6 questions to Lisa Fridman from Quadrata – Cointelegraph Magazine
We ask the builders in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sector about their thoughts on the industry … and throw in a few random pings to keep them on their toes!
This week is ours 6 questions go to Lisa Fridman, the president and co-founder of Quadrata, a network that brings an identity and compliance layer to DeFi across existing public blockchains.
Lisa Fridman was previously head of blockchain strategy at Springcoin (Spring Labs). Prior to joining Spring Labs, Lisa served as Co-Director of Strategy at Martlet Asset Management, CEO of PAAMCO Europe and Global Research Manager at PAAMCO. Lisa is an experienced investor and a business builder. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with institutions, and delivered tailor-made solutions. She took her Master of Business Administration and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles.
1 – What does decentralization mean to you, and why is it important?
Decentralization means for me not to be dependent on a single unit to continue operations. For example, creating a network where different parties can validate the data needed for different uses reduces the potential risk of a single point of error. We embrace this philosophy at Quadrata in the context of our passport ecosystem.
2 – What is the main obstacle to mass adoption of blockchain technology?
The main obstacle to mass adoption of blockchain technology is limited data availability on the chain and a lack of compliance-conscious solutions. By understanding the need for identity, reputation and compliance within and outside the chain and creating products to meet this gap in the market, we can help on board more individuals and institutions to DeFi and Web3 in general. It is still technologically challenging, so for further use in retail, there must be more streamlined, easily accessible solutions.
3- What do you think will be the biggest trend in blockchain in the next 12 months?
I think the biggest trend in blockchain over the next 12 months will be a reassessment of which products meet a need that exists in the market today versus the solutions that were lifted by the rising wave of beef markets in crypto and can not stand on their own under a downturn. At Quadrata, we believe that identity needs have not yet been addressed on the chain, and we expect to see more peers compete in this area.
4- What is a problem you think blockchain has a chance to solve, but which has not been tried yet?
Blockchain has the potential to improve a number of areas in everyday life. It is not that it has not been tried yet, but there is a lot to cover. Being at the beginning of this journey is very exciting, and I look forward to contributing to future innovation.
5 – Do you think governments will try to kill crypto?
No, I do not think governments will try to kill crypto. I believe that in order for the digital asset markets to attract wider participation of institutions and individuals, constructive regulations will be necessary. For example, if a larger percentage of the population depends on DeFi for their financial needs, the authorities will want to put in place protection to ensure that people understand the risks associated with these opportunities. The challenge is to put in place such a framework that creates the hedges while promoting innovation.
6 – When you tell people you’re in the blockchain industry, how do they react?
Everyone I tell who I am in the blockchain industry usually reacts strongly. My friends who paved the way for the transition to crypto many years ago, welcome me to the club of believers in the power of blockchain technology to transform our world. Many others are curious about what blockchain means in practice and what can be different ways to participate in the opportunities it creates. Almost consistently, people are happy to talk about blockchain across settings, sharing perspectives on the value it provides and the barriers to using it.
