From Citi Bank to Stablecoins: Tony McLaughlin’s Bold Pivot
In this episode of Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock’n’Roll, hosts Manuel Klein and Stefan Grasmann welcome Tony McLaughlin – a leading voice in the future of digital finance. Formerly known for his work on the Regulated Liability Network (RLN), Tony shares the story behind his dramatic pivot toward public blockchains and stablecoins. What changed his mind? A post-election “Thanos snap” moment, as he calls it.
The conversation dives deep into the evolution of payments, from travelers checks to programmable digital money. Tony draws bold parallels between stablecoins and historical instruments, discusses the challenges of adoption in traditional finance, and explains the mission behind his new initiative: Ubix, a stablecoin clearing network.
Whether you’re a crypto enthusiast, fintech strategist, or policymaker, this episode will challenge your assumptions and expand your view on the intersection of blockchain and traditional finance.
Highlights: • Why stablecoins are more than digital cash • The fallacy of private blockchain adoption • The “Pokemon strategy” for banks • Stablecoins as the general-purpose technology for money • How public infrastructure could reshape the financial system
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