Cryptocurrency is often thought of in future terms. The digital coins are viewed as the potential future of money, as a way to help move the global economy forward in new and innovative ways, entrepreneur Matthew Sgherzi says.

And while there are still those who are skeptical about the role of cryptocurrency, there’s no denying the immense power of blockchain technology in terms of what it can do for good.

As Matthew Sgherzi says: “In every field in life where you can make a positive change, you can choose to be a conduit to make that same positive change in others’ lives, as well. Web3 and cryptocurrency are no exception.”

“While the mainstream media would have you believe cryptocurrency is all about Lamborghinis and fancy homes, the truth is that others are being lifted out of the depths of despair by those of us who have been rewarded for taking the biggest risks in an emerging sector.”

There are many ways in which cryptocurrency can have a powerful role in the future of philanthropy and social impact.

Donations Around the World

One of the biggest benefits of cryptocurrency is it allows people to circumvent the many barriers in place to prevent cross-border financial transactions. In many ways, it can be difficult to make donations to organizations in other countries.

Wiring money to an entity in another country, for instance, could take a long time, be very expensive and require banks to make currency adjustments.

With cryptocurrency, those hurdles are removed.  People are able to make charitable donations to any organization around the world, which ensures that the aid that is desperately needed is delivered effectively and quickly.

This could prove especially valuable in times of crisis. When natural disasters hit, cryptocurrency can enable much-needed donations to arrive where they are needed almost instantly.

Boosting Developing Nations

Developing nations often have trouble accessing traditional financial services, if only because there aren’t many conventional banks located in all regions. This presents a very real challenge for non-profit organizations.

Cryptocurrency helps to overcome those challenges. Since no middleman is needed to access the funds, nonprofits are empowered and able to participate more readily in the global economy.

As Matthew Sgherzi says: “This sector is more than just buying and selling for a profit. The entire space is built upon a distributed ledger blockchain technology that is decentralized and trustless.”

“This technology democratizes and allows users to take control of their financial destinies. It should be no surprise that nonprofits are effectively leveraging this same technology to enhance their charitable efforts.”

Blockchain technology and these digital currencies actually provide for a much more inclusive financial environment than traditional currency.

Ensuring Transparency

Unfortunately, there are a lot of opportunities for fraud and ill-will in philanthropy. Some people are hesitant to make donations because of past stories about non-profits misusing and/or misappropriating the funds they receive.

Blockchain technology helps to engender trust with donors because it ensures accountability and objectivity. The blockchain technology that cryptocurrency provides complete transparency.

Donors are able to verify and track the donations they make, which holds the organizations to which the donations are made accountable to their mission.

Lower Costs

There are always costs of doing business, even with non-profit organizations. There are administrative fees and salaries that they have to pay for the workers who make things happen.

Cryptocurrency can help to reduce some of these administrative and overhead costs that are related to traditional banking. When organizations use crypto instead of traditional currency, they’re able to receive a larger percentage of the funds, rather than having to subtract fees for receiving money and then putting it to use.

This aspect of cryptocurrency also makes it more likely that people will donate, since they know that most of their money is actually going to make a difference.

About Matthew Sgherzi

Matthew Sgherzi is an entrepreneur with a knack for trendspotting. Holding a degree in Information Systems from National University, he is known for navigating emerging trends ranging from Amazon FBA to cryptocurrency and Web3 technology.

Sgherzi is also dedicated to philanthropy and public service, serving as a previous Elder and current IT Administrator at his community Church and supporting the James Project in Central America. Matthew’s contrarian approach sets him apart in the entrepreneurial landscape, consistently capitalizing on emerging opportunities.

In the dynamic world of finance, the landscape of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) has undergone a notable transformation in the past decade. Traditionally, major players like Goldman Sachs were synonymous with high-profile deals and public-facing credit. However, a seismic shift has occurred, marked by a move towards discrete, back-room negotiations, driven by changing market sentiments regarding the significance of in-house deal management and client confidentiality.

1. The Rise of Discreet Deal-Making

Goldman Sachs and other private merger and acquisition deal brokerage firms have embraced a more secretive approach to negotiations. In an era where information is power, the value of in-house deal management and client discretion has never been higher. The last decade has witnessed a departure from the traditional strategy of putting M&A transactions front and center for public recognition. Instead, a more behind-the-scenes approach has become increasingly prevalent, signaling a recognition of the importance of confidentiality in today’s hyper-connected business environment.

