No Top Signal In Sight | Weekly Roundup

13 snips

Aug 8, 2025

This week dives into the rise of Debt Alternative Tokens and the implications for the market. Insights on Coinbase’s recent convertible notes reveal strategic maneuvers amidst investor interest. Discussion of Kraken’s IPO prospects highlights evolving regulations in crypto. Ripple's $200 million acquisition of a stablecoin platform signals new growth opportunities. The conversation also covers stablecoin dynamics and emerging trends in 401(k) investments, showcasing the innovative landscape of cryptocurrency and its potential future impact.

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INSIGHT

Hedge Funds Can Invest in ETFs

Hedge funds can invest in ETFs, contrary to some claims about DATs being needed for hedge fund access.
This corrects a misconception pitching DATs as a necessity for hedge funds to get token exposure.

INSIGHT

Quality Dispersion in DATs

DATs with foundation alignment and ecosystem longevity attract better funding and investor interest.
Many opportunistic DAT sponsors prioritize quick profit over long-term value, creating quality dispersion.

INSIGHT

Insider Trading Risks in Crypto

Insider trading in crypto convertible note announcements is unethical and risky.
Buying equity before public announcements typically leads to severe penalties, emphasizing legal compliance.

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Happy Friday! This week we livestreamed our Roundup and Yano, Santi and Rob got right into the topics of the week - DATs keep on keeping on, Coinbase’s convertible notes, Kraken and other upcoming crypto IPOs, Roman Storm’s guilty verdict, crypto and 401Ks, stablecoin growth continues, ChatGPT 5 launches and content recommendations.

Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross.

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GEODNET is the world’s largest RTK network, delivering real-time, centimeter-level precision for drones, robots, farmers, and first responders. Recognized by the U.S. Congress, this blockchain-powered network supports mission-critical applications across a wide range of industries.

Discover how GEODNET is changing the world: [https://geodnet.com]

Get up to speed on the biggest stories in crypto each week. In five minutes.

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"Mantle is pioneering ""Blockchain for Banking"" as a revolutionary new category that sits at the intersection of TradFi and web3.

Key elements for Mantle as the ""Blockchain for Banking"":

- Transactions posted to the blockchain

- Compatibility with TradFi rails

- Integrated DeFi features

UR, built by Mantle, is the first real-world example: an on-chain money app offering Swiss IBANs and unified access to fiat (EUR, CHF, USD, RMB) and crypto — bringing crypto into everyday finance.

Mantle Network, the access layer — transforms Mantle Network into a purpose-built vertical platform — the blockchain for banking — that enables financial services on-chain. Mantle leads the establishment of Blockchain for Banking as the next frontier.

Follow Mantle on X (@Mantle_Official) for the latest updates on Mantle as the 'Blockchain for Banking'."

Citrea is the first zero-knowledge rollup to enhance the capabilities of Bitcoin blockspace and enable Bitcoin applications (₿apps). Citrea is optimistically verified by Bitcoin, offering the most Bitcoin-secured and native way to extend BTC’s utility to DeFi.

Learn more about Citrea: https://citrea.xyz/?utm_source=bellcurve&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=website_promo

Follow Citrea on X/Twitter for the latest on its journey to mainnet: https://x.com/citrea_xyz

Timestamps:

(03:11) DATs State Of The Union

(12:45) Coinbase Convertible Notes

(27:16) Ads (Geodnet, Bitwise)

(28:44) Kraken IPO

(37:46) Upcoming IPOs

(39:39) Roman Storm Guilty

(48:55) Crypto + 401ks

(52:28) Ads (Geodnet, Bitwise)

(53:49) Ads (Mantle,Citrea)

(55:27) Ripple Acquisition

(57:16) Stablecoins Growth

(01:13:15) Content Recs + ChatGPT 5

—

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.