Episodios

  • Max Gokhman, Franklin Templeton | The Mistake Most Investors Are Still Making
    Apr 16 2026
    “This is a huge dislocation, kind of like an industrial age.” In this episode of Searching for Mana, Lloyd Wahed is joined by Max Gokhman, Deputy CIO at Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions Digital assets are often framed through cycles of hype and volatility. But from an institutional perspective, the more relevant question is whether something more structural is taking place beneath the surface. Max argues that the current moment is better understood as a dislocation - one that resembles earlier periods of technological change, where new infrastructure quietly reshapes how markets operate. Rather than viewing digital assets as a single category, the conversation breaks down the different roles emerging across the ecosystem. From Ethereum as a form of infrastructure exposure, to Solana as a new model for global transactions, and tokenisation as a way to unlock access and liquidity across traditional asset classes. They explore how institutions are approaching this shift in practice, where the real utility is already visible, and why much of the noise in the market obscures a more fundamental change. Max also reflects on how to navigate this environment as an allocator, the importance of distinguishing between narrative and structure, and what it means to invest in a market that is still being built in real time. Please like & subscribe! Franklin Templeton Digital Assets: https://x.com/FTDA_US Lloyd Wahed: https://x.com/LloydWahed Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/searching-for-mana-with-lloyd-wahed/id1491460738 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HmB7fS60zRSvWq3sQgj3X?si=424419d0a6b749f4
    Más Menos
    1 h y 27 m
  • Eric Saraniecki, Canton Network | How Financial Markets Actually Work (And Why They Don’t)
    Apr 9 2026
    “The vision is to rotate the world’s economy on-chain.” In this episode of Searching for Mana, Lloyd Wahed is joined by Eric Saraniecki, Co-Founder of Digital Asset and a key architect behind the Canton Network. Despite the ambition, the reality today is far more constrained. Financial systems still rely on fragmented infrastructure, delayed settlement, and processes that haven’t meaningfully evolved in decades. What looks instantaneous on the surface often takes days beneath it. Eric explains why previous blockchain approaches have struggled to translate into real capital markets adoption, and why the problem isn’t a lack of innovation, but a mismatch between technology and the requirements of large institutions. From privacy and control to interoperability and governance, the conversation explores what it actually takes to move finance on-chain at scale. They discuss why the future is unlikely to be won by a single chain, the importance of coordination over ideology, and how network effects between institutions, DeFi, and new market participants will shape the next phase of the industry. Eric also reflects on building through multiple cycles, the trade-offs between speed and pragmatism, and why meaningful change in capital markets is less about breakthroughs and more about sustained, incremental progress. Please like & subscribe! Eric Saraniecki: https://x.com/wesarn_real Canton Network: https://x.com/cantonnetwork Lloyd Wahed: https://x.com/LloydWahed Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/searching-for-mana-with-lloyd-wahed/id1491460738 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HmB7fS60zRSvWq3sQgj3X?si=424419d0a6b749f4 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@searchingformanapodcast
    Más Menos
    1 h y 13 m
  • Benedict Macon-Cooney, Chief AI & Innovation Officer at the Tony Blair Institute | Reimagining the State in the Age of AI
    Apr 2 2026
    “No government in the world is anywhere near AI-native.” In this episode of Searching for Mana, Lloyd Wahed sits down with Benedict Macon-Cooney, Chief AI & Innovation Officer at the Tony Blair Institute. They discuss how artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape government, public services, and the structure of the modern state. Benedict shares insights from working with leaders and governments around the world, explaining why institutions must adapt quickly to the pace of technological change. The conversation explores the widening gap between innovation in the private sector and the slower evolution of public institutions, the transformative potential of AI in education and healthcare, and how countries that master new technological waves position themselves to lead the future. Benedict also reflects on leadership, institutional reform, and the challenge of modernising government systems in an era defined by rapid technological progress. Please like & subscribe! Benedict Macon-Cooney: https://x.com/benedictcooney Tony Blair Institute for Global Change: https://x.com/InstituteGC Lloyd Wahed: https://x.com/LloydWahed Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/searching-for-mana-with-lloyd-wahed/id1491460738 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3HmB7fS60zRSvWq3sQgj3X?si=424419d0a6b749f4
    Más Menos
    1 h y 9 m
  • Yoni Assia, Founder & CEO of eToro | Gen Z, Crypto, and the $100 Trillion Wealth Shift
    Feb 25 2026
    In this episode of Searching for Mana – On Location, Malak sits down with Yoni Assia, Founder and CEO of eToro, to explore how online trading has evolved from phone brokers and desktop platforms to mobile-first, crypto-native investing. Recorded live at the Milken Institute's Middle East & Africa Summit in Abu Dhabi, Yoni shares how eToro pioneered social and copy trading, introduced Bitcoin to European brokerage clients as early as 2013, and helped shape the tokenisation conversation alongside early crypto innovators. He reflects on the generational wealth transfer set to move over $100 trillion into Gen Y and Gen Z hands, and why digital-native investors expect markets to be global, mobile, and 24/7. They also discuss prediction markets, AI-powered investing through eToro’s “Tori” analyst, the rise of crypto-native users, and what it takes to build a platform that resonates with younger generations worldwide. Tune in to hear how the next generation of investors are reshaping global markets. Yoni Assia X (Twitter): https://x.com/yoniassia Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoniassia/ Malak Alba X (Twitter): https://x.com/Malakincrypto LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malak-albaw/ Enjoyed this episode? Give it a thumbs up & subscribe for more inspiring conversations!
    Más Menos
    21 m
  • Paul Abrahimzadeh, Partner at 1789 Capital | Investing in America's Future: AI, Defense, and Beyond
    Feb 4 2026
    In this episode of Searching for Mana - ON LOCATION, guest host Malak Alba speaks with Paul Abrahimzadeh, Partner at 1789 Capital. Paul discusses his transition from Citigroup to 1789 Capital and shares insights into the firm's investment philosophy of 'patriotic capitalism,' which focuses on bolstering American competitiveness. The conversation covers Paul's methods for identifying high-growth companies, the economic impact of tech investments in the US, and his views on the burgeoning fields of AI, data infrastructure, and defence tech. Paul emphasises the importance of sustainable growth and the potential risks of over-leverage in the US economy. Recorded at FII Institute in Riyadh, this insightful conversation is not to be missed for anyone interested in venture capital and tech innovation. Tune in to learn more about the future of tech investments and the role of venture capital in shaping it. Paul Abrahimzadeh LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-abrahimzadeh-618b93345/ Malak Alba X (Twitter): https://x.com/Malakincrypto LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malak-albaw/ Enjoyed this episode? Give it a thumbs up & subscribe for more inspiring conversations!
    Más Menos
    30 m
  • Maja Vujinovic, CEO & Co-Founder of FG Nexus | Forging Resilient Paths and Strategic Growth in the Future of Blockchain
    Oct 21 2025

