How do you build a crypto company that lasts 11 years—and survives three brutal bear markets?

In this episode, I chat with Georgy from Wirex, a pioneering Web3 payment platform that's been quietly shaping the future of crypto usability since before Ethereum even existed. From air-dropping supplies in Antarctica to building one of the first crypto cards accepted by Visa and Mastercard, Georgy’s story is as unique as it is inspiring.

We dive into:

• What it took to build Wirex

• The explosion of stablecoins

• How to build user trust in crypto

• The future of self-custody vs custodial products

• What’s next on Wirex’s roadmap for 2026

If you’re in crypto, Web3, fintech—or just want to know how to build something that lasts—this episode is for you.

⏱️ Key Learnings & Timestamps

• (01:51) Georgy's aviation background & entry into crypto

• (03:25) The problem Wirex set out to solve: making Bitcoin usable

• (05:23) What makes Wirex unique in a crowded stablecoin space

• (06:57) Why their crypto card remains the most loved feature

• (10:59) How Wirex offers up to 8% cashback and 16% on stablecoins

• (14:03) Custodial vs self-custodial: what users really want

• (16:50) Country restrictions & realistic global expansion strategy

• (20:03) The unstoppable rise of stablecoins

• (22:11) How Wirex chooses features and avoids building the wrong thing

• (24:45) Their scrappy early marketing tactics and building community trust

• (28:26) Why trust is the real product in fintech

• (29:24) Georgy’s pick for the next crypto killer app: stablecoin payments

• (32:54) What’s on Wirex's 2026 roadmap: B2B, banking-as-a-service & more

• (34:39) Wirex's ask: partnerships, private banking clients & infra adopters

Connect:

https://www.wirexapp.com/

https://x.com/wirexapp

https://www.linkedin.com/company/wirex-limited/

https://discord.com/invite/f8UGp4dH6g

https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgysokolov/

📌 Disclaimer

Nothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.

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