Abra CEO Aims to Upend Banking Sector with Crypto-Backed Synthetic Money
*By Carlo Versano*
Abra, the crypto exchange and digital wallet startup, is trying to fundamentally change the way banking is done with a simple consumer-facing app that allows users to effectively create "synthetic" dollars using the inherent value of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
If that sounds confusing, allow Bill Barhydt, Abra's co-founder and CEO, to explain.
Speaking with Cheddar's Tanaya Macheel at the North American Bitcoin Conference in Miami, Barhydt said Abra was born out of a desire to solve problems for "unbanked" people in the developing world.
"We think cryptocurrencies are uniquely qualified to solve a lot of banking problems in those markets," Barhydt said.
But the technology ー think Venmo, with a layer of crypto on top ー has applications for people in developed markets as well. That's because, as Barhydt explained, the underlying innovation is that Abra allows one to store Bitcoin essentially as their currency of choice. The app currently supports 30 cryptocurrencies and 50 fiat currencies, but it doesn't actually hold real money, which means it isn't subject to the same regulations as a bank.
By creating synthetic dollars (or pesos, or euros) with the backing of Bitcoin to create the value, users are able to exert complete control over their money, according to Barhydt, who worked as a CIA cryptographer and quant at Goldman Sachs before becoming an entrepreneur.
"That's a real technological breakthrough," Barhydt said.
Steven Overly, Host of Politico Tech, talks to Dave Briggs about the key takeaways from Joe Rogan's interview with Mark Zuckerberg, all under 20 minutes. Watch!
Abrar Al-Heeti, Tech Reporter at CNET, explains what will happen if and when the TikTok app is banned in the United States. Plus, who may buy it? Watch!
Chris Lafakis, Director at Moody's Analytics, discusses how home insurance may change as a result of the devastation in California brought on by the LA fires.
Brian Rosen, Founder and CEO of InvestBev, discusses what the Surgeon General’s new Advisory on Alcohol and Cancer Risk means for the adult beverage business.
Damage from the Los Angeles inferno is setting records—and it's not over. Plus, rate-cut drama, the battle over Greenland, and Zuckerberg bends the knee.
Watch Duty CEO, John Mills, talks to Cheddar about how the app works, how it helps people in real time and how people can donate to help those affected.
JP Richardson, CEO at Exodus, discusses bringing Exodus public, his thoughts on the future of crypto markets, and tips to take the first steps into the space.
