…

Unchained

…

Laura Shin

Crypto assets and blockchain technology are about to transform every trust-based interaction of our lives, from financial services to identity to the Internet of Things. In this podcast, host Laura Shin, an independent journalist covering all things crypto, talks with industry pioneers about how crypto assets and blockchains will change the way we earn, spend and invest our money. Tune in to find out how Web 3.0, the decentralized web, will revolutionize our world. Disclosure: I'm a nocoiner.

#710

Why Congressman Ro Khanna Is Hopeful the Democratic Party Will Embrace Crypto - Ep. 679

The Democratic Party has faced criticism from the crypto industry for its stance on the sector, but House Representative Ro Khanna is determined to change that narrative. In this episode, he talks about his efforts to shift the party’s approach, his thoughts on the current regulatory environment, and his vision for a crypto-friendly future. He gives his insights on the implications of the Supreme Court’s overturning of the Chevron doctrine, the potential for a crypto bill this year, and his upcoming remarks at the Nashville Bitcoin conference. Plus, if you are a single-issue voter, he’s got something to say to you. Show highlights: ---00:00 Intro ---01:36 How Rep. Khanna is working to change the Democrat approach to crypto policy in the U.S. ---04:54 What Rep. Khanna's response is to formerly Democratic crypto voters, such as Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, who have decided to vote for Trump this election ---07:12 What Rep. Khanna would like to see in a potential crypto plank of the Democratic Party platform ---07:58 Who Rep. Khanna believes should be the next SEC chair under a potential Harris administration ---08:41 His thoughts on Christy Goldsmith Romero's nomination as chair of the FDIC ---09:37 Rep. Khanna's perspective on how to convince Democratic Party members about the benefits of crypto ---11:21 How Rep. Khanna views the Supreme Court's overturning of the Chevron doctrine and its implications for crypto ---13:29 What key points Rep. Khanna will address in his upcoming remarks at the Bitcoin conference ---14:16 What broader implications Rep. Khanna sees in the vote and its potential impact on the crypto industry ---15:43 Whether a crypto bill could pass this year in Congress ---18:11 Crypto Recap Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! --- [iTrustCapital] (https://www.itrustcapital.com/) --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) --- [PlayFi Labs] (http://playfi.ai/) Guest --- [Ro Khanna] (https://khanna.house.gov/) , U.S. representative from California ---Previous appearance on Unchained: [Congressman Ro Khanna: How to Get More Democrats into Web3] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/congressman-ro-khanna-how-to-get-more-democrats-into-web3/) Links ---Recent coverage of Unchained on politics and the elections: --- [Congressman French Hill on Crypto and His Top Pick for the Next SEC Chair] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/congressman-french-hill-on-crypto-and-his-top-pick-for-the-next-sec-chair/) --- [Anthony Scaramucci on Why He Supports Biden and Thinks He, Not Trump, Is Best for Crypto] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/anthony-scaramucci-on-why-he-supports-biden-and-thinks-he-not-trump-is-best-for-crypto/) --- [Why Many Democrats, Including the White House, Have Come Around on Crypto] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-many-democrats-including-the-white-house-have-come-around-on-crypto/) --- [Senator Cynthia Lummis on Why Crypto Now Has Bipartisan Support in Congress] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/senator-cynthia-lummis-on-why-crypto-now-has-bipartisan-support-in-congress/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

13 hrs Ago

29 MINS

29:12

13 hrs Ago

#709

Apps on the TON Blockchain Have Become Extremely Popular. Is It Sustainable? - Ep. 678

The Open Network, aka TON, has been on a tear since late February. TVL has skyrocketed 34x since the beginning of the year, reaching over $750 million as of the time of recording. The price of TON has more than tripled from about $2 to $7, and daily active addresses recently exceeded those of Ethereum in May and June. Games with fun names like Hamster Kombat and Catizen are gaining traction, and Pantera Capital, an OG crypto investor, is making its largest investments yet in TON. In this episode, Alena Shmalko and Jack Booth from the TON Foundation discuss how TON has managed to garner this traction, especially after a rocky start when the SEC went after the original founder, Telegram. Show highlights: ---00:00 Intro ---02:13 Alena’s and Jack’s backgrounds and how they ended up at TON ---05:35 How TON evolved from its origins with Telegram to its current status and how it began getting traction this year, according to Jack ---11:21 How The Open League helped TON grow its TVL and other important metrics ---15:40 How Telegram's collaboration with TON has evolved through time and how much they work together ---24:47 Whether there are plans for TON to integrate with apps beyond Telegram ---30:15 What in TON’s architecture allows it to be extremely scalable ---33:20 The mechanics of Notcoin and why it has been so successful ---36:49 Whether the rise of games like Notcoin and Hamster Kombat can be sustainable ---46:05 The importance of USDT in Ton ---51:53 When might a Bitcoin trustless bridge be deployed and why it could be significant ---54:43 Whether TON is being used by criminals and what could be done to combat it ---58:59 What strategies will lead TON to have $1 billion in TVL by the end of the year Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guests: --- [Alena Shmalko] (https://x.com/alenka_w3) , Ecosystem Lead at the TON Foundation --- [Jack Booth] (https://x.com/jbfxdotme) , Director of Marketing at the TON Foundation Links ---Previous coverage on Unchained of TON: --- [Could Telegram-Associated TON Blockchain Be the 'Next Solana' and Challenge Ethereum?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/could-telegrams-ton-blockchain-be-the-next-solana-and-successfully-challenge-ethereum/) --- [Layer 2 Networks Are Arriving on the Telegram-Associated TON Blockchain ] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/layer-2-networks-are-arriving-on-the-telegram-associated-ton-blockchain/) --- [TON Blockchain's Stablecoin Transfer Volume Reaches Record $299 Million on US Independence Day ] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/ton-blockchains-stablecoin-transfer-volume-reaches-record-299-million-on-us-independence-day/) --- [What Is Telegram's Ads Network on TON And How Will It Impact Advertisers & Creators?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/telegrams-ads-network-on-ton/) History & Structure --- [TON roadmap] (https://ton.org/en/roadmap) ---CoinDesk: --- [Telegram Abandons TON Blockchain Project After Court Fight With SEC] (https://www.coindesk.com/business/2023/09/13/messaging-app-telegram-gives-endorsement-to-ton-project-token-surges/?_gl=1*5doft2*_up*MQ..*_ga*NzU3MzAxNzEyLjE3MTk5MzMyNzQ.*_ga_VM3STRYVN8*MTcxOTkzMzI3My4xLjAuMTcxOTkzMzI3My4wLjAuNjgyNDA5OTk3) --- [Telegram Agrees to Pay $18.5M Penalty in SEC Settlement Over Failed TON Offering] (https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2020/06/25/telegram-agrees-to-pay-185m-penalty-in-sec-settlement-over-failed-ton-offering/) --- [Messaging App Telegram Gives Endorsement to TON Project; Token Surges] (https://www.coindesk.com/business/2023/09/13/messaging-app-telegram-gives-endorsement-to-ton-project-token-surges/?_gl=1*5doft2*_up*MQ..*_ga*NzU3MzAxNzEyLjE3MTk5MzMyNzQ.*_ga_VM3STRYVN8*MTcxOTkzMzI3My4xLjAuMTcxOTkzMzI3My4wLjAuNjgyNDA5OTk3) ---Cointelegraph: [Telegram ad platform to launch via TON blockchain] (https://cointelegraph.com/news/telegram-ad-platform-launch-ton-blockchain) Notcoin: ---Decrypt: [What's Next for Notcoin? Becoming the 'Netflix of Social, Viral Games'] (https://decrypt.co/227970/notcoin-next-move-netflix-social-viral-games-interview) --- [Notcoin, a Free Telegram Game Based on the TON Blockchain, Surges in Popularity] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/notcoin-a-free-telegram-game-based-on-the-ton-blockchain-surges-in-popularity/) Hamster Kombat ---Cointelegraph: [Hamster Kombat destined for Guinness World Record?] (https://cointelegraph.com/news/hamster-kombat-guinness-world-record-200m-users) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

23 Jul 2024

1 HR 08 MINS

1:08:33

23 Jul 2024

#708

Congressman French Hill on Crypto and His Top Pick for the Next SEC Chair- Ep. 677

In this episode of Unchained, Congressman French Hill provides an insider's perspective on the present and future of crypto regulation. Hill delves into the ongoing legislation and the implications of the FIT21 Bill, shares his views on who should succeed Gary Gensler as SEC chair if Trump is re-elected, and discusses the controversial role of the CFTC in regulating the crypto industry. He also touches on the potential impacts of the Chevron doctrine being overturned by the Supreme Court, Trump’s evolving stance on crypto, and the latest developments in the Binance executive detention case in Nigeria. Show highlights: ---00:00 Intro ---01:26 How Rep. Hill's long-time passion for technological advancement led to his involvement in crypto and blockchain ---04:00 The current state of ongoing legislation and why Rep. Hill is proud of the FIT21 bill ---08:49 Who would be his top pick to chair the SEC if Trump is re-elected as president ---11:42 Why he supports having the CFTC regulate the spot crypto markets ---12:40 How he thinks teams should launch tokens in the US ---15:02 How he thinks the overturning of the Chevron doctrine will impact crypto ---20:02 Why Trump changed his mind on crypto, according to Rep. Hill ---23:14 Why Congressman Hill is running for chair of the House Financial Services Committee ---25:14 The update on Tigran Gambaryan, the Binance executive detained in Nigeria, whom Rep. Hill visited recently ---28:13 Crypto News Recap Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! --- [iTrustCapital] (https://www.itrustcapital.com/) --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) --- [PlayFi Labs] (http://playfi.ai/) Guest ---Congressman [French Hill] (https://x.com/repfrenchhill) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

19 Jul 2024

39 MINS

39:03

19 Jul 2024

#707

The Chopping Block: Trump's VP Pick, SEC's Future, and Congress' Crypto Legislation - Ep 676

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Robert Leshner, and Tarun Chitra explore the latest trends in the crypto world. In this episode, we invite Laura Shin and special guest Kristin Smith of the Blockchain Association to discuss the latest in crypto politics. We dive deep into JD Vance's VP candidacy alongside Donald Trump and its implications for the crypto industry. We also explore the impact of recent political events on the crypto markets, the potential outcomes of key legislative efforts, and the future of the SEC post-2024 elections. Don't miss this insightful conversation on how the shifting political landscape might shape the future of crypto in the U.S. Show highlights 🔹The attempted assassination of Donald Trump and its effects on the crypto market, including his announcement of JD Vance as his running mate. 🔹Analysis of Trump's changing stance on crypto, and his increasing willingness to engage with the industry and its leaders. 🔹Explanation of the Vice President's role in setting financial services and innovation policy, especially in a potential Trump administration. 🔹 Speculation on whether Gary Gensler will step down if Trump wins and what this could mean for crypto regulation. 🔹 Overview of recent meetings between crypto executives and White House officials, signaling a shift in the Biden administration's approach to the industry. 🔹 Examination of the significant fundraising by crypto PACs like the Fair Shake PAC and their impact on political and regulatory decisions. 🔹Discussion on the Digital Commodities Act, market structure bills, and the challenges of passing crypto legislation in the current congressional session. 🔹 The evolving bipartisan support for crypto legislation and the importance of maintaining this support for future regulatory clarity. Hosts ⭐️ [Haseeb Qureshi] (https://x.com/hosseeb) , Managing Partner at Dragonfly ⭐️ [Tom Schmidt] (https://x.com/tomhschmidt) , General Partner at Dragonfly ⭐️ [Laura Shin] (https://x.com/laurashin) , Journalist, Author of ‘The Cryptopians,’ founder and CEO of Unchained Guests ⭐️ [Kristin Smith] (https://x.com/KMSmithDC) , Chief Executive Officer of Blockchain Association [Disclosures] (http://choppingblock.xyz) Timestamps ---00:00 Intro ---02:15 Trump & JD Vance ---10:27 Politicians Stance on Crypto Policy ---27:41 Crypto's Lobbying Efforts ---34:56 Crypto's Political Influence ---36:58 SEC Enforcement and Legal Battles ---39:19 Speculations on Biden Administration's Crypto Stance ---49:48 Legislative Pipeline and Market Structure Bills ---01:01:36 Future of Crypto Regulation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

