Weekly Roundup 11/28/24 (OFAC loses vs Tornado, Cantor owns some Tether, More OCP2.0, Who we’re thankful for) (EP.578)
Nov 28, 2024
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Thanksgiving takes center stage, with humorous tales of cooking mishaps and the joys of family gatherings. Legal developments shine with a court ruling overturning sanctions on Tornado Cash, setting a new precedent for decentralized finance. The future of crypto regulation is discussed, hinting at a potential shift from the SEC to the CFTC. Gratitude flows as notable players in the industry are acknowledged, while speculation about a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve stirs curiosity about its impact on government debt. The excitement of upcoming ventures in 2025 adds to the festive spirit.
The podcast discusses the implications of an appeals court ruling against OFAC's sanctions on Tornado Cash, highlighting growing scrutiny of regulatory practices in the crypto space.
The hosts express gratitude for key figures in the crypto industry, emphasizing community resilience and support amid challenging regulatory environments.
Deep dives
The Fallout from Mortgage Investments
The episode highlights the significant fallout from bad mortgage investments, exemplified by the liquidation of Lehman Brothers, which employed 25,000 individuals. This crisis prompted the federal government to provide an $85 billion loan to American International Group (AIG) in an attempt to stabilize the financial landscape. The discussion emphasizes that the current market environment is unique and complex, citing the Federal Reserve's perceived inaction amid rising economic concerns. Additionally, the government intervened to support Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two mortgage giants deeply affected by the ongoing housing crisis.
MicroStrategy's Bitcoin Strategy
MicroStrategy has emerged as a dominant player in the Bitcoin space, boasting significant returns on its investments and holding 386,000 Bitcoin worth $37 billion. The firm's stock has experienced impressive growth, with a 700% return since 2022, but this performance comes with heightened volatility compared to Bitcoin itself. The company's founder, Michael Saylor, transformed MicroStrategy into a well-known meme stock, significantly increasing public interest in its Bitcoin acquisition strategy. Recent disclosures revealed that MicroStrategy purchased 55,500 Bitcoin for $5.4 billion, which affected market perceptions and expectations around Bitcoin's price.
Cryptocurrency Regulations and Debanking Issues
The hosts explore the increasing challenges faced by cryptocurrency firms regarding banking access, attributing this to systemic debanking policies. Mark Andreessen notably criticized the Biden administration's approach, suggesting that it aimed to marginalize the cryptocurrency industry through regulatory means. The conversation aligns with a broader sentiment that many crypto firms have experienced difficulties securing banking partnerships, leading to operational hindrances. The discourse urges for increased awareness and potential legislation to protect emerging technology companies from discriminatory banking practices.
Thankfulness and Industry Resilience
In a Thanksgiving-themed segment, the hosts express gratitude for various individuals and groups that have persevered in the tumultuous crypto landscape. They acknowledge entrepreneurs who have faced significant challenges while managing their businesses amid difficult regulatory environments. The Coinbase policy team and advocacy organizations like Coin Center received recognition for their efforts in fighting for the rights of crypto companies. Overall, the sentiment underscores a growing optimism for the future of the industry and the importance of community support in overcoming obstacles.