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May 8, 2025

Adam Smith provided some core elements for the operation of the industrial age economy. Today, those elements have morphed to include KNOWLEDGE, a critical and catalytic factor of production. People with knowledge will advance the missions of firms, as they can effectively combine and recombine factors of production, and business pillars of tools and processes, to turn raw materials and ideas, into products and services, towards fixing frictions in the market, for clients and customers.

For many years, Tekedia Institute has focused on one product and that is Knowledge. Through knowledge, we provide a system for the mastery of entrepreneurial capitalism and business systems, helping people build capabilities to use the mechanics of the market to improve communities and societies.

When you understand the physics of the market, you understand the abundance of the future, because all problems in societies are opportunities for the market. Yes, companies are vehicles to advance the progress of communities. We teach how to run, operare and make companies better.

We’re unalloyed on our mission to advance Africa. What we teach is the soul of business with African nativity using cases you understand. More and more companies send their team members here. I invite you to co-learn with us as you register your team for the next edition of Tekedia Mini-MBA which begins on June 9, 2025. Begin here and contact our team.

Overview of U.S. Latest Draft Bill on Crypto Market Regulations

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Paul Ugbede Godwin

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May 8, 2025

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The latest draft of the U.S. crypto market structure bill, released by the House Financial Services and Agriculture Committees, builds on the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21). It aims to clarify regulatory oversight by dividing responsibilities between the SEC and CFTC.

The SEC oversees digital assets classified as investment contracts until they are deemed decentralized, while the CFTC regulates digital commodities and spot markets. A decentralization test requires no single entity to hold unilateral control, with disclosures mandated for holders of over 10% of tokens in centralized projects. Transactions involving digital commodities are not classified as securities unless they grant ownership or profit-sharing rights, easing secondary market trading regulations.

The bill removes income and wealth limits for retail investors, eliminating accredited investor checks to broaden market participation. Stablecoins are defined without being categorized as securities, and non-custodial DeFi protocols are exempt from certain regulations. Project members must disclose token holdings above 1% of total supply to curb the influence of large firms. The SEC and CFTC are encouraged to collaborate on regulations, aiming for a cohesive framework.

The draft has sparked debate, with some Democrats planning to protest a related hearing due to concerns over provisions favoring certain interests, including those tied to President Trump’s crypto ventures. The bill faces a complex path through Congress, with potential Senate resistance and the need for bipartisan support.

The draft crypto market structure bill, released on May 5, 2025, carries significant implications for the U.S. cryptocurrency industry, investors, and regulators. Assigning the SEC to regulate digital assets as investment contracts and the CFTC to oversee digital commodities and spot markets reduces jurisdictional overlap, potentially fostering innovation by providing predictable rules.

The criteria for deeming assets decentralized, no single entity with unilateral control could encourage projects to prioritize decentralization, but the 10% token holder disclosure requirement may burden smaller projects. By removing accredited investor restrictions, retail investors gain broader access, potentially increasing liquidity and participation but also raising risks of uninformed investments.

Excluding digital commodity transactions from securities laws unless they involve ownership or profit-sharing rights simplifies secondary market trading, likely boosting platforms handling spot trading. Exempting stablecoins from securities classification and non-custodial DeFi protocols from certain regulations could spur growth in these sectors, positioning the U.S. as a hub for DeFi innovation.

Mandatory disclosures of token holdings above 1% may increase transparency but could strain smaller projects or startups with limited resources. Eliminating income/wealth barriers democratizes crypto investing, but without proper education, retail investors face higher exposure to volatile markets. Disclosure requirements for large token holders may reduce insider manipulation risks, enhancing investor confidence.

Political and Regulatory Challenges

Democratic opposition, partly due to perceived ties to Trump’s crypto ventures, could delay or derail passage, especially in the Senate, where bipartisan support is critical. Encouraging SEC-CFTC collaboration aims to streamline regulations, but differing agency priorities may slow implementation. Clear regulations could attract crypto businesses, countering the trend of firms moving offshore to jurisdictions like Singapore or Dubai.

If disclosure and compliance requirements are too stringent, smaller firms may struggle, potentially consolidating market power among larger players. Increased retail access and regulatory clarity could fuel speculative trading, inflating asset prices and raising bubble concerns. Until the bill is finalized and agencies issue detailed rules, market uncertainty may persist, affecting investor and business decisions.

The bill could transform the U.S. crypto landscape by fostering innovation, expanding access, and clarifying regulations, but its success hinges on navigating political divides and balancing investor protection with industry growth. Stakeholders should monitor Congressional debates and agency rulemaking for clarity on enforcement.

