Episode
May 7th: Mate With the T-REX or Be Devoured: Why the UK & Europe Need a Strategic Partnership With the Agentic US Dollar w/ Tom Francis from London Digital Escrow
- Published
- May 13, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1178
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Summary
Imagine transferring money internationally in seconds instead of waiting three to five days. That is the future Tom Francis, a former British Army officer turned tech strategist, believes is not just possible but imminent. Joining James Tylee and Jonny Fry, Tom breaks down why UK and European nations should be partnering with the United States right now. The US is investing over a trillion dollars in data center and AI infrastructure, which he compares to building the 20th century's interstate highway system. This is a foundational moment, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape global commerce. **Can 1.4 billion unbanked people finally access the financial system through blockchain technology?** Tom argues yes. Currently, workers like cleaners and security guards pay exorbitant 6% fees just to access their wages, while digital payments can bring that cost below 1%. Kenya's M-Pesa network already proves the model works. He also points to cautionary tales like Nokia and Xerox (and France's Cartes-Bankiers being overtaken by Visa) to illustrate what happens when you miss the window. Critically, the technology already exists and is proven. Political agreement and regulatory frameworks are all that remain. Significant changes in global money movement are expected within six to twelve months. Do not miss this conversation.