I recently came across an interview with an interesting person from the fintech world. Vlad Tenev, who heads a major brokerage platform, talked about how they became a mass platform for young investors. Turns out, it all comes down to the simplicity and intuitiveness of the product — they didn’t try to be complicated and flashy, they just created a tool that even beginners can understand.

What struck me was that the company went through a serious expansion, and then had to make tough decisions: they cut the staff down to 2,000 people. It sounds harsh, but Vlad Tenev explained that this made the company much more efficient and flexible. This approach to management — being willing to admit mistakes and fix them quickly — is rare.

But the most interesting part of the interview is his views on crypto. Vlad Tenev clearly believes that crypto trading will only grow and that startups should be given the opportunity to invest in this sector. Considering that the platform already provides access to cryptocurrencies, it makes sense. He also criticized some aspects of US fiscal policy, believing it hampers innovation.

Overall, the interview offered an interesting perspective on how to build a fintech company in a volatile market. In short — focus on the user, be honest about your mistakes, and have faith in the future of cryptocurrencies. It’s worth keeping an eye on how the crypto sector develops this year.