The Backbone of Modern Life: How Computers Power Everything

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TI Partners

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May 8, 2025

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Just look?around: your phone, your laptop, and even your coffee machine likely have a computer chip inside. We inhabit a world where computers are no longer just machines that sit on our desks; they’re quietly woven into the fabric of just about everything?we use. From transportation, communication, entertainment, and education, computers have become the invisible fuel?that runs the contemporary world. But how, exactly, did we arrive at this point — and how far, exactly, does the power?of computing extend?

Business in the Digital Age: Smarter Payments, Smoother Operations

One of the biggest shifts computers have sparked is how businesses handle payments. Today, dozens of payment service providers (PSPs) operate using different gateways, often causing complex integration delays—especially when trying to work with merchant cashier systems. This is where multi channel payment solutions shine. By allowing companies to start using any PSP within just 1–2 weeks, they eliminate those painful bottlenecks.

Beyond speed, these solutions offer real freedom and security. Businesses can accept payments across platforms smoothly and safely, making them one of the most impactful innovations in modern commerce. Behind the scenes, it’s this quiet tech that keeps today’s economy moving.

Healthcare: Precision, Speed, and Lives Saved

Computers have?an effect that goes beyond finance. They are saving lives in?healthcare. From AI diagnostics to real-time monitoring of patients, computers allow doctors to detect diseases earlier, tailor treatments, and even perform surgery with?robotic precision. Today, hospitals depend on computer systems for everything from?patient records to the supply chain. In a crisis, every second counts, and computers help?guarantee that pertinent information is at hand when needed.

Transportation and Travel: Getting There Smarter

Whether you’re hailing a?ride on a cab app or boarding an international flight, computers are likely playing a big part in making it happen. Traffic control systems, airline ticket booking engines, and GPS?navigation are all driven by computing. And the sci-fi dream of vehicles operating entirely without human intervention is edging closer to becoming mainstream reality. Computers no longer just move?data — they help move us.

Education and Creativity: Expanding Human Potential

Today’s classroom is nothing like the one from a decade?ago. From online learning platforms to virtual classrooms?and interactive educational software, computers have transformed the way education is shared and received. But beyond education,?they have also redefined what is creative. Musicians, artists, writers, and filmmakers?sit at their fancy computers and create their ideas using robust digital tools. You don’t need a full studio to make it?anymore—just a laptop and a little imagination.

Everyday Life: The Invisible Network

There is a tendency for us not to appreciate the computers?that work behind the scenes during the day. They control the lighting in smart homes, maximize energy use, and even recommend?the next show to binge on a streaming service. Our social lives are driven?by algorithms that match us with friends, interests, and communities. Even grocery shopping has gone smarter — automated checkout, inventory management, personalized offers, to name a few — all enabled by?computers.

More Than Machines

We often take for granted the day-working computers, which are responsible for a lot of smart living, such as controlling the lighting of smart homes to ensure maximum energy consumption and even advising the next film that one should watch on some online streaming service. The social life today is determined by algorithms that make sure we have friends who share our interests and place us in communities where we belong. It’s not just about automated checkouts anymore – there are things like inventory control systems or CRM solutions with their digital coupons and so on, all thanks to progress in technology and particularly computers.

Coinbase-Riot Partnership is a High-Stakes Bet to Integrate Crypto Into Gaming

By

Paul Ugbede Godwin

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May 8, 2025

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Coinbase has partnered with Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends and VALORANT, to become the exclusive cryptocurrency exchange and official blockchain technology partner for their global esports events. Announced on May 6, 2025, the multi-year deal kicks off at the VALORANT Champions Tour Masters Toronto on June 7, 2025, and will extend to major tournaments like League of Legends’ Mid-Season Invitational and Worlds, as well as VALORANT’s Masters and Champions events.

The partnership focuses on enhancing fan engagement through media visibility, broadcast integrations, and in-game content rather than direct crypto transactions or blockchain features in the games themselves. Coinbase will introduce new broadcast segments, such as the “Econ Report” for VALORANT and “Gold Grind” for League of Legends, offering real-time analysis of in-game currency and team strategies.

Fans will also receive digital rewards like emotes and icons, plus promotions including all-expenses-paid trips to major events. This move aligns with Coinbase’s strategy to tap into the gaming community, a digital-native audience curious about crypto’s potential. It builds on their existing sports partnerships, like with the NBA and esports organization Team Liquid. However, the deal has sparked skepticism among some fans due to crypto’s controversial history in gaming, including Riot’s prior $96 million sponsorship with the now-collapsed FTX exchange.

