Interview with Xavier Gasia

This month of June we want to introduce you to our partner in the Blockchain and new technologies area, Xavier Gasia.

Xavier is a lawyer and financial consultant specialized in structuring cryptomoned algorithm mining projects and in Blockchain and DLT projects, with expertise in international legal structuring of Security Token Offerings (STOs), Initial Exchange Offerings (IEOs) Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)/ Token Generating Events (TGES), regulatory advice on Exchanges, Alternative Trading Systems, Cryptocurrencies and e-Money.

For many companies, talking about Blockchain is still a long way off, but what were the first sectors interested in developing asset tokenization or crypto-currency launch projects?
The main sector interested in Blockchain was the financial sector, due to the rise of Bitcoin and other cryptomonies. Other sectors that followed were the government, insurance, health and pharmacy and finally the supply chain.

From the end of 2018 and mainly in 2019, and in view of the improved knowledge, functionality and legal nature of tokens, the door has been opened to new possibilities for changing the current business models, not only from a strategic point of view but also from a financial point of view, specifically with the possibility of tokenising assets in digital form, until now reserved for their physical exchange (real estate assets, works of art, wines, players, games, urban mobility issues, agricultural products, electricity, health files, voting, local means of payment,…)

AddVANTE is an expert in the planning, development and execution of Blockchain projects, both from a legal, strategic, financial and technological point of view. What are the main problems that companies face in their implementation?
Mainly, companies find that in addition to their space of activity properly regulated, they have to solve problems with the financial regulator in each of the jurisdictions where they want to operate (CNMV, FINMA, SEC, FED).

Secondly, the new business models based on Blockchain technology often break the established rules and makes it necessary to analyze the impact that current legislation can have on the business.

The era of ecosystem tokenization has begun, the shift from centralized business spheres to decentralized spheres based on asset creation and transfer is coming at an abysmal speed, and the new technology known as Blockchain makes it possible. Can you summarize how AddVANTE can help you?
We start from an analysis of each client’s business model and analyze whether or not it makes sense to implement the additional layer of Blockchain to their systems. To do this, we start with a training session with the client in which we show them the benefits and the challenges and opportunities that the technology offers. After that, we are able to analyze at a conceptual level the configuration of the Blockchain technology and the value that its implementation would generate in terms of revenue increase and cost reduction. Once the intended ecosystem is configured, we define the functionalities that we intend to achieve with it. Then we validate it with the client and if we agree, we go on to technically analyze its configuration, development and implementation until we reach a proof of concept and environment, from which a framework will emerge to make possible its scalability and complete implementation in the company.

One of the fundamental elements of Blockchain technology is the use of Smart contracts, what value do they bring?
The use of Smart contracts or ITTT contracts (If This, then that) are based on the automatic execution of contracts based on the previous fulfillment of certain pre-established and computer-programmed premises.

This allows for contractual relations of exchange of value without the intervention of an intermediary on which its execution and fulfillment depends. This means, on the one hand, improved time management in the execution of contracts, cost reduction, immediacy, traceability, security, transparency and time marking. On the other hand, its use as a financing mechanism for business projects through the tokenization of the companies’ assets makes it a new mechanism for processing the audit and financing for the company, allowing it to be structured in a different way than it has been done today.

What are the challenges of AddVANTE’s Blockchain area?
Our goal is to provide first class services in the area of Blockchain, Smart Contracts and Project Tokenization. We focus on the needs of each client. We seek to connect organizations and individuals with the Blockchain technology and its regulatory and technical requirements to achieve successful and higher value-added projects.

What is the added value provided by AddVANTE?
We have a long professional career developing projects in the regulatory field, and in strategic business consultancy. Taking advantage of our extensive experience in the financial and technology sector, we provide our clients with advice on transactions, transformation of business models, as well as projects related to the Blockchain and digital tokens, offering cutting-edge international legal guidance, high level and sophisticated in its approaches, and a wide range of financial and corporate transactions to put in value all kinds of tangible and intangible assets.

Xavier Gasia is also an expert in international project finance, M&A, Valuation and Restructuring. He has advised on numerous STO/ICO/TGE transactions and has extensive experience in International Project Finance, regulated sectors and Corporate