From Wall Street to Web3: How Steve Durbin is Shaping the Future of Finance

With a career spanning private equity, hedge funds, and investment banking, Steve Durbin has led major transformations in global finance. Now, as Co-Founder of a stealth-mode Web3 project, he’s applying his expertise to build decentralized solutions that tackle scalability, efficiency, and accessibility.

1. You’ve built an impressive career spanning private equity, hedge funds, and investment banking. What inspired your pivot toward blockchain and emerging technologies like Web3?

I think it stems from my desire to be at the forefront of finance’s digital evolution. After years in private equity, hedge funds, and investment banking, I saw the limitations of traditional systems — limited access, inefficiencies, and outdated infrastructure. By contrast, blockchain and Web3 offer a chance to build a more inclusive, transparent, and efficient financial landscape. These technologies can lower barriers for the underbanked, make capital markets more accessible, and empower individuals worldwide to participate in the global economy. For me, it’s about helping shape a financial future driven by innovation, equitable access, and lasting impact.

2. Your work has often focused on solving real-world financial challenges through technology. How do you see decentralized systems modernizing traditional finance?

I believe decentralized systems can fundamentally reshape how we access and engage with financial services. By reducing reliance on intermediaries, these technologies can streamline operations, lower costs, and make transactions faster and more transparent. They also have the potential to expand financial inclusion, offering secure and user-friendly tools to people and businesses previously shut out of traditional markets. In essence, decentralized solutions can help create a more equitable, efficient, and adaptable global financial ecosystem.

3. Having held leadership roles at prominent firms like JP Morgan and Red Mountain Capital, what lessons from traditional finance have you applied to navigating emerging markets like blockchain?

In traditional finance, long-term success depends on disciplined risk management, thorough due diligence, and strong regulatory compliance — principles that are equally valuable in new frontiers like blockchain. Approaching emerging technologies with the same rigor ensures that growth is sustainable, innovation is responsible, and stakeholder trust is maintained. By blending established best practices with a forward-looking mindset, it’s possible to foster an environment where cutting-edge solutions thrive without compromising on integrity or resilience.

4. How do you view blockchain technology’s potential to drive transparency, accessibility, and operational efficiency?

I believe blockchain has the potential to fundamentally reshape how we handle trust, value transfer, and market efficiency. It can deliver unprecedented transparency by recording every transaction on a tamper-proof, auditable ledger — one that isn’t dependent on any single institution. This same decentralized structure makes it possible to lower entry barriers and offer financial services to individuals and businesses that have historically been excluded, whether due to cost, geography, or administrative complexity. On top of that, smart contracts can automate workflows and reduce manual interventions, cutting down on inefficiencies and errors while speeding up settlement times. As these systems scale and gain wider acceptance, I expect we’ll see a more open, inclusive, and efficient global financial ecosystem where transparency, accessibility, and agility become the new industry standards.

5. What do you see as the most significant opportunities for traditional financial institutions to collaborate with Web3 innovators?

I see a range of promising opportunities. One is the tokenization of real-world assets, which allows established firms to create more liquid, transparent, and globally accessible markets for commodities, real estate, or other valuable holdings. Additionally, institutions can provide regulatory expertise, compliance frameworks, and trusted brand recognition that can help legitimize emerging digital platforms and attract a broader customer base. By working together, legacy institutions and Web3 startups can design user-friendly interfaces, offer new financial products, and improve operational efficiencies, ultimately building a bridge between the reliability of the old guard and the agility of the new.

6. Blockchain faces challenges like scalability, regulation, and user adoption. In your opinion, what are the keys to overcoming these hurdles?

This will require a multifaceted approach. On the technical side, the development of more efficient consensus models — beyond energy-intensive proof-of-work and the centralization risks of many proof-of-stake systems — holds great promise. For example, the new consensus mechanism my team is currently testing is designed to scale efficiently without massive power consumption, offering greater security and decentralization as it grows. Combined with clear regulatory frameworks that provide certainty and encourage responsible innovation, as well as more intuitive interfaces and user education, these technological advances will help pave the way for broader adoption.

