On the show we have Kokila Alagh, Founder of Karm Legal and Akshata Namjoshi, Senior Associate at Karm Legal speaking to us.

We discuss:

• How progressive the implementation of regulation has been
• Comparing regulations/initiatives around ADGM, DIFC, ESCA and Central Bank of Bahrain
• The recent public consultation paper issued by ESCA
• How to enter the MENA market from a regulatory and strategic standpoint? What licenses should companies look at? How as a company entering the region should we label ourselves?
• How long it takes companies to graduate from a sandbox?
• International regulatory landscape
• Why Karm Legal are bullish on security tokens?

Nic also asks his usual bunch of futuristic ‘What if’ questions which results in inspired answers and we also diverge into other Fintech topics too.

Special Guests: Akshata Namjoshi and Kokila Alagh.

In this episode, a couple of interesting topics are discussed:

• Cryptocurrency becoming mainstream
• The concept of decentralization
• ICO failures and the next step
• UAE SCA recognizing crypto as securities

Ahmed starts off with the first topic of cryptocurrencies being mainstream within 10 years according to research. The evolution of money and the 3 characteristics are explored along with where cryptocurrencies stand. The timeline of 10 years is also challenged in terms of how technology and humans will work together. Some existing platforms are explored and the hosts discuss what roles they play in helping cryptocurrencies become more mainstream.

Faisal explains the concept of decentralization and its importance is discussed. They also explore the required balance and the effect of decentralization on efficiency.

The next topic discussed is the failure rate of ICOs being almost 50% last year! Amin explains what he believes should be done with ICOs and how it compares to other domains. The role of regulation and its impact on the entire journey is also explored.

Lastly, the news of the UAE SCA officially recognizing digital assets as securities is evaluated from the point of view of the guest and hosts.

All of the above and more will be on this week’s episode of Encrypted!

If you liked what you heard, please do leave us a review on iTunes and the other platforms. Don’t forget to support us by spreading the word and do not forget to subscribe!

Sources:
Cryptocurrencies Will Become Mainstream in 10 Years, Says eToro and Imperial College Research

The Long Game in Crypto: Why Decentralization Matters

46% of Last Year’s ICOs Have Failed Already

Emirates SCA is looking to label cryptocurrencies as security (in Arabic only)

Special Guest: Amin El-Kholy.