John Fenga, the CEO and founder of The Digital Currency Reserve (TDCR), is leading the charge to transform the cryptocurrency landscape with innovative solutions like GLO, a gold-backed cryptocurrency application designed to provide faster, more secure and more accessible digital transactions.

With nearly 30 years of experience as a technology entrepreneur across fintech, healthcare, and entertainment, Fenga brings a wealth of expertise to his mission of bridging the gap between traditional finance and the digital economy.

Fenga’s journey into cryptocurrency began in 2014 while exploring alternatives to traditional banking systems. 

“I was developing an international funds transfer business and became intrigued by digital currency. At the time, it wasn’t ready for mainstream adoption but by 2019, the landscape had evolved, and we began building what is now TDCR,” Fenga explained.

TDCR’s flagship product, GLO, offers a stable and reliable alternative to traditional cryptocurrencies by tying its value to physical gold stored in secure vaults.

GLO is a user-friendly application that allows individuals to manage their digital wallets and make secure transactions with Visa and MasterCard debit cards.  

The gold-backed token AUS is transacted via TDCR’s cryptocurrency exchange, LUXCEX, and delivered through its proprietary closed-loop rail system.

The GLO app simplifies cryptocurrency use by enabling users to buy, store, swap, and sell trusted cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and USDT (a stablecoin tethered to the US dollar). 

“The GLO app eliminates the complexity of traditional trading platforms,” Fenga said. 

“You select the coin, buy it, and then you can spend or save it. Other platforms often have complex dashboards that overwhelm first-time users.”

Fenga sees GLO as more than a currency; it’s a gateway to financial independence, particularly in markets like Indonesia, where over 10% of the population engages with cryptocurrency but often lacks secure and user-friendly platforms. 

“Imagine a seamless network where individual gold coins, each backed by physical gold reserves in their respective countries, come together to form a unified financial ecosystem,” Fenga said.

“This network, powered by the TDCR closed-loop system and the GLO application, would include Australian, American, Indian, Dubai, Hong Kong, and other strategically placed vaults with gold coins.

“Each coin serves as a digital representation of securely stored bullion, enabling effortless, borderless transactions, investment and exchange across a cohesive digital network.”

A strong advocate for regulation and Regtech, Fenga highlights its role in stabilising the crypto economy. 

“Regulation provides clarity and levels the playing field, reducing fraud and building trust. It’s essential for the long-term success of cryptocurrency,” he said.

TDCR employs stringent security measures, including in-country Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, multi-party computation (MPC), encrypted data storage, and insurance-backed custody for digital assets. 

“We also use advanced tools to identify suspicious activity and help prevent fraud,” Fenga said.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for TDCR, particularly during Melbourne’s extended lockdowns. 

“The restrictions made development and collaboration almost impossible, but we self-funded and launched a crowdfunding campaign that nearly 300 investors supported to keep moving forward,” Fenga shared.

Transparency with investors and a focus on building trust was critical in navigating this period.

With GLO at the forefront, TDCR has successfully expanded operations to regions including New Zealand, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan, South Korea, Belize, and Hong Kong.  

The company has partnered with industry leaders to ensure reliable and secure transactions, regardless of user location.

Looking ahead, Fenga and his team are exploring artificial intelligence and blockchain interoperability to enhance the usability and accessibility of their platform.

“We don’t innovate for the sake of it; we innovate to empower,” Fenga said, underscoring TDCR’s commitment to creating meaningful change in the financial landscape.

As TDCR prepares for its next phase of growth, including a Series A funding round, Fenga remains focused on delivering faster, cheaper, and more secure cryptocurrency solutions worldwide.