EFTA00667304.pdf

From: Jem Bendell To: Jeffrey Epstein <jeevacation@gmail.com> Subject: Re: YGLs, Future of Money & Alternative Currencies - greetings & update Date: Sun, 16 Sep 2012 13:59:24 +0000 To explore that topic ("revamp the financial system/ markets") would mean a broader discussion than either how to pioneer a scalable exchange system or building the movement/profession of alternative exchange systems. Because this would also consider the broader field of monetary reform and how to promote it. This is the topic of a panel I ran in a festival in Sweden recently, where we included people working on national monetary reform, local community exchange systems, and full reserve banks. Various campaigns such as www.positivemoney.org.uk are promoting awareness and policy proposals about monetary reform. For this broader discussion, the title could be "Strategies for a Sustainable Transformation of Monetary Systems" and it would bring together people to look at methods via education, advocacy, lobbying, as well as the development and promotion of scaleable alternatives. It could split into two working groups at some point, one on monetary reform, the other on exchange alternatives. It would help people to be ambitious and creative in thinking about largescale change, and practical in specifying what needs to be done and how to fund it. Myself, I made the decision a 18 months ago to focus on scaleable disruptive innovation in this field, rather than the policy work (which is more my background), as I think thats where we can see rapid change, and where rapid change will also add power to the reform agenda. If this isnt what you had in mind, then, either a) can you write what you have in mind, or call me and explain it? Or b) If you ask me, I'll write what I think the main things that need doing on monetary reform and exchange alternatives and strategies to get there (from my background in social change advisory with various groups). If (b), Id need to do it on 23rd/24th as have too much teaching and travel before then. Thanks, Jem On 15 September 2012 21:00, Jeffrey Epstein <jeevacation®gmail.com> wrote: revamp the financial system/ markets On Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 2:35 AM, Jem Bendell AGREED! ME NEITHER. wrote: nb: No chance at present of money laundering or theft or hidden transactions with mutual/self issued credit systems. You would like to explore this in order to: a) help create a scaleable new initiative in the market for alternative exchange systems? Therefore this is early stage exploration for what could become a commercial or not-for-profit enterprise that you might support? OR b) help the emerging "movement" or "profession" in the alternative exchange space to up their game in terms of scale and so they dont cause social harm (tax avoidance, money laundering, drug payments etc)? OR BOTH, OR EFTA00667304 c) something else On 15 September 2012 16:29, Jeffrey Epstein <jeevacation®gmail.com> wrote: Tax is only a detail , but a serious one. I would like to explore all alternatives.. BUT only scalable ones. quasi barter exchanges , ( though most are only one level deep. as opposed to computation ability can find all trades ). are problematic. the taxing of even virtual currency, by the IRS , is a good example of what can go wrong. ( irs publication ). must be careful to avoid aiding and abetting money laundering. serious crimes. the bitcoin guys said they didn't mind having to go to jail. sorry , not me On Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 2:15 AM, Jem Bendell Its complex. I see various possible solutions: wrote: For mutual credit and self issued credit, if the denomination is a national currency, such as with the WIR and CHF or the new TEM (in greece) and the EUR, then tax owed on the trades is easy to calculate. Collection is another matter: but mutual credit and self issued credit systems can be completely transparent with full transaction records. The WIR system participants pay tax OK, in CHF equivalent. That probably puts a downwards pressure on the volume of trades in WIR. Ideally, national/state/municipal govns should charge tax in the exchange unit that the transactions are taking place, as this then provides a backing (i.e. the unit can be spent for taxes). Economist and former central banker Bernard Lietaer has proposed a "boon" well local governments would issue their own fiat currency, which could then be used to pay taxes. Different countries have different laws. For instance, in France, if your local non money-denominated income is for a trade thats not your main profession, then they do not need to be declared. In Belgium, a professional services exchange systems between social entrepreneurs was dropped after a year, as their accountants said it needed to be declared, and the participants felt this was commodifying and bringing into the formal economy the favours that were being done for professional friends. If the government would have accepted the alternative unit as tax payment, then that would have helped. But we are a long way from that level of understanding and support from governments. Its a complex area, which needs exploring as part of the development of strategies for scaling alternative exchange systems. Is this the kind of exploration you would like to support/host/participate in? On 15 September 2012 15:54, Jeffrey Epstein leevacation@gmail.com> wrote: i do not see how taxes are paid , in any of these systems so far. , in most of these structures , exchanges take place, and no one gets dollars or govt acceptnace scripts to pay the govt ( fed local state) tax . solution? On Fri, Sep 14, 2012 at 8:28 PM, Jem Bendell wrote: At communit) rf;rge.net (the NGO I serve on he board ot we have stayed away from bitcoin-type initiatives. We are now the leading provider of free open source software for community exchange systems. My interest is in massive scale, and so while our support for communities and local businesses is good, for me its been more of a process to learn about the principles and systems, with the aim of one day helping launch a global mutual credit system, integrated into relevant social media, where we can exchange globally, simply, securely, and without banks interest (although perhaps banks could develop new business models, if they wanted to become involved: its just they wouldnt make money by controlling the credit supply). Business self issued credit is another option we are now working on, with the Common Good Bank EFTA00667305 in