While the trend of CeDeFi apps merging the benefits of centralized exchanges and on-chain trading platforms gains steam, this vertical addresses major bottlenecks for crypto.
Fintopio is one of the most advanced CeDeFi apps, so U.Today sat down with its CEO Steve Milton to discuss the latest trends and specifics of CeDeFi apps.
U.Today: Please introduce yourself; tell us a bit about your track record in blockchain and cryptocurrency
Steve Milton: I’m Steve Milton, Co-Founder and CEO of Fintopio. My background is in global marketing and communications, and I’ve spent the past several years helping Web3 projects grow and scale.
Prior to Fintopio, I served as CMO at BNB Chain and as Global VP of Marketing and Communications at Binance. I also led international communications at Shopify during a critical period of expansion.
Throughout my career, I’ve focused on building bridges between powerful technologies and real-world usability. In crypto, that means creating experiences that respect user control while removing unnecessary complexity. That mindset is what led to the creation of Fintopio.
U.Today: Prior to talking about Fintopio, let’s define CeDeFi. What does this term mean to you?
Steve Milton: To me, CeDeFi isn’t a buzzword, it’s a practical model for how crypto should work. It combines the best parts of centralized and decentralized finance: simplicity, speed, and scalability on one side, with user control, transparency, and access to DeFi protocols on the other.
The key is optionality. With CeDeFi, users aren’t forced to choose between convenience or control. They can hold their keys or use custodial access. They can interact with DeFi without getting lost in a maze of wallets, bridges, and gas fees. CeDeFi is about offering real choice without added friction.
U.Today: What are the key opportunities and challenges in the CeDeFi segment? How can it contribute to crypto adoption globally?
Steve Milton: The biggest opportunity is adoption. CeDeFi solves one of crypto’s core UX problems: the tradeoff between usability and sovereignty. Most people don’t want to memorize seed phrases or worry about private key backups. But they also don’t want their assets locked in custodial systems they can’t control.
CeDeFi wallets like Fintopio offer a middle path, unlocking entirely new types of users who may never have used MetaMask or centralized exchanges. This is how crypto becomes usable at scale.
The challenge is making it seamless. You’re merging two fundamentally different models, and the result has to feel effortless. That’s where design, infrastructure, and security converge.
U.Today: Please explain the main idea behind Fintopio. When was it created, and what inspired its launch?
Steve Milton: Fintopio was created in 2023 around a simple idea: crypto should be as easy as sending a message.
There were great DeFi tools, but they were intimidating. Centralized platforms were easier, but users gave up control. We saw an opportunity to solve that gap with a CeDeFi wallet where users can move between custodial and non-custodial modes depending on their needs.
We were driven by real-world frustration. People wanted to send crypto to friends or swap tokens without switching between apps. They wanted something that just worked. That’s what we built.
U.Today: What are the key features of Fintopio? What is it “primarily” – a wallet, exchange, a SocialFi app?
Steve Milton: Fintopio is first and foremost a CeDeFi wallet. That’s our foundation, giving users access to both custodial and non-custodial modes in one clean interface.
From there, we’ve added features that support everyday crypto use:
- CeFi/DeFi toggle: switch between custodial and non-custodial modes instantly
- Username-based transfers: send crypto via Telegram or X usernames
- Cross-platform availability: Web, iOS, Android, and Telegram MiniApp
- Vouchers and NFTs: for gifting, payouts, and asset management
While some features overlap with SocialFi, we don’t see ourselves limited by that label. Fintopio is a CeDeFi wallet built for real-world use.
U.Today: Which blockchains does Fintopio rely on – and which networks are you going to add in the future?
Steve Milton: We currently support major EVM-compatible chains, including Ethereum and BNB Chain, with additional support for Tron and Solana.
Looking ahead, we plan to integrate additional networks based on user demand. Our goal is to offer a seamless experience across ecosystems so users don’t have to think about which network they’re on. They just transact.
We also plan to integrate more native stablecoins and layer 2 solutions as the space evolves.
U.Today: Let’s talk a little bit about tech. How does Fintopio merge the instruments of decentralized and centralized services – like key management, authorization and so on?
Steve Milton: At Fintopio, it starts with user choice. Some want the ease of a custodial wallet, and we offer that with secure, built-in key management and effortless recovery. Others want full control, and they can opt for non-custodial mode, holding their own keys without leaving the app.
You can switch at any time. Behind this, our architecture separates identity, access, and custody. That means we can offer both simplicity and sovereignty without compromise.
U.Today: Which security developments does Fintopio employ for keeping users’ assets safe?
Steve Milton: Security is built into every layer of Fintopio, from system architecture to the user experience. Most user funds are stored securely offline in cold wallets, and all transactions require multi-signature approval to prevent unauthorized access.
Our infrastructure is designed to minimize external exposure and ensure reliability, with strict access controls, real-time monitoring, and multiple layers of protection. We also run regular audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they become issues.
For users, everything works seamlessly in the background. What matters is knowing that your assets are protected, and if something goes wrong, recovery is simple and secure. At Fintopio, we believe security should never come at the cost of usability.
U.Today: What are the killing features of Fintopio?
Steve Milton: Fintopio’s standout feature is the ability to toggle between custodial and non-custodial modes instantly. No switching wallets, no friction.
Another major highlight is our username-based transfer system. Sending crypto using Telegram or X handles removes a huge pain point.
Finally, our crypto voucher system offers a flexible way for creators, communities, and businesses to distribute assets securely.
Each of these features simplifies how users interact with crypto while preserving control.
U.Today: Which accomplishments of Fintopio are you most proud of?
Steve Milton: We’re proud of how quickly we went from concept to live product. In under a year, we launched across multiple platforms, built a working CeDeFi wallet, and attracted thousands of users.
Our growth has been driven by users who appreciate having control without losing usability. That’s what makes CeDeFi meaningful, and Fintopio proves it can work.
U.Today: Who would you describe as your primary target audience?
Steve Milton: Fintopio is built for real users, not just crypto veterans, and not just beginners. We focus on the people in the middle who want to manage, send, or swap tokens without friction.
Whether they’re using crypto daily or just getting started, our users want control with less complexity. That’s who we’re building for.
U.Today: How do you address the challenges of regulatory frameworks across the globe – in terms of KYC/AML, for instance?
Steve Milton: We take compliance seriously, especially in custodial mode. KYC and AML are integrated into onboarding where required, and we work closely with legal teams in each region to stay aligned with local regulations.
CeDeFi gives us flexibility. Users in non-custodial mode can often onboard without KYC, depending on the jurisdiction. This modular approach helps us remain both compliant and user-friendly.
We believe compliance should adapt to users, not the other way around.
U.Today: What’s next for Fintopio? Which milestones would you like to highlight for our readers?
Steve Milton: We’re expanding fast. Our roadmap includes support for sending crypto using usernames from platforms like WhatsApp and Discord, which simplifies peer-to-peer transactions and extends our SocialFi features.
We’re also rolling out Fintopio Earn, Pay, ID, and an AI assistant to help users manage assets more intuitively.
The long-term vision is simple: if you can send a message, you should be able to send crypto. We’re making that a reality.