18 Jul 2024

1 HR 07 MINS

1:07:22

18 Jul 2024

#706

Bits + Bips: How to Play the ‘Trump Trade’ in Crypto After the Assassination Attempt - Ep. 675

In this episode of Bits + Bips, hosts James Seyffart, Alex Kruger, and Joe McCann, joined by guest Jack Platts, dive into the market's reaction to the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, looking at how this event will influence the 2024 U.S. presidential election—and the crypto markets. They also cover potential rate cuts: Could there be a cut this July? How big might the rate cut be in September? Could the decision ever be influenced by the upcoming election? They also give their predictions for what percentage of the BTC ETF inflows the ETH ETFs will reach, and James talks about what he’s expecting for Grayscale’s ETHE (hint: his view would be positive for ETH). Finally, they delve into what’s next for Bitcoin as the German government runs out of BTC and Mt. Gox distributions begin. Is it up only now? Show highlights: ---00:00 Intro ---01:18 Whether the Trump shooting has settled the election and whether the event caused a “flight to safety” ---11:23 How election markets are becoming a place to watch election odds and whether crypto “leans right” ---20:16 Whether rate cuts are coming in July or September and how much they’ll cut: 25bps or 50bps ---29:06 How Joe views the relationship between global liquidity cycles, rate cuts, and Bitcoin's potential rise ---34:41 What new updates there are about the Ethereum ETFs and their expected launch ---42:08 Why Solana hasn't outperformed significantly since the Trump news ---43:25 What market breadth indicates about the current market rally and the impact of rates in small caps ---49:01 Everyone’s predictions of ETH ETF inflows and how much outflows we’ll see on Grayscale’s ETHE ---53:04 What’s next for BTC after the German government is out of bitcoin, and with Mt. Gox distributions starting this week Hosts: --- [James Seyffart] (https://twitter.com/JSeyff) , Research Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence --- [Alex Kruger] (http://x.com/krugermacro) , Founder of Asgard --- [Joe McCann] (http://x.com/joemccann) , Founder, CEO, and CIO of Asymmetric Guest: --- [Jack Platts] (https://x.com/jackbplatts) , Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Hypersphere Ventures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

17 Jul 2024

1 HR 03 MINS

1:03:40

17 Jul 2024

#705

Iggy Azalea on Memes, OnlyFans, and Her Plans to Make MOTHER a Success - Ep. 674

Iggy Azalea joins Unchained to share the story of how the $MOTHER token got started (spoiler: there was a brush with a potential scammer), her stresses during the launch, and what she plans to do about the price slumping over 60% since the all-time high. A master of memes and OnlyFans, she talks about how she is using her experience in both realms to make MOTHER a success, even though she has yet to make any money from the token. She also discusses her beef with Ethereum creator Vitalik Buterin, the allegations that there was insider trading of MOTHER, and how she plans to avoid regulatory action. Show highlights: ---00:00 Intro ---01:27 How Iggy got “onchain” and interested in crypto ---03:01 How Iggy's understanding of memes and the attention economy influenced her approach to music and now MOTHER ---08:09 How a brush with “scammer” Sahil Arora sparked the MOTHER launch ---11:56 How Iggy plans to integrate her token into her business ventures and what strategies she's using to achieve this ---16:33 Why she chose two market makers – DWF Labs and Wintermute – and why she decided to name the coin "Mother" ---23:53 The lessons she learned from her OnlyFans that she is applying to MOTHER ---33:54 Iggy’s response to Vitalik Buterin's criticisms of her coin ---41:31 What strategies Iggy believes will bring $MOTHER out of its current slump ---47:33 How Iggy responds to allegations of insider activity and dumping $2 million worth of her token ---55:15 Whether she is concerned about regulators coming after her and what she's doing to prevent that ---1:02:55 What Iggy thinks about the criticism regarding celebrities launching memecoins ---1:08:49 Whether Iggy has a preference between Solana and Ethereum ---1:11:36 How she’s trying to onboard other celebs into crypto, and her plans for integrating $MOTHER into mainstream culture and fan interactions Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guest: ---Iggy Azalea, rapper, creator of $MOTHER Links ---Previous coverage of Unchained on Iggy and MOTHER: --- [Solana Attracts Attention From Mainstream Celebrities Caitlyn Jenner, Davido, Iggy Azalea, Rich The Kid, and Trippie Redd] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/solana-attracts-attention-from-mainstream-celebrities-caitlyn-jenner-davido-iggy-azalea-rich-the-kid-and-trippie-redd/) --- [MOTHER Sheds Half Its Value Since All-Time High Despite Iggy Azalea's Mastery of Crypto Memes] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/mother-sheds-half-its-value-since-all-time-high-despite-iggy-azaleas-mastery-of-crypto-memes/) --- [Traders Coping As Iggy Azalea’s MOTHER Token Surpasses $100 Million Market Cap] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/traders-coping-as-iggy-azaleas-mother-token-surpasses-100-million-market-cap/) --- [Bits + Bips: Iggy Azalea, $MOTHER, and Celeb Coins: Is This the Top of the Crypto Cycle?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/bits-bips/bits-bips-iggy-azalea-mother-and-celeb-coins-is-this-the-top-of-the-crypto-cycle/) --- [The Chopping Block: Iggy Azalea, Hamster Kombat, & Airdrop Insights ] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/the-chopping-block-iggy-azalea-hamster-kombat-airdrop-insights/) DWF labs ---CoinDesk: [Iggy Azalea's MOTHER Token Jumps Over 50% After Partnering With DWF Labs] (https://www.coindesk.com/business/2024/07/11/iggy-azaleas-mother-token-jumps-30-after-partnering-with-dwf-labs/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

16 Jul 2024

1 HR 23 MINS

1:23:42

16 Jul 2024

#704

The Chopping Block: The Role of Media in Crypto, Blockworks Op-Ed, and Apps vs. Infrastructure - Ep....

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Robert Leshner, and Tarun Chitra explore the latest trends in the crypto world. In this episode, Jason Yanowitz from Blockworks joins the squad to explore the media's significant role in the crypto industry. They discuss challenges faced by the media in meeting client demands and industry expectations, and highlight financial sustainability and biases. The hosts compare crypto media to mainstream journalism, examining the balance between journalistic integrity and revenue. They critique broader media trends, discussing monopolistic narratives and public dissatisfaction, with a specific look at political coverage. The episode concludes with reflections on the media's evolving role in truth dissemination amidst industry fragmentation. Show highlights 🔹 The Airdrop Era: Examination of the potential end of the airdrop/token narrative. 🔹 Investing in Apps vs Infrastructure: Debate on funding apps versus infrastructure projects. 🔹 Crypto Media Trends: Analysis of shifts in crypto media, major acquisitions, and industry stance. 🔹 Challenges in Crypto Media: Ethical questions and investor pressures media firms face. 🔹 Future of Media: Trends in media companies, prediction markets, and trust dynamics. 🔹 Media Integrity: Exploration of media's perception, skepticism around its business motives, and flawed business models. Hosts ⭐️ [Haseeb Qureshi] (https://twitter.com/hosseeb) , Managing Partner at Dragonfly ⭐️ [Tom Schmidt] (https://twitter.com/tomhschmidt) , General Partner at Dragonfly ⭐️ [Robert Leshner] (https://twitter.com/Rleshner) , CEO & Co-founder of Superstate ⭐️ [Jason Yanowitz] (https://x.com/JasonYanowitz) , Founder of Blockworks [Disclosures] (http://choppingblock.xyz) Timestamps ---00:00 Intro ---02:30 Airdrops and Token Valuations ---04:04 Apps vs. Infrastructure ---14:26 Venture's Not a Charity ---22:41 Crypto Media Landscape ---32:31 Revenue in Media ---34:26 Trust as the Cornerstone of Media ---35:27 The Blockworks Op-Ed Controversy ---38:55 Navigating Media Bias and Trust ---44:18 Balaji's Anti-Media Sentiment ---49:57 The Future of Media and Truth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

12 Jul 2024

1 HR 04 MINS

1:04:42

12 Jul 2024

#703

How Satoshi Nakamoto and Vitalik Buterin Inspired Key Parts of Celestia - Ep. 672

Mustafa Al-Bassam was a teenage hacktivist who outsmarted a US government contractor, shamed the Westboro Baptist Church, hacked Sony a record number of times, and eventually got arrested—though his 80 transgressions got halved for a funny reason. At the Modular Summit in Brussels, Laura had a fireside chat with Mustafa to discuss how he went from his teenage years as the head of LulzSec and member of Anonymous to founding Celestia, a project aiming to solve key issues in blockchain scalability by going with a modular approach. He also discussed data availability sampling, why he believes Celestia has achieved significant product-market fit since its launch, and the three key components of Celestia’s road map. Show highlights: ---00:00 Intro ---01:47 Mustafa’s origin story and how he became a developer who ended up hacking FBI affiliates and Fox News ---05:32 How he hacked a military contractor to the US Department of Defense and Sony ---09:16 Why Mustafa was arrested at the age of 16 ---11:14 What about Bitcoin attracted his attention and got him interested in the industry ---15:22 Why he founded Celestia, after doing a PhD in scaling blockchains and understanding the problems of sharding ---21:16 What data availability sampling is and why it is important ---23:52 Why Mustafa believes that Celestia has had “extreme product market fit” since the launch ---26:16 What’s next for Celestia and why Mustafa is so excited about the possibilities that increased block size can enable ---29:36 How Celestia is working with zero knowledge accounts for defragmenting liquidity in rollups and access liquidity even within the Cosmos ecosystem ---30:57 What the endgame for Celestia and the overall industry looks like, according to Mustafa ---37:36 Q&A with the audience ---44:44 Crypto News Recap Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! --- [iTrustCapital] (https://www.itrustcapital.com/) --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) --- [PlayFi Labs] (http://playfi.ai/) Guest --- [Mustafa Al-Bassam] (https://twitter.com/musalbas?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor) , co-founder of Celestia Labs. ---Previous appearance on Unchained: [Why the Celestia Team Sees a Future With 10,000 Roll-Ups] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-the-celestia-team-sees-a-future-with-10000-roll-ups/) Links ---Previous coverage of Unchained on modular blockchains: --- [Three Crypto Pioneers on Crypto’s Monolithic vs. Modular Debate] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/three-crypto-pioneers-on-cryptos-monolithic-vs-modular-debate/) --- [What Are Modular Blockchains? A Beginner's Guide] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/modular-blockchains/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

12 Jul 2024

1 HR 01 MINS

1:01:08

12 Jul 2024

#702

Why the SEC Lawsuit Against Consensys May Hold Little Ground - Ep. 671

In this episode, crypto lawyers Kayvan Sadeghi and Sam Enzer delve into the SEC's lawsuit against Consensys, which focuses on MetaMask's swaps and staking services, and explore the implications of the SEC's stance on MetaMask acting as a broker-dealer, and the classification of its staking product as a security. They discuss how recent rulings on Coinbase and Binance challenge the SEC's claims, and whether differing judicial opinions could lead to the Supreme Court. Also, they talk about the potential impact of the Supreme Court striking down Chevron deference for crypto regulation. Show highlights: ---00:00 Intro ---01:22 The key claims in the SEC's lawsuit against Consensys and how they relate to MetaMask's swaps and staking services ---03:42 How recent Coinbase and Binance rulings challenge the SEC's claims against Consensys ---09:29 Whether differing judicial opinions on whether wallets with private keys act as brokers could end up being decided by the Supreme Court ---12:55 How the SEC will substantiate its claims that MetaMask acts as a broker-dealer and that its staking product is a security in Texas legal briefings ---17:42 Why a token itself is not considered a security, according to Sam, and how this distinction affects secondary market transactions in the SEC's case against MetaMask ---22:14 What Lido and Rocket Pool can do in response to the SEC tangentially naming their liquid staking tokens as securities ---31:27 How the SEC and Consensys lawsuits will proceed, and whether conflicting rulings could arise from their parallel tracks ---36:35 The key distinctions in the Binance case compared to those of Coinbase and Kraken, and how the Binance ruling might impact future crypto cases ---50:08 What Chevron deference means and how its removal impacts crypto ---56:49 How the elimination of Chevron deference affects current crypto cases and legislative gridlock Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guests: --- [Kayvan Sadeghi] (https://www.jenner.com/en/people/kayvan-b-sadeghi) , partner at Jenner & Block --- [Sam Enzer] (https://www.cahill.com/professionals/samson-enzer) , partner at Cahill Gordon & Reindel ---Previous episode of Unchained with Sam and Kayvan: [SBF Trial: How Sam Bankman-Fried’s Lawyers Might Try and Win His Case] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/sbf-trial-how-sam-bankman-frieds-lawyers-might-try-and-win-his-case/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

