinmos | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller| CEO & Founder Muinmos | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller| CEO & Founder Muinmos | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller| CEO & Founder Muinmos | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller| CEO & Founder Muinmos | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller| CEO & Founder Muinmos | FMLS:25
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
Ramanda also shares insights on regulator sandboxes, shifting expectations around accountability, and the current reality of MiCA licensing and passporting in Europe.
A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
Ramanda also shares insights on regulator sandboxes, shifting expectations around accountability, and the current reality of MiCA licensing and passporting in Europe.
A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
Ramanda also shares insights on regulator sandboxes, shifting expectations around accountability, and the current reality of MiCA licensing and passporting in Europe.
A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
Ramanda also shares insights on regulator sandboxes, shifting expectations around accountability, and the current reality of MiCA licensing and passporting in Europe.
A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
Ramanda also shares insights on regulator sandboxes, shifting expectations around accountability, and the current reality of MiCA licensing and passporting in Europe.
A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this interview, Remonda Z. Kirketerp Møller, founder of Muinmos, breaks down the state of AI in regtech and what responsible adoption really looks like for brokers. We talk about rising fragmentation, the pressures around compliance accuracy, and why most firms are still in the early stages of AI maturity.
Ramanda also shares insights on regulator sandboxes, shifting expectations around accountability, and the current reality of MiCA licensing and passporting in Europe.
A concise look at where compliance, onboarding, and AI-driven processes are heading next.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
In this conversation, we speak with Aydin Bonabi, CEO and co-founder of Surveill, a firm focused on fraud detection and AI-driven compliance tools for financial institutions.
We start with Aydin’s view of the Summit and the challenges brokers face as fraud tactics grow more complex. He explains how firms can stay ahead through real-time signals, data patterns, and early-stage detection.
We also talk about AI training and why compliance teams often struggle to keep models accurate, fair, and aligned with regulatory expectations. Aydin breaks down what “good” AI training looks like inside a financial environment, including the importance of clean data, domain expertise, and human oversight.
He closes with a clear message: fraud is scaling, and so must the tools that stop it.
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Exness expands its presence in Africa: Inside our interview with Paul Margarites in Cape Town
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Finance Magnates met with Paul Margarites, Exness regional commercial director for Sub-Saharan Africa, during a visit to the firm’s office opening in Cape Town. In this talk, led by Andrea Badiola Mateos, Co-CEO at Finance Magnates, Paul shares views on the South African trading space, local user behavior, mobile trends, regulation, team growth, and how Exness plans to grow in more markets across the region. @Exness
Read the article at: https://www.financemagnates.com/thought-leadership/exness-expands-its-presence-in-africa-inside-our-interview-with-paul-margarites/
#exness #financemagnates #exnesstrading #CFDtrading #tradeonline #africanews #capetown
Executive Interview | Jas Shah | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Jas Shah | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Jas Shah | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Jas Shah | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Jas Shah | FMLS:25
Executive Interview | Jas Shah | FMLS:25
Interview with Jas Shah
Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
Interview with Jas Shah
Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
Interview with Jas Shah
Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
Interview with Jas Shah
Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
Interview with Jas Shah
Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
Interview with Jas Shah
Builder | Adviser | Fintech Writer | Product Strategist
In this episode, Jonathan Fine sat down with Jas Shah, one of the most thoughtful voices in global fintech. Known for his work across advisory, product, stablecoins, and his widely read writing, Jas brings a rare combination of industry insight and plain-spoken clarity.
We talk about his first impression of the Summit, the projects that keep him busy today, and how they connect to the stablecoin panel he joined. Jas shares his view on the link between fintech, wealthtech and retail brokers, especially as firms like Revolut, eToro and Trading212 blur long-standing lines in the market.
We also explore what stablecoin adoption might look like for retail investment platforms, including a few product and UX angles that are not obvious at first glance.
To close, Jas explains how he thinks about writing, and how he approaches “shipping” pieces that spark debate across the industry.