the US. To achieve a global mutual credit would require action on multiple fronts, not just technical. i.e. how to launch to make viral, how to build understanding and support, how to address/advise on legal and tax, how to recover costs or generate additional revenues, how to disperse revenues in ways acceptable to (or incentivising) users of the exchange system, how to design to protect from future backlash or technological attack, etc. Discussions with this type of ambitious agenda have not taken place and Id be happy to help curate one. I called again; I can speak whenever from now on. On 15 September 2012 04:14, Jeffrey Epstein <jeevacation@gmail.com> wrote: i think there are places for more than one type„ I want to stay away from the anonyouse ( but coin type „ ) too easy to attack as drug related.. i would opt for the extreme opposite total transparancy, On Fri, Sep 14, 2012 at 12:03 PM, Jem Bendell Hi Jeffrey Some quick thoughts from our call (as Im going to sleep now). > wrote: - I agree with your concerns re terminology, and related to that, the broader legal issues, in order to help alternatives to scale while being seen as complementary to existing institutions and government revenues. The use of the term currency is widespread in this field of alternative exchange systems, and so thats why I currently use it to make it simple to communicate with people already involved in this field. - Im pleased to hear of your ambition re scaleable alternatives to the current monetary options. Yes, the WIR mutual credit system is only about 1% of Swiss GDP, although has broader effects due to its counter cyclical impacts (economist Stodder's research). I sense from your comment that this isnt largescale, that you aim for really transformative solutions. I think now such solutions are possible, given technology. I share the same hope for massive scale of alternatives. - My current view of what could scale well beyond 1% of GDP is that they might be found within i) b2b2c mutual credit systems (where the issue of trust over extended networks would need to be cracked via affinity groups, trust metrics, insurances etc), which my NGO is now working on ii) b2c self-issued credit systems (where mutual recognition by participating businesses and ability to subdivide credit would be key) iii) a follow up to Bitcoin, with fully distributed systems so it cant be disrupted or shut down, demurrage to encourage circulation not hoarding, and a more sustainable way of issuance than the use of massive amounts of computer power iv) a commodity backed digital currency, thats backed by something that we want, e.g. kilowatt hours, or baskets of goods. The first two arent new "currencies" as such, but exchange systems. I know people who may be able to participate in a discussion about strategies for promoting scaleable solutions in this area. EFTA00667306 I look forward to talking tomorrow. Thx, Jem On 15 September 2012 00:32, Jem Bendell > wrote: im checked in now. i tried to return call but it said wrong number. am awake for another hour. i can call if i have yr number On Sep 14, 2012 9:30 PM, "Jeffrey Epstein" <jeevacation@gmail.com> wrote: first, i would strongly suggest , changing ,/ eliminating any reference to the word "currency ", . it will be a problem. ( only if you are successful at this ). On Fri, Sep 14, 2012 at 6:11 AM, Jem Bendell wrote: Hi Jeffrey, I think Ive found a 501c3 in US who the Uni of Cumbria can sign an MoU with to collaborate to effectively deliver workshops on alternative currencies and exchange. Id prefer Uni of Cumbria leadership on this, but it provides an option for you, if 501c3 is key for you. Im still in China. Its 8pm here now. Thanks, Jem On 13 September 2012 11:00, Jeffrey Epstein <jea®gmail.com> wrote: sorry, no. lets try again this weekend. On Wed, Sep 12, 2012 at 10:59 PM, Jem Bendell > wrote: hi jeffrey. im in a session here at the world economic forum for another hour. can we chat after that? On 13 September 2012 10:56, Jeffrey Epstein <jeevacation@gmail.com> wrote: great ill call in 5 minutes On Wed, Sep 12, 2012 at 10:43 AM, Jem Bendel > wrote: now? im or and up for another two hours On Sep 12, 2012 6:51 PM, "Jeffrey Epstein" <jeevacation@gmail.com> wrote: west coast with . lets talk on the phone today for 10 minutes you choose a time. On Tue, Sep 11, 2012 at 11:26 PM, Jem Bendell wrote: Thx Jeffrey. lye checked, and The University of Cumbria is a UK registered charity. No news yet from my colleagues yet on any US affiliation for receiving funds. Is that key, or can you make foreign charity donations? They have confirmed there would be no top slicing i.e. overhead fees, for a small grant. EFTA00667307 Beijing is 12 hours ahead of new york. On Monday, 9pm in Beijing would be 9am in New York. Does that work? If u are west coast then we need to choose a different time. On 12 September 2012 07:45, Jeffrey <jeevacation@gmail.com> wrote: Yes Sony for all the typos .Sent from my iPhone On Sep 11, 2012, at 3:34 PM, Jem Bendell wrote: Thx Jeffrey. lye asked my colleagues at the Uni to get back to me soon re tax issues for donations, and how it works with US donations. The NGO community forge will not receive charitable status for another 3 months, and it is Swiss. Happy to help another org in US organise if it needs to be 501c3 rather than a foreign charity (Ill check with April also). Could we chat on Monday 17th? During the daytime, in Beijing (which is GMT +8 hours). Thx, Jem On 11 September 2012 19:44, Jeffrey Epstein leevacation@gmail.com> wrote: lets set a skype time. - is there a US 501 c 3 arm of your endeavors.? On The, Sep 11, 2012 at 3:34 AM, Jem Bendell wrote: Hello Jeffrey, It's great to hear of your interest. I came to this topic 3 years ago. For context, Im a Professor of Sustainability Leadership, and a Board Member of Community Forge, which is now the world's leading provider of free open source software for community currencies. About 500 currencies use our tools, for instance, Time Banks USA runs on our software. lye also now become head of research of the Green Money Working Group, which informally brings together some of the top thinkers and innovators on alternative currencies. Info on some of the reasons for this work I describe in my TEDx talk: http://www.youtube.corn/watch?v=X5uGLbV5zVo I can help in either of the following ways: a) Leading the organising, production and facilitation of an event, either via the University of Cumbria or Community Forge. Both are non profits. b) Helping another