09 Jul 2024

1 HR 10 MINS

1:10:01

09 Jul 2024

#701

How Crypto Prediction Market Polymarket Signaled Early That Biden Might Drop Out - Ep. 670

Prediction markets are gaining mainstream traction, particularly with the upcoming US elections. In this episode, Nick Tomaino, founder of 1confirmation, which is an investor in Polymarket, explores how platforms like Polymarket identified the possibility that President Biden might drop out of the campaign before the mainstream media did. He talks about the journey of Polymarket, the challenges it faced, and how it overcame them to provide a credible platform for betting on political outcomes. Finally, Nick explains why prediction markets are currently illegal in the U.S., the implications of the Supreme Court striking down Chevron deference, and what the future holds for prediction markets in the U.S. Show highlights: ---00:00 Intro ---01:28 Why prediction markets like Polymarket finally gained mainstream traction, and how 1confirmation became an early investor ---04:01 What challenges Polymarket faced in its journey to mainstream recognition, and how it managed to overcome them ---07:22 How prediction markets contribute to bringing more truth to the world, particularly in the context of media narratives and social media algorithms ---12:52 What challenges have arisen from conflicts in resolving prediction markets on Polymarket ---19:00 How bets are created and how the wording and resolution of prediction markets is managed on Polymarket ---21:56 How trading volumes affect the credibility of prediction markets on Polymarket ---22:38The regulatory environment of prediction markets in the US and whether the elimination of Chevron deference by the Supreme Court will have a positive impact on these markets ---28:35 Crypto News Recap Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, pop op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! --- [iTrustCapital] (https://www.itrustcapital.com/) --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) --- [PlayFi Labs] (http://playfi.ai/) Guest --- [Nick Tomaino] (https://x.com/NTmoney) , Founder & General Partner at 1confirmation Links Recent news on Polymarket: ---Unchained: [Polymarket Hits Record Highs in Monthly Users and Trading Volume Due to Presidential Election] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/polymarket-hits-record-highs-in-monthly-users-and-trading-volume-due-to-presidential-election/) ---Crypto.news: [Polymarket reverses Oracle decision on Barron Trump's involvement in DJT meme coin] (https://crypto.news/polymarket-reverses-oracle-decision-on-barron-trumps-involvement-in-djt-meme-coin/) ---Decrypt: [Ethereum ETFs Approved by the SEC? Yes—But Don't Bet On It - Decrypt] (https://decrypt.co/232190/ethereum-etf-sec-approval-wager-bet-polymarket) ---Dune dashboard: [Prediction Markets] (https://dune.com/cryptokoryo_research/prediction-markets) Commentary: ---Vitalik’s [tweet] (https://x.com/VitalikButerin/status/1808092065483436481) : “Prediction markets and Community Notes are becoming the two flagship social epistemic technologies of the 2020s. Both truth-seeking and democratic, built around open public participation rather than pre-selected elites. I want to see many more things like this.” ---Nick Tomaino’s [tweet] (https://x.com/NTmoney/status/1808478171357925694) : “2024 will go down in history as the year prediction markets went mainstream.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

05 Jul 2024

41 MINS

41:29

05 Jul 2024

#700

The Chopping Block: Biden's Resignation Odds, Market Predictions, and Chevron Ruling's Impact on Cry...

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Robert Leshner, and Tarun Chitra explore the latest trends in the crypto world. In this episode, special guest Laura Shin is sitting in for Tom to discuss the impact of prediction markets on politics and crypto. They explore how prediction markets like Polymarket affect public perception during the presidential election, contrasting their reliability against traditional journalism. The conversation also touches on the implications of prediction markets on insider trading, market manipulation, and the role of expert information. Additionally, they discuss the Supreme Court's overturning of the Chevron doctrine and its potential impact on regulatory shifts in the crypto industry. The episode provides an insightful analysis into how prediction markets could revolutionize journalism and the evolving landscape of crypto regulation. Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ Pandora] (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forbes-podcast-network/unchained-big-ideas-from-the-worlds-of-blockchain-and-fintech) , [ Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [TuneIn] (https://tunein.com/podcasts/Business-News/Unchained-Big-Ideas-From-The-Worlds-Of-Blockchain-p887100/) [, Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. Show highlights 🔹 Discussion on the recent presidential debate and its implications for prediction markets and the crypto industry. 🔹 Overview of the prediction market phenomenon and its growing importance in political forecasting. 🔹 Examination of the recent Supreme Court ruling overturning Chevron Deference and its implications for crypto regulations. 🔹 Debate on whether the ruling will lead to more specific legislation from Congress or if it will hinder effective rulemaking. 🔹 Speculation on how different political figures might impact future crypto legislation and regulation. Hosts ⭐️ [Haseeb Qureshi] (https://twitter.com/hosseeb) , Managing Partner at Dragonfly ⭐️ [Tom Schmidt] (https://twitter.com/tomhschmidt) , General Partner at Dragonfly ⭐️ [Robert Leshner] (https://twitter.com/Rleshner) , CEO & Co-founder of Superstate ⭐️ [Laura Shin] (https://twitter.com/laurashin) , journalist, author of ‘The Cryptopians,’ founder and CEO of Unchained [Disclosures] (http://choppingblock.xyz) Timestamps ---00:00 Intro ---01:50 Presidential Debate Chaos ---04:25 Mainstream Media vs. Prediction Markets ---16:48 Insiders in Prediction Markets ---30:38 Prediction Markets vs. Sports Betting ---38:58 Market Manipulation ---50:22 Supreme Court Ruling & Chevron Deference Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

04 Jul 2024

1 HR 07 MINS

1:07:04

04 Jul 2024

#699

Bits + Bips: Ethereum and Solana ETFs and Why Crypto Is Poised for a Breakout - Ep. 668

Are Solana ETFs on the brink of approval? How might political outcomes influence this decision? Join hosts James Seyffart, Alex Kruger, and Joe McCann as they delve into the latest buzz around Solana’s potential spot ETFs, dissect the SEC's puzzling delay on Ethereum ETFs, and debate why Bitcoin’s recent performance has diverged from the NASDAQ. They also discuss the U.S. presidential election, the event that Alex says was the “second most bizarre thing” he’s seen in his life, what the bond market seems to indicate about expectations for a Trump presidency, and how upcoming nonfarm payroll reports and potential rate might affect the markets. Show highlights: ---00:00 Intro ---01:47 How political outcomes might influence the approval of spot Solana ETFs ---04:16 Whether futures ETFs are 100% needed for an approval of spot crypto ETFs ---09:26 The high premium on Grayscale's Solana Trust (GSOL) ---13:50 How the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election could impact the crypto industry ---20:55 Why the SEC delayed the launch of the Ethereum ETF ---24:53 How the upcoming nonfarm payroll report and potential rate cuts impact market volatility and the Federal Reserve's decisions ---27:51 How the rise of populist candidates in France and changes in currency markets might affect the US dollar and the broader economic landscape ---31:40 How Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana performed in Q2, and the surprising outperformance of BONK ---34:45 Why Bitcoin's performance diverged from the Nasdaq's recent rally ---45:48 How recent movements in long-term bond rates are linked to political changes, such as the rise of right-wing populism and concerns about fiscal responsibility ---52:45 How FTX creditors could potentially influence market dynamics, and the irony in the US government using Coinbase as a custodian Hosts: --- [James Seyffart] (https://twitter.com/JSeyff) , Research Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence --- [Alex Kruger] (http://x.com/krugermacro) , Founder of Asgard --- [Joe McCann] (http://x.com/joemccann) , Founder, CEO, and CIO of Asymmetric Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

03 Jul 2024

55 MINS

55:14

03 Jul 2024

#698

How to Figure Out Whether a Crypto Token Is Worth Its Trading Price - Ep. 667

The problem of low float, high fully diluted valuation (FDV) coins is one that is frequently discussed in crypto. But there’s another wrinkle: investors need to understand the unrealized gains of these coins to really understand the price. In this episode, Jose Macedo of Delphi Digital and Ari Paul of Blocktower Capital explain the various metrics that reveal what a coin is really worth, why a wave of token unlocks that will be hitting the crypto markets in the next few years are not bullish, and whether there is a better way to design token unlocks for teams and insiders. Plus, they cover whether venture capitalists are extractive to crypto, whether these games with circulating supply and FDV have caused investors to turn to memecoins, and why they believe the ICO era was better for retail investors. Show highlights: ---00:00 Intro ---01:58 Why upcoming token unlocks are creating market jitters ---10:22 How the ratio of unrealized gains to market cap influences token price movements ---12:22 How some token projects manipulate their reported circulating supply ---20:24 Whether and how everyday investors can uncover the truth about token projects ---23:37 What secondary market trading says about the potential impact of upcoming token unlocks ---34:50 Why Jose believes that the current token launch strategy, despite its flaws, is still favored by insiders and unlikely to change soon ---41:02 Why some projects favor decisions that are more likely to result in short-term gains over long-term success ---46:36 Why Jose believes that simple time-based token unlocks often work better than complex metrics, and how projects can balance funding with realistic success metrics ---53:04 Why Ari believes the SEC's investigations into VCs for acting as securities dealers might be justified, and how these practices resemble pump-and-dump schemes ---59:11 With numerous token unlocks looming, why the outlook is bearish for many projects, and what challenges they face in mitigating potential sell-offs ---1:05:52 Why many crypto investors might end up holding the bag in the current cycle, despite plans to sell early and avoid losses ---1:12:27 What the future role of VCs is in crypto, and how the influx of token unlocks and the rise of memecoins could shape the bull cycle Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guests: --- [Jose Macedo] (https://x.com/ZeMariaMacedo) , founder at Delphi Labs --- [Ari Paul] (https://x.com/AriDavidPaul) , CIO of Blocktower Capital ---Previous appearances on Unchained: --- [Ari Paul on Why Bitcoin Is a Good Value Buy] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/ari-paul-on-why-bitcoin-is-a-good-value-buy-today-ep-95/) --- [Ari Paul of BlockTower Capital on the Crypto Downturn and Why It Could Change Direction] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/ari-paul-of-blocktower-capital-on-the-crypto-downturn-and-why-it-could-change-direction/) Links High FDV and unlocks: ---Unchained: --- [How ‘Fully Diluted Valuation’ Can Be a Very Dangerous Metric for Crypto Markets to Rely On] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/how-fully-diluted-valuation-can-be-a-dangerous-metric-for-crypto-markets/) --- [Who’s to Blame for the Underperformance of Low Float, High FDV Tokens?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/whos-to-blame-for-the-underperformance-of-low-float-high-fdv-tokens/) --- [80% of Tokens on Binance Are Down Since Listing Date: SwissBorg Researcher] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/80-of-tokens-on-binance-are-down-since-listing-date-swissborg-researcher/) ---Cobie newsletter: [New launches (part 1) - private capture, phantom pricing] (https://cobie.substack.com/p/new-launches-part-1-private-capture) ---Rocknblock: [Token vesting explainer] (https://rocknblock.io/blog/navigating-token-vesting-development-for-crypto-projects) ---CoinDesk: ['Liquid Vesting' Is Oxymoronic Blockchain Feature That Lets Early Investors Sell Without Waiting] (https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2024/05/14/liquid-vesting-is-oxymoronic-blockchain-feature-that-lets-early-investors-sell-without-waiting/) ---Jose’s [thread] (https://x.com/ZeMariaMacedo/status/1805581517466239472) that inspired the episode ---Ari’s [post] (https://x.com/AriDavidPaul/status/1805592057429254243) responding to Jose’s thread --- [Token.unlocks.app] (https://token.unlocks.app/) : Token vesting tracker Solutions: ---Hack VC: [Potential Solutions to Crypto's Unlock Problem] (https://blog.hack.vc/potential-solutions-to-cryptos-unlock-problem/) ---Colony Lab: [Early-Stage Program & Liquid Vesting] (https://www.colonylab.io/early-stage-program) ---Imran Khan’s tweet on Blast [https://x.com/lmrankhan/status/1806040646433522149] (https://x.com/lmrankhan/status/1806040646433522149) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

