CEO Insights Magazine

The realm of emerging technologies and decentralized finance, Oscar Lai, Founder and CEO of One Satoshi Technology, embodies visionary leadership. With a background in technology and finance, his journey from a global investment bank to entrepreneurship reflects a commitment to transformative change. Oscar's mission extends beyond business success; he aims to revolutionize finance through cryptocurrency adoption. His approach emphasizes integrating technology, finance, and customer experience for sustainable expansion. With unwavering focus and market understanding, Oscar epitomizes leadership in the dynamic landscape of digital finance, steering innovation and shaping the future of the industry. Let’s read.

Can you provide a concise overview of your professional background and experiences, as well as what drives your daily routine?

From 2018 to 2019, I served as a Consultant at Bank of America's investment bank, formerly known as Merrill Lynch. In this role as a technology manager within the Global FICC line of business, I oversaw a proprietary in-house system, standardizing various FICC products to run risk calculation, P&L reporting and compliance reporting for regulatory bodies. Transitioning in 2020, I founded a startup offering fiat-to-cryptocurrency P2P spot online trading. By 2021, rebranded as One Satoshi, we expanded to include physical exchange shops in Hong Kong. My daily drive stems from societal impact, urgency in crypto adoption, and the ambition to evolve One Satoshi into a global finance powerhouse serving millions.

Could you discuss your academic journey at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology? Additionally, what valuable lessons did you gain from your time on campus, aside from academic knowledge?

During my time at university, academic pursuits took a backseat due to familial and financial pressures. To support myself, I worked as a part-time secondary school math tutor, earning approximately 150 HKD per hour. Despite financial challenges, HKUST's ample resources aided me through bursaries and educational loans, facilitating my undergraduate degree completion. These experiences instilled a philanthropic ethos, fueling my desire to uplift the underprivileged. Though unable to complete an Entrepreneurship Minor due to time constraints, my entrepreneurial spirit thrived. I initiated a math educational platform during university, leveraging support from HKUST's Entrepreneurial Centre, The BASE, which fostered innovation and provided startup assistance, shaping my entrepreneurial journey.

Define One Satoshi Technology as an organization and its position in the market, along with its flagship services and unique benefits.

One Satoshi Technology, a part of One Satoshi Group co-founded by myself and others, is dedicated to advancing cryptocurrency adoption. One of its subsidiaries, One Satoshi Trading (Hong Kong), offers fiat-to-crypto OTC spot trading services, boasting over 12 physical exchange branches. Renowned as one of Hong Kong's largest OTC brands, it facilitated transactions worth over 1.5 billion HKD in 2023.

In 2024, it ventured into the Bitcoin ATM market, collaborating with other Hong Kong-listed companies for a Southeast Asia campaign. Additionally, One Satoshi Technology provides IT solutions and blockchain consultations, while One Satoshi Education offers educational seminars and materials on cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. As for flagship services, our spot trading OTC fiat-to-crypto service stands out, offering fast, cost-effective, and secure transactions with minimal risk of scams or fraudulent activities. We leverage technology to ensure swift transactions and deploy robust compliance measures to prevent money laundering. Moreover, our franchisee framework allows investors easy access to our network, promising scalability and management convenience.

What considerations guide your development of impactful corporate growth strategies for the company?

Our approach emphasizes multidimensional development, encompassing technology, finance, customer experiences, growth, and political awareness. In terms of technology, we prioritize integrating technology into all facets of our operations, minimizing manual intervention with early adoption of AI-driven compliance systems. Financially, we maintain prudent management to sustain cash flow and avoid early burnout, ensuring at least breakeven status monthly. Customer satisfaction is paramount; we establish complaint hotlines, conduct marketing campaigns, and engage customers on various platforms to build loyalty and a robust membership system. Sustainable growth is pursued through careful evaluation of opportunities for profitability and risk mitigation, especially in overseas expansions. Engaging investors in major decisions fosters trust and support. Additionally, navigating the political landscape in Hong Kong involves advocating for policies aligned with our goals amid geopolitical challenges.

As the founder of Web3 XOR Foundation, what inspired you to establish the organization? Could you elaborate on its primary vision and mission?

Web3 XOR Foundation, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to combating poverty through philanthropy, globalization acceleration, and fostering abundance. Its vision encompasses facilitating transparent donations, blockchain-based education, and integrating all aspects with blockchain and cryptocurrency. In Uganda, one of the least developed nations, Web3 XOR initiated 'One Farmer One Acre,' a poverty-alleviation project. This initiative merges charity with investment, employing modern management practices, financial expertise, and scientific farming techniques. In 2024, the Foundation aims to establish rural crypto banks and credit systems, providing villagers with savings accounts and microloans, with plans for expansion across the Global South upon successful implementation.

Where do you see yourself headed in the future?

In the next 50 years, envision a global shift to a decentralized, crypto-based economy. Automation will streamline international payments, trading, and finance, reducing the number of currencies for seamless global transactions. This evolution will significantly lower the marginal cost of financial services, fostering a more efficient global financial system.

Oscar Lai, Founder, One Satoshi

Oscar Lai, Founder and CEO of One Satoshi Technology, is an innovator and entrepreneur leading the charge towards a decentralized future. Pioneering advancements in blockchain technology, he is committed to reshaping the global financial landscape through widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies.