In this special on-site episode from the Blockchain Ireland Summit 2025, host Sebastian Grube chats with Colin Banville, Solutions Architect at Stripe, about how blockchain and stablecoins are reshaping global financial access—and why Ireland’s Web3 scene is on the rise.
Colin joins the podcast fresh from years in Australia and APAC, where he helped launch Salesforce’s Web3 studio. Now back in Ireland, he’s got a front-row seat to how the local blockchain ecosystem is evolving, and he’s here to share some big insights. From the rise of digital assets to the role Stripe is playing in expanding financial infrastructure through stablecoins, Colin gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how Stripe’s acquisition of Bridge is already opening doors in over 100 new markets, especially in emerging economies.
With real-world examples like freelancers in Nigeria getting paid in stablecoins or startups using tokens to access AI models, this conversation shines a light on how blockchain is being used practically—not just talked about. Of course, there’s also room for some cautious optimism. Colin points out that while stablecoins are showing huge promise, some parts of the ecosystem, like staking rewards, are still in early, maybe even slightly hyped-up territory.
The episode also touches on regulation, policy, and the importance of companies like Stripe engaging with governments to build trust and security around stablecoin adoption. Colin shares his hopes for Europe to embrace a more open, progressive approach—without simply copying the U.S.—and to create an environment where innovation and consumer protection can go hand in hand.
This warm and insightful chat is full of real talk, future thinking, and a touch of Irish optimism. Whether you're deep in the Web3 space or just curious about what’s next in fintech, this episode is a great listen. So sit back, hit play, and enjoy this grounded but hopeful conversation about where blockchain is going—and who it’s helping along the way.
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Available on the Blockchain Ireland website: https://www.blockchainireland.ie/podcasts/
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Host: Sebastian Grube - Co-Chair of Events and Communication Working Group
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastiangrube/
Name: Colin Banville - Solutions Architect, Stripe
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbanville/
https://stripe.com/ie
https://www.linkedin.com/company/stripe/
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About Blockchain Ireland
Blockchain Ireland is an initiative aimed at promoting and enhancing Ireland's position as a global hub for blockchain technology. It was launched by the Irish Blockchain Expert Group (IBEG), led by IDA Ireland, and includes a collaboration of Irish-based organisations.
The main goals of Blockchain Ireland are to serve as a central source of information on the growing blockchain, crypto and Web3 ecosystem, to support the development of blockchain technology in Ireland, and to create awareness of industry developments both nationally and internationally.
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