Critics worry about the normalization of crypto branding in esports, though no NFT or crypto payment integrations are planned for now. The partnership reflects a broader trend of crypto companies aligning with esports to reach younger audiences, but its success may hinge on navigating community pushback and delivering meaningful fan experiences without overt monetization.

The Coinbase-Riot Games partnership carries significant implications for the integration of cryptocurrency into gaming and esports, while highlighting a persistent divide in how crypto is perceived within the gaming community. The partnership exposes millions of League of Legends and VALORANT fans to Coinbase’s brand through high-profile esports broadcasts, in-game content, and fan rewards. With League of Legends Worlds drawing over 70 million viewers in 2024, this provides Coinbase a massive platform to normalize crypto as a financial tool among a young, tech-savvy audience.

By focusing on branding and engagement (e.g., “Econ Report” segments, digital rewards), Coinbase avoids direct crypto transactions, potentially reducing friction and making crypto more approachable without requiring immediate adoption. Gaming communities are digital-native and overlap with crypto’s target demographic—young, tech-curious individuals. Coinbase’s move could accelerate crypto adoption by embedding its brand in a culturally relevant space, building trust through association with a reputable gaming company like Riot.

The partnership may pave the way for future integrations, such as tokenized rewards, blockchain-based collectibles, or crypto payments for in-game purchases, though these are not currently planned. For Riot Games, the deal secures a major sponsor in Coinbase, providing financial stability in an esports industry often challenged by high costs and volatile sponsorships. This follows Riot’s recovery from the FTX collapse, which cost them $96 million.

The partnership could attract other crypto or blockchain companies to esports, diversifying revenue streams but also risking over-commercialization if not carefully managed. While the current deal focuses on branding, Coinbase’s role as the “official blockchain technology partner” suggests potential exploration of blockchain applications, such as secure ticketing, fan voting systems, or decentralized tournament platforms. These could enhance transparency and engagement if implemented thoughtfully.

Regulatory and Market Risks

The partnership operates in a volatile crypto market and under varying global regulations. Negative market events or regulatory crackdowns could tarnish Coinbase’s brand, impacting Riot’s reputation by association. Conversely, a successful partnership could bolster Coinbase’s credibility, especially as it navigates legal battles like its ongoing SEC disputes.

The partnership underscores a polarized reception of crypto in gaming, driven by historical baggage, philosophical differences, and practical concerns. Riot’s prior $96 million FTX sponsorship, which collapsed in 2022 amid fraud allegations, left a sour taste for many fans. The FTX debacle, coupled with other failed crypto-gaming ventures (e.g., Axie Infinity’s unsustainable play-to-earn model), has made gamers wary of crypto’s reliability and intentions.

Gamers often view crypto integrations as attempts to monetize their hobbies, especially after negative experiences with NFTs and pay-to-win blockchain games. The 2021 backlash against Ubisoft’s NFT plans and Square Enix’s blockchain pivot highlighted this sentiment, with fans accusing companies of prioritizing profits over player experience.

Coinbase’s branding-heavy approach avoids direct monetization, but subtle integrations like broadcast segments still spark fears of creeping commercialization. Supporters argue blockchain can empower players with ownership of digital assets, decentralized governance, or secure transactions. Coinbase’s involvement could signal a step toward innovative fan experiences, like tokenized rewards or transparent prize pools.

Critics see crypto as unnecessary in gaming, arguing that existing systems (e.g., Steam’s marketplace, in-game currencies) already meet player needs without blockchain’s complexity or environmental concerns. Many view crypto sponsorships as opportunistic rather than value-adding. Younger fans and those in crypto-friendly regions (e.g., parts of Asia, North America) may be more open to Coinbase’s presence, especially if rewards like free trips or emotes enhance their experience.

Conversely, fans in regions with stricter crypto regulations (e.g., parts of Europe) or less crypto familiarity may be more skeptical. On X, reactions range from excitement over potential perks to outright dismissal, with some users calling for boycotts of Riot events, though these represent a vocal minority.

Trust and Transparency Concerns

Crypto’s association with scams, volatility, and speculative bubbles fuels distrust. Fans worry that Coinbase’s branding could subtly push crypto adoption without clear disclaimers, especially for younger audiences. Riot’s challenge is to balance Coinbase’s visibility with maintaining community trust, ensuring the partnership feels additive rather than exploitative.

To succeed, Coinbase and Riot must address the divide through: Clearly communicating that no NFTs or crypto payments are planned, focusing on fan-centric benefits like rewards and content. Listening to fan feedback and avoiding overly aggressive crypto branding that could alienate players. Delivering innovative, non-intrusive blockchain applications (e.g., secure ticketing) that prove crypto’s utility without disrupting the gaming experience. Offering subtle, optional resources to demystify crypto for curious fans, avoiding heavy-handed promotion.

