Coinbase Buys Deribit, Stripe’s Stablecoin Launch, and Ethereum’s Pectra Upgrade | Weekly Roundup

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May 9, 2025

Bitcoin has soared past $100k, signaling a bullish trend. Ethereum's Pectra upgrade marks a significant shift to proof of stake, reshaping the crypto landscape. Coinbase's blockbuster acquisition of Deribit for $2.9 billion sets new standards in crypto derivatives. Meanwhile, the launch of Stripe's stablecoin adds another layer to digital finance. Corporate giants like Meta and Robinhood are exploring tokenization, hinting at a future where traditional stocks meet blockchain innovations. Regulation, particularly the GENIUS Act, is also stirring the pot.

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INSIGHT

Ethereum's Pectra Upgrade Boosts UX

Ethereum's Pectra upgrade significantly improves the user experience by reducing clicks, enabling smarter wallets, and lowering transaction costs.
It also increases staking limits and introduces batch transactions with gas sponsorship, marking a technical and user-friendly milestone.

INSIGHT

Robinhood Eyeing Blockchain Launch

Robinhood is considering launching its own blockchain, evaluating both Solana and Arbitrum as underlying platforms.
This reflects broader interest among corporates in building on scalable blockchain ecosystems beyond Ethereum's L1.

INSIGHT

Coinbase-Deribit Mega M&A Deal

Coinbase's $2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit represents the largest crypto M&A deal ever, securing 80% of crypto derivatives market share.
This move highlights exchanges' desire to broaden product offerings like perps and options, fueling industry M&A activity.

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Gm! This week we're back with another weekly roundup. We discuss Coinbase's $3B acquisition of Deribit, Stripe's stablecoin launch, Ethereum's big pivot, will Meta launch a stablecoin & more. Enjoy!

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:58) Bitcoin Breaks $100k

(05:25) Ethereum’s Pectra Upgrade

(10:14) Ethereum's Big Pivot

(12:41) Ads (Skale, Marinade)

(14:13) Is Robinhood Launching A Chain?

(15:31) Coinbase Acquires Deribit For $2.9 Billion

(21:54) Stripe Sessions: The Stablecoin Playbook

(32:02) Ads (Skale, Marinade)

(33:35) Tokenization (real)

(37:51) Is The IPO Window Open?

(44:20) Ads (Ledger, WalletConnect, Bitwise)

(46:38) The GENIUS Act

(49:35) Will Meta Launch A Stablecoin?

(52:08) Coinbase Earnings

(53:31) Is Microstrategy A Threat To Bitcoin?

(58:47) Final Thoughts

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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.