Zack Shapiro

Matthew Pines, executive director at the Bitcoin Policy Institute and a geopolitical expert, joins Zack Shapiro, head of policy specializing in US-China trade relations. They dive into the implications of the Mar-a-Lago Accord, discussing how tariffs and stablecoins might reshape global finance. The duo explores Bitcoin's emerging role in trade negotiations and U.S. economic strategy. They analyze the balance of power in U.S.-China relations, the future of stablecoins, and Bitcoin's potential as a strategic asset amid economic turbulence.

Zack Shapiro, who works at P2P Rights and the Bitcoin Policy Institute, dives into the troubling implications of the Samourai case for Bitcoin enthusiasts. He sheds light on the government's approach to non-custodial software and the potential precedents it could set. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency regulation, the challenges posed by the Bank Secrecy Act, and the importance of community engagement in advocating for Bitcoin’s decentralized future.

Zack Shapiro, a lawyer and Head of Policy at the Bitcoin Policy Institute, dives deep into the legal challenges facing Bitcoin, particularly the Samurai Wallet case. He discusses how outdated laws threaten non-custodial tools and the risks developers face. Highlighting the DOJ's troubling use of 'regulation by prosecution,' Shapiro reveals that even FinCEN had cleared Samurai of wrongdoing. With the need for political solutions alongside legal ones, he emphasizes protecting Bitcoin's decentralized nature against increasing government scrutiny.

Jonathan Skrmetti, the Attorney General of Tennessee, shares insights on the legal landscape for open-source developers. Alongside Alex Gladstein from the Human Rights Foundation and legal expert Zack Shapiro, they discuss the complexities of code as protected speech and the need for clearer regulations. The trio explores the challenges faced by creators in the digital space, emphasizing Tennessee's potential to lead in innovation. They also address the balance between regulation and freedom, reflecting on the future of Bitcoin and open-source tools in the U.S.

Bitcoin ETF advertising race and Cathie Wood Ark selling entire GBTC position are the most interesting topics discussed in the podcast featuring guests Alex Stanczyk, Tomer Strolight, and Zack Shapiro from Bitcoin Policy Institute.