Web3 with Sam Kamani
Web3 with Sam Kamani
Sam Kamani
352: From Antarctica to Crypto Cards: Georgy's 11-Year Journey with guest speaker Georgy Sokolov from Wirex
38 minutes Posted Jan 27, 2026 at 8:24 am.
How do you build a crypto company that lasts 11 years—and survives three brutal bear markets?In this episode, I chat with Georgy from Wirex, a pioneering Web3 payment platform that's been quietly shaping the future of crypto usability since before Ethereum even existed. From air-dropping supplies in Antarctica to building one of the first crypto cards accepted by Visa and Mastercard, Georgy’s story is as unique as it is inspiring.We dive into:What it took to build WirexThe explosion of stablecoinsHow to build user trust in cryptoThe future of self-custody vs custodial productsWhat’s next on Wirex’s roadmap for 2026If you’re in crypto, Web3, fintech—or just want to know how to build something that lasts—this episode is for you.⏱️ Key Learnings & Timestamps
Georgy's aviation background & entry into crypto
The problem Wirex set out to solve: making Bitcoin usable
What makes Wirex unique in a crowded stablecoin space
Why their crypto card remains the most loved feature
How Wirex offers up to 8% cashback and 16% on stablecoins
Custodial vs self-custodial: what users really want
Country restrictions & realistic global expansion strategy
The unstoppable rise of stablecoins
How Wirex chooses features and avoids building the wrong thing
Their scrappy early marketing tactics and building community trust
Why trust is the real product in fintech
Georgy’s pick for the next crypto killer app: stablecoin payments
What’s on Wirex's 2026 roadmap: B2B, banking-as-a-service & more
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How do you build a crypto company that lasts 11 years—and survives three brutal bear markets?In this episode, I chat with Georgy from Wirex, a pioneering Web3 payment platform that's been quietly shaping the future of crypto usability since before Ethereum even existed. From air-dropping supplies in Antarctica to building one of the first crypto cards accepted by Visa and Mastercard, Georgy’s story is as unique as it is inspiring.We dive into:What it took to build WirexThe explosion of stablecoinsHow to build user trust in cryptoThe future of self-custody vs custodial productsWhat’s next on Wirex’s roadmap for 2026If you’re in crypto, Web3, fintech—or just want to know how to build something that lasts—this episode is for you.⏱️ Key Learnings & Timestamps(01:51) Georgy's aviation background & entry into crypto(03:25) The problem Wirex set out to solve: making Bitcoin usable(05:23) What makes Wirex unique in a crowded stablecoin space(06:57) Why their crypto card remains the most loved feature(10:59) How Wirex offers up to 8% cashback and 16% on stablecoins(14:03) Custodial vs self-custodial: what users really want(16:50) Country restrictions & realistic global expansion strategy(20:03) The unstoppable rise of stablecoins(22:11) How Wirex chooses features and avoids building the wrong thing(24:45) Their scrappy early marketing tactics and building community trust(28:26) Why trust is the real product in fintech(29:24) Georgy’s pick for the next crypto killer app: stablecoin payments(32:54) What’s on Wirex's 2026 roadmap: B2B, banking-as-a-service & more(34:39) Wirex's ask: partnerships, private banking clients & infra adoptersConnect with Wirex1) General appWebsite: https://www.wirexapp.com/X: https://x.com/wirexappFB: https://www.facebook.com/wirexapp/IG: https://www.instagram.com/wirexapp/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wirex-limited/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@WirexappcomTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wirexapp.com2) Wirex Busines:Website: https://www.wirexapp.com/businessX: https://x.com/wirex_business3) Wirex BaaSWebsite: https://www.wirexapp.com/developersX: https://x.com/wirexdevelopers4) Wirex PrivateWebsite: https://www.wirexapp.com/private-banking📌 DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research.It would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/