In Episode 16 of the Independent Reserve Podcast, celebrate the highlights of CryptoCon and the recent Blockies awards gala. Host Lee Eaton and guest Jerome Dadon discuss winning the 'Exchange of the Year' and 'Organization of the Year' awards for Independent Reserve. Dive into the vibrant nightlife of the event and the exciting prospects in the Australian crypto scene. The conversation touches on diverse topics, from the current Bitcoin high and predictions of reaching $100k, to the vital role of crypto in financial inclusion and innovation in banking services. Learn about Jerome's new venture, MEZFI, which offers high-yield investment opportunities in mezzanine finance and its unique intersection with cryptocurrency. Enjoy engaging discussions about the growth of the crypto community, industry resilience, global payments, and future technologies like AI. This episode provides valuable insights into the evolving world of cryptocurrency and its impact on modern finance. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:06 Celebrating the Blockies Awards 02:07 CryptoCon and Upcoming Events 05:10 Crypto Market Trends and Predictions 05:45 Challenges and Resilience in the Crypto Industry 08:51 Global Crypto Regulations and Their Impact 19:33 Introducing MESFY: A New Financial Product 34:35 Diversity and Knowledge in the Exchange 35:11 Ease of Use in Crypto Exchanges 36:23 Democratizing Investment Strategies 38:02 The Story of Aaron Schwartz 41:12 Breaking News: Gary Gensler Resigns 42:42 20 Questions with Jerome 46:35 Random Facts and Nostalgia 57:36 Final Thoughts and Farewell