7. Concepts like DeFi, NFTs, and Layer-1 have entered mainstream conversations. How do you see these evolving in the next few years?

I expect these concepts to mature and integrate more seamlessly into everyday life. DeFi protocols will likely become more regulated and user-friendly, enabling a wider audience to access diverse financial tools without relying on traditional intermediaries. NFTs, currently known for collectibles and art, will expand into areas like real estate, licensing rights, and intellectual property management. Meanwhile, Layer-1 platforms will continue refining their scalability, security, and interoperability, paving the way for more robust ecosystems where applications run efficiently at a global scale. Over time, these innovations will no longer feel niche — they’ll simply be part of a more accessible, decentralized internet economy.

8. Security and transparency are critical concerns in finance. How can blockchain address these issues in ways that traditional systems cannot?

Blockchain provides an immutable, tamper-proof ledger accessible to all participants, making it far more transparent than traditional databases. Transactions can be audited in real time and verified without relying on a central authority. Additionally, the use of cryptographic techniques ensures that only authorized parties can execute or alter transactions, significantly reducing fraud and misconduct. Compared to conventional financial systems, where data often rests with intermediaries behind closed doors, blockchain’s decentralized structure helps create a more secure and open environment, ultimately fostering greater trust among stakeholders.

9. Beyond finance, which industries do you think are poised to benefit the most from blockchain integration?

Industries that rely heavily on contracts and detailed record-keeping will see the greatest impact. For example, real estate transactions, which involve multiple parties, legal agreements, and title verifications, can be streamlined on a transparent, tamper-proof ledger, significantly cutting down on paperwork and administrative delays. Similarly, in healthcare, patient records can be securely shared among physicians, hospitals, and insurers, improving care coordination while maintaining strict privacy controls. More broadly, any sector — from manufacturing and logistics to intellectual property licensing — where data integrity and trusted verification are paramount can use blockchain to reduce friction, ensure compliance, and build deeper trust among stakeholders.

10. What trends in Web3 and blockchain technology excite you the most as we look toward 2025 and beyond?

I’m particularly excited about advancements that make decentralized technology more intuitive and accessible. We’re seeing progress in areas like user-friendly wallets, improved interoperability across different blockchains, and more robust layer-two solutions that can handle high transaction volumes efficiently. Equally compelling are efforts to establish decentralized identity frameworks, enabling more secure and privacy-focused online interactions. As regulatory clarity improves and enterprise players enter the space, I anticipate more mainstream use cases — such as tokenized assets, cross-border payments, and decentralized data services — becoming everyday realities. By 2025, these developments will help shift blockchain and Web3 from niche innovation to essential infrastructure for the digital economy.

11. Transitioning from traditional finance to exploring blockchain’s transformative potential is no small feat. What strategies or mindsets have helped you successfully adapt?

Embracing a continuous learning mindset has been crucial, as understanding blockchain’s nuances and evolving landscape takes time and patience. I’ve also focused on applying established principles — like thorough due diligence and robust risk management — to new technologies, ensuring that innovation doesn’t come at the expense of discipline. Staying open-minded, seeking diverse perspectives, and maintaining a willingness to iterate have all helped me navigate the shift, ultimately allowing me to combine the best of traditional finance with the potential of decentralized solutions.

12. The blockchain space thrives on collaboration yet remains highly competitive. What qualities do you think are essential for leaders in this field?

Leaders in this field need to be visionary yet grounded, blending technical understanding with practical business acumen. It’s not enough to build cutting-edge solutions; leaders must identify and solve real-world problems that genuinely improve people’s lives. Empathy and communication skills are crucial, as those at the forefront have to translate complex concepts into tangible benefits for audiences who aren’t tech experts. The ability to foster open collaboration — listening to diverse voices, encouraging transparency, and sharing knowledge — can help build trust and community buy-in. Ultimately, a leader who keeps the focus on real value creation, rather than technology for its own sake, will have the best chance at driving meaningful adoption and lasting impact.

