Jen Bilango is the country manager of Coins.ph, a cryptocurrency exchange that brings web3 and blockchain services to over 18M users. 

They raised a $30M Series C led by Ribbit Capital last year. 

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👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

I work at Coins.ph, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the Philippines, regulated and licensed by the country’s Central Bank. 

We provide Filipinos with easy access to digital assets and Web3-enabled services. Whether it’s trading cryptocurrency, discovering Web3 games, or even exchanging crypto for fiat to pay bills and send money—all that can be done through Coins.ph. 

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🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

I was skeptical about blockchain at first. I heard about Bitcoin in 2014 when one of my techie friends told me about it. 

As someone from the traditional finance industry, at first, I didn’t believe in the value proposition of Bitcoin. 

I thought then that the existing institutions were good enough, but after diving into blockchain, I learned that it had immense potential to improve these institutions and our lives. 

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🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Being part of Coins.ph is a significant milestone for my career. 

Not only do I get to work in an industry that I’m passionate about, but I know that we are one of the platforms in the country that is leading digital transformation towards Web3. 

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🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

Digitization of real-world assets, central bank digital currency (CBDC), ZKSync.

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💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry? 

Learn by doing or get yourself involved in a project, don’t be afraid to ask questions and keep a strong interest in learning more about the industry. 

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🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours? 

Well since I’m really passionate about our industry, I can talk about blockchain, Web3, and crypto all day! 

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🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

I’ve been binging Suits recently and I try to keep watching it whenever I have free time.

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🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

I am a true cookies and cream devotee! 

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FYI. We've edited this interview for clarity.