02 Jul 2024

1 HR 29 MINS

1:29:22

02 Jul 2024

#697

Why the Mt. Gox Repayments May Not Hurt the Bitcoin Price Much - Ep. 666

Ten and a half years after filing for bankruptcy, Mt. Gox is finally set to disburse 142,000 Bitcoin worth nearly $9 billion to creditors between July and October. Market concern has been growing over the potential impact on Bitcoin prices, but Alex Thorn, head of research at Galaxy, explains why only a small fraction of those bitcoins will be sold. He also discusses the implications of this redistribution on the market, the potential success of Ethereum ETFs, and the chances of a Solana ETF approval. Show highlights: ---00:00 Intro ---02:04 Why Alex estimates the amount of bitcoins that creditors sell will be a tiny fraction of the 142,000 to be repaid ---13:35 What market shocks could arise from Mt. Gox creditors receiving billions in Bitcoin, and why he believes Bitcoin Cash is the real wild card ---18:18 Whether Ethereum ETFs could be as successful as Bitcoin ETFs in attracting investors ---23:06 Whether potential outflows from Grayscale's Ethereum Trust will dampen the excitement around Ethereum ETFs ---25:07 How the combination of Mt. Gox repayments, Ethereum ETFs, and German and American government Bitcoin sales might affect crypto prices ---27:32 The chances the SEC approves a spot Solana ETF Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! --- [iTrustCapital] (https://www.itrustcapital.com/) --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guest --- [Alex Thorn] (https://www.galaxy.com/team/alex-thorn/) , head of research at Galaxy ---Previous appearance on Unchained: [How Much Money Will Flow Into Bitcoin ETFs? Here’s One Projection] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/how-much-money-will-flow-into-bitcoin-etfs-heres-one-projection/) Links Mt. Gox. ---Unchained: [Crypto Market Sees $300 Million Liquidated as Bitcoin Briefly Drops Below $59,000] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/crypto-market-sees-300-million-liquidated-as-bitcoin-briefly-drops-below-59000/) ---CoinDesk: [Mt. Gox to Begin Repayments in July] (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2024/06/24/mt-gox-to-begin-bitcoin-bitcoin-cash-repayments-in-july/) Governments selling: ---Unchained: [US Government Sends $241 Million in Bitcoin to Coinbase: Arkham] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/us-government-sends-241-million-in-bitcoin-to-coinbase-arkham/) ---Cointelegraph: [German gov’t offloads 900 Bitcoin, 400 BTC sent to Coinbase and Kraken] (https://cointelegraph.com/news/german-gov-sells-900-bitcoin-400-btc-coinbase-kraken) Solana ETF Reuters: [Investment manager VanEck files to list first spot Solana ETF in US | ] (https://www.reuters.com/technology/investment-manager-vaneck-files-list-spot-solana-etf-2024-06-27/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

28 Jun 2024

43 MINS

43:47

28 Jun 2024

#696

The SEC Ends Its Ethereum 2.0 Investigation, but Staking Isn't in the Clear - Ep. 665

Last week, Consensys revealed that the SEC had concluded an investigation into Ethereum 2.0, referring to when Ethereum transitioned from a proof-of-work consensus mechanism to a proof-of-stake one. In this episode, Laura Brookover, senior counsel & head of litigation and investigations at Consensys, and Sam Enzer, partner at Cahill Gordon & Reindel, explore the implications of this decision on Ether’s status as a commodity versus a security, and why the SEC dropped the pursuit, including whether the shifting political winds played a role. For instance, how much of the decision was influenced by the ETH ETF approvals, Democrats crossing party lines to vote for FIT21 and the repeal of SAB 121, and/or SEC crypto enforcement chief David Hirsch’s resignation? In this discussion, they also explained why the closure doesn’t necessarily mean that staking, or restaking, is safe from the SEC. Plus, what’s the impact of this closure on the other big crypto cases, such as Coinbase, Kraken, Uniswap, and Ripple? Show highlights: ---02:13 How Consensys managed to get the SEC to reveal that it had concluded its investigation into Ethereum 2.0, and the significance of that move ---08:14 The SEC's possible reasoning behind investigating Ethereum after it had switched to proof of stake ---15:19 How uncommon is it for the SEC to send a letter concluding an investigation like the one into Ethereum ---18:45 Whether recent events around crypto as an election issue, the ETH ETF approvals, votes for FIT21 and the repeal of SAB121, and David Hirsch’s resignation, might be connected to the decision to close this investigation ---29:03 Whether the Biden administration has shifted its stance on crypto and whether Gensler should remain as chair ---33:24 How the SEC might still go after staking ---37:18 Whether restaking, such as pioneered by EigenLayer, is safe from regulatory actions ---39:13 Why the SEC might be pursuing different judgments in various jurisdictions for MetaMask and Coinbase Wallet ---44:24 What crucial evidence from the closed Ethereum 2.0 investigation could strengthen Coinbase's defense in its ongoing lawsuit ---47:58 Why the SEC's aggressive stance on various crypto enforcement actions seems to remain unchanged despite closing the Ethereum 2.0 investigation ---52:13 Why Sam and Laura believe Solana should not be considered a security, despite the SEC naming it as such in various crypto cases ---58:13 How the SEC’s argument about an “ecosystem” is nonsensical, according to Laura Brookover ---01:00:31 What the implications of the closed investigation are for the cases of Kraken and Ripple ---01:04:58 What Sam and Laura B. are watching out for in terms of regulation and ongoing legal cases Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guests: --- [Laura Brookover] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-brookover) , Senior Counsel & Head of Litigation and Investigations at Consensys ---Previous appearance on Unchained: [Consensys’s Lawsuit Against The SEC: Will It End Gensler's ‘Unlawful Power Grab’?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/podcast/Consensyss-lawsuit-against-the-sec-will-it-end-genslers-unlawful-power-grab/) --- [Sam Enzer] (https://www.cahill.com/professionals/samson-enzer) , Partner at Cahill Gordon & Reindel ---Previous appearances on Unchained: --- [The Real Reason Why the SEC Might Be Going After Ethereum] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/the-real-reason-why-the-sec-might-be-going-after-ethereum/) --- [How 'a Criminal Choice' Got Sam Bankman-Fried a 25-Year Prison Sentence] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/how-a-criminal-choice-got-sam-bankman-fried-a-25-year-prison-sentence/) --- [Why the SEC’s Case Against Coinbase Is So Significant for Crypto] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-the-secs-case-against-coinbase-is-so-significant-for-crypto/) --- [Why SBF’s Testimony So Far Has Likely Already Doomed Him] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-sbfs-testimony-so-far-has-likely-already-doomed-him/) --- [Another Bad Week for Sam Bankman-Fried in His Criminal Trial] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/podcast/another-bad-week-for-sam-bankman-fried-in-his-criminal-trial-ep-558/) --- [Why These Lawyers Say It’s Over for SBF-But His Only Hail Mary Is to Testify] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-these-lawyers-say-its-over-for-sbf-but-his-only-hail-mary-is-to-testify/) --- [SBF Trial: How Sam Bankman-Fried’s Lawyers Might Try and Win His Case] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/sbf-trial-how-sam-bankman-frieds-lawyers-might-try-and-win-his-case/) --- [SBF’s Lawyers Could Be Annoying the Judge How Might That Impact the Trial?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/sbfs-lawyers-could-be-annoying-the-judge-how-might-that-impact-the-trial/) For more links visit [UnchainedCrypto.com] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/podcast/the-sec-ends-its-ethereum-2-0-investigation-but-staking-isnt-in-the-clear/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

25 Jun 2024

1 HR 14 MINS

1:14:13

25 Jun 2024

#695

LayerZero Fought the Sybils and Airdropped Its Token. Did the Team Win? - Ep. 664

LayerZero’s token claims went live on Thursday, and as with every recent airdrop, there was plenty of controversy. In this episode, Bryan Pellegrino, cofounder and CEO of LayerZero Labs, joined to discuss their ambitious anti-Sybil campaign and the subsequent token distribution. He delved into the challenges of ensuring genuine user participation, the decision to offer a self-report option for Sybil attackers, and the complexities imposed by industrial-grade farmers. Bryan shared what he would have done differently and why a mandatory donation to Protocol Guild was imposed. Also, are airdrops dead? How can the industry improve this not-so-effective distribution method? Show highlights: ---00:00 Intro ---01:23 Why LayerZero launched an anti-Sybil campaign with its airdrop, and what challenges they faced in ensuring genuine user participation ---04:51 Why LayerZero offered a self-report option for Sybil attackers, and how this strategy revealed both the complexities and the creativity within the crypto community ---10:16 How the anti-Sybil campaign uncovered over a million fraudulent accounts ---14:34 What Bryan would have done differently in their campaign ---17:18 What alternative methods, such as KYC and proof-of-humanity protocols, LayerZero could have used for their anti-Sybil campaign ---18:35How LayerZero navigated the cat-and-mouse game with industrial airdrop farmers ---23:08 Why they decided to impose a donation to Protocol Guild to claim the ZRO token ---32:07 What caused the dramatic drop in LayerZero's activity post-announcement of their anti-Sybil campaign, and why the team is optimistic despite the decline ---35:23 LayerZero's plans for future airdrops ---38:40 What Bryan thinks the future holds for airdrops in crypto, and how the current broken system can be improved to achieve better distribution and user engagement ---42:43 Crypto News Recap Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! --- [iTrustCapital] (https://www.itrustcapital.com/) --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guest [Bryan Pellegrino] (https://x.com/PrimordialAA) , cofounder and CEO of LayerZero Labs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

21 Jun 2024

57 MINS

57:35

21 Jun 2024

#694

The Chopping Block: VC Tokens, Memecoins & Celebs, and Seasonal Patterns - Ep. 663

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Robert Leshner, and Tarun Chitra explore the latest trends in the crypto world. In this episode, we dive into the impact of celebrity-endorsed memecoins, featuring discussions around Iggy Azalea's 'Mother' token, Waka Flocka Flame's 'Flocka' token, and other celebrities. We debate the broader implications of these phenomena on the crypto market, address criticisms of venture capital's role in crypto, and explore the seasonal nature of crypto trading. Tune in for an in-depth look at how pop culture intersects with cryptocurrency, shaping current market sentiment. Show highlights 🔹 Seasonality in Crypto: Exploration of the historical seasonal trends in crypto markets and their implications. 🔹 Memecoins & Celebrities: Insightful discussion on the rise of celebrity-launched memecoins and their impact on the crypto world. 🔹 Market Cycles: Exploration of the different phases in market cycles and their effects on asset creation and liquidation. 🔹 VC Funding in Crypto: Examination of the role of venture capital in the crypto ecosystem and its impact on market dynamics. 🔹 VC vs. Liquid Funds: Debate on whether venture capital funds are beneficial or detrimental to the crypto markets. 🔹 Institutional and Retail Adoption: The importance of growing crypto usage among both institutions and retail investors. Hosts ⭐️ [Haseeb Qureshi] (https://twitter.com/hosseeb) , Managing Partner at Dragonfly ⭐️ [Tom Schmidt] (https://twitter.com/tomhschmidt) , General Partner at Dragonfly ⭐️ [Robert Leshner] (https://twitter.com/Rleshner) , CEO & Co-founder of Superstate ⭐️ [Tarun Chitra] (https://twitter.com/tarunchitra) , Managing Partner at Robot Ventures [Disclosures] (http://choppingblock.xyz) Timestamps ---00:00 Intro ---01:58 Market Sentiment ---07:34 Celebrity Involvement in Crypto ---16:00 Celebrity Coins vs Endorsements ---25:24 Influencer Economy and Social Tokens ---27:41 Legibility and Value of Memecoins ---28:37 Crypto Influencers ---31:07 VCs vs. Retail ---36:50 Future of Crypto Markets ---43:53 Institutional vs. Retail Adoption ---50:45 Taking on Populist Takes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

19 Jun 2024

52 MINS

52:35

19 Jun 2024

#693

Bits + Bips: Iggy Azalea, $MOTHER, and Celeb Coins: Is This the Top of the Crypto Cycle? - Ep. 662