13. Decentralization is a cornerstone of blockchain. How can it be balanced with the need for governance and oversight in financial ecosystems?

Balancing decentralization with effective governance involves designing frameworks that preserve user autonomy and transparency without sacrificing security or compliance. Rather than relying solely on traditional top-down oversight, new models can incorporate community-driven voting, multi-signature approvals, and automated smart contracts that enforce rules fairly. Regulatory clarity is also key, ensuring that decentralized entities operate within legal boundaries while still maintaining their independent nature. By blending democratic decision-making processes with thoughtful guardrails, it’s possible to retain the core values of decentralization — openness, fairness, and resilience — while building systems that are safe, accountable, and trustworthy.

14. One of Web3’s promises is financial inclusion. How do you see blockchain empowering underbanked or underserved communities?

Blockchain can provide a new level of access to basic financial services for people who have historically been left out. Many underbanked individuals are intimidated by the thought of entering a bank branch, navigating complex paperwork, and meeting strict identification requirements. With blockchain-based solutions, they can access secure, low-cost financial tools right from their phones. Decentralized platforms can facilitate microloans, savings accounts, and peer-to-peer lending, allowing people to build wealth and participate more fully in the global economy. Over time, these innovations can foster financial independence, reduce inequality, and help communities take greater control over their economic futures.

15. As the blockchain landscape continues to evolve, what advice would you give to traditional finance professionals exploring opportunities in Web3?

I’d encourage them to approach this space with curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to learn. Start by building a foundational understanding of blockchain concepts — decentralization, consensus mechanisms, and smart contracts — so you can see how they differ from traditional structures. Embrace the open-source culture by engaging with communities, exploring forums, and following thought leaders to stay ahead of emerging trends. Equally important is to apply your existing financial expertise — risk assessment, compliance, and strategic thinking — to this new context. Seek out collaborations with Web3 innovators, test early-stage projects, and be prepared to pivot as the technology and regulations evolve. By combining a solid grasp of traditional finance principles with an agile, experimental mindset, you can identify meaningful opportunities, shape responsible innovation, and ultimately thrive in the world of decentralized finance.

16. Finally, what role do you believe Web3 will play in shaping the global financial ecosystem over the next decade?

I believe Web3 will fundamentally redefine how value moves, how trust is established, and how financial services reach people worldwide. Over the next decade, it will help break down long-standing barriers — whether those are geographic borders, restrictive intermediaries, or legacy infrastructure — making financial products more accessible, transparent, and efficient. As regulatory clarity improves, scalability issues are resolved, and user experiences become more intuitive, Web3 will evolve into a foundational layer for the global economy. Traditional institutions, startups, and communities will collaborate across decentralized networks, ushering in new business models and financial instruments that empower individuals rather than gatekeepers. In this environment, finance becomes more resilient, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of a rapidly changing world.

17. I understand you’re working on an exciting project currently in stealth mode. Could you share some insights about it, even without mentioning the company name?

While I can’t mention the company name yet, I can share a bit about what we’re doing. We’re developing a completely new consensus mechanism designed to address the core limitations of legacy blockchain models — think scalability, efficiency, and decentralization — without the trade-offs that have held the industry back. What truly sets us apart, though, is the genuine pipeline of real-world opportunities we’re already pursuing. Instead of leaning on hype or speculative promises, we’re working on tangible implementations across multiple industries and geographies. Some of these projects have massive scale potential. For example, we’re exploring digital identity and national digital currency solutions with more than one country, which could ultimately reach hundreds of millions of people. By focusing on meaningful use cases and building technology that can deliver value in practical, impactful ways, we’re positioning ourselves to help usher in the next era of truly global, inclusive blockchain applications.