End Of The Silk Road: BTC Global CEO Mauro Betschart Speaks Out Post Seizure
Monday,07/10/2013|14:45GMTby
Andrew Saks McLeod
Following the governmental seizure of deep web virtual currency marketplace Silk Road, BTC Global CEO and Founder speaks to Forex Magnates on his view of the effect from within the cryptocurrency industry.
The future of the anonymous marketplace has been the subject of much scrutiny among virtual currency advocates and dissenters alike over the last few weeks.
Government interest in putting an end to illicit cross-border trading has escalated since the US government put paid to the alleged money laundering mal-intent of Liberty Reserve, culminating in last week’s seizure of Silk Road.
Just a few days prior, Litecoin-supporting anonymous marketplace Atlantis went west, sparking speculation that the owners favored voluntary cessation over compulsory.
Most certainly, a crossroads has been reached whereby the idea of virtual currency moving increasingly into the mainstream could become further legitimized because of the downfall of marketplaces which engender illicit business forms one possible outcome, with a potential polar outcome if the currency is destined to remain away from the mainstream, with criminal activity its key driver of value.
People’s Currency?
Forex Magnates spoke to Mauro Betschart, CEO and Founder of BTC Global in order to ascertain the viewpoint from what is now a post-Silk Road industry.
“I have had, since I got involved with Bitcoin, a love-hate relationship with silk road. I loved it because I know Bitcoin would not have grown as much as it did and would not have become known if it was not for silk road. On the other hand, I despised the fact that some of the things traded there were morally questionable (And I don't mean a sale of marijuana)” Mr. Betschart explained to Forex Magnates.
Mauro Betschart, Founder & CEO, BTC Global
He went on to say that “Nevertheless, I know that the public opinion, due to lack of information or simple prejudice, was directly relating Bitcoin to the illegal marketplace where very bad people hang out, and this did not help its cause. So, in a way, I think this moves Bitcoin a little closer to the masses.”
As far as the end being nigh for anonymous marketplaces, Mr. Betschart considers the recent activity to be the tip of the iceberg, and that the demand for deep web purchasing activity will continue: “I know that there will always be open marketplaces that use cryptocoins on the deep web, but to have the biggest and most known one taken down is what the public needed to hear.”
Mr. Betschart observed that: “There is also a very interesting fact to look at, and that is the variation of the bitcoin price after the news came out” stated Mr. Betschart. “As expected, it dropped pretty fast for about one hour. It went from $140 to $115 (mtgox price), but then it bounced back up to $130 in less than 20 minutes.”
…..Followed By Stability
“About 48 hours later it was back up to $135, proving without any doubt that bitcoin does not depend on Silk Road” he confirmed. “Even if I'm not happy to see the free marketplace being shut down, as someone who wants to bring Bitcoin to the masses I can only say that this is a point to prove the maturity of Bitcoin. Also, it just destroyed one of the most powerful popular arguments against Bitcoin, in that it is considered to be drug money by dissenters.”
As far as Mr. Betschart’s view on the attempts at retribution which have been directed at the Federal Bureau of Investigation by Silk Road users and supporters, he told Forex Magnates that: “To the trolls that are directing their efforts at the FBI, I don’t think much will happen. Ignoring them will be a lot more profitable than prosecuting them.
Mr. Betschart concluded by inferring that: “The authorities might do something with the Silk Road user data though, if they have it.”
The future of virtual currency, with or without anonymity of trading outlets, is indeed becoming further cemented. As the legitimacy of online deep web market places becomes a subject of governmental discussion, it will be interesting to note the direction which use of Bitcoin as an everyday unit of currency takes, with virtual ATMs and merchant acceptability, compared with its use amid the anonymous world of cyberspace.
The future of the anonymous marketplace has been the subject of much scrutiny among virtual currency advocates and dissenters alike over the last few weeks.
Government interest in putting an end to illicit cross-border trading has escalated since the US government put paid to the alleged money laundering mal-intent of Liberty Reserve, culminating in last week’s seizure of Silk Road.
Just a few days prior, Litecoin-supporting anonymous marketplace Atlantis went west, sparking speculation that the owners favored voluntary cessation over compulsory.
Most certainly, a crossroads has been reached whereby the idea of virtual currency moving increasingly into the mainstream could become further legitimized because of the downfall of marketplaces which engender illicit business forms one possible outcome, with a potential polar outcome if the currency is destined to remain away from the mainstream, with criminal activity its key driver of value.
People’s Currency?
Forex Magnates spoke to Mauro Betschart, CEO and Founder of BTC Global in order to ascertain the viewpoint from what is now a post-Silk Road industry.
“I have had, since I got involved with Bitcoin, a love-hate relationship with silk road. I loved it because I know Bitcoin would not have grown as much as it did and would not have become known if it was not for silk road. On the other hand, I despised the fact that some of the things traded there were morally questionable (And I don't mean a sale of marijuana)” Mr. Betschart explained to Forex Magnates.
Mauro Betschart, Founder & CEO, BTC Global
He went on to say that “Nevertheless, I know that the public opinion, due to lack of information or simple prejudice, was directly relating Bitcoin to the illegal marketplace where very bad people hang out, and this did not help its cause. So, in a way, I think this moves Bitcoin a little closer to the masses.”
As far as the end being nigh for anonymous marketplaces, Mr. Betschart considers the recent activity to be the tip of the iceberg, and that the demand for deep web purchasing activity will continue: “I know that there will always be open marketplaces that use cryptocoins on the deep web, but to have the biggest and most known one taken down is what the public needed to hear.”
Mr. Betschart observed that: “There is also a very interesting fact to look at, and that is the variation of the bitcoin price after the news came out” stated Mr. Betschart. “As expected, it dropped pretty fast for about one hour. It went from $140 to $115 (mtgox price), but then it bounced back up to $130 in less than 20 minutes.”
…..Followed By Stability
“About 48 hours later it was back up to $135, proving without any doubt that bitcoin does not depend on Silk Road” he confirmed. “Even if I'm not happy to see the free marketplace being shut down, as someone who wants to bring Bitcoin to the masses I can only say that this is a point to prove the maturity of Bitcoin. Also, it just destroyed one of the most powerful popular arguments against Bitcoin, in that it is considered to be drug money by dissenters.”
As far as Mr. Betschart’s view on the attempts at retribution which have been directed at the Federal Bureau of Investigation by Silk Road users and supporters, he told Forex Magnates that: “To the trolls that are directing their efforts at the FBI, I don’t think much will happen. Ignoring them will be a lot more profitable than prosecuting them.
Mr. Betschart concluded by inferring that: “The authorities might do something with the Silk Road user data though, if they have it.”
The future of virtual currency, with or without anonymity of trading outlets, is indeed becoming further cemented. As the legitimacy of online deep web market places becomes a subject of governmental discussion, it will be interesting to note the direction which use of Bitcoin as an everyday unit of currency takes, with virtual ATMs and merchant acceptability, compared with its use amid the anonymous world of cyberspace.
Volatile Gold Makes Brokers' Risks No Longer Around P&L, but About Balance-Sheet Protection
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Hannah Hill on Innovation, Branding & Award-Winning Technology | Executive Interview | AXI
Recorded live at FMLS:25, this executive interview features Hannah Hill, Head of Brand and Sponsorship at AXI, in conversation with Finance Magnates, following AXI’s win for Most Innovative Broker of the Year 2025.
In this wide-ranging discussion, Hannah shares insights on:
🔹What winning the Finance Magnates award means for AXI’s credibility and innovation
🔹How the launch of AXI Select, the capital allocation program, is redefining industry standards
🔹The development and rollout of the AXI trading app across multiple markets
🔹Driving brand evolution alongside technological advancements
🔹Encouraging and recognizing teams behind the scenes
🔹The role of marketing, content, and social media in building product awareness
Hannah explains why standout products, strategic branding, and a focus on innovation are key to growing visibility and staying ahead in a competitive brokerage landscape.