A few weeks after its launch, Iggy Azalea's MOTHER memecoin is still in the spotlight. Host Joe McCann, who recently had dinner with her in New York, gives the inside scoop on how Iggy’s $MOTHER came to be, plus her plans. Also, Joe says Iggy is so bullish on Solana because it’s fast and cheap… but James Seyffart counters… nothing can be fast, cheap, and good. Except ETFs. Guests Phil Bonello and Kelly Greer delve into the role of venture capital in crypto, and more particularly into dynamics between liquid hedge funds and massive token generation events. And James tells a mind-blowing story about how one ETF and obscure SEC rules could cause whiplash to the prices of Apple and Nvidia stock over the next few months. Plus, after SEC head enforcer David Hirsch resigned from the SEC this week, everyone gave their takes on why. Is Hirsch going to BlackRock, or was he scared about a potential lawsuit? Show highlights: ---00:51 The real story behind Iggy Azalea's MOTHER memecoin and the controversy between Joe and Haseeb Qureshi ---07:26 Why Iggy is bullish on Solana, and whether MOTHER is a hopeful case for crypto, reflecting the evolving relationship between entertainment and Web3 ---12:35 Whether the market has already topped, given the involvement of celebrities in the industry ---15:32 Whether VCs are extractive to the overall space, and how liquid funds and token unlocks impact the performance of assets ---21:17 Why venture funds and hedge funds have different approaches to liquid crypto investments, and how memecoins are changing the game for allocators ---33:18 Why there’s a 0% chance that SOL gets an ETF this year ---34:19 What the recent macro trends point to, whether inflation going down is sustainable, and whether rate cuts are coming ---43:32 Why Nvidia's rapid growth is about to trigger a multi-billion dollar rebalance in tech ETFs, and how both $NVDA’s and $AAPL’s stock prices might soon seesaw ---54:35 The theories about why the SEC’s chief crypto enforcer David Hirsch resigned from the agency (hint: it might have to do with the election) ---59:52 Why James believes Ethereum ETFs will launch on July 2 and what amount of inflows the ETH ETFs might garner, esp. considering potential ETHE outflows Hosts: --- [James Seyffart] (https://twitter.com/JSeyff) , Research Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence --- [Joe McCann] (http://x.com/joemccann) , Founder, CEO, and CIO of Asymmetric Guests: --- [Kelly Greer] (https://x.com/kellyjgreer?lang=en) , Vice President of Trading at Galaxy --- [Philip Bonello] (https://x.com/philjbonello?lang=en) , Founding Partner at Plaintext Capital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

19 Jun 2024

1 HR 10 MINS

1:10:13

19 Jun 2024

#692

Anthony Scaramucci on Why He Supports Biden and Thinks He, Not Trump, Is Best for Crypto - Ep. 661

The political landscape in the US is heating up with the November elections, and the crypto industry is watching closely. In this episode, Anthony Scaramucci, founder of SkyBridge, doesn’t mince words and explains why he believes Joe Biden is the best choice—even for the crypto voter—in the upcoming election, the significance of the Ethereum ETF approval, and how the industry has overcome significant regulatory hurdles. Scaramucci also shares his insights on the future of Bitcoin ETFs, the role of younger generations in driving crypto policy, and why Solana might be the next big thing. Show highlights: ---02:05 Why Anthony believes there’s only one choice in this election: Joe Biden ---07:03 Why he thinks the crypto industry “has already won” ---16:27 Whether the crypto industry should trust Trump with his pro-crypto comments ---17:20 Why Anthony is convinced that the Biden administration has stopped its anti-crypto stance, even with the veto of the SAB 121 repeal ---21:26 Why Anthony believes crypto is becoming a bipartisan issue, and how younger generations are driving this change in Washington ---28:05 What three key elements would ideally be included in crypto legislation to ensure clarity and industry involvement in regulation ---30:49 What happened to SkyBridge after selling a stake to FTX, and how they are riding the industry's “upswing” ---38:00 What developments in Bitcoin ETFs could signal its recognition as an asset class and drive institutional adoption ---40:00 What led SkyBridge to abandon its Bitcoin ETF application ---43:23 What Anthony thinks is the best pitch for a spot Ether ETF to TradFi, and how expected inflows compare to Bitcoin ETFs ---49:11 Anthony’s praise of Laura’s book ---51:55 Why Anthony believes a Solana ETF might be the next big thing in crypto, despite SEC scrutiny and the need for a futures market first ---55:20 Why SkyBridge is actively seeking new acquisitions and partnering with Parcl, a Solana-based decentralized real estate trading app ---59:44 What Anthony's bullish predictions for Bitcoin and Ethereum are in the current cycle Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guest: --- [Anthony Scaramucci] (https://x.com/Scaramucci) , Founder and Managing Partner at SkyBridge Links ---Recent coverage of Unchained on the political scenario in the US: --- [How the U.S. Government Can Protect the Dollar Through Stablecoins] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/how-the-u-s-government-can-protect-the-dollar-through-stablecoins/) --- [Why Many Democrats, Including the White House, Have Come Around on Crypto] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-many-democrats-including-the-white-house-have-come-around-on-crypto/) --- [Senator Cynthia Lummis on Why Crypto Now Has Bipartisan Support in Congress] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/senator-cynthia-lummis-on-why-crypto-now-has-bipartisan-support-in-congress/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

18 Jun 2024

1 HR 05 MINS

1:05:26

18 Jun 2024

#691

The Chopping Block: Iggy Azalea, Hamster Kombat, & Airdrop Insights - Ep. 660

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Robert Leshner, and Tarun Chitra explore the latest trends in the crypto world. In this episode, we dive into the impact of celebrity-endorsed memecoins, featuring Iggy Azalea's new coin 'Mother' and Andrew Tate's 'Daddy.' We discuss how these phenomena influence the broader crypto market, recent trends in airdrops, and the challenge of Sybil resistance. Additionally, we explore the permissionless nature of crypto and the trade-offs involved in fun and chaotic projects, including the explosive rise of 'Hamster Kombat.' Tune in for an in-depth look at how pop culture intersects with the core principles of cryptocurrency, shaping current market sentiment. Show highlights 🔹 Crypto Market Sentiment: Discussion on the latest market trends and how inflation numbers are impacting the community. 🔹 Memecoins & Celebrities: Analysis of Iggy Azalea's $Mother and the phenomenon of celebrity-launched memecoins. 🔹 Emerging Memecoins: Insights into new memecoins, including issues with fake and hacked accounts. 🔹 Tap-to-Earn Games: Overview of the rapid growth of simple click-based games like Hamster Kombat. 🔹 Airdrop Controversies: Exploration of recent controversies, particularly involving zkSync and LayerZero, and challenges of Sybil attacks. 🔹 Future Airdrop Strategies: Discussion on the evolution and need for clear, ungameable metrics. Hosts ⭐️ [Haseeb Qureshi] (https://twitter.com/hosseeb) , Managing Partner at Dragonfly ⭐️ [Tom Schmidt] (https://twitter.com/tomhschmidt) , General Partner at Dragonfly ⭐️ [Robert Leshner] (https://twitter.com/Rleshner) , CEO & Co-founder of Superstate ⭐️ [Tarun Chitra] (https://twitter.com/tarunchitra) , Managing Partner at Robot Ventures [Disclosures] (http://choppingblock.xyz) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

14 Jun 2024

1 HR 04 MINS

1:04:01

14 Jun 2024

#690

Are Memecoins the Next Evolution of Wall Street Bets? - Ep. 659

Nathaniel Popper just published his latest book, " [The Trolls of Wall Street] (https://amzn.to/4aWivg9) ," covering the Wall Street Bets phenomenon. Funnily enough, his book comes at a time when there are striking similarities with the current memecoin mania in crypto. In this episode, Popper explores the rise of online investing communities like Wall Street Bets and their reflection of broader societal changes, particularly among young men. He also touches on the parallels between the trolling culture of these communities and the rise of figures like Donald Trump, and delves into the hidden dangers and psychological influences of memes in modern investing. Show highlights: ---01:21 The rise of online money communities and the shift towards investing based on ideas rather than traditional financial fundamentals ---04:06 How the changing roles of young men in society have influenced the growth of crypto and online financial communities ---13:36 How Robinhood's design choices changed retail investing, sparking FOMO and controversy by making trading as easy as a swipe ---18:04 The hidden dangers of memes in modern investing, and how they balance fostering community with driving speculation ---22:56 Why Trump's ties to the crypto community highlight the mix of serious intent and trolling ---30:07 Crypto News Recap Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! --- [iTrustCapital] (https://www.itrustcapital.com/) --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guest --- [Nathaniel Popper] (https://x.com/nathanielpopper) , author of [The Trolls of Wall Street] (https://amzn.to/4aWivg9) Links Previous coverage of Unchained on memecoins: ---Unchained: [Why Memecoins Have Been 2024's Most Profitable Crypto Trade: Ansem and Kelxyz - Ep. 641] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-memecoins-have-been-2024s-most-profitable-crypto-trade-ansem-and-kelxyz-ep-641/) --- [BRETT Becomes First Memecoin on Base to Reach $1 Billion in Market Cap] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/brett-becomes-first-memecoin-on-base-to-reach-1-billion-in-market-cap/) --- [DWF Labs to Invest in Memecoins, Onchain Data Reveals LADYS Transactions] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/dwf-labs-to-invest-in-memecoins-onchain-data-reveals-ladys-transactions/) --- [Celebrity Tokens Continue to Bleed With Some Memecoin Traders Losing Six-Figures] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/celebrity-tokens-continue-to-bleed-with-some-memecoin-traders-losing-six-figures/) The book: ---Blockworks: [What do memecoins and meme stocks have in common?: A review of ‘The Trolls of Wall Street’] (https://blockworks.co/news/memecoins-meme-stocks-wall-street-bets-popper) ---Fortune: [Q&A with the author of ‘The Trolls of Wall Street’: Gambling, conspiracies, and the return of Roaring Kitty] (https://fortune.com/2024/06/10/trolls-wall-street-nathaniel-popper-gamestop-roaring-kitty/) , Meme culture ---WSJ: --- [Meme Stocks Are Back, but Fund Investors Moved On] (https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/meme-stocks-are-back-but-fund-investors-moved-on-d7f3d27f) --- [Meet the ‘Degen’ Traders Fueling the Latest Meme-Stock Mania] (https://www.wsj.com/finance/stocks/degen-stock-crypto-trading-market-trend-69d12a56) ---CoinDesk: [In Defense of Meme Coins] (https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2024/06/10/in-defense-of-meme-coins/) --- [What else could memecoins be?] (https://vitalik.eth.limo/general/2024/03/29/memecoins.html) By Vitalik Buterin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

