Fintech Blueprint: One of Web3’s Most Technical Newsletters

The first thing you notice about Lex Sokolin’s Fintech Blueprint isn’t the subscriber count (though 104,000+ readers is impressive) – it’s how he breaks down complex DeFi concepts like they’re bar conversations. Last week’s deep dive into MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) explained front-running better than most crypto books I’ve read.

What Makes It Worth Your Time:

The newsletter strikes a rare balance between technical depth and real-world application. Instead of just reporting news, Sokolin connects dots across the industry. When FTX collapsed, rather than pile onto the breaking news, he wrote an analysis of cross-border settlement systems that explained why centralized exchanges became so powerful in the first place.

The Structure That Works:

Each edition opens with a “This Week in Context” section – a quick rundown of major fintech moves and what they actually mean for the industry. The main section then deep-dives into one specific topic, whether it’s the rise of embedded finance or why traditional banks are rushing to offer crypto custody.

But here’s where it gets interesting: Sokolin includes code snippets and system architecture diagrams when relevant. A recent piece on Uniswap v4 included actual Solidity code examples showing how the new hooks system works. For non-developers, these sections are optional but add credibility to the analysis.

The Nitty-Gritty:

• Price: Free weekly edition, $25/month for full access
• Length: ~2,500 words per edition (15-minute read)
• Frequency: Every Tuesday morning
• Specialty: Deep technical analysis of DeFi and fintech infrastructure

What Could Be Better:

The newsletter occasionally assumes too much background knowledge. References to “Curve wars” or “yield farming strategies” might fly over newcomers’ heads. A glossary or “Start Here” guide for new subscribers would help tremendously.

Additionally, the premium tier, while worth it for industry professionals, might be steep for casual readers. A middle-tier option around $10/month could capture more of the curious-but-not-committed audience.

Should You Subscribe?

If you work in fintech or DeFi, absolutely. If you’re just crypto-curious, start with the free tier. The technical deep-dives might be overwhelming at first, but Sokolin’s analysis of market trends and industry shifts is invaluable for understanding where digital finance is headed.

Lex Sokolin is a partner at Generative Ventures, investing in machine economy of Web3 + AI + Fintech. Ex Chief Economist & CMO at Consensys, Founder of Fintech Blueprint, AdvisorEngine, and NestEgg Wealth.

Bottom line: In a space full of price predictions and protocol shilling, Fintech Blueprint stands out by focusing on the infrastructure and incentives that actually drive the industry forward. It’s less about what’s happening and more about why it matters.