Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, Trump’s incoming administration, and BRICS’ exploration of de-dollarization, have compounded into what might be a pivotal year for alternative payments systems and geopolitics. In this episode, host, Eitan Danon (Content Marketing Manager, Chainalysis ) sits down with Tom Keatinge , Director of the Center for Finance and Security (CFS) at RUSI to discuss the intersection of digital assets and geopolitics Tom shares his journey into crypto, highlighting a 2011 Bitcoin meetup in crypto OGs and explains RUSI's history and its focus on financial crime and state-based threats, emphasizing the role of alternative payment systems in geopolitical competition, particularly in the context of sanctions evasion. He highlights the increasing state-based activity in financial crime and the strategic importance of the global payment system, including the weaponization of SWIFT, the development of CBDCs and the potential impact of the incoming Trump administration on international financial relations. Minute-by-minute episode breakdown 2 | Tom’s early journey into crypto in 2012 as an academic 4 | The origins of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and the creation of the Centre for Finance and Security (CFS) 6 | The strategic role of alternative payment systems in global security 10 | Sanctions and the impact it has on Russia and international alternative payment systems 14 | BRICs and the realities of de-dollarization in global markets 18 | Global financial alliances and increase of western strategic challenges 23 | The future of digital currencies and global economic shifts 27 | Global financial threats and strategic economic security challenges 31 | RUSI’s focus for 2025 on sanctions, terrorist financing and Europe’s economic challenges Related resources Check out more resources provided by Chainalysis that perfectly complement this episode of the Public Key. Website: RUSI: The world’s oldest and the UK’s leading defence and security think tank Article: The Other Bitcoin Boom: Crypto Mining in Russia’s Shadow Territories Article: Central Bank Digital Currencies and National Security: Policy Considerations Blog: OFAC Highlights Hundreds of Millions of Dollars in Cryptocurrency Transactions Related to IRGC-connected Houthi Financier Sa’id al-Jamal Blog: 2025 Crypto Crime Report Preview: $2.2 Billion Stolen from Crypto Platforms in 2024, but Hacked Volumes Stagnate Toward Year-End as DPRK Slows Activity Post-July Press Release: Welcoming Hexagate to Chainalysis and Investing in Prevention YouTube: Chainalysis YouTube page Twitter: Chainalysis Twitter: Building trust in blockchain Tik Tok: Building trust in #blockchains among people, businesses, and governments. Telegram: Chainalysis on Telegram Book: Paper Soldiers: How The Weaponization of the Dollar Changed the World Order - by Saleha Mohsin Speakers on today’s episode Eitan Danon * Host * (Content Marketing Manager, Chainalysis) Tom Keatinge (Director, Centre for Finance & Security (CFS) at RUSI) This website may contain links to third-party sites that are not under the control of Chainalysis, Inc. or its affiliates (collectively “Chainalysis”). Access to such information does not imply association with, endorsement of, approval of, or recommendation by Chainalysis of the site or its operators, and Chainalysis is not responsible for the products, services, or other content hosted therein. Our podcasts are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to provide legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. Listeners should consult their own advisors before making these types of decisions. Chainalysis has no responsibility or liability for any decision made or any other acts or omissions in connection with your use of this material. Chainalysis does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability or validity of the information in any particular podcast and will not be responsible for any claim attributable to errors, omissions, or other inaccuracies of any part of such material. Unless stated otherwise, reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Chainalysis. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Chainalysis employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the views of the company.