14 Jun 2024

46 MINS

46:39

14 Jun 2024

#689

Why Robinhood, a TradFi Hub, Is Growing Its Crypto Business Globally - Ep. 658

Robinhood has been in the spotlight for its $200 million acquisition of European crypto exchange Bitstamp. The TradFi app’s venture into crypto is paying off: its recent earnings showed that revenue is growing substantially, and the Bitstamp acquisition is just one way the company will grow the pie. Johann Kerbrat, general manager of Robinhood Crypto, came on the show to discuss the acquisition, Robinhood's plans for expanding its crypto business internationally and into the institutional market, the company's approach to listing crypto assets, how regulation has affected its business decisions, and its efforts to bridge traditional finance and decentralized finance. Show highlights: ---02:14 How the acquisition of Bitstamp will reshape Robinhood ---08:51 Whether Robinhood could list more coins and whether it’s considering more acquisitions ---11:54 Whether the U.S.’s unclear crypto regulation influenced the decision to acquire Bitstamp and which other jurisdictions, besides the EU, Robinhood Crypto is eyeing ---17:46 Why Johann was disappointed by the Wells notice Robinhood received from the SEC ---20:47 Johann’s U.S. crypto regulation wish list and why Robinhood supports the FIT21 bill ---24:09 Why Robinhood delisted ADA, MATIC, and SOL, and the process for listing or delisting a coin on the platform ---29:49 Johann’s background in crypto and trajectory at Robinhood Crypto ---31:35 How Robinhood is uniquely poised to help bring real-world assets and securities on-chain, and how it will handle offerings for institutional investors ---37:48 The impact and importance of the introduction of spot bitcoin ETFs ---44:26 Why Robinhood decided to offer staking, but only for Solana, not Ethereum ---46:11 Whether there’s demand for crypto-native features in the Robinhood platform ---48:26 Robinhood’s collaboration with Arbitrum and whether the company might build their own Layer 2 ---54:29 Johann’s take on the memecoin mania and whether Robinhood could list them ---59:26 What Johann thinks about the political fight around crypto in the U.S. Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guest: --- [Johann Kerbrat] (https://x.com/johannkerbrat) , general manager of Robinhood Crypto Links Acquisition of Bitstamp: ---Unchained: [Q&A With Robinhood Crypto General Manager: Why the Crypto Giant Went to the EU] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/qa-with-robinhood-crypto-general-manager-why-the-crypto-giant-went-to-the-eu/) ---Fortune: [Robinhood defies the SEC by forking over $200 million for a crypto exchange] (https://fortune.com/crypto/2024/06/06/robinhood-crypto-bitstamp-sec-warning/) ---DL News: [Robinhood crypto head says Bitstamp will help lure wealthy investors] (https://www.dlnews.com/articles/markets/robinhood-johann-kerbrat-says-bitstamp-wins-wealthy-investors/) Robinhood’s crypto business: ---Bloomberg: [Robinhood (HOOD) Profit Beats Estimates as Crypto Revenue Surges] (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-08/robinhood-profit-beats-estimates-as-crypto-revenue-surges-232) --- [Robinhood Reports First Quarter 2024 Results] (https://investors.robinhood.com/news/news-details/2024/Robinhood-Reports-First-Quarter-2024-Results/default.aspx#:~:text=Total%20net%20revenues%20increased%2040,%2439%20million%2C%20up%2044%25.) Regulatory actions: ---Reuters: [Robinhood Crypto gets Wells notice from US SEC] (https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/robinhood-crypto-gets-wells-notice-us-sec-2024-05-06/) --- [Robinhood Crypto Launches Staking in Europe with Localized Apps to Follow] (https://newsroom.aboutrobinhood.com/robinhood-crypto-staking-europe/) Memecoin mania ---Unchained: --- [Celebrity Tokens Continue to Bleed With Some Memecoin Traders Losing Six-Figures ] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/celebrity-tokens-continue-to-bleed-with-some-memecoin-traders-losing-six-figures/) --- [Why Memecoins Have Been 2024's Most Profitable Crypto Trade: Ansem and Kelxyz] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-memecoins-have-been-2024s-most-profitable-crypto-trade-ansem-and-kelxyz-ep-641/) Ether ETFs: ---Unchained: --- [Ethereum ETFs Likely Protect Ether From the SEC. But What About Staked ETH? ] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/spot-ethereum-etfs-sec-staked-eth-security-investigations/) --- [Why the SEC May Not Be Done in Its Legal Battles Over Ethereum] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-the-sec-may-not-be-done-in-its-legal-battles-over-ethereum/) ---Kerbrat’s [statement on ETFs] (https://x.com/JohannKerbrat/status/1793819507850612916) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

11 Jun 2024

1 HR 05 MINS

1:05:56

11 Jun 2024

#688

How Coinbase Might Bring 1 Billion People Onchain Using Its Smart Wallet - Ep. 657

Coinbase’s “onchain summer” has kicked off with the launch of its new smart wallet. This interview with Luke Youngblood, founding contributor to Moonwell, gives a peek at how it’s sweetening the pot for developers and users alike. In this episode, Youngblood describes how smart wallets are different from traditional wallets, how they do away with past security issues, and the more minor potential risks that still do exist with smart wallets. He also gives details on the ways that Coinbase is trying to use its smart wallet to get users onchain: making it much easier to transact onchain directly from their Coinbase accounts, subsidizing gas costs for certain dapps, and making sure everything is web-accessible. Plus, he explains why Moonwell chose Base, how it is branching out to non-crypto native DeFi users, such as populations that only have mobile phones and not desktop computers in geographies like Africa, Latin America, and Asia, and how the DeFi lending protocol differentiates itself from bigger ones that have established a beachhead on Base. Show highlights: ---(00:00) Intro ---(01:40) How smart wallets differ from traditional wallets and embedded wallets ---(04:06) Why Luke is excited to be working with Coinbase smart wallet ---(06:33) What happens if the user loses the device linked to their smart wallet ---(08:12) How hard it would be for a hacker to try to get access to the assets in this smart wallet ---(09:36) How Coinbase is initially paying for user gas fees on dapps like Moonwell and other launch partners ---(12:02) How Coinbase’s Magic Stand feature enables users to transact onchain straight from their Coinbase accounts ---(14:24) How Coinbase might keep paying gas fees for some dapps even after the initial launch period ---(16:38) Why the smart wallet is also accessible via the web, and not just through an app ---(19:50) Why Moonwell has focused on lending and borrowing ---(18:03) Why Moonwell chose to build on Base as opposed to, say, Solana ---(21:24) Moonwell’s plans to grow ---(23:00) How having access to Coinbase’s user base changes Moonwell’s strategy for attracting users ---(26:14) Crypto News Recap Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! --- [iTrustCapital] (https://www.itrustcapital.com/) --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guest --- [Luke Youngblood] (https://x.com/LukeYoungblood) Links ---Previous coverage on Unchained: ---Coinbase Smart Wallet: [Coinbase Launches Its Smart Wallets, Dubbing It Crypto’s ‘IPhone Moment’] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/coinbase-launches-its-smart-wallets-dubbing-it-cryptos-iphone-moment/) ---Wallets: --- [Why (Almost) Everyone in Ethereum Is So Excited About a Wallet-Related Proposal] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-almost-everyone-in-ethereum-is-so-excited-about-a-wallet-related-proposal/) --- [What Are Externally Owned Accounts (EOAs) in Ethereum?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/externally-owned-accounts-ethereum/) --- [An Introduction to ERC-4337 (Account Abstraction) Standard] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/erc-4337-account-abstraction-standard/) ---Base: --- [How Ethereum’s Dencun Upgrade Could Lead to the Rise of Millions of Layer 3s] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/how-ethereums-dencun-upgrade-could-lead-to-the-rise-of-millions-of-layer-3s/) ---Dencun Day One: [Ethereum Layer 2 Networks See Drastic Drop in Transaction Fees] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/dencun-day-one-ethereum-layer-2-networks-see-drastic-drop-in-transaction-fees/) --- [Base Daily Transactions Spike to 2 Million Post Dencun Upgrade] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/base-daily-transactions-spike-to-2-million-post-dencun-upgrade/) --- [Why Base’s Creator Thinks Social Apps Will Be a ‘Huge Part’ of the Layer 2 Blockchain’s Success] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-bases-creator-thinks-social-apps-will-be-a-huge-part-of-the-layer-2-blockchains-success/) --- [Base TVL Hits $4 Billion as Transactions Per Second Surpass Ethereum] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/base-tvl-hits-4-billion-as-transactions-per-second-surpass-ethereum/) --- [3 Reasons Why Layer 2 Network Base Has More Than Doubled Its Total Value Locked This Year] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/3-reasons-why-layer-2-network-base-has-more-than-doubled-its-total-value-locked-this-year/) ---Ethereum Layer 2s: --- [Ethereum L2 Networks Reach Record High of 7 Million Distinct Addresses] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/ethereum-l2-networks-reach-record-high-of-7-million-distinct-addresses/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

07 Jun 2024

42 MINS

42:36

07 Jun 2024

#687

Bits + Bips: Is This the Real Reason the SEC Approved the Ethereum ETFs? - Ep. 656

In this episode of Bits + Bips, hosts James Seyffart, Alex Kruger, and Joe McCann, along with guest Hal Press, founder of North Rock Digital, dive into the intricate challenges of pitching the ETH spot ETF to traditional finance and the Federal Reserve’s anticipated next steps. They discuss why Biden vetoed the repeal of SAB 121, and why that veto lends credence to an alternative theory as to why the SEC approved Ethereum ETFs. Also, they talk about why the spot ETH ETFs are already turning out to be different from the Bitcoin ETFs, Hong Kong's (and perhaps China’s?) crypto ambitions, recent U.S. macroeconomic indicators, and whether or not Roaring Kitty’s recent antics with GME stock are illegal—and how he’s impacting memecoins. Show highlights: ---Why Biden vetoed the repeal of SAB 121 and whether it was priced in ---The recent political change around crypto and the surprise Gen Z celebrity who could swing the U.S. presidential election ---The impact of the Trump conviction on the crypto industry ---Why ETF issuers were caught off guard with the spot ETH ETF approvals ---Whether Bitcoin ETF buyers will rotate to Ethereum, and when the products will launch ---How the ETH ETF will be pitched to TradFi ---Why Alex thinks ETH/BTC will go up ---How Hong Kong is trying to become the Wall Street of crypto, according to Joe ---The recent macroeconomic indicators in the U.S. and their implications for crypto ---The massive glitches in the NYSE that showed Berkshire Hathaway going down 99% ---Whether what Roaring Kitty is doing with the GME stock is illegal Hosts: --- [James Seyffart] (https://twitter.com/JSeyff) , Research Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence --- [Alex Kruger] (http://x.com/krugermacro) , Founder of Asgard --- [Joe McCann] (http://x.com/joemccann) , Founder, CEO, and CIO of Asymmetric Guest: --- [Hal Press] (https://x.com/NorthRockLP) , Founder of North Rock Digital Links Politics: ---Unchained: [President Biden Vetoes SAB121 Repeal] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/president-biden-vetoes-sab121-repeal/) ---Unchained: [FIT21 Bill Heads to The Senate: Should We Really Be Excited?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/fit21-bill-heads-to-the-senate-should-we-really-be-excited/) ---POLITICO: [Crypto super PACs get $25M boost] (https://www.politico.com/news/2024/05/29/crypto-super-pac-fundraising-ripple-00160261) ---Fortune: [Coinbase donates $25 million to super PAC Fairshake days after Biden vetoes crypto custody bill] (https://fortune.com/crypto/2024/06/03/coinbase-donates-25-million-to-super-pac-fairshake-days-after-biden-vetoes-crypto-custody-bill/) Ether ETFs: ---Unchained: --- [Ethereum ETFs Likely Protect Ether From the SEC. But What About Staked ETH? ] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/spot-ethereum-etfs-sec-staked-eth-security-investigations/) --- [Why the SEC May Not Be Done in Its Legal Battles Over Ethereum] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-the-sec-may-not-be-done-in-its-legal-battles-over-ethereum/) --- [Why ETH Spot ETFs Could Benefit Stakers and Make Ethereum More Resilient] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-eth-spot-etfs-could-benefit-stakers-and-make-ethereum-more-resilient/) --- [ETH ETFs Will Be Approved. But Could Grayscale Outflows Depress the Price of ETH?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/eth-etfs-will-be-approved-but-could-grayscale-outflows-depress-the-price-of-eth/) ---Blockworks: [What we learned from the latest ETH ETF filing dump] (https://blockworks.co/news/latest-eth-etf-filings-outlook?ref=onepagecrypto.com) Hong Kong ---Bloomberg: [Hong Kong Says 11 Crypto Exchanges Are Closer to Getting Permits] (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-06-01/hong-kong-says-11-crypto-exchanges-are-closer-to-getting-permits) Other recent events: ---CNN Business: [Berkshire Hathaway: NYSE says glitch that showed stock down 99.97% has been resolved ] (https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/03/investing/new-york-stock-exchange-technical-issue/index.html) ---WSJ: [E*Trade Considers Kicking Meme-Stock Leader Keith Gill Off Platform ] (https://www.wsj.com/finance/regulation/e-trade-considers-kicking-meme-stock-leader-keith-gill-off-platform-f2003ec4) TIMESTAMPS ---00:00 Intro ---01:59 Why Biden vetoed the repeal of SAB 121 and whether it was priced in ---08:43 The recent political change around crypto and whether this particular Gen Z celeb could swing the U.S. presidential election ---12:07 What the impact of the Trump conviction had in the crypto industry ---15:38 Whether Bitcoin ETF buyers will rotate to Ethereum, and when the ETH ETFs will launch ---25:53 How the ETH ETF will or should be pitched to TradFi ---31:02 Why Alex thinks ETH/BTC will go up ---32:48How Hong Kong is trying to become the Wall Street of crypto, according to Joe ---36:27 The recent macroeconomic indicators in the U.S. and their implications for crypto ---45:15 The massive glitches in the NYSE that showed Berkshire Hathaway going down 99% ---49:26 Whether what Roaring Kitty is doing with the GME stock is illegal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

