“A lot of AI right now isn’t market ready in financial services, certainly in regulated financial services.” – 04:36
Lawrence Wintermeyer, CEO of Avrio, joins Remy Blaire to discuss the recent acquisition of Ethos and its implications for the DeFi landscape. The episode begins with Remy introducing the merger, highlighting how Avrio has acquired Ethos, a company renowned for its secure non-custodial crypto wallet. This acquisition aims to integrate Ethos’ wallet technology with Avrio’s trading and rewards platform, creating a seamless experience for users that combines wallet storage, trading, and rewards in one place.
Lawrence explains the significance of non-custodial wallets, emphasizing the principle of “not your keys, not your crypto.” He describes how these wallets, which reside on users’ smartphones, provide enhanced security by allowing individuals to maintain control over their private keys. This feature is likened to having a safety deposit box on a phone, contrasting with other solutions that require users to entrust their keys to third parties. Lawrence also discusses the importance of decentralized exchanges (DEXs) in conjunction with non-custodial wallets, as they enable users to trade across various markets and chains while ensuring optimal execution.
The conversation shifts to the role of artificial intelligence in the technology behind Ethos. Lawrence shares insights on how AI, particularly through their AI Cortex, is integrated into the Ethos platform. He notes that while much of AI in financial services is still developing, Ethos is leveraging it to enhance user experience, making it easier for customers to navigate the crypto environment and achieve the best prices.
As the discussion progresses, Remy asks Lawrence about the future of Ethos DeFi. Lawrence outlines several upcoming products, including a savings product that allows users to earn yield on stablecoins, market accumulators for monthly savings in cryptocurrencies, and innovative crypto indexes that enable users to trade their own ETFs in the crypto space. He also mentions the launch of AI personas designed to assist consumers in understanding and navigating their crypto journey.