Ishan Pandey: Hi Cristian, welcome to our series “Behind the Startup.” Please tell us about yourself and the story behind IXFI?
Cristian Andrei: Hi Ishan and thank you for having me on your series. It’s a great pleasure! As for my story, just like everyone else’s, I can say that it’s a long one. I’ll try to keep it short. I have been involved in the industry since 2016 and my experiences with many aspects of the crypto market often left me disappointed. The idea of IXFI was probably born at the moment when I realized that instead of waiting for changes to happen, I should be part of that change. So, in short, I wanted to create a place for others to enjoy the positive aspects of crypto exchange without all of that associated disappointment. IXFI is created to be user-centred and encourages even beginners to start their crypto journey.
Ishan Pandey: How does a crypto-based debit card work?
Cristian Andrei: It’s a bit difficult to imagine for some, I’m sure. The truth is, it’s not much different from a traditional debit card. But, instead of being connected with a bank, the card connects a crypto payment processing company with your crypto wallet. With a crypto debit card, you can make transactions at any merchant that accepts debit cards, so pretty much everywhere, but you use the funds in your crypto wallet instead of those in your bank account.
Ishan Pandey: Cybersecurity is critical for crypto exchanges. Please tell us about the best cybersecurity practices that a crypto exchange must follow?
Cristian Andrei: Cybersecurity is, perhaps, the most important aspect, I agree entirely. That’s why a crypto exchange must prioritize finding the best solutions to protect its users. For example, we ensured that logins can be secured with both email and phone authentication, which makes an account significantly harder to hack. Other security measures we have implemented are 2 Factor Authentication such as Google Authentication, SMS Authentication, Anti-phishing Code and also we have a Device Management System, where we can keep track of logged-in devices with IP addresses.
Ishan Pandey: The parent organization of Facebook, Meta, is seeking deeper compatibility with blockchain technology and Metaverse. What are your views on Metaverse? Further, do you think it will break the fabric of our society?
Cristian Andrei: The Metaverse is surely something we, as a society, have been expecting to happen at some point. It’s the logical progression of the digitalized era we live in. Maybe we didn’t expect it to come so soon, but it’s understandable with so many companies and institutions moving their activity online. Of course, crypto will play a huge part in this alternate universe of sorts because its economy will be completely decentralized. As for breaking the fabric of our society, I don’t take that particular view. I think the Metaverse will certainly change society, like any other big invention of the past, but that doesn’t mean it will necessarily be in a negative sense. It’s more nuanced than that, I think. As long as we stay informed and are cautious enough, I trust that humanity will triumph over any challenge posed by the Metaverse being born.
Ishan Pandey: What are your views on Ethereum and Solana as their competitors?
Cristian Andrei: Etherum and Solana certainly gained a lot of traction and popularity over the last few years. Etherum especially is crucial in many blockchain processes. All I can say on the matter is that, due to the industry’s volatile nature, any sudden change can happen. We are completely aware of that and we try to account for any possible outcomes, positive and negative, entering the market. The key is being open to all possibilities.
Ethereum consensus layer will end the DeFi race.
Ishan Pandey: Please tell us a little bit about IXFI and how the crypto industry is revolutionizing traditional banking?
Cristian Andrei: I don’t think I’m the only one to stand by this, but I truly believe crypto is the future and that traditional banking will soon adapt to it. That’s why this is the crucial moment for everyone to get informed and choose how they want to manage their finances in the following years. Because the vast majority are still unaware of crypto, our goal with IXFI is to empower everyone, especially beginners, to achieve financial independence. Yes, too many, it might seem like another exchange platform you could use to make profit, but we also wanted to create a place where people find community, where they can learn, improve their skills, and feel like their needs are being met heard.
Ishan Pandey: According to you, what new trends are we going to see in the blockchain industry?
Cristian Andrei: That’s a good question. Some of my predictions for the future are that more and more people will understand and enter the crypto market and that the majority will soon realize the financial independence the blockchain offers. Also, I think the way we see jobs and careers will change drastically in just a few years and the grind of 9-to-5s will become obsolete. All in all, I’m optimistic about what’s to come and I hope IXFI can play a part in changing people’s lives for the better.