Bankless

Ben Hunt says, “Cut the BS! The Banks Are Solvent!"

Mar 25, 2023

Ben Hunt, an investor and creator of Epsilon Theory, argues passionately against the doom-and-gloom narrative surrounding bank insolvency. He challenges popular beliefs that banks are failing, asserting instead that they are fundamentally stable. Hunt critiques the Federal Reserve's approach while discussing the implications of cryptocurrency in traditional finance. He emphasizes the importance of civil discourse and proposes that the focus should be on reforming the system rather than succumbing to fear, making a compelling case for the resilience of financial institutions.

01:16:51

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Episode guests

Ben Hunt

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Exploring Crypto Sponsorships and Tools

3min

Navigating the Crypto and Financial Landscape

33min

Exploring Economic Consequences and Innovations in DeFi

3min

Bank Stability and Alternative Assets

4min

Navigating Financial Icebergs

5min

Navigating Financial Paradigms

26min

There are bank runs and also rumors of more bank runs on the horizon. One side says, “the banks are insolvent, get to the lifeboats.” Another side says, “the banks are going to be fine…we’re sick and tired of doomers pulling the fire alarm.” Who’s right?

This is our third episode in a series of conversations. To get the full debate you’ll need to listen to the last two episodes with Balaji Srinivasan and Arthur Hayes.

In this episode, we’re speaking with Ben Hunt who lays out the counterpoint details on why banks are going to be fine. He believes Balaji and Arthur are dangerously wrong. Tune in to hear why!

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------ Timestamps

0:00 Intro 6:55 Ben’s Crypto Credentials 10:36 Critiques of the Fed 16:55 Ben’s Understanding of Balaji’s Thesis 24:33 What Ben Believes is Untrue 33:42 Treasuries Are the Safest Assets? 43:34 Ben’s Objection 45:55 Icebergs 50:52 Fiat is Better? 57:45 Step Back for Society? 1:02:26 Checks on Power 1:07:39 Rules-Based Monetary Policy 1:12:30 How to Fix the Fed 1:15:35 Closing & Disclaimers

------ Resources:

Previous Debates https://www.bankless.com/balaji-bets-the-dollar-will-hyperinflate-to-zero-not-a-drill https://www.bankless.com/arthur-hayes-says-get-your-bitcoin-and-get-out

Ben Hunt https://twitter.com/EpsilonTheory

------ Not financial or tax advice. This channel is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. This video is not tax advice. Talk to your accountant. Do your own research.

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