PBG.io is the Web3 investment platform behind Decentralized Vault Portfolios (DVPs) — blockchain-based protocols that tokenize investment funds. DVPs aim to democratize investing by reducing the costs, eliminating intermediaries, enhancing transaction security, and providing instant liquidity.
Clients also have more power over their financial destinies by having access to custody-free asset storage and blockchain-based transparency via the Cardano network. Ultimately, PBG.io aims to bridge the gap between traditional and decentralized finance while promoting global inclusion.
Last week, we spoke with Pablo Antonio Bejarano, the founder of PBG.io, to talk about the platform, crypto’s rising popularity in Latin America, and much more. Check it out.
Please introduce yourself and explain your role at the company.
I am Pablo Antonio Bejarano, founder and CEO of PBG.io, where I lead the strategic development and innovation within the company.
What is the origin story behind PBG.io? When was it founded?
The PBG ecosystem was founded in 2020. The development of the technology stems from the need to provide the best possible experience for investors. As an investor with over 20 years of experience in various markets and asset types, I recognized the strong need to develop a product like ours, one that is investor-centric.
What are Decentralized Vault Portfolios and how do they work?
Decentralized Vault Portfolios (DVPs) are an innovative technology that tokenizes investment funds and eliminates the need for traditional intermediaries. Unlike conventional investment funds or ETFs, DVPs allow investors to retain full control of their assets without relying on third parties for custody.
Using blockchain technology, DVPs offer real-time transactions, radical transparency, and global access. This means investors can manage their portfolios securely, efficiently, and without geographical barriers. Additionally, this technology ensures assets are accessible at any time, providing instant liquidity and avoiding challenges associated with traditional asset management.
What are the benefits of tokenizing an investment fund?
Tokenizing an investment fund offers several key benefits. First, it democratizes access to investments that were traditionally limited to large institutions or accredited investors. Through tokenization, assets are divided into smaller units, allowing a wider range of people to access investment opportunities that were previously out of reach.
Another major benefit is instant liquidity. Unlike traditional investment funds, where exiting or liquidating a position can take time, tokenized funds allow investors to buy and sell their shares at any time, providing greater flexibility. Additionally, transactions are recorded on a blockchain, ensuring radical transparency and security.
What is the $PBG token and how does it work?
The $PBG token is the first token representing a Decentralized Vault Portfolio (DVP), an innovation in the tokenization of investment funds. It serves as an example of how investors can be offered a more transparent and liquid solution while maintaining direct control over their assets. Additionally, the $PBG token is built on the Cardano blockchain, ensuring security and transaction efficiency.
Why build on Cardano?
We chose to build on Cardano because of its focus on security, sustainability, and scalability. Cardano uses a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism, making it a highly energy-efficient platform and more accessible than other blockchains. Additionally, its research-driven development, backed by peer-reviewed academic studies, provides a strong foundation for innovations like Decentralized Vault Portfolios (DVPs).
Cardano also offers high levels of security and compliance, which are essential for managing tokenized assets and ensuring the network’s long-term sustainability.
Besides El Salvador, what Latin American countries are the most bullish on crypto? Do any specific cryptos stand out, and if so, why?
Besides El Salvador, countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico are showing growing interest in cryptocurrencies. In Argentina, crypto adoption has been driven by the need to hedge against inflation and currency controls. Brazil has made strides in regulating crypto assets, attracting more investment and fostering the use of cryptocurrencies. In Mexico, interest in crypto is growing, particularly in sectors such as remittances and financial inclusion.
As for standout cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin remains the preferred option due to its widespread popularity and acceptance, while Ethereum and other platforms supporting smart contracts are also gaining traction, especially in decentralized finance (DeFi) applications.
What is pushing Latin American countries to adopt crypto? How could it affect the global crypto market? What needs to be done for mass adoption?
Latin American countries are adopting cryptocurrencies mainly for two reasons: inflation and limited access to traditional financial services. In economies where inflation is high and local currencies are unstable, cryptocurrencies provide an alternative to protect savings. Additionally, many countries in the region have a significant unbanked population, and cryptocurrencies offer access to financial services without relying on traditional institutions.
Regarding the impact on the global market, crypto adoption in Latin America could accelerate the legitimization and acceptance of cryptocurrencies worldwide, as increased use in the region would boost demand and attract more investment in blockchain infrastructure.
For mass adoption to occur, there needs to be a clear and favorable regulatory environment, greater financial education, and improvements in technological infrastructure to facilitate the use of cryptocurrencies in everyday transactions.
Can you speak a little bit about remittances and how crypto could infiltrate and improve this sector?
The remittance market in Latin America is huge, representing a key source of income for millions of people. However, traditional remittances often come with high transaction fees and long processing times. This is where cryptocurrencies can make a difference, allowing international money transfers to happen faster and at a lower cost.
With crypto, users can send money directly through peer-to-peer platforms, without the need for intermediaries like banks or money transfer services, significantly reducing fees. Additionally, transactions are nearly instantaneous, enabling people to access their funds faster, which is crucial for those relying on remittances to meet their daily needs.
What’s the idea of an “ETF 2.0?”
The concept of ETF 2.0 refers to a new generation of tokenized funds that combine the benefits of traditional ETFs with the technological innovation of blockchain. While traditional ETFs are passive investment vehicles, Decentralized Vault Portfolios (DVPs), like those offered by PBG.io, provide active management with greater transparency, instant liquidity, and no need for intermediaries.
By leveraging blockchain, these funds allow investors to access a broader range of assets more efficiently, with the ability to view all transactions in real-time.
How can someone get started using your product?
To start using PBG.io, users simply connect their Cardano wallet to the platform — no account creation is required. As a fully DeFi solution, PBG.io allows users to tokenize their assets and participate in the active management of their portfolio directly and securely, without intermediaries.
From the platform, users can access their assets at any time, enjoy instant liquidity, and benefit from full transparency in all transactions.
What kind of security measures does PBG.io take?
At PBG.io, security is a top priority. We use Cardano’s blockchain technology, which offers a high level of inherent security through its Proof-of-Stake consensus mechanism. Additionally, tokenized assets are managed in a decentralized manner, eliminating the risks associated with traditional custody.
All transactions on the platform are transparent and immutably recorded on the blockchain, preventing any manipulation or fraud. We also comply with international AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and CFT (Counter Financing of Terrorism) regulations, ensuring a safe and regulated investment environment.
Are there any success stories you can share with us?
Although the PBG.io project is still in its early stages, we have already seen significant interest from institutions and investor communities who value the transparency and control our DeFi platform offers. The launch of the $PBG token as the first Decentralized Vault Portfolio (DVP) has been well-received, marking a milestone in the integration of traditional finance with blockchain technology.
What are your plans for the future?
The future plans for PBG.io include expanding the reach of our Decentralized Vault Portfolios (DVPs) and continuing to innovate in asset tokenization. We aim to attract more financial institutions and individual users to our DeFi ecosystem, positioning ourselves as a global leader in tokenized asset management.
We also intend to keep improving our technological capabilities, strengthening interoperability with other blockchains, and developing new solutions that enhance efficiency and transparency in investing.
Thank you.
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