Exploring the evolving landscape of digital finance with Fideum

In a recent episode of SlateCast, hosted by Editor-in-Chief Liam “Akiba” Wright and CEO of CryptoSlate Nate Whitehill, Ana PlotnikovaCEO and co-founder of Fidéum Groupshared his insights on the evolving digital finance landscape in Europe.

Drawing on her experience in European Union law enforcement and her experience at Aave, Plotnikova brings a unique perspective to the intersection of traditional finance (TradFi) and DeFi.

Regulatory clarity in the US and Europe Plotnikova expressed optimism about recent developments in the US, particularly the approval of an Ethereum ETF and the proposed FIT21 bill. She believes these changes could provide much-needed regulatory clarity:

“We don’t have the ideal regulation here in the European Union with MICA, but at least it’s something you can start to build by going to a regulator and saying, please, this clause has no sense. This hurts innovation, but innovation is good.

In Europe, the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MICA) regulation sets guidelines, despite its imperfections. Plotnikova notes:

“We were very close to the launch [HODL cards] in the UK, but then the UK changed some rules and regulations, so this one is still ongoing.

Connecting TradFi and DeFi

Drawing on her experience at Aave, Plotnikova sees huge potential in blockchain technology for the general public. She believes that major TradFi players are ready to further engage in DeFi protocols:

“TradFi has already adopted the technology. You know, even a few years ago, with permissioned blockchains and large transactions being executed on them. That’s not the problem, but we as an industry, and most of us come from DeFi, we want to see them engage more with DeFi, with Aave, with Maker, with these protocols .

Fideum User-Centric Products Fideum develops products aimed at retail and B2B customers. Their HODL cards, for example, allow users to spend cryptocurrencies seamlessly through Apple Pay and Google Pay. Plotnikova explains:

“We wanted something that worked with Apple Pay and Google Pay, both virtual and physical, to once again bring it closer to that neobanking experience. So actually, it will be transparent, you will be able to spend it. Spend your crypto, you can spend your fiat, you can take your salary and spend it on these cards.

Another key product is their own EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) and regulated launchpad designed to help projects launch legitimately under MICA guidelines.

Improving user experience in Web3

Plotnikova recognizes the need for a better user experience in Web3. She agrees that many crypto apps should mimic the sleek interfaces of neobanks:

“We, millions of neobank users, cannot be wrong. As well as the companies that produce these very elegant and simple interfaces. Because our job is not to confuse users into spending more. Our job is to make sure these are my assets, this is my money, this is the value, this is how I transact.

The role of CBDCs and privacy

On the subject of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), Plotnikova sees benefits for the financial sector but raises concerns about privacy:

“For the financial world, this is a very good thing. For the rest of the world, there are some debates. Because one of the things that money and crypto offers, again, is privacy and control. And over the last few decades, we’ve given a lot of control back to governments.

Women in crypto

As a female leader in the field, Plotnikova believes that the situation for women in crypto is improving:

“What I find positive that blockchain and technology bring overall is the social elevator, because the code does not lie. If you do something and your code is good, that’s it. It does not matter. Your gender doesn’t matter.

She adds that targeting women, who represent 50% of the population, is not only fair, but also wise:

“It would just be silly not to target this audience as well.”

In conclusion, Anna Plotnikova and Fideum are at the forefront of the integration of traditional and digital finance in Europe. By focusing on user experience, regulatory compliance and inclusiveness, they aim to bridge the gap between these two worlds, making crypto accessible to everyone.

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