Tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) is a hot topic in this market cycle. It represents an area where innovation meets practical application. Our guest today comes from a decentralized protocol called RACE, a blockchain infrastructure platform, which is at the forefront of this sector, focused on the tokenization and trading of RWAs. RACE aims to make asset investments accessible beyond traditional institutional avenues by leveraging blockchain technology.
We’re speaking with Miguel Buffara, the Lead Financial Engineer and core contributor at RACE, who brings a rich background from traditional finance and decentralized finance to his current role. This interview will explore RACE’s strategic initiatives, recent partnerships, and the technologies they are implementing to improve the investment process.
Meet Miguel Buffara
Q: Before we explore RACE and its innovations, could you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into the world of blockchain and finance?
A: Certainly! I started my career with a civil engineering degree from PUC-RIO, initially focusing on structural projects. However, my interest gradually shifted toward the financial markets during my studies. This shift led me to a role as a credit research analyst at Bank BOCOM BBM, where I began my finance career.
My fascination with the transformative potential of blockchain technology grew as I explored its applications in finance. The transparency and efficiency that blockchain offers were particularly compelling. Through my experiences as the Head of On-chain Investments at Metrix and as an Investment Manager at Apollo Capital, I gained deep insights into how blockchain can enhance investment strategies.
At RACE, I apply both my engineering problem-solving skills and financial expertise to tackle challenges in the tokenization of real-world assets. My focus is on simplifying the investment process and opening up new avenues for investors by integrating traditionally illiquid assets into the blockchain.
Introduction to RACE
Q: Could you briefly introduce RACE and its mission within the blockchain and real-world asset tokenization sectors?
A: RACE is the first full-stack modular Layer-2 blockchain infrastructure platform designed specifically for tokenization and real-world assets digitization, with provenance imbued at the token level. Our mission is to provide seamless access to previously illiquid assets, enabling individuals and entities to unlock the full potential of their assets and access high-value investment opportunities globally. Through the development of an automated and decentralized asset digitization platform, we securely link real-world asset provenance to NFTs and other ERCs. Our unique Decentralized Investment Committee (DIC) Infrastructure, composed of experts in law, finance, and regulation, oversees each tokenization to ensure rigorous compliance and trust, allowing users to verify that the tokenized assets on the platform are thoroughly vetted.
Recent Partnerships
Q: RACE has recently partnered with DFNS and Bridge. How do these partnerships enhance the functionalities of RACE and its offerings to users?
A: Our collaborations with DFNS and Bridge significantly enhance our ability to offer a seamless experience on the platform, making access to on-chain assets easy regardless of the user’s crypto expertise. DFNS provides secure and efficient digital wallet services, enabling us to offer ‘keyless’ password-based wallets. Bridge’s issuance API helps in the easy conversion of fiat money into stablecoins, reducing on-ramping fees on RACE by up to 80%. These partnerships are crucial in lowering financial and technical barriers for newcomers, thus improving the user experience and accessibility.
Technology Integration
Q: With the integration of DFNS’s Wallet-as-a-Service and Bridge’s stablecoin solutions, what unique advantages does RACE now offer to its users?
A: The integration of DFNS’s Wallet-as-a-Service and Bridge’s stablecoin solutions provides distinct benefits such as simplified wallet management with keyless, password-based access, and lower on-ramping fees due to efficient fiat to stablecoin conversions directly inside the wallet. These technological enhancements make the platform more manageable and approachable for users worldwide.
Target Audience and Utilization
Q: Who is the primary target audience for RACE, and how do you envision them utilizing the tools and platforms that RACE is developing?
A: Our main audience includes high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and enterprises looking to diversify their portfolios with tokenized assets. We aim to provide these users with access to a broad spectrum of RWAs, breaking into sectors traditionally dominated by major investors or specialized financial institutions, and overcoming global barriers that may have previously restricted investment opportunities.
User Experience and Accessibility
Q: How does RACE aim to simplify the user experience, especially for those new to cryptocurrency and tokenized assets?
A: RACE is committed to simplifying the user experience by providing an interface similar to traditional web2 online banking and investment platforms. We aim to eliminate complex barriers, such as the need for in-depth blockchain knowledge, making it easier for newcomers to engage with the tokenized asset market.
Future Roadmap
Q: What are the next major milestones for RACE? Are there any upcoming features or expansions you can share?
A: Our next key milestones include the launch of our mainnet, following the successful completion of our testnet phase. We plan to introduce more asset classes and expand our offerings to include more tools for asset management and asset discovery. We’re also in talks with several other partners that we hope to announce in the coming months, which will further advance our mission.
Challenges and Opportunities
Q: What are the biggest challenges RACE faces in the current market? Conversely, what are the biggest opportunities you see in the near future?
A: Regulatory compliance and ensuring platform security are our primary challenges. However, these challenges present significant opportunities to set high standards for compliance and security in the blockchain space. We see substantial opportunities in expanding our user base by lowering technical barriers and educating potential users about the benefits of blockchain and tokenization.
Vision for Tokenization
Q: How do you envision the future of real-world asset tokenization evolving, and what role will RACE play in this landscape?
A: We envision a future where RWA tokenization is globally inclusive and vastly more efficient than current systems. Investors will have access to previously unattainable and illiquid assets, made liquid and available worldwide thanks to RWA tokenization. RACE aims to play a crucial role in driving global adoption and ensuring seamless integration for all users, setting industry standards for security, compliance, and trust.
Thank You and Next Steps
Q: Thank you for sharing your insights, Miguel. How can people learn more and get engaged with RACE?
A: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing RACE and our vision for the future of asset tokenization. For those interested in learning more or getting involved, I encourage you to visit our website at https://raceecosystem.com and join our waitlist. You can also stay updated and connect with us through our social media channels:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RACEcosystem
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- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/racecosystem
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