🏆 Award Highlight: Most Innovative Broker of the Year 2025
👉 Subscribe to Finance Magnates for more executive interviews, industry insights, and exclusive coverage from the world’s leading financial events.
#FMLS25 #FinanceMagnates #MostInnovativeBroker #TradingTechnology #FinTech #Brokerage #ExecutiveInterview #AXI
Recorded live at FMLS:25, this executive interview features Hannah Hill, Head of Brand and Sponsorship at AXI, in conversation with Finance Magnates, following AXI’s win for Most Innovative Broker of the Year 2025.
In this wide-ranging discussion, Hannah shares insights on:
🔹What winning the Finance Magnates award means for AXI’s credibility and innovation
🔹How the launch of AXI Select, the capital allocation program, is redefining industry standards
🔹The development and rollout of the AXI trading app across multiple markets
🔹Driving brand evolution alongside technological advancements
🔹Encouraging and recognizing teams behind the scenes
🔹The role of marketing, content, and social media in building product awareness
Hannah explains why standout products, strategic branding, and a focus on innovation are key to growing visibility and staying ahead in a competitive brokerage landscape.
🏆 Award Highlight: Most Innovative Broker of the Year 2025
👉 Subscribe to Finance Magnates for more executive interviews, industry insights, and exclusive coverage from the world’s leading financial events.
#FMLS25 #FinanceMagnates #MostInnovativeBroker #TradingTechnology #FinTech #Brokerage #ExecutiveInterview #AXI
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We start with Dor’s reaction to the Summit and then move to broker growth and the quick wins brokers often overlook. Dor shares where he sees “blue ocean” growth across Asian markets and how local client behaviour shapes demand.
We also discuss the rollout of AI across investment research. Dor gives real examples of how automation and human judgment meet at Bridgewise — including moments when analysts corrected AI output, and times when AI prevented an error.
We close with a practical question: how retail investors can actually use AI without falling into common traps.
In this session, Jonathan Fine form Ultimate Group speaks with Dor Eligula from Bridgewise, a fast-growing AI-powered research and analytics firm supporting brokers and exchanges worldwide.
We start with Dor’s reaction to the Summit and then move to broker growth and the quick wins brokers often overlook. Dor shares where he sees “blue ocean” growth across Asian markets and how local client behaviour shapes demand.
We also discuss the rollout of AI across investment research. Dor gives real examples of how automation and human judgment meet at Bridgewise — including moments when analysts corrected AI output, and times when AI prevented an error.
We close with a practical question: how retail investors can actually use AI without falling into common traps.
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We discuss why he thinks the model grew fast, why it may run into walls, and what he believes is needed for a cleaner, more responsible version of prop trading.
This is Brendan at his frankest — sharp, grounded, and very clear about what changes are overdue.
Brendan Callan joined us fresh off the Summit’s most anticipated debate: “Is Prop Trading Good for the Industry?” Brendan argued against the motion — and the audience voted him the winner.
In this interview, Brendan explains the reasoning behind his position. He walks through the message he believes many firms avoid: that the current prop trading model is too dependent on fees, too loose on risk, and too confusing for retail audiences.
We discuss why he thinks the model grew fast, why it may run into walls, and what he believes is needed for a cleaner, more responsible version of prop trading.
This is Brendan at his frankest — sharp, grounded, and very clear about what changes are overdue.
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Recorded live at FMLS:25 London, this executive interview features Elina Pedersen, in conversation with Finance Magnates, following her company’s win for Best Connectivity 2025.
🔹In this wide-ranging discussion, Elina shares insights on:
🔹What winning a Finance Magnates award means for credibility and reputation
🔹How broker demand for stability and reliability is driving rapid growth
🔹The launch of a new trade server enabling flexible front-end integrations
🔹Why ultra-low latency must be proven with data, not buzzwords
🔹Common mistakes brokers make when scaling globally
🔹Educating the industry through a newly launched Dealers Academy
🔹Where AI fits into trading infrastructure and where it doesn’t
Elina explains why resilient back-end infrastructure, deep client partnerships, and disciplined focus are critical for brokers looking to scale sustainably in today’s competitive market.
