Debate: Blockchain, Bitcoin, NFTs and crypto. Past, present and future

I was at some talks at the fintech cluster discussing cryptocurrencies, blockchain and NFTs, and I came away with one clear conclusion: plenty of people nod along when this comes up, but few could actually explain what it’s about. So I did what I usually do when I don’t master a subject myself, sit down with someone who does and ask without embarrassment.

At this table I bring together three people who really do the hard graft in this world. Daniel Fernandez, a software engineer who has worked on the cryptographic design of the Spanish ID card and on non-repudiation certification over blockchain. Jesus Perez, director of the Digital Assets Institute and founder of Cripto Plaza, with a long track record in financial innovation and the valuation of digital assets. And David Nonia, a systems administrator who ended up writing a book and explaining blockchain to the public during the pandemic. Between the three of us we take apart the cliches and separate technology with a future from pure speculative smoke. Past, present and future of the matter, told so it can be understood. In the end there was time for questions from the audience, which are usually the best ones.