05 Jun 2024

57 MINS

57:03

05 Jun 2024

#686

How the U.S. Government Can Protect the Dollar Through Stablecoins - Ep. 655

In this episode, Laura Shin speaks with former CFTC chairman Chris Giancarlo and former CFTC chief innovation officer Daniel Gorfine on the pressing need for the U.S. to safeguard the dollar. They explain why they believe the future of regulation is the government operating nodes on blockchains rather than regulating intermediaries, why even private USD stablecoins will want a USD central bank digital currency, and how China might export the technology behind the digital yuan—and its surveillance capabilities—to other countries. They also touch on how the upcoming U.S. elections could influence crypto policy, why stablecoins are more than just trading instruments, and what the U.S. must do to maintain its financial leadership. Show highlights: ---How governments should embrace blockchain technology to become better at its job, according to Chris ---How the financial system needs to change for the younger generations ---Whether the U.S. is losing ground in terms of innovation ---Why Daniel thinks stablecoins are much more than a trading instrument for crypto ---Why Daniel believes that the U.S. is making the regulation of stablecoins “far more complicated than it needs to be” ---How Singapore is already giving licenses to USD stablecoin issuers ---Whether the dollar should be trademarked to protect it ---How Tether has become one of the most profitable companies per employee in history without being under U.S. jurisdiction ---Who should be the next chair of the SEC and the need to regulate DeFi in order for it to become mainstream ---Why Daniel thinks that some of the criticism of the FIT21 bill “doesn’t hold water” ---Why Chris believes that China is lying about not intending to export the technology behind the digital yuan ---Whether algorithmic stablecoins should be banned, as proposed in the Lummis-Gillibrand bill Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com First Bits + Bips episode: [Bits + Bips: Does Macroeconomics Point to a Potential Crypto Supercycle?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/bits-bips/bits-bips-does-macroeconomics-point-to-a-potential-crypto-supercycle/) Thank you to our sponsors! --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) --- [VaultCraft] (https://vaultcraft.io/) Guests: --- [Chris Giancarlo] (https://x.com/giancarloMKTS) , Former Chairman of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission, author of CryptoDad ---Forbes: [‘Elizabeth Warren’s Anti-Crypto Wing Is A Shrinking Iceberg’, Says Former Top Regulator] (https://www.forbes.com/sites/digital-assets/2024/05/24/elizabeth-warrens-anti-crypto-wing-is-a-shrinking-iceberg-says-former-top-regulator/?sh=33c168895cc5) ---FoxBusiness Interview: [Elizabeth Warren and others have declared war on cryptocurrency: Chris Giancarlo] (https://www.foxbusiness.com/video/6353119273112) ---Op-ed in the FT Banking Risk & Regulation: [Can CBDCs be made safe for democracy?] (https://www.bankingriskandregulation.com/can-cbdcs-be-made-safe-for-democracy/) --- [Daniel Gorfine] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-gorfine-97254b31) , Founder & CEO of boutique advisory firm Gattaca Horizons, former Chief Innovation Officer at the U.S. CFTC, and adjunct professor at the Georgetown University Law Center --- [Opinion: Stablecoin and other digital assets are falsely framed as a choice between personal privacy and national security. We can have both. - MarketWatch] (https://www.marketwatch.com/story/stablecoin-and-other-digital-assets-are-falsely-framed-as-a-choice-between-personal-privacy-and-national-security-we-can-have-both-11658206072) --- [Building digital infrastructure for the future of finance] (https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/547167-building-digital-infrastructure-for-the-future-of-finance/?rl=1) Links Stablecoins: --- [Stablecoins Are Defense Tech] (https://www.nfx.com/post/stablecoins-defense) by Morgan Beller ---Unchained: ---Opinion: [Regulated Dollar Stablecoins Created by a Proposed New Senate Bill Would be Crypto’s Ultimate Trojan Horse ] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/regulated-dollar-stablecoins-created-by-a-proposed-new-senate-bill-would-be-cryptos-ultimate-trojan-horse/) --- [Tether's Record $4.5 Billion Q1 Profit Highlights Its Dominance of the Stablecoin Industry] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/tethers-record-4-5-billion-q1-profit-highlights-its-dominance-of-the-stablecoin-industry/) SAB 121 ---Unchained: [President Biden Vetoes SAB121 Repeal] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/president-biden-vetoes-sab121-repeal/) FIT21 --- Unchained: [FIT21 Bill Heads to The Senate: Should We Really Be Excited?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/fit21-bill-heads-to-the-senate-should-we-really-be-excited/) Spot Ether ETFs ---Unchained: [Analysts Up Odds of Spot Ether ETF to 75% as Prometheum Launches Product That Treats ETH as a Security] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/analysts-up-odds-of-spot-ether-etf-to-75-as-prometheum-launches-product-that-treats-eth-as-a-security/) Learn more about your ad choices. 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04 Jun 2024

1 HR 27 MINS

1:27:07

04 Jun 2024

#685

The Chopping Block: Crypto Populism: From Celebrity Coins to Politics -Ep. 654

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Robert Leshner, and Tarun Chitra explore the latest trends in crypto. This episode explores the buzz around LeBron James' potential memecoin, the recent approval of Ether ETFs, and Biden's shifting stance on crypto policy. We dissect the implications of Trump's pro-crypto promises and the FIT21 legislation. Tune in for a lively debate on celebrity coins, the market's reaction to regulatory changes, and the evolving landscape of political influence in the crypto space. Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ Pandora] (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forbes-podcast-network/unchained-big-ideas-from-the-worlds-of-blockchain-and-fintech) , [ Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [TuneIn] (https://tunein.com/podcasts/Business-News/Unchained-Big-Ideas-From-The-Worlds-Of-Blockchain-p887100/) [, Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. Show highlights 🔹 Celebrity Coins: In-depth discussion on the rise of celebrity-endorsed cryptocurrencies, focusing on LeBron James' potential memecoin and its market implications. 🔹 Ether ETF Approval: Examination of the recent Ether ETF approval, the political motivations behind it, and how it might impact the broader crypto market. 🔹 Biden's Crypto Policy: Analysis of Biden's evolving crypto stance, including recent outreach to the crypto industry and the potential effects on the upcoming elections. 🔹 Trump's Crypto Strategy: Debate on Trump's newfound pro-crypto stance, his promises to the crypto community, and the potential impact on his voter base. 🔹 FIT21 Legislation: Overview of the Financial Innovation and Technology in the 21st Century Act, its key provisions, and the potential for bipartisan support. 🔹 Political Influence in Crypto: Discussion on the increasing influence of politics in the crypto space, including the roles of key figures and the impact of regulatory developments. Hosts ⭐️ [Haseeb Qureshi] (https://twitter.com/hosseeb) , Managing Partner at Dragonfly ⭐️ [Tom Schmidt] (https://twitter.com/tomhschmidt) , General Partner at Dragonfly ⭐️ [Robert Leshner] (https://twitter.com/Rleshner) , CEO & Co-founder of Superstate ⭐️ [Tarun Chitra] (https://twitter.com/tarunchitra) , Managing Partner at Robot Ventures [Disclosures] (http://choppingblock.xyz) Timestamps ---00:00 - Intro ---02:45 - ETF Approval ---07:00 - How deep is this policy shift? ---09:00 - FIT21 ---15:45 - Trump's Pro-Crypto Stance ---24:40 - Caitlyn Jenner's Memecoin Launch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

01 Jun 2024

34 MINS

34:36

01 Jun 2024

#684

With Ether ETFs in the Works, How Else Might the SEC Pivot on Crypto? - Ep. 653

Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ ] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) [Pods] (https://pods.media/unchained) , [Fountain] (https://fountain.fm/show/XCVXRPNvY3wLrlMHwAMs) , [Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. After some big wins for the crypto industry (and big losses for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission), Jason Gottlieb, partner at Morrison Cohen, delves into how the upcoming US elections could reshape the SEC’s crypto agenda, the political pressures influencing SEC decisions, and the potential impact that a new SEC chair could have. Gottlieb provides insights into ongoing court battles involving major crypto firms like Coinbase and explores the broader political implications of the Democrats' recent outreach to the crypto industry. Show highlights: ---How the sea change in Congress, the White House, and the Biden campaign affects the SEC’s stance on crypto ---Whether the SEC's agenda on crypto has changed, following the sudden reversal on ETH ETFs ---Whether the SEC is being pressured politically about crypto and how that could affect its actions between now and the election ---How the ongoing legal crypto cases are affected by the SEC’s change of tune ---What the implications of a possible new SEC chair would be ---How the SEC’s credibility was damaged by the Debt Box case ---Why Jason thinks Democrats are in an “uncomfortable position” but also believes there’s a lot of common ground with the Republicans with regard to crypto Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! --- [iTrustCapital] (https://www.itrustcapital.com/) --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) --- [VaultCraft] (https://vaultcraft.io/) Guest --- [Jason Gottlieb] (https://x.com/ohaiom) , partner at Morrison Cohen ---Previous appearances on Unchained: --- [The Department of Justice Goes After Its First NFT Insider Trading Case] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/podcast/the-department-of-justice-goes-after-its-first-nft-insider-trading-case/) --- [‘Is ETH a Security?’ Why Gary Gensler Couldn’t Give Congress a Straight Answer] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/is-eth-a-security-why-gary-gensler-couldnt-give-congress-a-straight-answer/) Links ---Previous coverage on Unchained of the recent shift in the US political landscape: --- [Why Many Democrats, Including the White House, Have Come Around on Crypto] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-many-democrats-including-the-white-house-have-come-around-on-crypto/) --- [Senator Cynthia Lummis on Why Crypto Now Has Bipartisan Support in Congress] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/senator-cynthia-lummis-on-why-crypto-now-has-bipartisan-support-in-congress/) --- [Bits + Bips: Is US Politics Driving the ETH ETF Approval?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/bits-bips/bits-bips-with-eth-etfs-likely-approval-whos-behind-the-political-reversal/) --- [Why Spot Ether ETFs Are Now Likely to Be Approved on Thursday] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-spot-ether-etfs-are-now-likely-to-be-approved-on-thursday/) Political turn and ongoing cases: ---The Block: [Biden campaign ramps up crypto industry outreach in surprising tone 'shift'] (https://www.theblock.co/post/297504/biden-campaign-shifts-crypto-stance-engages-crypto-industry-presidential-elections-2024?ref=onepagecrypto.com) ---Unchained: --- [Ethereum ETFs Likely Protect Ether From the SEC. But What About Staked ETH?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/spot-ethereum-etfs-sec-staked-eth-security-investigations/) --- [Why the SEC May Not Be Done in Its Legal Battles Over Ethereum ] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-the-sec-may-not-be-done-in-its-legal-battles-over-ethereum/) SAB 121 ---Bloomberg: [As Bitcoin Rallies, Banks Are Pushing US Regulators to Change Crypto Guidance] (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-15/as-bitcoin-rallies-banks-push-sec-to-change-an-accounting-guideline-sab-121) FIT21 --- Unchained: [FIT21 Bill Heads to The Senate: Should We Really Be Excited?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/fit21-bill-heads-to-the-senate-should-we-really-be-excited/) Spot Ether ETFs ---Unchained: [Analysts Up Odds of Spot Ether ETF to 75% as Prometheum Launches Product That Treats ETH as a Security] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/analysts-up-odds-of-spot-ether-etf-to-75-as-prometheum-launches-product-that-treats-eth-as-a-security/) TIMESTAMPS: ---00:00 Introduction ---02:55 The outlook for the SEC’s efforts after the seeming sea change from the Democrats ---06:09 Whether the SEC's agenda has changed, after the sudden reversal on ETH ETFs ---09:58 Whether the SEC is being pressured politically and whether that will influence its actions between now and the presidential election ---15:30 How the ongoing legal crypto cases are affected by the SEC’s change of tune ---19:51 What the implications of a new SEC chair would be on court cases winding slowly through the courts ---23:52 How the SEC’s credibility was damaged by the Debt Box case ---27:59 Why Jason thinks Democrats are in an “uncomfortable position” but also believes there’s a lot of common ground with the Republicans with regard to crypto ---34:14 Weekly recap Learn more about your ad choices. 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31 May 2024

49 MINS

49:59

31 May 2024

#683

Why Many Democrats, Including the White House, Have Come Around on Crypto - Ep. 652

