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Jose J. Perez Aguinaga
Tungsten | Institutional Digital Assets Custody in the UAE 🇦🇪
Professional Background
Jose Aguinaga is a highly skilled Web3 and Full-Stack Engineer with a robust background in DevOps and cryptography. With over a decade of experience, Jose has effectively contributed to the growth and success of startups in various global cities, including San Francisco, Zürich, Bali, Vancouver, and Mexico City. Throughout his career, he has honed his skills not only in hands-on software and product development but also in pivotal roles involving recruiting, interviewing, team development, structuring, deploying, and scaling products. His expertise in JavaScript and TypeScript positions him as a sought-after leader in the tech community, specializing in emerging technologies such as blockchain and fintech.
Jose has made significant contributions to various organizations, demonstrating remarkable versatility as he has transitioned through numerous roles including Full Stack Engineer, Team Lead, and Head of Engineering, ultimately reaching the level of Chief Technology Officer (CTO). His leadership experience is underpinned by his work at prominent companies like SEBA Bank AG, where he served both as Director of Asset Tokenization and Head of Digital Custody Services, and at Tungsten Custody Solutions, where he co-founded and guided the technological direction of the company.
Education and Achievements
Jose Aguinaga's educational background is as impressive as his professional career. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Systems Engineering from the prestigious Tecnológico de Monterrey, known for its strong emphasis on fostering innovation and technology. Additionally, Jose earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from The University of British Columbia, a globally recognized institution that has equipped him with cutting-edge technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
Throughout his career, Jose has been dedicated to continuous learning and professional development, evidenced by his numerous engagements in leadership and technical roles that push the boundaries of technology. His portfolio showcases a diverse array of projects, particularly in the realms of digital custody solutions, asset tokenization, and innovative financial technologies.
Notably, as a former Technical Lead at The Hashgraph Association and Head of Engineering at HOPR Services AG, Jose has been at the forefront of promoting decentralized technologies, helping to shape the future of digital interactions and security. His influence extends to various projects and startups, where he consistently advocates for the integration of privacy and cryptography within financial technology solutions, thus demonstrating his commitment to enhancing digital security and user experience.
Community Engagement
In addition to his impressive technical skills and leadership roles, Jose Aguinaga is passionate about engaging with the tech community. He actively shares his knowledge and insights through his blog on Medium, where he discusses topics related to web technology, blockchain, and cryptography. His GitHub repository showcases a range of coding projects that highlight his prowess in software development, while his CodePen demos provide an interactive platform where he shares innovative web projects with the community.
Jose is also active on social media platforms, particularly Twitter, where he engages with other tech enthusiasts and startups, fostering a community of like-minded individuals committed to advancing technology. By following @jjperezaguinaga on Twitter, followers can stay updated on his latest projects and industry thoughts.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his illustrious career, Jose has achieved numerous accolades and accomplishments. His leadership and technical skills have not gone unnoticed, and he has played integral roles that have led to successful app deployments and product launches across the globe. Not only has he developed strategic partnerships within the fintech and cryptographic spaces, but he has also directly impacted the scaling of innovative projects that address modern financial challenges.
Jose has a unique ability to interpret complex technological concepts and convey them in an accessible manner, which has attracted a following in both professional and casual tech circles. His profound understanding of Web3 technologies positions him as an influencer in the advancing blockchain discourse, ensuring he remains at the forefront of industry developments.
Moreover, his previous engagements as Tech Consultant at E Nigma Technologies OÜ and Senior Frontend Developer at Flynt culminate to further validate his comprehensive skill set in software engineering, making him a well-rounded individual with an extensive understanding of full-stack development.
Jose's commitment to privacy and security truly shines through in his work, making an enduring mark on how digital assets are safeguarded in today's environment. His journey reflects a steadfast dedication to
Highlights
❗️❗️ FTX is NOT giving 100% of the client's original investments.
