From Traditional Finance to Web3: Alex Vert’s Vision for Democratizing Capital Globally

Introduction

The global financial landscape is evolving rapidly, yet traditional systems remain inaccessible to millions. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and individuals in emerging markets often face insurmountable barriers to obtaining capital. These challenges stem from excessive collateral requirements, high operational costs for lenders, and outdated approval processes. Leading this transformation is Alex Vert, a fintech leader and the founder of LendSwap, a global Web2 lending solution, and Lendao, an innovative DeFi platform. By combining decades of expertise in traditional finance with blockchain innovation, Alex is driving a paradigm shift in finance, where access to capital is truly democratized.

Alex Vert’s Journey: From Traditional Banking to Web3

Alex Vert’s career began in traditional banking, where he gained a deep understanding of credit systems and customer service operations. Early in his career, he identified systemic flaws in the lending process: small loans were not cost-effective for banks due to high administrative overheads. Additionally, stringent collateral requirements excluded individuals and businesses with limited financial resources.

Seeking to address these gaps, Alex transitioned to FinTech. Over the past decade, he successfully led FinTech companies across emerging markets, including Vietnam and Mexico. In Vietnam, platform LendSwap, founded and led by Alex, served over 1 million users and issued $500 million in loans in just five years. In Mexico, his team achieved operational breakeven within six months and delivered 30% quarterly growth. This success demonstrated the potential of technology-driven financial solutions to empower underserved communities.

However, Alex realized that even FinTech solutions were limited. Overcollateralization, slow approvals, and high costs persisted, leaving a vast portion of the global population excluded. In response, Alex founded Lendao, a Web3 platform offering collateral-free virtual asset rental.

The Problem with Overcollateralization

FinTech lending protocols rely heavily on collateral to mitigate default risks. Borrowers must lock up crypto assets that often exceed the value of their loan. While this model protects lenders, it excludes individuals and businesses without significant capital, defeating the goal of financial inclusion.

Collateralized lending also introduces inefficiencies. Crypto volatility creates risks of liquidation, forcing borrowers to over-secure loans to account for market fluctuations. This makes both CeFi and DeFi lending solutions inaccessible to the very communities it aims to serve.

Lendao: A Revolutionary Approach

Lendao solves the collateral dilemma by introducing collateral-free rental powered by cutting-edge technology. Using AI-driven risk assessments, Lendao evaluates borrowers’ trustworthiness and creditworthiness based on alternative data, such as behavioral patterns and historical financial performance. Unlike traditional fintech platforms, Lendao’s system does not require borrowers to lock up assets, making access to capital truly inclusive.

Here’s how it works:

1. Leaseholders submit a rental request.
2. Lendao conducts financial due diligence using its proprietary AI models.
3. Approved rental terms are formalized using NFT-wrapped lease agreements recorded on the blockchain.
4. Funds are disbursed for a fixed term at a fixed rate, and leaseholders proceed to repayments.

For liquidity providers, Lendao offers stable, predictable yields through professionally managed liquidity pools. Stakers provide pools with liquidity and receive interest. The interest rate is determined by Lendao’s unique scoring system and automated risk assessment systems, as well as the selected product terms.

Combining Blockchain and Real-World Expertise

Lendao’s success stems from Alex Vert’s unique blend of real-world financial expertise and blockchain innovation. By leveraging smart contracts and AI technology, Lendao eliminates intermediaries, reduces costs, and ensures transparency. AI-powered underwriting models enable quick decision-making, minimizing risks for liquidity providers while empowering leaseholders.

Additionally, Lendao’s integration with Solana standards enhances scalability, allowing for real-time, low-cost transactions. The use of NFT lease agreements brings added security by formalizing rental terms on-chain, creating a verifiable and immutable record.

Alex Vert’s Vision for the Future

Alex Vert’s vision for Lendao extends far beyond individual markets. His goal is to build a global Web 3 ecosystem where access to capital is borderless, efficient, and equitable. By connecting liquidity providers with leaseholders worldwide, Lendao creates opportunities for businesses and individuals to thrive, regardless of their starting capital.

“Access to capital should not be determined by geography or wealth,” Alex explains. “With blockchain, we can create systems that empower anyone, anywhere to succeed.”

Conclusion

Alex Vert’s journey from traditional finance to Web3 exemplifies a deep commitment to solving systemic financial challenges. By eliminating collateral requirements and leveraging blockchain transparency, Lendao is democratizing access to capital for individuals, small businesses, and institutions worldwide. Alex’s leadership, backed by a proven track record of success in emerging markets, positions Lendao as a transformative force in the financial industry.

Through innovative solutions and a clear vision, Alex Vert is not just building a platform—he is shaping a future where financial inclusion becomes a reality for all.