Sheila Warren, CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation, joins Unchained to explore the dramatic shift by Democrats in the last few weeks on crypto. She explains why she believes the overturning of SAB 121 and the House vote for the FIT21 bill were both instrumental to the White House's changing view on crypto and may have played a role in the SEC’s surprising approval of spot ETH ETFs. Having worked for years on passing crypto legislation and as a lifelong Democrat, Sheila describes what kinds of arguments were persuasive to Democratic members of Congress, addresses some criticisms of the FIT21 bill, and gives her perspective on the debate about single-issue voters. Show highlights: ---The overall attitude toward crypto in Washington going into the House vote on SAB 121 on May 8 ---The bipartisan votes in the House and Senate to overturn SAB 121 ---Why, by the time of the Senate vote on FIT21, the White House had had a change of heart about crypto ---Why, after the Senate vote to repeal SAB 121, the SEC approved the spot ETH ETFs ---Why Sheila is so proud of the passage in the House of the FIT21 bill ---How Sheila and CCI approached their discussions with Democrats and what arguments they found effective ---Whether the industry has survived the negative image of SBF and FTX ---The sea change in the White House between the SAB 121 vote and the FIT21 vote ---A high-level description of the FIT21 bill ---What kind of authority the bill would give the CFTC over crypto ---What the implications of the bill are for launching tokens ---FIT21’s approach to regulating DeFi and how the FIT21 bill is "kicking the can" on this topic ---The overall political and legislation landscape and the next likely steps for crypto ---Whether the ETF approval changes anything about the SEC’s investigation into Ethereum ---What Sheila thinks about the 'crypto single-issue voter’ debate Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) --- [VaultCraft] (https://vaultcraft.io/) Guest: ---Sheila Warren, CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation ---Previous appearance on Unchained: [Did FTX Ruin Crypto’s Image on Capitol Hill? Two DC Insiders Discuss] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/podcast/did-ftx-ruin-cryptos-image-on-capitol-hill-two-lobbyists-discuss-ep-450/) Links ---Previous coverage on Unchained of the recent shift in the US political landscape: --- [Senator Cynthia Lummis on Why Crypto Now Has Bipartisan Support in Congress] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/senator-cynthia-lummis-on-why-crypto-now-has-bipartisan-support-in-congress/) --- [Bits + Bips: Is US Politics Driving the ETH ETF Approval?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/bits-bips/bits-bips-with-eth-etfs-likely-approval-whos-behind-the-political-reversal/) --- [Why Spot Ether ETFs Are Now Likely to Be Approved on Thursday] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-spot-ether-etfs-are-now-likely-to-be-approved-on-thursday/) SAB 121 ---Bloomberg: [As Bitcoin Rallies, Banks Are Pushing US Regulators to Change Crypto Guidance] (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-15/as-bitcoin-rallies-banks-push-sec-to-change-an-accounting-guideline-sab-121) FIT21 ---CCI: [FIT21 Coalition Support Letter] (https://cryptoforinnovation.org/fit21-coalition-support-letter/) --- Unchained: [FIT21 Bill Heads to The Senate: Should We Really Be Excited?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/fit21-bill-heads-to-the-senate-should-we-really-be-excited/) --- Sheila’s op-ed on Fortune: [The clock is ticking for Democrats on crypto] (https://fortune.com/crypto/2024/05/18/the-clock-is-ticking-for-democrats-on-crypto/) Spot Ether ETFs ---Unchained: [Analysts Up Odds of Spot Ether ETF to 75% as Prometheum Launches Product That Treats ETH as a Security] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/analysts-up-odds-of-spot-ether-etf-to-75-as-prometheum-launches-product-that-treats-eth-as-a-security/) Ethereum Foundation investigation --- Fortune Crypto: [SEC probing crypto companies in Ethereum investigation as hopes for ETF dim] (https://fortune.com/crypto/2024/03/20/sec-gary-gensler-ethereum-security-commodity-crypto-foundation/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

28 May 2024

1 HR 31 MINS

1:31:34

28 May 2024

#682

Senator Cynthia Lummis on Why Crypto Now Has Bipartisan Support in Congress - Ep. 651

Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ ] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) [Pods] (https://pods.media/unchained) , [Fountain] (https://fountain.fm/show/XCVXRPNvY3wLrlMHwAMs) , [Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ ] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) [Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. With crypto becoming more politicized than ever, US Senator from Wyoming Cynthia Lummis came on Unchained to talk about the recent regulatory action in Washington DC. With crypto becoming more politicized than ever, U.S. Senator from Wyoming Cynthia Lummis came on Unchained to talk about the recent regulatory action in Washington, D.C. She delves into what led to bipartisan support to repeal SAB 121, and how the strength of the vote there in both the House and Senate may have affected the about-face decision to approve spot ether ETFs. Sen. Lummis also explains why she disagrees with how Gary Gensler’s SEC is handling the industry, how to avoid the next TerraUSD, why she feels Wyoming-chartered Custodia Bank is not being treated fairly, the ban on a Chinese-owned, Wyoming-based Bitcoin mining firm, and what advice she would give to the crypto industry during this election year. Show highlights: ---Why the SAB 121 approval was bipartisan ---Whether President Biden will veto the resolution ---How it's a "mystery" to Sen. Lummis why the SEC had a change of heart about Ether ETFs ---How the SEC's approach to regulating the industry "is not the American way" ---Whether there is a bipartisan majority in favor of crypto in Congress ---How bitcoin has come a long way in terms of adoption ---Sen. Lummis' thoughts on how to regulate the stablecoin industry and avoid a Terra Luna situation ---The differences between the Lummis-Gillibrand bill and FIT21 ---How Sen. Lummis feels about the denial of a master account for Custodia Bank ---Whether there's a move against Bitcoin mining companies in the US, given the recent ban of an operation in Wyoming ---What Sen. Lummis would advise for the industry to accomplish its goals Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! --- [iTrustCapital] (https://www.itrustcapital.com/) --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) --- [VaultCraft] (https://vaultcraft.io/) Guest --- Senator Cynthia Lummis on Why Crypto Now Has Bipartisan Support in Congress - Ep. 651, U.S. Senator from Wyoming Links Ether ETFs ---Unchained: --- [Analysts Up Odds of Spot Ether ETF to 75% as Prometheum Launches Product That Treats ETH as a Security] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/analysts-up-odds-of-spot-ether-etf-to-75-as-prometheum-launches-product-that-treats-eth-as-a-security/) --- [Bits + Bips: Is US Politics Driving the ETH ETF Approval?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/bits-bips/bits-bips-with-eth-etfs-likely-approval-whos-behind-the-political-reversal/) --- [Why Spot Ether ETFs Are Now Likely to Be Approved on Thursday] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-spot-ether-etfs-are-now-likely-to-be-approved-on-thursday/) SAB 121 ---Bloomberg: [As Bitcoin Rallies, Banks Are Pushing US Regulators to Change Crypto Guidance] (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-15/as-bitcoin-rallies-banks-push-sec-to-change-an-accounting-guideline-sab-121) --- FIT21: ---Unchained: [FIT21 Bill Heads to The Senate: Should We Really Be Excited?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/fit21-bill-heads-to-the-senate-should-we-really-be-excited/) Open cases: ---Fortune: [SEC sued over Ethereum, crypto firm asks court to state token is not a security] (https://fortune.com/crypto/2024/04/25/sec-sued-over-ethereum-crypto-firm-asks-court-to-state-token-is-not-a-security/) ---Unchained: --- [Gary Gensler’s Case Against Uniswap: Does the SEC Even Stand a Chance?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/gary-genslers-case-against-uniswap-does-the-sec-even-stand-a-chance/) --- [SEC Puts DeFi in Its Sights With Potential Uniswap Suit] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/sec-puts-defi-in-its-sights-with-potential-uniswap-suit/) ---Unchained: --- [SEC Investigating Ethereum Foundation Regarding Proof-of-Stake Transition: Report] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/sec-investigating-ethereum-foundation-regarding-proof-of-stake-transition-report/) --- [The Real Reason Why the SEC Might Be Going After Ethereum] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/the-real-reason-why-the-sec-might-be-going-after-ethereum/) Timestamps: ---(00:00) Introduction ---(02:53) Why the SAB 121 approval was bipartisan ---(04:52) Whether President Biden will veto the resolution ---(08:40) How it's a "mystery" to Sen. Lummis why the SEC had a change of heart about Ether ETFs ---(13:23) Why Senator Lummis believes there is a bipartisan majority in favor of crypto in Congress ---(20:19) Sen. Lummis' thoughts on how to regulate the stablecoin industry and avoid a Terra Luna situation ---(23:55) The differences between the Lummis-Gillibrand bill and FIT21 ---(28:59) How Sen. Lummis feels about the denial of a master account for Wyoming-special purpose depository institution Custodia Bank ---(30:20) What she thinks about the Biden administration’s ban against a Wyoming-based, Chinese-owned Bitcoin mining company near a nuclear site ---(33:44) What Sen. Lummis would advise for the industry to accomplish its goals ---(35:04) Weekly Recap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

24 May 2024

50 MINS

50:44

24 May 2024

#681

The Chopping Block: Response to SAB-121, ETH ETF, & More - Ep. 650

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Robert Leshner, and Tarun Chitra explore the latest trends in crypto. This episode covers the anticipated Ether ETF Approval and its market impact, Biden's evolving crypto policy, and the bipartisan repeal of SAB-121. We debate the controversy around High FDV Low Float Tokens and discuss the DOJ indictment for a $25 million MEV exploit. Tune in for insights on memecoin performance, the role of prediction markets in politics, and the increasing participation of retail investors in the crypto market. Show highlights 🔹 Crypto Regulation: In-depth discussion on SEC Crypto Guidance, focusing on SAB-121 and its implications for the crypto and banking sectors. 🔹 Ethereum ETF News: Examination of the anticipated Ether ETF Approval, the political motivations behind it, and potential market implications. 🔹 Biden Administration Crypto Stance: Analysis of Biden's evolving crypto policy, bipartisan repeal of SAB-121, and how these shifts might affect the upcoming elections. 🔹 High FDV Low Float Tokens: Debate on the controversy surrounding high FDV low float tokens, recent market downturns, and potential market structure issues. 🔹 MEV Exploit DOJ: Overview of the DOJ indictment of two brothers for a $25 million MEV exploit, exploring the legal and ethical implications. 🔹 Memecoin Performance: Insights into current market trends, including the performance of memecoins versus VC-backed tokens, and predictions on future regulatory impacts. 🔹 Prediction Markets in Politics: Exploration of how prediction markets are influencing political stances, particularly Trump's pro-crypto stance and its effects on voter behavior. 🔹 Impact of Regulation on Crypto: Discussion on the increased participation of retail investors in the crypto market and its broader implications. Hosts ⭐️ [Haseeb Qureshi] (https://twitter.com/hosseeb) , Managing Partner at Dragonfly ⭐️ [Tom Schmidt] (https://twitter.com/tomhschmidt) , General Partner at Dragonfly ⭐️ [Robert Leshner] (https://twitter.com/Rleshner) , CEO & Co-founder of Superstate ⭐️ [Tarun Chitra] (https://twitter.com/tarunchitra) , Managing Partner at Robot Ventures [Disclosures] (http://choppingblock.xyz) Links Haseeb’s “Why are all these low float / high FDV coins down bad?” [https://x.com/hosseeb/status/1792257063399403669] (https://x.com/hosseeb/status/1792257063399403669) Two Brothers Arrested for Attacking Ethereum Blockchain and Stealing $25M in Cryptocurrency: [https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-brothers-arrested-attacking-ethereum-blockchain-and-stealing-25m-cryptocurrency] (https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-brothers-arrested-attacking-ethereum-blockchain-and-stealing-25m-cryptocurrency) Tarun’s Towards a Theory of Maximal Extractable Value I: Constant Function Market Makers: [https://arxiv.org/pdf/2207.11835] (https://arxiv.org/pdf/2207.11835) Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (2:20) - Congressional Response to SAB-121 (12:05) - Are memecoiners activists? (16:09) - Crypto is a new wedge issue (19:03) - ETH ETF & Regulation softening (22:23) - Prediction markets steering politics (30:22) - Being anti-crypto is stupid (35:38) - "High FDV, Low Float" tokens (40:16) - Market structure problems (49:14) - Market price is not sustainable (55:38) - DOJ vs. MEV Bot Exploit (1:01:45) - Crypto-on-crypto crime Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

23 May 2024

1 HR 13 MINS

1:13:32

23 May 2024

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The Chopping Block: Response to SAB-121, ETH ETF, & More - Ep. 650