Understanding blockchain and cryptocurrency in a historical context. Douglas J. Pepe is a partner in New York litigation boutique Joseph Hage Aaronson. By day, he represents hedge funds, financial institutions, corporations and large law firms in complex commercial disputes. On nights and weekends, he pursues his newfound passion in blockchain and crypto. He and a friend have been building a growing cryptocurrency mining operation and designing crypto-related algorithmic trading strategies. Doug’s two worlds are beginning to merge, as he has recently begun giving legal advice on cryptocurrency regulatory issues in his day job. He is the father of Ranney students Andrew, Desmond, Kyra and Deegan Pepe. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx