A cashless society - one where paper and coin currency is no longer used and instead replaced with electronic transactions. Many countries are already moving in this direction with benefits noted as including lower crime rates and reduced money laundering, and of course convenience. But going cashless does have its downsides.

Brett Scott is the author of Cloudmoney, a revelatory story about the fusion of big finance and tech, which requires physical cash to be replaced by digital money or 'cloudmoney'. Diving beneath the surface of the global financial system, He uncovers a long-established lobbying infrastructure waging a covert war on cash, as banking and tech companies promote a cashless society under the banner of progress.

He joins us to dive deeper into the thesis behind his book and to share his views on how cryptocurrency and blockchain fits into this.

Topics covered in this episode:

Brett's background and how he got into the Fintech space
The central thesis of Cloudmoney
The meaning of 'not all money is created equally'
The arguments around Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism
Privacy and the value of digital payment data
Central bank digital currency
Brett's views on the blockchain industry
IOU vs money as a commodity
Where to buy Brett's book

Episode links:

Sponsors:

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This episode is hosted by Friederike Ernst. Show notes and listening options: epicenter.tv/456

Episode 2201: The Richie Allen Show Wednesday March 4th 2026