AI, Crypto & The Death of Traditional Finance | Matthew Le Merle | Two Blokes Trading Ep. 17

In this episode of Two Blokes Trading, we speak with Matthew Le Merle — Silicon Valley investor, futurist, and co-founder of Blockchain Coinvestors — to explore how AI and blockchain are reshaping the global financial system. With over 25 years of experience and more than 1,000 startups backed, Matthew explains why traditional finance is on the brink of collapse and what will replace it.

We discuss how blockchain and artificial intelligence are combining to dismantle outdated infrastructure, from cross-border payments to capital formation. Matthew shares why the current wave of technological innovation isn’t a hype cycle, but a permanent shift to a new digital economic order — and what that means for traders, investors, and policymakers alike.

You’ll hear why he believes the real power lies in early-stage innovation, why global crises can accelerate disruption, and how conviction-based investing leads to outsized returns. This is a wide-ranging, high-conviction conversation with one of the most plugged-in voices in Web3 and venture capital.

Whether you're navigating markets or building for the future, this episode will change how you think about the next decade of finance.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Matthew Le Merle explains why the convergence of AI and blockchain is not just changing markets — it’s rewriting the entire global economic playbook. You’ll learn why the old models of value exchange, regulation, and finance are breaking down and how new systems of decentralized infrastructure are emerging to replace them.

We break down how investor psychology, hype cycles, and venture capital stages influence innovation, and why the best opportunities often emerge in downturns. Matthew also explores the evolution of digital identity, trust frameworks, and why billions of AIs will soon be transacting with one another using blockchain-based systems that traditional finance can’t support.

This episode is your guide to understanding how exponential technologies are converging — and why those who fail to adapt may be left behind. From fund-of-funds strategy to quantum computing and crypto payment rails, this is an inside look at the future of finance from a leader shaping it.

Jonathan Farrelly – Host

Jonathan started his trading journey over 15 years ago, learning from some of the best institutional traders in the world. Over the last 9 years, Jonathan has taught thousands of retail traders how to successfully navigate the financial markets. Jonathan has evolved Two Blokes Trading with new technologies to offer traders a fully immersive experience. His ethos is built on transparency with the goal of helping new and experienced traders reach their financial goals.

About Matthew Le Merle:

Matthew Le Merle is Managing Partner at Fifth Era and co-founder of Blockchain Coinvestors, one of the world’s most active venture investors in blockchain and AI. Based in Silicon Valley, Matthew has advised companies like Microsoft, Google, and Intel, and led digital innovation practices at top consulting firms.

With over 25 years in the tech and finance industries, he’s invested in more than 1,000 startups through early, mid, and late-stage funds — many of which are now unicorns. A frequent speaker and thought leader on digital disruption, Matthew brings a deep understanding of how exponential technologies, decentralization, and network effects are transforming global markets.

Matthew’s Website: https://www.blockchaincoinvestors.com/

the ai bubble, retail mania & what comes next for markets

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 16 of Two Blokes Trading. This week’s guest is Harry Melandri, a veteran macro strategist with over 30 years of experience across central banks, hedge funds, trading desks, and global macro research. Harry is now a Senior Advisor and Research Contributor at MI2 Partners (Macro Intelligence 2 Partners), where he helps decode systemic risks using predictive models, historical context, and policy insight.

🔗 Visit Harry’s profile at MI2 Partners

• Harry began his career at the Bank of England before moving into senior macro and trading roles at UBS, Deutsche Asset Management, and Aberdeen Asset Management.

• At MI2 Partners, he provides institutional clients with macro strategy insights, specializing in global central bank policy, interest rates, and structural market dynamics.

• Known for his bold commentary and deep historical perspective, Harry brings a refreshingly candid lens to today's volatile macro environment.

🔗 MI2 Partners – Team Page

In this episode, Harry shares his journey into the financial markets, starting with why he joined the Bank of England straight out of college and what eventually led him to the trading floor. He breaks down the real mechanics of market-making, how liquidity provision actually works, and how those early experiences shaped his macro worldview.

We dig into the speculative energy behind today’s markets, the blurred line between hype and innovation in AI, and the role of retail traders in shaping liquidity and volatility. Harry also explains how political agendas, particularly in the U.S. and China, are increasingly driving economic outcomes, and why this moment may be more systemically fragile than 2008.

From policy narratives to portfolio action, this is a deep, honest, and timely look at what comes next for markets — and how traders can prepare.

Two Blokes Trading is one of the world’s biggest trading podcasts, with over 900,000 listeners and a rapidly growing social media app built for traders. Our platform empowers retail traders with AI-driven tools, real-time sentiment analysis, and expert market insights. We turn complex data like insider trades and global trends into smart, actionable trade ideas once reserved for institutions. With cutting-edge tech and clear education, Two Blokes Trading helps everyday traders move faster, think smarter, and trade like pros.

Let me know if you want me to:

The  Brutal  Truth About Trading: Steve Ruffley reveals the raw, unfiltered reality of life as a trader in today's fast-paced financial markets. In this episode of the Two Blokes Trading podcast, host Jonathan Farrelly sits down with Steve to discuss the lessons that only decades of trading experience can teach. From the early days on institutional floors to trading large size independently, Steve details why most retail traders fail—and what pros really do differently. With sharp takes on scalping, sentiment-driven volatility, and the mindset that sustains trading success, this episode is packed with perspective, strategy, and a dose of hard truth for any trader ready to grow.

📢 This episode is sponsored by our partnered broker Forex.com.

For more information or to set up an account, click here:

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What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

In The Brutal Truth About Trading, Steve Ruffley strips away the myths surrounding pro-level trading and brings you deep into his world. Learn how institutional traders operate differently, why size and speed matter more than ever, and how the mental game separates winners from those stuck on the wrong side of the trade. Steve outlines his three trading styles—scalp, average hold, and full-session day trades—sharing when and how he applies each. He also explains why traders must stop chasing signals and start mastering their own psychology. This episode explores the current volatility-driven market climate and delivers practical, grounded insight you can use—whether you're retail, semi-pro, or somewhere in between.

Jonathan Farrelly – Host

Jonathan started his trading journey over 15 years ago, learning from some of the best institutional traders in the world. Over the last 9 years, Jonathan has taught thousands of retail traders how to successfully navigate the financial markets. Jonathan has evolved Two Blokes Trading with new technologies to offer traders a new fully immersive experience. His ethos has always been based on transparency with the goal to help new & experienced traders achieve their goals.

About Steve Ruffley:

Steve Ruffley has spent over 20 years in the financial markets, working across institutional trading floors, risk‑management operations and independent trading with his own capital. He is the author of The Pro Retail Trader and The Ruff Guide to Trading, and is known for delivering real-world trading education that bridges the gap between theory and performance. (steveruffley.com)