The Coinbase-Riot partnership is a high-stakes bet to integrate crypto into gaming’s mainstream through esports, with potential to drive adoption and innovation. However, it faces a divided audience shaped by past failures, cultural resistance, and differing views on blockchain’s role in gaming. Its success will depend on delivering genuine value to fans while navigating skepticism and maintaining Riot’s credibility. The deal could set a precedent for crypto’s role in esports—or serve as a cautionary tale if community backlash overshadows its benefits.

Trump’s Tariffs Hit Hard as Shein, Temu See Sharp Sales Slump and Shift Strategies

By

Samuel Nwite

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May 8, 2025

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The American shopper is beginning to feel the first sting of President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff war on Chinese imports, with fast-fashion giants Shein and Temu recording double-digit sales declines in the wake of sweeping tax hikes.

After months of rising tensions and rhetoric over trade imbalances, Trump’s move to eliminate the de minimis rule, long used by Chinese retailers to ship low-value goods to the U.S. duty-free, has begun to bite. The initial casualty: low-cost online shopping, a category dominated by Shein and Temu.

According to transaction data tracked by Bloomberg Second Measure, Shein’s U.S. sales plummeted by 23 percent between April 25 and May 1, compared with the week prior. Temu, owned by Chinese e-commerce giant PDD Holdings, experienced a 17 percent drop in the same period. The downturn came immediately after both companies began raising prices to offset the newly imposed import tariffs.

This marks a sharp reversal from the retail boom seen in March and early April, when price-conscious consumers rushed to stockpile cheap clothing, gadgets, and kitchen items ahead of the expected price surge. Now, the cost of inflation is no longer theoretical—it’s showing up in shopping carts.

The blowback stems from Trump’s dismantling of the de minimis loophole, which previously allowed shipments under $800 to enter the U.S. free of duties. With that lifeline gone, Temu and Shein face an entirely different business calculus. Trump has also hiked tariffs on a range of Chinese imports, some up to 145 percent, drastically reshaping the pricing structure for thousands of products sold online.

Both platforms raised prices from April 25, a move that immediately cooled consumer enthusiasm. Temu, which had based its explosive growth on ultra-low prices for China-made goods, passed on almost all the new tax costs to buyers. In some cases, the price of items doubled overnight.

Bloomberg’s product pricing tracker reveals that Shein’s top 100 beauty and health items more than doubled in price compared to April 15. Toy and game categories rose by over 60 percent, home and kitchen goods saw a 40 percent bump, while women’s clothing increased 10 percent on average.

The effect isn’t limited to consumer pain. Shein’s long-anticipated IPO is now reportedly in doubt. The company is reassessing its U.S. market strategy amid regulatory uncertainty and the impact of tariff-induced operating costs.

Temu’s Strategic Pivot

For Temu, the path forward appears to be a pivot away from Chinese imports entirely. The company is now embracing a “local fulfilment” model, prioritizing inventory sourced from U.S.-based merchants to sidestep import taxes.

Since April 25, Temu has flooded its bestseller pages with goods warehoused domestically. Bloomberg data shows hundreds of items are now marked as “locally shipped” from April 30 onwards. These goods have remained stable in price, shielded from the latest wave of trade penalties.

The shift is dramatic for a company that scaled through cross-border shipping logistics, offering products as low as $1 direct from Chinese factories. Now, it’s effectively rewriting its playbook to survive in a more protectionist U.S. trade environment.

Retailers Caught in the Middle

The pressure isn’t limited to Chinese platforms. Major U.S. retailers like Walmart and Target have yet to raise prices, but behind the scenes, supply chains are straining. Chinese suppliers, many of whom provide private-label goods to American chains, are beginning to balk at absorbing the cost of the tariffs. If they hold the line, prices will inevitably rise for U.S. consumers, or profit margins will erode.

Amazon is already walking a tightrope. After a public complaint from Trump, the company opted not to display tariff charges on its site, a move that underscores the growing unease among retailers. They are now faced with two unattractive options: absorb the cost themselves or push it onto shoppers who are already struggling with high living costs.

U.S. consumer confidence fell to its lowest level in nearly five years in April, according to recent sentiment data. With inflationary pressures expected to intensify in coming months, and more tariffs potentially in the pipeline, the worst may not be over.

What was once a niche debate about import rules has now exploded into a nationwide consumer issue. And with platforms like Shein and Temu serving millions of Americans each month, the fallout from Trump’s tariff hikes is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

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