Stephen DeMeulenaere

Contributing to the Financial Technologies of the Commons

See what I have been doing lately.

Hello, I'm Stephen

Since 1990 I've been active in building and contributing to theoretical, practical and technological developments in network economies that are at the foundation of a ecologically-sustainable world.

Starting with the Local Exchange Trading system (LETS) in Canada in 1991, I then moved to focusing on social and economic impact projects using special purpose currencies in Central and South America, Africa and then Asia, where I have been based the past 20 years. Meanwhile, I was active in the digital currency space in North America and Europe. I'm recognized as one of the pioneers and leaders in this effort.

But it hasn't been easy these past 35 years. It's taken a lot of dedication, resilience, self-reliance and resourcefulness to be able to focus on the work through the decades of obscurity. It's made me a better person, highly versatile and exremely optimistic about the future.

Stephen DeMeulenaere
Presenting on Blockchain technologies in Beijing, China in 2019.

What I Do Best

Advising & Consulting

In this picture I'm speaking with President of East Timor/Timor Leste, Jose Ramos-Horta. Since the mid-1990s I have provided consulting services to a wide variety of organizations from the International Development Research Center to the Provincial Government of East New Britain, Papua New Guinea, to Development Alternatives Inc., IDK Foundation, UNCTAD, UNFAO and many others. I'm a registered UN consultant.

Training & Presenting

In this picture I'm speaking at the United Nations in Geneva, opening Blockchains for Sustainable Development, an event I organized. Having been an educator, trainer, facilitator and mentor for startups, NGOs, companies and financial institutions, I develop and deliver training programs and workshops on my own and together with my collaborators. As a speaker, I have presented at numerous conferences worldwide.

Strategy & Partnerships

In this picture I'm speaking at American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) South Korea's first Blockchain Event. Much of my work as a team member in a company has been in positions at the intersection of partnerships, business development, sales, marketing, communications, community management, an on speaking on behalf of a project, foundation, or company as a representative.

Testimonials

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    “I just want to say how much I appreciate all the work you’ve been doing in this field, and I really see you as some of the, among the bright lights of this next generation of folks in the community currency movement. I just want to say I really appreciate you.”
    Tesa Silvestre
    Consultant
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    “I have had several different opportunities to work with Stephen along the years. Each time I could enjoy Stephen’s rigor and the depth of his expertise, not just in complementary currencies (a huge field), but also where the world goes. Stephen knows how to combine the big picture with practical ‘get the work done’ things. A very rare quality.”
    Jean-Francois Noubel
    Collective Intelligence Research Institute
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    “Stephen has a long history in the field of community and complementary currencies in Canada, Latin America and Asia. He has designed several community currency models for economic development purposes in the third world, and he wrote valuable articles on the subject. We are proud that Stephen is, after many years of being a fellow, now a Partner at Qoin.”
    Edgar Kampers
    Qoin Foundation
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    “I engaged Stephen as a consultant to carry out a study of traditional currencies in East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea in 2001. I was impressed by his extraordinary knowledge of complementary currencies, by his contribution to the field, and by his dedication to the study. The work went seamlessly. The client loved the result. I recommend him highly.”
    David Week
    Assai Culture-Driven Projects
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    “There is no doubt that Stephen is recognized as one of the pioneers who has done most, not just in conceptual, technical and financial innovation, but also in real-life implementation. He has made a incalculable contribution to monetary transformation.”
    Michel Bauwens
    P2P Foundation

Contact Me

Stephen DeMeulenaere

I've taken the long and winding road and preferred to take the path of a generalist, although I have also taken time to dive deep and specialize in certain key areas. I have lots of experience outside of these three main areas, so if you think I may be suitable in a completely different area, don't hesitate to bring it up when we talk.

See what I have been doing lately.