Tech Suite | New Zealand crypto trends with Nicolas Turnbull

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In this episode, Financial Services partner Jeremy Muir sits down with Nicolas Turnbull, Co-Founder of Crypto Consulting NZ, to explore New Zealand’s rapidly evolving crypto landscape. Jeremy and Nicolas discuss adoption trends and grassroots innovation in New Zealand, and offer practical insights for navigating digital assets.

[01:25] Nicolas explains how his journey through New Zealand’s crypto landscape has evolved. From his early days mining Ethereum and co-founding Cryptocurrency NZ to launching Crypto Consulting NZ, which supports everyday Kiwis and businesses navigate the complexities of digital assets.

[02:45] Jeremy and Nicolas discuss emerging cryptocurrency adoption trends in New Zealand, highlighting market innovators like Lightning Pay and Pay It Now. They note a growing interest across diverse demographics, industries, and retail sectors alike.

[04:35] They highlight various local grassroots events and initiatives that are helping support continued growth and development in the industry, such as Australia’s Crypto Convention and the Web3 hackathon.

[05:57] Jeremy and Nicolas discuss the rising risks of scams and crypto-related disputes as adoption grows, and explore how blockchain transparency tools, such as Chainalysis and Etherscan, can aid investigations when these issues arise.

[09:13] They delve deeper into crypto scams, discussing common red flags, the process of supporting victims, the challenges of recovering stolen or misplaced assets, and the importance of secure storage, including the use of cold wallets.

[16:38] Jeremy reflects on New Zealand’s cautious regulatory stance on crypto, drawing on his experience as an independent advisor to the Finance and Expenditure Parliamentary Select Committee Inquiry into Cryptocurrencies, he outlines the three key priorities for future policy: consumer protection, industry enablement, and public education. They reflect on global jurisdictions such as Europe, Australia and the US having advanced crypto regulatory framework, while New Zealand is only beginning to engage more actively in shaping its regulatory approach.

 

Information in this episode is accurate as at the date of recording, 15 August 2025.

 

Please contact Jeremy Muir or our Financial Services team if you need legal advice and guidance on any of the topics discussed in the episode.

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Additional resources

Crypto Consulting NZ - New Zealand 1 on 1 Crypto Mentoring 

Pay It Now (PIN) - NZ's Leading Blockchain Innovator

Buy Bitcoin in New Zealand » Lightning Pay

For show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts