Alessio Vinassa is an internationally recognized entrepreneur and Web3 advocate. Through his work in blockchain development and Web3 innovation, he is championing a new model of confidence — one based on transparency, immutability, and decentralized systems. Vinassa believes that it’s time to radically redefine what trust means. This new definition should not necessarily depend on the presence of centralized gatekeepers. He sees the loss of public trust in traditional institutions, and particularly in these more centralized players, as impetus for innovation rather than a reason to despair.

Vinassa for one has a strong belief that trust is becoming more programmable and more universal. He recognizes younger generations as active agents and essential partners in creating a new model of trust. Specifically, Gen Z and Millennials are at the forefront of this movement.

Blockchain as a Tool for Transparency

As Vinassa points out, blockchain completely reverses that long-standing model of trust. Rather than trust promises from organizations and agencies, blockchain delivers a provable layer of evidence.

"We've relied too long on assurances from institutions. Blockchain flips the model: don’t tell me you’re trustworthy—show me," - Alessio Vinassa

We cannot prove trust, so he argues for creating systems that give you transparent ways to verify it, like blockchain. Vinassa goes on to note that trust is no longer guaranteed, but instead demonstrated, thanks to the use of blockchain.

When institutions are unable to live up to trust, Vinassa argues, we need systems that don’t need trust. Blockchain technology not only allows secure interactions but allows secure transactions. Most importantly, it allows these processes to continue without publicly identifying the participants.

"When institutions stop earning trust, we need systems that don’t require it. Blockchain lets us interact, transact, and build without ever having to wonder who’s behind the curtain," - Alessio Vinassa

The Rise of Trustless Interactions

As Vinassa explains, trustless interaction opens up new avenues for commerce, collaboration, and governance. His vision is that blockchain will establish international relations based on code rather than contracts. The DOT chief sees this as a paradigm change.

"Trustless interaction expands what’s possible in commerce, collaboration, and governance. It enables international relationships based on code, not contracts—and that’s transformative," - Alessio Vinassa

Banks, for example, could use blockchain to settle transactions with complete security and in real time. Through these decentralized systems, Vinassa hopes a future can be built where confidence is earned, not granted.

Vinassa places particular focus on the emergence of the trustless society. Her transformation isn’t a result of losing faith — it’s because the tools are now available that take away the requirement for blind faith. Blockchain changes the nature of trust from a leap of faith to a radical transparency embodied in the technology.

"We’re witnessing the emergence of a trustless society—not because we trust less, but because we finally have tools that don’t require blind faith. With blockchain, trust is no longer a leap—it’s a feature," - Alessio Vinassa

Generational Shift Towards Digital Trust

Vinassa sees the younger generations, and especially Gen Z and Millennials, as taking the reins to push us in this new direction of trust. These younger generations are more open to digital services that lead with transparency about how their data is being used.

A 2024 Deloitte report supports this perspective. It’s a very telling sign that over 70% of Gen Zers and Millennials prefer services that are upfront about how their users’ data is used. This preference is indicative of the demand for accountability and openness in our digital interactions.

The 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer tells us we’re in a deep crisis of confidence. Only 40% of people around the world now say they trust their governments, and only 51% say they trust business leaders. Vinassa probably considers these numbers to be pretty great evidence. In doing so, they bring to life an urgent call for a new model of trust that relies on verifiable systems rather than misplaced authority.