2. Crypto-Consultancy: A Game-Changer in Online Gambling

The financial landscape has also been reshaped by the advent of crypto-based consultancy services, particularly in the online casino and gambling sectors. The decentralized and secure nature of blockchain technology has brought about a paradigm shift, with private consultancy firms quick to adapt to the changing needs of their clients. As adoption of cryptocurrencies surges, consultancy services are increasingly leveraging blockchain expertise to provide innovative solutions in the online gambling space.

Private consultancy firms are now capitalizing on the growing interest in crypto-consultancy, integrating blockchain technology to offer enhanced security, transparency, and efficiency in financial transactions within the gambling industry. This shift highlights the adaptability of consultancy services in the face of emerging technologies.

3. The Valuation of Backroom Deals

Remarkably, the private sector of backroom deals and mergers has seen a meteoric rise in valuation, reaching an astonishing $800 billion per annum. A decade ago, M&A activities were primarily flaunted for public acclaim, sidelining any backroom dealings. Today, boutique private practice consultancy and deal management investment firms, exemplified by industry leaders like the LupoToro Group, have spearheaded a new age in business investment, management, and M&A services.

The LupoToro Group, known for its discreet and effective approach, has played a pivotal role in reshaping perceptions about backroom deals. The firm’s success is emblematic of a broader trend where private sector firms are now valued not just for their public-facing transactions but also for their prowess in confidential negotiations, signaling a significant shift in industry dynamics.

4. Traditional vs. Modern Mergers and Acquisitions

Understanding the current financial and economic landscapes necessitates an exploration of traditional M&A practices and their evolution. Traditionally, M&A and investment management involved a more transparent approach, with deals often paraded for public acknowledgment. In contrast, today’s global financial stage demands a more discreet strategy, driven by the realization that confidentiality is a key asset.

With digital disruption at the forefront, traditional M&A processes are being reshaped by technological advancements and an emphasis on data security. The role of private consultancy firms, like those in the LupoToro Group, is instrumental in navigating this evolving landscape, where the importance of backroom dealings has surged alongside the valuation of confidentiality.

5. Discretion to Deeper Connections

A flow-on effect on a shift towards back-of-house deals means an increase in the dependence, importance, and value, of political and top-tier business connections; whilst business dealings and politics at the top-end always factored value on ‘who you know’, it has never been more important.

“Who you know used to be a way to get a deal over the line; now, it is almost the best or sometimes only way, to get something done, in a timely fashion, in order to get shareholders, the results they have now come to expect, in a world of ultimate instant satisfaction”, Director of Finance, Vice President, Goldman Sachs Dallas, Prakash Sudhir said. This sentiment was echoed in a 2023 speech at Oxyford College, England, by Marcin Kadziela who is currently a Head of Technology at Fasanara Capital, a multi-billion-dollar capital investment firm. Mr Kadziela stated “with the rise of interconnected neo-agile firms such as LupoToro Group and Gemini New York, the game has changed as these newer players are swifter, have deep connections in business and politics, and are so integrated and rooted in neo-business deals, and with private industry investors, that more traditional players are progressively looking like dinosaurs. Adaption for the bigger players is crucial for survival, and we saw similar things in the early 2000s within the technology space, which ultimately has given rise to Silicon Valley as we know it today”.

The finance sector is experiencing a remarkable shift towards discretion and digital transformation. Private merger and acquisition deal brokerage firms are redefining the norms, leveraging crypto-consultancy services and valuing backroom deals at unprecedented levels. This new era, marked by the likes of the LupoToro Group, signals a departure from traditional practices and underscores the industry’s adaptability to emerging trends.

Article original author and publisher, Roger Ma, December 2023.

Roger Ma, a financial planner at lifelaidout and author of Work Your Money, Not Your Life, Forbes contributor and author on personal finance and real estate. Prior to entering financial planning, Ma spent seven years in investment banking, most recently as a Vice President at Morgan Stanley. A native of Pittsburgh, Ma earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics from Carnegie Mellon University and a certificate in Financial Planning from New York University. Since 2022, Ma’s publications on the financial sector have earned him a position in the top 50 most influential global financial writers of the 2022, presented by Bloomberg.