The Index Podcast

The Future of Finance: How Blockchain is Bringing Real-World Assets On-ChainThis week on The Index, Alex Kehaya joins Eli Cohen, General Counsel at Centrifuge, to break down how crypto is transforming traditional finance by bringing real-world assets (RWA) on-chain.Eli’s blockchain journey began in 2017 at CME Group, where he helped launch Bitcoin futures, exposing him to the inefficiencies of legacy markets. Municipal bonds take ten days to settle. FX swaps carry days of currency risk. Mortgages still rely on paper. These bottlenecks lock up trillions—tokenization is the solution.Centrifuge started with trade receivables for small businesses and has since scaled into institutional finance, launching a $40M US Treasury pool in 2023. The shift is clear: on-chain assets are going mainstream.Regulation remains a battleground. Eli unpacks the SEC’s aggressive stance, the "chokepoint" banking restrictions, and why the post-election landscape could reshape global policy.With BlackRock entering tokenized treasuries, the crypto-finance crossover is accelerating. This isn’t just digitization—it’s a full-scale reinvention of how assets move and who gets access.Whether you're a crypto investor, builder, or just watching the space, this episode reveals why RWA tokenization is the next big thing.Centrifuge: https://centrifuge.io/Show LinksThe Index X ChannelYouTube

Greg Osuri, Founder of Akash Network, talks about revolutionizing cloud computing through decentralized infrastructure. He highlights how smaller, agile teams can outshine larger, overfunded organizations in AI innovation. The conversation dives into the power of Zero Knowledge Proofs in validating AI models and the advantages of constraints in driving better engineering decisions. They discuss community-driven development and the critical role of transparency and engagement in the evolving landscape of open-source technology and decentralized networks.

What if internet memes were the new crypto luxury brand, driving financial speculation with the same fervor as high-end fashion? This week on The Index, we take a deep dive into everything crypto with Ben Huh, the co-founder of Orange DAO. Ben offers a unique perspective on how meme coins like Bonk are not just digital jokes but significant players in the evolving participatory financial system. He discusses the speculative nature of these coins, which operate more on sentiment than tangible utility, and the critical role of community and brand affinity in anchoring their value.While meme coins are on the rise, launching a successful crypto project demands more than just a catchy name. It's a strategic dance through distribution channels and realistic market expectations. Ben sheds light on the careful planning behind token launches, stressing the importance of grounding them in stable valuations and widespread distribution rather than hype. He also shares insights on current trends, such as the minimal use of venture capital allocations in bootstrap companies and the psychological waves caused by token unlocks on platforms like Solana.For those building the future of blockchain, choosing the right ecosystem is a make-or-break decision. Ben reveals the intricacies of selecting between Polkadot's high barriers and Solana's allure of accessibility. He also offers guidance for crypto founders pitching to investors, emphasizing the craft of compelling storytelling over the common reliance on credentials. The discussion touches upon the dynamic experience of accelerator programs, the art of succinct pitching during demo days, and the power of networking—essential tools for both new and seasoned entrepreneurs aiming to make their mark.Orange DAO: Follow on X: Show LinksThe Index X ChannelYouTube

How can developers monetize open-source AI while preserving ownership and privacy?In this episode of Everything Bagel, co-hosts Alex Kehaya and Bidhan Roy, Founder of Bagel Network, dive into the revolutionary role of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) in open-source AI monetization.Bidhan shares how Bagel Network is transforming the AI landscape by enabling developers to earn from their contributions while maintaining full control and privacy. They discuss the game-changing breakthrough of ZK LoRa, a zero-knowledge proof system that slashes AI training verification times from weeks to under two seconds—paving the way for scalable, decentralized AI.The conversation explores how community-driven ASI (Artificial Super Intelligence) can evolve through modular AI models, making decentralized AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) more accessible and cost-effective. Plus, they unpack how The Bakery, Bagel’s latest product, empowers developers to stack AI components like LEGO bricks for greater scalability and efficiency.🔥 Key Topics Discussed:✅ How zero-knowledge proofs are reshaping AI ownership and monetization✅ The impact of Bagel Network’s ZK LoRa verification system✅ The rise of domain-specific ASI models and real-world applications✅ How The Bakery fuels decentralized AI development at scale✅ The potential for community-built AGI running on crypto rails🔗 Learn More & Join the Community:🌐 Website: Bagel Network🐦 Follow on X (Twitter): @BagelOpenAI📺 YouTube: @bagelnetShow LinksThe Index X ChannelYouTube