    In this episode of Searching for Mana, host Lloyd Wahed sits down with Maja Vujinovic, CEO & Co-Founder of FG Nexus. Maja shares her remarkable journey from being a refugee in childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She discusses the financial struggles she observed early in life, which led her to the world of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency.

    Maja also recounts her experience of getting kicked out of boardrooms for discussing the use of airline engine electricity from GE to mine Bitcoin. She discusses the creation of FG Nexus, a company built to be cycler-resistant, and how it's not just a momentum play.

    Additionally, Maja gives a prediction on the price of Ethereum by the end of the year and explains her philosophy of being grateful even for the challenges she faces.

    Tune in for an insightful discussion on overcoming adversity, the volatile world of cryptocurrencies, and the future of blockchain technology.

    Maja Vujinovic

    X (Twitter): https://x.com/maja0G

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/majavujinovic/

    Lloyd Wahed

    X (Twitter): https://x.com/LloydWahed

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydwahed/

    Stay updated with Searching For Mana

    Official website: https://mana-group.co/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1/

    Enjoyed this episode? Give it a thumbs up & subscribe for more inspiring conversations!

    Más Menos
    1 h y 11 m
  • Kyle Samani, Multicoin Capital & Chairman of Forward Industries | Defining the Future of Internet Capital Markets
    Oct 9 2025

    In this episode of Searching for Mana, host Lloyd Wahed sits down with Kyle Samani, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Multicoin Capital and Chairman of the Board of Forward Industries, for an insightful discussion about the Solana blockchain and Multicoin Capital's role in the blockchain space.

    Samani delves into the unique features that distinguish Solana from other blockchains, such as its high throughput and low transaction costs, and explains its rapid growth and adoption within the blockchain community. The conversation also covers broader topics, including Samani's investment strategies, the future potential of decentralised finance (DeFi), and the transformative impact of blockchain technology on the global financial ecosystem.

    Samani shares his perspectives on the challenges facing the blockchain industry and the innovations that could drive its future growth.

    Tune in for a deep dive into the innovative world of Solana, the dynamics of blockchain technology, and the impact of Multicoin Capital on the future of finance and technology.

    Kyle Samani

    X (Twitter): https://x.com/KyleSamani

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylesamani/

    Lloyd Wahed

    X (Twitter): https://x.com/LloydWahed

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydwahed/

    Stay updated with Searching For Mana

    Official website: https://mana-group.co/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1/

    Enjoyed this episode? Give it a thumbs up & subscribe for more inspiring conversations!

    Más Menos
    58 m
  • Kevin de Patoul, CEO & Co-Founder of Keyrock | From Market Making to Global Scale: The Digital Asset Revolution
    Sep 5 2025

    In this episode of Searching for Mana, host Lloyd Wahed speaks with Kevin de Patoul, Co-founder and CEO of Keyrock. Kevin shares how he built Keyrock from its beginnings in 2017 into a global force in digital asset market making, operating across thousands of markets and exchanges.

    The conversation covers the evolution of digital assets, the challenges of bridging traditional and crypto finance, and the importance of building trust and credibility in a rapidly changing industry. Kevin also reflects on the lessons learned from entrepreneurship, the value of discipline and humility, and his vision for the future of tokenisation and digital finance.

    Tune in for insights on digital assets, scaling a fintech company, and what it takes to lead in a rapidly evolving industry.

    Kevin de Patoul

    X (Twitter): https://x.com/kevindepatoul

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-de-patoul/

    Lloyd Wahed

    X (Twitter): https://x.com/LloydWahed

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lloydwahed/

    Stay updated with Searching For Mana

    Official website: https://mana-group.co/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mana1/

    Enjoyed this episode? Give it a thumbs up & subscribe for more inspiring conversations!

    Más Menos
    1 h y 15 m