The victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential election marked a turning point in the approach to the crypto industry. A former skeptic, Trump became a proponent of digital currencies during his campaign, promising that the United States would become the global hub for cryptocurrencies. He made this a reality by signing executive orders upon taking office. These shifts in his stance resulted in the rise of Bitcoin’s value, which today has reached a record price of over $100,000
In times when global economic and political circumstances present numerous challenges but also exciting opportunities, we spoke with David Veselinović, the founder and CEO of Crypto12. In a relatively short period, David has managed to position his company at the forefront of the Serbian cryptocurrency market, demonstrating exceptional business vision. With extensive experience in the iGaming industry and in anti-money laundering, he has brought a new perspective and recognised Serbia’s potential as a key hub for the development of blockchain and crypto technologies.
What led to your decision to establish Crypto12 in Serbia? What strategic advantages do you see in this market, and how do you assess the regulatory framework compared to other developed crypto ecosystems?
I was born in Austria, where the system is well-organised but highly competitive for anyone wanting to launch something new. I found motivation in the potential Serbia offers – from talented people to the unregulated crypto industry that was waiting for someone to shape it. The regulatory framework was just developing when we started, which meant we could set the standards. On the other hand, the energy of young people here is incredible. When you see so much passion for technology, innovation, and change, you know you’re in the right place. Of course, there are challenges – from bureaucracy to banks’ mistrust of the crypto industry – but this only motivated me further.
When you first engaged with the banking sector in Serbia as the founder of a crypto company, what kind of reactions and obstacles did you face? Do you notice any changes in the attitude of financial institutions towards cryptocurrencies, and how significant are these for the development of the industry?
Our initial encounters with the banks were quite challenging. It felt like every door was hard to open. There were a lot of unknowns, even fear regarding crypto. Today, the situation is a bit different. Generally, people are slowly opening up to this industry and starting to see its potential and importance. There’s still a lot of room for improvement, but I’m equally proud of the path we’ve already taken and excited about the one ahead of us.
It took two full years to obtain the licence for Crypto12. How would you describe that process, what regulatory challenges did you face, and how has obtaining the licence impacted your business and the company’s market perception?
Obtaining the licence was a key moment for us. The process was rigorous and detailed, which was expected. The National Bank of Serbia and the Securities Commission set high standards, but I believe this is good both for the industry and for our country.
Our team worked tirelessly to meet all the requirements. This taught us the importance of transparency and patience, but it also positioned Crypto12 as a regional leader. We are currently going through the approval process with the National Bank of Serbia for our mobile application, and we hope to launch the first live version in the next two months.
What distinguishes Crypto12 from other cryptocurrency trading platforms? How do you build trust with users, and what innovations are you introducing to further enhance the digital currency trading experience?
Cryptocurrencies are changing the rules of the game in the financial world, and Crypto12 is here to make that world accessible to everyone. Our mission is to facilitate the transition from traditional to digital finance, allowing users to experience the benefits that crypto brings.
Imagine a world without geographical and time restrictions, where transactions are fast, secure, and affordable. Cryptocurrencies offer exactly that – freedom from complicated bureaucracy and high costs, with the potential to preserve asset value in a way that traditional systems cannot provide.
Obtaining the licence was a pivotal moment for us. The process was rigorous and detailed, which was expected
Crypto12 leverages the power of cryptocurrencies to enable users to invest securely, manage their funds, and handle digital currencies with ease. Our platform is intuitive, reliable, and accessible to anyone who wants to explore new possibilities, whether they are beginners or experienced users.
We believe that crypto is not just technology – it is the future of finance, and we are here to help you be a part of that change.
How important is regional cooperation for the further growth and development of Crypto12? Do you have ambitions to expand beyond Serbia, and how do you see the future of the crypto industry in this part of Europe?
Collaboration with regional companies is essential. We are pioneers in this space, and I believe that healthy competition is key to progress. We have a great relationship with colleagues from the region because we share the same values and goals – to build trust and help the development of the crypto industry in the region.
In addition, for the second consecutive year, we are organising the ‘Crypto Potentials’ conference, which will be held in June 2025. Last year, we hosted prominent figures from the crypto world, both regionally and globally, and we are planning an even more ambitious programme for the next edition.
What are your key pieces of advice for young entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the cryptocurrency field? What challenges should they be prepared for, and what lessons would you share from your own experience?
First and foremost, do not be afraid of failure. Success is never linear. Give yourself the space and freedom to think outside the box. I’ve always believed that uninspiring business plans are not the key to success, especially in new industries or when entering with something no one has tried before.
Of course, you cannot go without a financial plan and strategy – the risk needs to be acknowledged and controlled.
But there are moments when you need to trust yourself, your instincts, and your courage. Sometimes, not everything is in tables and predictions; sometimes, it’s about the feeling that you’re doing something important and different. Every time I followed that feeling, it turned out to be the right move.
So, I would tell young entrepreneurs: be realistic, but never forget to be bold. The right balance between preparation and passion often leads to the best results.
What are Crypto12’s long-term goals and strategic initiatives for the coming years? Are there any specific projects or technological innovations you are developing that could significantly impact the industry?
Our focus is on the development of our mobile app and all the tools that will enable the mass adoption of crypto in everyday life. Additionally, we plan to introduce more educational programmes to help users better understand the benefits of crypto. Our goal is not only to be the largest exchange in Serbia but also a leader in the region.
Crypto12 has experienced remarkable growth in a short period. How do you manage to maintain stability and service quality amidst such rapid expansion? What are the biggest challenges you face in the scaling process?
We’re not the oldest, but we are the largest – and that’s a huge responsibility. The key to managing growth is the right choice of people and strategy. Recently, we hired a new director with extensive experience in the banking sector to further strengthen our team. The main challenge is balancing innovation with maintaining a high level of security and user experience.
