Tim Fries

Tim Fries

Benzinga Contributor

About
Tim Fries is the co-founder of private equity firms Protective Technologies Capital (protechcap.com) and Lakeview Capital, as well as the co-founder of financial education site The Tokenist. He writes on topics related to wealth management, private c...
DeFi: What to Look Out For in the Second Half of 2021
Last week, one of Europe’s largest banks, Deutsche Bank, went against the Treasury Secretary Yellen’s depiction of higher-than-expected inflation rate. After the consumer price index achieved its highest yearly rate since 2008, at 4.2%, the former Fed chair called such a rate “transitory”, to return to normal after a few months.
How MSMEs And Freelancers Can Optimize Cross-border Trade And Foreign Exchange
Many freelancers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have been finding ways to keep their portfolios strong in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. But some businesses that have long driven growth in many economies may struggle to keep their businesses afloat in an increasingly digital-first culture. 
Is the Bitcoin-Ethereum 'Flippening' a Likely Scenario?
By: Tim Fries
Think Small, Win Big: 4 Small-Cap Stocks You Should Consider
Small-cap stocks, defined as stocks that have a market capitalization of between $300 million and $2 billion, may be the best investments of the future. In periods of economic growth, small-cap stocks tend to grow at faster rates than larger stocks.   
Fintech Apps Need To Be Less Complex And More Comprehensive To Attract More Investments
A common pitfall for many fintech apps is that they are too complex to use for some inexperienced users. A complicated design, coupled with the natural nervousness of an unsophisticated investor, drives many new investors to traditional brokerages and firms in lieu of apps.
Investments In The Financial Services Industry Is Pushing Blockchain Startups To Grow In 2021
In recent months, cryptocurrency leaders have cast legitimacy and staying power of crypto as an asset class.
Why Bitcoin Is More Of An Inflation Hedge Than A Tech Stock
Coming to light after the financial darkness of 2007-2009, Bitcoin was birthed—but it doesn’t have a parent or a home. As an asset precisely constructed to deal with the shortcomings of central planning, will it be successfully tested in the likely near future of run-off inflation? 
PayPal Has Blocked A Crowdfunding Site That Provided Financial Support For US Capitol Riot Attendees
People around the world were shocked when a planned protest in Washington, D.C. devolved into a riot on January 6th. Momentarily, even Democrats and Republicans were united in their denunciation of the riot. However, the shockwaves this event sent across the political landscape reverberated well into its aftermath. 
Can Blockchain Payment Platforms Become A Vanguard For Democracy?
Intensely disputed elections pose a bad omen for any society, both culturally and economically. With the solution in the form of blockchain staring us in the face, blockchain payment platforms can exert a pressure wave to adopt the innovative technology in voting as well.
Do Consumers Really Have The Right To Their Own Financial Data?
In 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was passed. It was a complex bill that included sweeping overhauls to a consumer’s legal right to his or her data, otherwise known as section 1033. 
Why Collaborations Between Banks And Fintech Firms Is Key To Delivering Essential Banking Solutions
The world of finance is in a state of flux. It stands securely upon a reliable foundation of traditional banking practices, while also enjoying the ever-evolving innovations brought about by technology.
China Is Stepping Up Its Regulation Of Fintechs. Is This A Good Thing?
Fintech has spread throughout China extensively over the last few years. But for the most part, it’s also gone unregulated. Recent investments in this field have accelerated its growth, with some fintech banks reaching values of several billion dollars.
Decentralized Finance Is About to Face Its Biggest Battle Yet
After a relatively hands-off period when it comes to government intervention in blockchain space, times could be changing.  Looking back, it is no overstatement to say that hardly any year had been so congested with major events as the year 2020. We experienced:
Is The Fed Behind Bitcoin's Ongoing Surge?
How can we understand the interplay between the economy, governed by the Federal Reserve, and Bitcoin?
In A Tug Of War Between Security And Freedom, Will CBDCs Or DeFi Get The Upper Hand?
The Grip of Centralization
The Impact Of COVID-19 On Commercial Property Lending
Never in the last 150 years of American history have commercial properties in the United States been closed for as long as they have now. 
DeFi Is Taking Over Crypto: Sign Of Another Bull Run, Or A Flash In The Pan?
DeFi may offer real and predictable results, but only if you’re knowledgeable enough to avoid the traps.