So last week, media organizations like CoinDesk announced that creditors might take up to 118% of their original investments due to FTX's potential reorganization plan. Although this is definitely a positive outcome from the downfall of one of the biggest #crypto exchanges in the market, it reflects a poor misunderstanding of how digital assets are valued and how quickly they are appreciated.
Let's say you had one bitcoin on #FTX while in #bankruptcy. This would mean that you had around $18,000 in Nov 2022. FTX will settle 100% of the $18,000 cash value, but with today's pricing, you would only get roughly 0.27-0.30 #BTC back from the exchange. It's Mt Gox all over again!
Everyday I get asked why someone would pay X BPS for holding their assets with a regulated custodian when they could do it for free. Well, this is why. Custodians like Tungsten Custody Solutions have your assets segregated at both the blockchain and balance sheet levels, guaranteeing your assets always belong to you. Thanks to the regulatory clarity the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) FSRA has, this is not a "trust me bro" kind of control but an operational and legal requirement.
The FTX bankruptcy case underscores the need for more robust legal and financial frameworks in the #digitalassets space. We are past the time when we allowed players in the ecosystem to hold your hard-earned money without having anything to show and operate as they wished. This bankruptcy case serves as a reminder that regulation is here to protect consumers, and in the rapidly evolving world of digital assets, it is not an option but a necessity.
🇦🇪 Are you coming to #Token2049 in Dubai next week? Here are a few #opsec tips for your trip to the UAE during a major crypto event.
🔒 General security
- Get a VPN. My favorite is Proton VPN, but if you don't like the price tag, there are a few others; they usually run ads through YouTube channels. Ensure there's a kill switch in public networks.
- Don't use USB chargers; instead, bring your own and plug your own USB cables (USB-A or USB-C) into them. Most places in Dubai have international outlets and 110V and 220V entries if needed.
- If using Apple, lock your iCloud Account by using Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Account Changes - "Don't Allow", and protect Screen Time with a different iPhone passcode.
- If using 1Password as a Password Manager (which you should), enable "Travel Mode" on company credentials with sensitive access to live or production systems. Ensure these can't be accessed unless needed!
- Ensure you can use a second channel to reach coworkers and peers and provide an authentication keyword (emojis work great as well) to identify yourself if your main channel is out.
💰 For handling crypto
- Do not bring any hardware wallets. If you need to prove you own whatever NFT for a super cool members-only yacht party, use Delegate Cash and a hot wallet with minimal capital instead.
- If you need to bring any physical security tokens or wallets, seal them in a tamper-evident bag and lock them in your hotel safe. It will be apparent if you were part of an evil maid attack. BitBox sells some nice ones.
- If you want to interact with many protocols and products, get a new wallet before doing so. You can isolate any interactions, apps, or other actions afterward. Zengo Wallet for #bitcoin and #ethereum work.
- If you are expecting to execute a large number of on-chain transactions or other financial operations, get yourself a separate device so you know it's clean. Chromebooks are $300 but Virtual Desktops work as well.
- Use a sandbox-enabled browser, check your browser extensions, and ensure browsers aren't synced to your personal or work account. You can also create a new session in Chrome just for the trip.
Do not forget to enjoy the amazing things Dubai has, even if for a few days. From the venue, you can go take culture trip to the Museum of the Future (🚗 15min), do some shopping (and get lost) in The Dubai Mall (🚗 15min), go for a coffee in the Burj Al Arab (🚶🏻25min), do even more shopping (or skiing?) in the Mall Of The Emirates (🚗 5min), and get a tan in any of the Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts pools! . . . After living for 11 years in Switzerland🇨🇭, I relocated to the UAE 🇦🇪 with my family to build an institutional crypto custody solution, Tungsten Custody Solutions. Feel free to follow for our journey and learn everything related to #digitalassets, #security, #keymanagement, #HSM, #MPC, #privacy, #cryptography, #electronicIDs, #passkeys, zero-knowledge proofs (#ZKP), #DLT, and #blockchain in general.
