Bryan Benson, Founder & CEO, Unchained Ventures, web3 & RWA pioneer, leading its flagship project Joinn.io, with 27+ years in global markets
Imagine you’re playing Monopoly. You’re winning (of course) but the other player doesn’t look worried. That’s because, halfway through the game, the other player takes out a second box, grabs all the cash and says that “this is part of the game—but only for me.”
Crazy, right? But this is exactly how our modern financial systems operate. Inflating money supplies, gatekeeping opportunities and creating systemic barriers have long kept the wealthy wealthy and the masses at bay. But what if we flipped the game board? What if technology gave us a chance to level the playing field?
The Freedom Of Access
Access to financial products has traditionally been gated, especially on a global level. Bonds, investment opportunities and even simple savings tools have historically been the playground of the wealthy. These products aren’t just tools for wealth creation—they’re mechanisms for wealth preservation. But for most people, they’re out of reach—by design.
That’s where technology comes in. Just like the internet provided a new paradigm to access and provide information, blockchain and other financial technologies are providing a new paradigm to access and provide value. They can bring complex, previously exclusive financial tools into the palm of anyone’s hand. This is not about charity; it’s about creating opportunities.
A World Beyond The Speculative Bubble
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Crypto has a reputation problem. Too often, blockchain technology is overshadowed by the get-rich-quick schemes and speculative fervor of a few bad actors. But the real promise of blockchain isn’t in the coins; it’s in the rails. These rails can transport value, securely and transparently, across the globe.
For example, real-world assets (RWAs) like tokenized Treasury bills, real estate or commodities are stepping into the limelight. These aren’t ephemeral tokens with dubious backing—they’re tangible, familiar assets with robust custody and auditing solutions that can now be accessed digitally by anyone, anywhere.
When people can hold, trade and invest in these tools with micro-amounts of money, the gap between the haves and have-nots begins to shrink.
Fixing The System, Not Burning It Down
The solution isn’t to tear down existing financial structures but to create an alternate system that works better. Inflation, monopolies and regulatory bottlenecks are features, not bugs, of the current system. The challenge is to design tools that sidestep these barriers while providing a level playing field for everyone.
For instance, consider how savings and investment accounts have been traditionally skewed toward the privileged few. Now, imagine a platform where someone in Argentina experiencing hyperinflation can preserve their wealth by investing in tokenized Treasury bills. Or a worker in Nigeria who can access diversified investment portfolios with the same ease as a U.S. citizen with a 401(k).
This isn’t a pipe dream—it’s a reality that technology is making possible.
Technology As A Force For Good
At its best, technology doesn’t make itself the star of the show. Instead, it empowers the user and builders. Too often, digital asset projects have been about the blockchain itself—its speed, its decentralization, its innovation.
But the truth is, most people don’t care about what’s under the hood. They care about what the technology can do for them. Can it help them save? Can it help them grow and preserve their wealth? Can it help them live better lives?
The goal isn’t to create wealth redistribution. It’s to create wealth accessibility. Give people the tools, and they will build their own futures.
The Bigger Picture: Fix The Money, Fix The World
The idea sounds simple, even naive: Fix the money, fix the world. But history shows us that systemic problems often have systemic solutions. By fixing the monetary systems that perpetuate inequality and creating tech-driven opportunities for all, we can begin to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
This isn’t just about money; it’s about empowerment. It’s about creating a world where value—real value—is accessible to everyone. Technology is the tool, but people are the change-makers. Let’s get to work.
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