The podcast discusses the challenges faced by cryptocurrency companies in obtaining bank accounts, including the reduction in banking partners for Circle and the SEC lawsuit against Coinbase and Binance. It explores the parallels between payment processors in online poker and cryptocurrencies, as well as the difficulties of obtaining banking services for crypto companies. The chapter also touches on the future predictions for cryptocurrency companies' ability to get bank accounts.
European banks are embracing cryptocurrencies, while US banks are hesitant, indicating the challenging state of the cryptocurrency industry.
Cryptocurrency exchanges face difficulties in obtaining and maintaining banking services due to risks associated with the industry and ongoing regulatory issues.
Deep dives
BitStamp in talks with European banks to offer cryptocurrency
BitStamp has reportedly been in talks with a number of European banks to offer cryptocurrency services. This development signals that banks in Europe are beginning to embrace cryptocurrencies, in contrast to the United States, where the acceptance of cryptocurrency exchanges as clients has been hesitant. While this news may appear positive for BitStamp, the fact that an article is dedicated to the company's potential partnership with banks in the future indicates the challenging state of the cryptocurrency industry.
Challenges faced by cryptocurrency exchanges in securing banking services
The podcast highlights the difficulties faced by many cryptocurrency exchanges in obtaining and maintaining banking services. It is mentioned that even reputed exchanges like Coinbase have encountered banking issues in the past. The risks associated with the cryptocurrency industry, such as potential involvement in criminal activities, have made banks more cautious in serving these exchanges. The episode also discusses the shrinking window of time during which cryptocurrency companies were able to secure banking accounts, with several major exchanges losing their banking partners.
Uncertain future for cryptocurrency companies and banking
The future relationship between cryptocurrency companies and banking remains unclear. The episode raises questions about whether more banks accepting due-diligence-compliant cryptocurrency exchanges would reduce the risks for customers. However, the podcast predicts that it will continue to be challenging for cryptocurrency companies to secure banking services in the United States. The ongoing SEC lawsuit against Coinbase and Binance, as well as potential future indictments and civil suits, are cited as factors that may further complicate the banking landscape for cryptocurrency companies.
Bennett and Cas discuss the evolving banking situation in the cryptocurrency industry, and how hard it is for companies to maintain banking relationships.