Investing with Intention

How John Channels Mindfulness into Blockchain for Social Good

John Ng Pangilinan, Managing Partner at Signum Capital, brought a unique and reflective perspective to our "Harnessing Blockchain for Global Good" panel. As an experienced investor, John provided insights into how blockchain can unlock financial potential in asset-rich but cash-poor communities, while also sharing his personal journey with mindfulness and its influence on his approach to social impact.

Unlocking Financial Value with Blockchain

John’s experiences as an investor were enlightening, especially when he spoke about how blockchain can enable people to leverage their assets for greater financial access. "The bank wants to see 1 million in cash in your bank account before they can loan you anything. That doesn’t make sense to me," he noted, highlighting the inefficiencies and barriers of traditional financial systems. He further explained how blockchain could address these challenges, saying, "Why can't people collateralize their properties with another company or fund? If I have a property, I say, I come to you, I got my title deed, I say, this is yours. Loan me." This approach illustrates how blockchain can help unlock the value tied up in real estate and other assets, providing liquidity to those who need it most.

Mindfulness and Social Impact

The discussions about mindfulness were particularly powerful. John openly shared, "I actually do suffer from some mental stuff. For the past twenty years. Every day. Every hour," revealing how his journey with mental health has profoundly shaped his approach to life and investing. He emphasized that this personal experience has made him more empathetic and purposeful in his work, reminding us that blockchain isn't just about making money—it’s about using technology to create positive change. "What I found as a good cure was to help other people, blockchain or not," John remarked, showcasing how his mindfulness journey drives him to focus on making an impact beyond profits.

Investing with Purpose

John also stressed that when investing in blockchain projects, “It's always about the team, the traction, and the time." This philosophy underlines that while financial returns are important, the real impact comes from supporting projects that have the potential to bring long-term societal benefits. He further elaborated, "You’ve got to look beyond just the numbers. It’s about the people behind the projects and whether they’re genuinely committed to making a difference." This approach challenges the conventional mindset of investing and emphasizes the importance of aligning investments with values and purpose.

Bringing It All Together

John's journey serves as a reminder that true progress in blockchain isn’t just measured by financial success but by the positive change we create in the world. His thoughtful approach, combining financial acumen with a deep sense of purpose, challenges us all to rethink how we approach investing and building within this space. As John poignantly put it, "We don’t live long. We never know… It’s time to use what we have, be it money, knowledge, or influence, to make a lasting difference."

If you're eager to explore more of John's insights and gain a deeper understanding of how mindfulness and blockchain can intersect for social good, the full panel discussion offers even more valuable perspectives.