UPDATE: Fintech entrepreneur Greg Kidd captivated over 300 attendees at the University of Tulsa on October 25, 2023, during the Friends of Finance Executive Speaker Series, emphasizing the transformative future of tokenization in global finance.
Kidd, who is the majority shareholder of Tulsa-based Vast Bank and CEO of USBC, Inc., outlined how Tulsa is uniquely positioned to be a leader in the next wave of fintech innovation. His extensive background includes key roles at Booz Allen Hamilton, the Federal Reserve, and as chief risk officer at Ripple, where he explored the early applications of blockchain technology.
In his address, Kidd highlighted the profound implications of tokenization—transforming ownership of assets like money, property, and digital goods onto a shared digital ledger. He traced these ideas back to Bitcoin and demonstrated how Ripple has expanded this model to facilitate seamless value transfer across networks.
Kidd stated, “Ideas are important, but insights are what change the world,” drawing parallels between tech giants like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. He noted that understanding shifts in consumer behavior is crucial for innovation. Reflecting on Twitter’s founding, he remarked, “Freedom of speech is not about the freedom to speak. It’s about the freedom to listen to who you want to listen to,” underscoring the importance of user agency in digital spaces.
With Tulsa’s rich history in energy and banking, Kidd stressed that the city is at the forefront of cryptocurrency discussions. He remarked that institutions like Vast Bank are already experimenting with new financial technologies, setting the stage for Tulsa to influence how tokenized financial systems will evolve.
The rapidly growing fintech landscape in Tulsa is exemplified by Vast Bank’s pioneering cryptocurrency banking services, which include digital asset custody and trading alongside traditional banking. Kidd’s insights reflect the city’s potential as a significant player in the fintech revolution.
The Friends of Finance series not only connects local business leaders with global innovators but also supports student-managed investment initiatives, providing scholarships to the Collins College of Business at the University of Tulsa.
What’s Next: As Tulsa continues to attract attention in the fintech sector, upcoming events and innovations will be crucial in determining how the city shapes the future of finance. For more information on the Friends of Finance Executive Speaker Series and membership opportunities, visit utulsa.edu/FoF.
Stay tuned as we cover more developments from this exciting event and the implications for the future of finance in Tulsa and beyond.
