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The next instalment of our ‘3 minutes with’ series is with none other than Katharine Wooller. Katharine is considered a subject matter expert in digital assets, and their speed of adoption in the financial world. She regularly comments for the mainstream British press and a huge variety of trade publications on cryptocurrency, appears on TV including for BBC world news and has won a number of industry awards both personally and for Dacxi as a business. A published author, she has contributed to three books which are available on Amazon on wealth creation and financial services. As well as being MD of Dacxi and Europe she is perfectly placed to describe how crypto can support financial freedom.
1. How did you first become interested in the world of crypto?
I had worked in retail financial services and in technology for investment banks, hedge funds and asset managers – it seemed to me that there was a lot that could be improved on! I had purchased my first crypto 4 years ago when basically no one had heard of it, and felt that the technology offered potential and opportunities. I’m now on my third blockchain business and think we are only in the foothills of what the industry can achieve.
2. What do you think the key cryptocurrency trends for the coming year will be?
The crypto industry moves at lightning speed; in fact I often say that like “dog years” we sometimes see as much change in 3 months as many industries see in 12 months. I’d like to see a more cohesive attitude to regulation, which will increase confidence for retail and institutional investors alike; we are definitely seeing increased interest from regulators globally. It seems that the market is going up again after a challenging 2022. Overall there is a lot more understanding and embracing of blockchain technologies. 4 years ago if I mentioned crypto at a dinner party you were met with a sea of blank faces, now it’s in the press almost daily and the general public and industry alike are gaining a familiarity with the concept.
3. · What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
I could write paragraphs on this one! Crypto is a hugely dynamic and exciting industry, and having had a front row seat watching it grow from something so niche to a $1trUSD+ industry has been amazing. I get to spread the message about crypto, be it to national UK newspapers and on BBC World News, or to finance professionals, it’s hard to tire of sharing the huge potential for this technology. I also work with super talented people, and am hugely proud of the team at Dacxi and everything they have achieved.
4. Tell us a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know
I spend most of my time outside work on a horse or with my kids. I had 4 weeks off to have a baby this summer and ended up having to take him to board meetings – I’ve started him early on learning about crypto!
5. How important is Accountex to you and the sector?
Every accountant we speak to tells us that their clients are asking them about crypto. It has been great to provide the industry with CPD accredited (and more importantly free!) education to help them support their clients. I’ve spoken at a good number of accountants’ events, podcasts and online seminars, and they are all keen to understand both the technology and the implications for their clients from a tax perspective. There are so many minefields in the industry so to provide guidance on how to keep their clients safe with a reputable exchange that can provide UK based support has been a real priority for us.
