The Genesis of XBTO
In 2015, when most of us were still trying to figure out how to pronounce ‘blockchain,’ Philippe Bekhazi was laying the groundwork for XBTO, a platform aimed at bringing structure to the digital asset world. As he recalls, “We had a vision that the crypto space would endure and we wanted to craft digital products to support this vision.” By enhancing liquidity across exchanges, XBTO was born to tackle the challenges of a nascent market.
The Need for Risk Management
Bekhazi emphasized a crucial point: risk management is at the heart of XBTO’s operations. He notes: “Whether it’s market, operational, or legal risks, our approach has kept us thriving amidst volatility.” This dedication has allowed XBTO to broaden its offerings, diving into everything from trading and asset management to custody services, bringing traditional finance principles to the crypto realm.
Innovative Solutions for Institutional Clients
As institutional trading needs evolve, so does XBTO. One of the standout innovations Bekhazi discussed was the segregated vault custody solution, enabling clients to verify their assets privately on the blockchain. “We’re not just pointing fingers at exchanges for security; we’re providing real solutions,” he stated, referencing the recent acquisition of the Stablehouse platform. This move aims to solidify XBTO’s reputation for guaranteeing asset safety while adhering to compliance needs.
A Regulatory Framework Designed for Growth
To say the crypto world is chaotic would be an understatement. That’s where Bermuda comes in. Bekhazi played a role in shaping Bermuda’s Digital Asset Business Act (DABA), which emerged in 2018 to provide a regulated yet flexible environment for crypto operations. “The goal was to promote innovation without drowning in regulations that suffocate creativity,” he explained. And let’s face it, nobody likes drowning.
The Intersection of Sports and Crypto
You might have noticed a familiar logo during the last soccer match: that’s right, XBTO has partnered with Inter Miami CF, a sports club co-owned by the one and only David Beckham. “With Lionel Messi in our corner, who wouldn’t want to associate with global stardom,” Bekhazi quipped. The partnership is a match made in heaven, offering exposure that has propelled XBTO into the spotlight like never before.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Crypto
The AMA wrapped up with a peek into the future where Bekhazi predicts, “we’ll soon see a surge in securitized real-world assets on the blockchain.” This enthusiasm for tokenized equity and decentralized finance suggests an imminent shift, hinting that CeFi (Centralized Finance) isn’t going anywhere soon, especially with the ups and downs recent DeFi hacks have shown. As Bekhazi put it, “People want stability, especially after the rollercoaster few years we’ve had.”