What if building a blockchain was as easy as deploying a smart contract? On this episode of Everything SVM on The Index, co-hosts Alex Kehaya and Omar Zaki, CEO of Mantis, sit down with Nick White, Vice President of Celestia Labs, to explore how modular blockchain architectures revolutionize scalability and innovation. Nick breaks down Celestia’s groundbreaking approach, which separates execution from consensus and data availability, providing developers with unprecedented flexibility. This paradigm shift is key to overcoming the bottlenecks that have long-constrained networks like Ethereum and Solana.The conversation ventures into the rapidly evolving landscape of DeFi protocols and application-specific chains, where innovation is reshaping how developers build decentralized applications. With Solana’s high-speed block times pushing the limits of transaction efficiency, we examine how modular solutions like roll-ups could unlock even faster confirmations and tailored scalability. The AppChain thesis takes center stage as we explore Celestia-based projects that exemplifies the potential for customizable and private transactions.They discuss the next evolution of blockchain development, where deploying roll-ups on Celestia might soon be more accessible than launching a smart contract. As we unpack the challenges of modular ecosystems and the solutions emerging to address them, we paint a vision of the ultimate end game for blockchain scalability—a future where modular chains provide unmatched flexibility, efficiency, and innovation.Celestia: https://celestia.org/Mantis: https://mantis.app/Show LinksThe Index X ChannelYouTube

Join Nick Emmons, CEO of Allora Labs, and Bidon Roy, founder of Bagel, as they dive into the revolutionary world of decentralized AI. Nick discusses how Allora is reshaping machine intelligence by enabling collaborative networks instead of isolated competition. They explore the potential of decentralized systems in media and finance, the challenges of monetizing open-source contributions, and the importance of community-driven progress for AI's future. Discover how decentralized AI could emerge as a public utility and enhance collective intelligence!

Crypto has the potential to revolutionize finance—but how do we make it truly accessible? In this episode of The Index, we sit down with Ryne Saxe, CEO of Eco, to explore the future of payments, stablecoins, and the evolving role of blockchain in everyday transactions.Ryne shares his journey from the traditional banking world to the fast-paced San Francisco crypto scene, where he saw an opportunity to build a better financial system. We dive into how Eco is tackling the complexities of crypto adoption, simplifying user experiences, and creating seamless payment solutions that benefit both users and merchants.We also discuss the shift away from traditional credit card networks, the potential cost savings of stablecoins and Bitcoin, and the growing role of crypto wallets in mainstream adoption. From Ethereum rollups to Solana integration, Ryne breaks down the key innovations shaping the next era of Web3 payments.Join us for an insightful conversation on the road ahead, the challenges still to be overcome, and why the future of finance might be closer than we think.Website: https://eco.com/Follow on X: https://x.com/ecoShow LinksThe Index X ChannelYouTube

What if artificial superintelligence (ASI) could be the ultimate equalizer, leveling the playing field for all? We're diving headfirst into this provocative territory by examining the transformative potential of open-source AI. Inspired by Mark Zuckerberg's recent conversation with Joe Rogan, we unravel the complexities of democratizing AI access and the role it plays in safeguarding against monopolistic control. The insights from Sam Altman about the imminent rise of artificial general intelligence (AGI) add fuel to our discussion, as we explore the risks and societal shifts these advancements might entail. With open-source platforms empowering both heroes and villains, is balance of power within our grasp?Venturing beyond the tech giants, we spotlight underdog innovators like Mistral and DeepSeek, who are challenging the status quo with limited resources but boundless ambition. We tackle the intricate dance between corporate interests and open-source ideals, pondering how a sustainable revenue model could redefine community-driven innovation. As the specter of a technological singularity looms, the philosophical and ethical questions mount: what will a world transformed by ASI look like, and how will humanity redefine its role? Join us as we navigate this uncharted territory, contemplating the future where robots might eliminate labor shortages, and society reshapes itself around an AI-driven reality.Website: https://www.bagel.net/Follow Bagel on X: https://x.com/BagelOpenAIShow LinksThe Index X ChannelYouTube

Dmitriy Ryajov, Founder and Architect of the Codex Durability Engine, shares his journey from traditional software development to pioneering decentralized storage solutions. He delves into the advantages of decentralization in safeguarding data and promoting internet freedom. The conversation covers the challenges of building robust systems like Codex and innovations like the LibPTP protocol. Dmitriy also discusses data encryption methods for privacy, and the transformative potential of self-custody in finance, especially during economic instability.

What does the future of finance look like built on Bitcoin? In this episode of The Index, Alex Kehaya talks with Jacob Phillips, co-founder of Lombard, a leading player in the liquid staking space. Jacob shares his unique journey from aspiring political debater to crypto entrepreneur, and how that unconventional path led him to the forefront of Bitcoin innovation.We dive deep into the world of non-custodial protocols, focusing on Lombard's Squads protocol, which empowers businesses to operate confidently on-chain while sidestepping the limitations of traditional banking systems.The conversation also explores Bitcoin's evolving role beyond a mere store of value, spotlighting fresh use cases and innovative opportunities for yield generation that are challenging the status quo. We examine the intersection of Bitcoin and the Solana ecosystem, focusing on groundbreaking platforms like Babylon and the potential of LBTC to unlock unprecedented flexibility for Bitcoin holders.This is a must-listen for founders, developers, and anyone interested in the cutting-edge of Bitcoin and DeFi.Lombard: https://www.lombard.finance/Show LinksThe Index X ChannelYouTube