Sofie Blakstad Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerSofie Blakstad

Author, Blockchain expert, Economist, CEO of hiveonline - blockchain for financial inclusion

Sofie Blakstad, author of the groundbreaking book Fintech Revolution and CEO of hiveonline, is a respected authority on blockchain, CBDCs, digital assets and economics. She is driving alternative value systems based on tokenisation of social and natural capital in multiple countries. Sofie also advises international organisations including the UN, NGOs,... Read more

Biography

Sofie Blakstad, author of the groundbreaking book Fintech Revolution and CEO of hiveonline, is a respected authority on blockchain, CBDCs, digital assets and economics. She is driving alternative value systems based on tokenisation of social and natural capital in multiple countries. Sofie also advises international organisations including the UN, NGOs, Central Banks and commercial banks and chairs the FI and Fintech Industry Advisory Committee for the Edinburgh Futures Institute.

As Founder of hiveonline, a multiple award-winning blockchain-based community finance platform Sofie Blakstad has hands-on experience supporting unbanked farmers in developing economies. Previously, she built financial technology and businesses for eight major international banks in over 60 countries.

Sofie’s work includes analysis of regulations, market developments, customer behaviour and women’s inclusion in sub-Saharan Africa, giving her extensive knowledge of market opportunities, constraints and challenges on the continent.  She has written multiple research papers on blockchain and DLT for humanitarian and sustainable impact. Sofie has twice been included in the Innovate Finance’s Women in Fintech Powerlist and named one of the top 10 Women in Crypto.

"I had the privilege to listen to Sofie in 2019 when she was the key note speaker at the Blockchain North conference that I was moderating. Sofie was not only enthusiastic about her topic, she was engaging with the audience and kept every one’s attention. She got even those who don’t work with blockchain on a daily basis to understand and made it applicable in a graspable context." Inger E Pedersen, IEP Consulting
"Sofie is a "powerhouse," she is one of the most knowledgeable and articulate Fintech speakers I know. She has real depth and tackles issues with conviction and evidence. She is great as a keynote or on a panel, and is able to keep the audience engaged throughout." Dr Jane Thomason, host: Blockchainging the World
“We were delighted to have Sofie Blakstad speaking at our Oslo Financial Inclusion Summit in 2019 and she gave an insightful keynote and in addition to a thoughtful contribution in the panel. She presented a complex topic in simple terms and engaged the international audience with humor and punch.” Susanne Hannestad, CEO, FintechMundi
“Sofie Blakstad steals the show with her incredible work [at ParisFintech Forum]...Sofie is an absolutely badass. So cool and one of the best public speakers I’ve ever seen.” Ali Patterson, Editor in Chief, Fintech Futures

Popular Talks by Sofie Blakstad

  • Blockchain and impact
  • Digital assets and capital markets
  • CBDCs, Stablecoins and economics
  • Future of money in developing economies
  • Gender and technology