🏆 Award Highlight: Best Connectivity 2025
👉 Subscribe to Finance Magnates for more executive interviews, industry insights, and exclusive coverage from the world’s leading financial events.
#FMLS25 #FinanceMagnates #BestConnectivity #TradingTechnology #UltraLowLatency #FinTech #Brokerage #ExecutiveInterview
Recorded live at FMLS:25 London, this executive interview features Elina Pedersen, in conversation with Finance Magnates, following her company’s win for Best Connectivity 2025.
🔹In this wide-ranging discussion, Elina shares insights on:
🔹What winning a Finance Magnates award means for credibility and reputation
🔹How broker demand for stability and reliability is driving rapid growth
🔹The launch of a new trade server enabling flexible front-end integrations
🔹Why ultra-low latency must be proven with data, not buzzwords
🔹Common mistakes brokers make when scaling globally
🔹Educating the industry through a newly launched Dealers Academy
🔹Where AI fits into trading infrastructure and where it doesn’t
Elina explains why resilient back-end infrastructure, deep client partnerships, and disciplined focus are critical for brokers looking to scale sustainably in today’s competitive market.
🏆 Award Highlight: Best Connectivity 2025
👉 Subscribe to Finance Magnates for more executive interviews, industry insights, and exclusive coverage from the world’s leading financial events.
#FMLS25 #FinanceMagnates #BestConnectivity #TradingTechnology #UltraLowLatency #FinTech #Brokerage #ExecutiveInterview
In this video, we take an in-depth look at @BlueberryMarketsForex , a forex and CFD broker operating since 2016, offering access to multiple trading platforms, over 1,000 instruments, and flexible account types for different trading styles.
We break down Blueberry’s regulatory structure, including its Australian Financial Services License (AFSL), as well as its authorisation and registrations in other jurisdictions. The review also covers supported platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, Blueberry.X, and web-based trading.
You’ll learn about available instruments across forex, commodities, indices, share CFDs, and crypto CFDs, along with leverage options, minimum and maximum trade sizes, and how Blueberry structures its Standard and Raw accounts.
We also explain spreads, commissions, swap rates, swap-free account availability, funding and withdrawal methods, processing times, and what traders can expect from customer support and additional services.
Watch the full review to see whether Blueberry’s trading setup aligns with your experience level, strategy, and risk tolerance.
📣 Stay up to date with the latest in finance and trading. Follow Finance Magnates for industry news, insights, and global event coverage.
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#Blueberry #BlueberryMarkets #BrokerReview #ForexBroker #CFDTrading #OnlineTrading #FinanceMagnates #TradingPlatforms #MarketInsights
In this video, we take an in-depth look at @BlueberryMarketsForex , a forex and CFD broker operating since 2016, offering access to multiple trading platforms, over 1,000 instruments, and flexible account types for different trading styles.
We break down Blueberry’s regulatory structure, including its Australian Financial Services License (AFSL), as well as its authorisation and registrations in other jurisdictions. The review also covers supported platforms such as MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, cTrader, TradingView, Blueberry.X, and web-based trading.
You’ll learn about available instruments across forex, commodities, indices, share CFDs, and crypto CFDs, along with leverage options, minimum and maximum trade sizes, and how Blueberry structures its Standard and Raw accounts.
We also explain spreads, commissions, swap rates, swap-free account availability, funding and withdrawal methods, processing times, and what traders can expect from customer support and additional services.
Watch the full review to see whether Blueberry’s trading setup aligns with your experience level, strategy, and risk tolerance.
📣 Stay up to date with the latest in finance and trading. Follow Finance Magnates for industry news, insights, and global event coverage.
Connect with us:
🔗 LinkedIn: /financemagnates
👍 Facebook: /financemagnates
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financemagnates
🐦 X: https://x.com/financemagnates
🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/tag/financemagnates
▶️ YouTube: /@financemagnates_official
#Blueberry #BlueberryMarkets #BrokerReview #ForexBroker #CFDTrading #OnlineTrading #FinanceMagnates #TradingPlatforms #MarketInsights
