Cybersecurity in crypto isn’t just a technical discussion anymore — it’s becoming one of the defining issues for the future of finance.

In this episode of Blockchain Leaders Insights, Executive Director Paul Hearns sits down with Jacques Boschung, CEO of Halborn, to explore what really changes when financial systems move on-chain.

If you’ve ever wondered whether blockchain security is just “cybersecurity with a new label,” this conversation quickly makes it clear — it isn’t.

In traditional finance, when something goes wrong, there are usually mechanisms to contain the damage. Transactions can sometimes be reversed. Accounts can be frozen. Incident response teams can step in. But in crypto and DeFi, transactions are immutable. Once funds are gone, they’re typically gone for good. That single structural difference shifts the entire security model from reactive to preventative.

Jacques breaks down the main attack vectors shaping the crypto threat landscape today — from signing workflow compromises and smart contract vulnerabilities to oracle manipulation and, perhaps most importantly, the human layer. Despite all the cryptography and advanced tooling, social engineering and insider threats continue to play a central role in major exploits.

The discussion also moves into tokenisation and the growing involvement of traditional financial institutions. With forecasts suggesting that trillions of dollars in real-world assets could move on-chain over the next decade, the stakes are rising fast. What happens if a major bank experiences a large-scale on-chain breach? The implications would be very different from the crypto-native hacks we’ve seen so far.

We also explore digital asset custody, and why it is fundamentally different from traditional custody models. In digital finance, custodians directly control private keys — making technical design, governance, and operational resilience absolutely critical.

AI naturally enters the conversation too — not as hype, but as a practical tool. From automated scanning and behavioural analytics to the uncomfortable reality that AI also empowers attackers, it’s clear that technology is accelerating both sides of the cybersecurity equation.

This episode is a grounded, thoughtful look at where crypto security stands today — and where it needs to go as tokenisation gathers pace. If you work in banking, fintech, risk, compliance, or Web3, this is a conversation that will give you plenty to think about as we move into the next phase of digital finance.

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Available on the Blockchain Ireland website: https://www.blockchainireland.ie/podcast/understanding-web-3-technologies/

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Host: Paul Hearns - Executive Director, Blockchain Ireland

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulhearns/

Guest: Fran Meggs - Cofounder & CEO

https://www.linkedin.com/in/franmeggs/

https://crypto-cracker.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cryptocracker/

Guest: Jacques Boschung, CEO of Hlaborn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquesboschung/

https://www.halborn.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/halborn/

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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 organizations.

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.

Follow us:

https://www.blockchainireland.ie/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/blockchain-ireland

https://twitter.com/blockchainireland/

https://instagram.com/blockchainireland/

https://tiktok.com/@blockchainireland/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Blockchain Leaders Insights, Paul Hearns is joined by Fran Meggs, the co-founder and CEO of CryptoCracker, for a wide-ranging and refreshingly honest conversation about the realities of building a crypto startup and making blockchain accessible to everyday users. Fran’s journey into the crypto space is anything but typical—he didn’t come from a finance background or dive in chasing hype. His story began during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when curiosity and extra time led him down the rabbit hole of digital assets. As someone with a background in technology, product design, and API integration, Fran quickly realised how complicated and exclusive the crypto world was—and how much potential there was to simplify it.

CryptoCracker was born out of that insight. It's a platform built for people who are curious about crypto but don’t want to become full-time traders just to understand it. Fran talks about the vision behind the platform: creating a safe, easy-to-use, and approachable entry point for people who want to explore crypto without the technical jargon, steep learning curves, or risky speculation. He opens up about the challenges they’ve faced as a startup, including delays in banking, navigating advertising restrictions, and overcoming the skepticism that still surrounds the industry.

What really stands out in this conversation is Fran’s balanced approach. He embraces regulation—not as a burden, but as a necessary step toward mainstream adoption. He discusses the importance of partnerships, both technical and commercial, and how building a network of trust has been critical to CryptoCracker’s growth. He also shares lessons learned from launching a B2C platform, working with referral networks, and refining their message to connect with real users—not just those looking to “get rich quick.”

Fran’s vision for the next few years is clear: bring crypto to the masses by making it consumable, familiar, and integrated into everyday life. If you’ve ever felt like crypto is too complex or not meant for people like you, this episode will change your mind. Tune in to hear how CryptoCracker is helping reshape the future of crypto—one simple, secure step at a time.

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Available on the Blockchain Ireland website: https://www.blockchainireland.ie/podcasts/

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Host: Paul Hearns - Co-chair of the Events and Comms Working Group

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulhearns/

Guest: Fran Meggs - Cofounder & CEO

https://www.linkedin.com/in/franmeggs/

https://crypto-cracker.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/cryptocracker/

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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.

Follow us:

https://www.blockchainireland.ie/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/blockchain-ireland

https://twitter.com/blockchainireland/

https://instagram.com/blockchainireland/

https://tiktok.com/@blockchainireland/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Blockchain Leaders Insights, host Paul Hearns from Blockchain Ireland is joined by Paul Boots, Senior Director and Head of Sector Development at VARA (Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority) in Dubai, along with Pearse Ryan, Head of the Legal and Regulatory Working Group at Blockchain Ireland. Together, they explore how Dubai is setting a new global benchmark for virtual asset regulation through a uniquely flexible and innovation-driven approach.

Paul Boots shares his journey from early involvement in Dubai’s diamond and fintech sectors to now playing a pivotal role in developing the region’s virtual asset ecosystem. He provides a behind-the-scenes look at how VARA was designed specifically for the digital asset space, making it one of the few regulators worldwide not rooted in traditional finance. This fresh start has allowed VARA to build a regulatory framework that is agile, business-friendly, and aligned with the fast-paced nature of blockchain and crypto innovation.

The discussion also explores the strategic reasons why Dubai is becoming a preferred destination for blockchain and crypto companies. From its pro-business tax policies and advanced infrastructure to lifestyle factors that attract global talent, Dubai is more than a launchpad—it's a long-term base for growth. Paul explains how VARA not only regulates but actively supports companies entering the market, offering guidance through licensing, partnerships with free zones, and even helping firms navigate banking and insurance.

A major highlight is VARA’s real-world pilot programs, which enable licensed VASPs to test innovative services in live environments with defined guardrails. This model offers more flexibility and market insight than traditional sandboxes, helping to shape regulation through hands-on collaboration.

Whether you're a founder looking to scale globally, a policymaker exploring regulatory innovation, or just interested in how crypto and blockchain are evolving, this episode delivers valuable insights into the future of virtual asset governance—and why Dubai is at the forefront.

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Available on the Blockchain Ireland website: https://www.blockchainireland.ie/podcasts/

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Host: Paul Hearns - Co-chair of the Events and Comms Working Group, Blockchain Ireland

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulhearns/

Host: Pearse Ryan - Chair of the Legal & Regulatory Working Group, Blockchain Ireland

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pearse-ryan-33474111/

Guest: Paul Boots - Senior Director, Head of Sector Development at VARA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-boots-34749b1/

https://www.vara.ae

https://www.linkedin.com/company/varadubai/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/blockdaemon/

_______________

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.

Follow us:

https://www.blockchainireland.ie/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/blockchain-ireland

https://twitter.com/blockchainireland/

https://instagram.com/blockchainireland/

https://tiktok.com/@blockchainireland/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.