organisation do the organising and production, and instead specialising in advice on agenda, participants and facilitation. EFTA00667308 It would be great to work with April on this, and any other WEF YGLS who may be interested. I would be delighted to chat in the coming days. Please suggest a date/time. For factoring in time zones: Im in China until Sept 18th. Then Im in Brisbane until Oct 1st. Then Singapore until Oct 7th. My phone is and skype is MIMS Thanks, Jem Ps: Boris, I hope to meet here in Tianjin and chat about this and other ideas. cOS 2012 Hi lem and April... wrote: We have been going back and forth about how to have a small convening with the YGL best and brightest around alternative currencies and the future of money. I'd like to introduce you to Jeffrey Epstein, whose philanthropic interest overlap in this area. Here is a website with some of his recent grants and projects: http://www.jeffreyepstein.org home html Jeffrey has offered to provide the resources, in the form of a grant, to a 501c3 or charitable equivalent organization that might host a convening related to this topic. He has proposed several venues which could host up to 10 or so of the foremost thinkers in this space. I've copied Jeffrey on this email so you can start a discussion with him and mutually decide if this is something that makes sense to all of you. Boris is copied as an FYI only. Let me know if I can be helpful in any way. EFTA00667309 Thanks everyone, ******************************************************** *** The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client privileged, may constitute inside information, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. It is the property of Jeffrey Epstein Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying of this communication or any part thereof is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail or by e-mail to jeevacation@gmail.com and destroy this communication and all copies thereof, including all attachments. copyright -all rights reserved The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client privileged, may constitute inside information, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. It is the property of Jeffrey Epstein Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying of this communication or any part thereof is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail or by e-mail to jeevacation@gmail.com, and destroy this communication and all copies thereof, including all attachments. copyright -all rights reserved ■********************************************************** The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client privileged, may EFTA00667310 constitute inside information, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. It is the property of Jeffrey Epstein Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying of this communication or any part thereof is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail or by e-mail to jeevacation@gmail.com, and destroy this communication and all copies thereof, including all attachments. copyright -all rights reserved *********************************************************** The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client privileged, may constitute inside information, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. It is the property of Jeffrey Epstein Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying of this communication or any part thereof is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail or by e-mail to jeevacation@gmail.com, and destroy this communication and all copies thereof, including all attachments. copyright -all rights reserved The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client privileged, may constitute inside information, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. It is the property of Jeffrey Epstein Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying of this communication or any part thereof is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail or by e-mail to jeevacation@gmail.com, and destroy this communication and all copies thereof, including all attachments. copyright -all rights reserved EFTA00667311 *********************************************************** The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client privileged, may constitute inside information, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. It is the property of Jeffrey Epstein Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying of this communication or any part thereof is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail or by e-mail to jeevacation@gmail.com, and destroy this communication and all copies thereof, including all attachments. copyright -all rights reserved *********************************************************** The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client privileged, may constitute inside information, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. It is the property of Jeffrey Epstein Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying of this communication or any part thereof is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail or by e-mail to jeevacation@gmail.com, and destroy this communication and all copies thereof, including all attachments. copyright -all rights reserved *********************************************************** The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client privileged, may constitute inside information, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. It is the property of Jeffrey Epstein Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying of this communication or any part thereof is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail or by e-mail to jeevacation@gmail.com, and destroy this communication and all copies thereof, including all attachments. copyright -all rights reserved EFTA00667312 *********************************************************** The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be attorney-client privileged, may constitute inside information, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. It is the property of Jeffrey Epstein Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying of this communication or any part thereof is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail or by e-mail to jeevacation@gmail.com, and destroy this communication and all copies thereof, including all attachments. copyright -all rights reserved EFTA00667313