The State of Crypto, 2026 Predictions & Espresso's Token Launch | Jill Gunter

Dec 22, 2025

Jill Gunter, co-founder of Espresso and a former Wall Street credit trader, dives into the evolving world of crypto. She shares insights on why privacy is crucial and how tokenization can unlock innovative products. Jill also discusses the SEC's changing stance on privacy and the importance of digital assets. Predictions for 2026 include Ethereum's choices and a resurgence of infrastructure. Plus, she reveals details about Espresso's upcoming token launch and the shift in crypto's cultural landscape as mainstream adoption grows.

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INSIGHT

Crypto Is Achieving Its Core Objectives

Crypto is winning because its technology is achieving practical adoption across finance and fintech.
Real-world signs (Stripe, Robinhood, stablecoins) show blockchain objectives are being met.

ANECDOTE

Trading Sovereign Debt Sparked Crypto Conviction

Jill recounts trading Latin American sovereign debt and seeing monetary mismanagement in Venezuela and Argentina.
That experience made Bitcoin's role as an alternative to fiat personally meaningful to her.

INSIGHT

Assets Enable Powerful Crypto Products

Blockchains make sense primarily for digitally native assets and tokenized real-world assets.
As more assets get tokenized, richer crypto products (privacy, ZK proofs, attestations) become viable.

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This week, Jill Gunter from Espresso joins the show to discuss the state of crypto today. We deep dive into how has crypto evolved, why privacy matters, predictions for 2026, will Espresso launch a token & more. Enjoy!

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Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction

(02:44) The State of Crypto Today

(10:21) How Has Crypto Evolved?

(19:18) Ads (VanEck, Geodnet, Uniswap)

(21:40) Why Privacy Matters

(35:55) Who Wins In Crypto Infra?

(45:56) Crypto's Identity Crisis

(52:52) Predictions For 2026

(55:49) When Will Espresso Launch A Token?

Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.