Thomas Coughlin is the CEO of Kinesis Money, a monetary system based on physical gold and silver that integrates blockchain technology. ^[5]

Career

Coughlin began his career as chief investment officer at TRAC Financial Group in Brisbane, Australia, from 2007 to 2011. During his tenure, he oversaw investment strategy and financial services. He became CEO of Allocated Bullion Exchange (ABX), the first electronic institutional exchange for allocated physical precious metals, in 2011. Based in Brisbane, he led the development of MetalDesk, an online platform designed to modernize and globalize bullion trading by enabling direct access to gold, silver, and platinum markets across major global liquidity centers. From 2013 to 2016, Coughlin also served as CEO of Bullion Capital, a company offering a global physical bullion market through an online trading platform aimed at traders and investors.

Since February 2018, he has been CEO of Kinesis Money, a Cayman Islands–based monetary system that uses asset-backed digital currencies to promote financial velocity and return on capital. The platform is designed to function as a store of value and a medium of exchange, integrating allocated precious metals and a multifaceted yield system to incentivize participation and circulation.

In December 2018, Coughlin was appointed commissioner at the Blockchain Commission for Sustainable Development. In this role, he supports blockchain initiatives to address global challenges, including economic development, resource conservation, and financial inclusion. The commission collaborates with the United Nations and other stakeholders to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. ^{[1] [2]}

Interviews

Kinesis Money

In an interview with Northstar Badcharts, Coughlin elaborated on the company’s innovative platform that combines gold and silver with blockchain technology, essentially allowing users to treat physical precious metals as money. Coughlin explained that Kinesis evolved from the Allocated Bullion Exchange and sought to fill a gap in the marketplace by providing services to various sectors, including governments and retail users. The platform introduced a unique yield system that incentivized transactions and encouraged using metals as currency. Additionally, Coughlin outlined the company's plans for global expansion, introducing new currencies and implementing rigorous safety and security measures, including biannual audits of the physical metals held in custody. The overarching goal was to promote gold and silver as sound money alternatives amidst fluctuations in fiat currencies. ^[6]

Gold & Silver

In an interview with Bart Chilton, Coughlin discussed the functionalities and benefits of Kinesis, which he described as more than just a cryptocurrency but a comprehensive currency and banking system. He explained that Kinesis allows individuals to mint their coins backed by gold, providing a tangible asset as opposed to traditional cryptocurrencies. Coughlin emphasized the system's efficiency, claiming transactions could be processed in mere seconds at a minimal cost, while addressing risks associated with conventional banking, such as counterparty risk. He also outlined how Kinesis offers unique incentives for users to engage with their currency, allowing them to earn a share of transaction fees perpetually. Coughlin highlighted that Kinesis operates on a decentralized structure to minimize risks often associated with cryptocurrency exchanges, such as hacks. The interview concluded with Coughlin's assertion that Kinesis has a robust regulatory framework, benefiting from its foundation in the established bullion exchange sector. ^[7]

Gold Payment System

On Palisades Gold Radio, Coughlin discussed Kinesis Money’s evolution and development of a payment system centered around gold and silver, reflecting on the challenges faced in the financial sector during the global crisis. He noted that Kinesis originated from the Allocated Bullion Exchange (ABX), which aimed to enhance security and reduce counterparty risk in precious metal investments. Coughlin explained that introducing blockchain technology was pivotal, allowing for decentralized transactions in a system that promoted gold and silver as viable forms of currency. This led to the design of a yield system to stimulate money velocity, encouraging users to engage with gold and silver actively. He described various incentives within the Kinesis system, including passive and active yields based on participation in the ecosystem. He outlined how customers could convert cryptocurrencies and fiat into precious metals for everyday transactions. Additionally, Coughlin highlighted the current growth trajectory of Kinesis, with approximately 70,000 users and significant quantities of metal in reserve, while further planning future enhancements to integrate their systems with digital currency acceptance. ^[8]

About Kinesis

In a 2018 interview with Tokenpost, Coughlin explained the Kinesis's efforts to build a new monetary system that combined the historical stability of gold and silver with blockchain technology. He described Kinesis as a closed-loop system that allowed users to mint, store, and spend digital assets backed by physical precious metals, while also earning yields through various activities such as minting and holding. Coughlin emphasized that the system aimed to address flaws in the traditional banking model by enabling efficient, secure, and transparent transactions through a modified version of the Stellar blockchain. He also highlighted the company’s roots in the Allocated Bullion Exchange (ABX), established in 2011, and discussed Kinesis’ partnerships with institutions like Deutsche Börse and the Indonesian post office. Security concerns were addressed by referencing insured, high-security vaults and a decentralized exchange model. The platform was scheduled to launch in March 2019, with features like debit cards and online banking designed to support real-world adoption. ^[9]

Presentations

Gold-Backed Crypto

In a presentation for the Prosperity News Network, Coughlin highlighted Kinesis's aim to merge the advantages of cryptocurrencies with the stability of precious metals. He described the primary problems existing cryptocurrencies face, such as volatility and valuation challenges, which Kinesis sought to address by establishing a more stable monetary system based on gold and silver. Coughlin explained Kinesis's unique features, including its innovative blockchain technology and distinct yield system that incentivizes the use of its currency. He emphasized the benefits for users in terms of transaction fees, rewards for usage, and the potential for shared wealth within the ecosystem. Coughlin's finance and investment management background played a crucial role in shaping the project's vision, which he posited as a solution to the limitations of traditional monetary systems. ^[3]

Panels

Kinesis Q&A

In a Kinesis webinar, the leadership team at Kinesis addressed numerous questions from participants regarding the Kinesis Monetary System and its functionalities. The team, including Chief Commercial Officer Ryan Case and Richard Melbourne, discussed the capabilities of Kinesis Pay, the speed of transactions on the Kinesis blockchain, and the anticipated launch dates for Kinesis currencies. They clarified the need for an e-wallet to utilize certain features and described how transaction fees contribute to yields for Kinesis Velocity Token (KVT) holders. They also reassured participants about stored gold and silver security measures, provided insights into their competitive advantages, and stated that the system's viability would not depend on KVT sales. The webinar concluded with discussions about integration with third-party systems and the implications of regulatory frameworks. ^[4]