Crypto In America

On this Black Friday edition of CIA Live, the hosts break down their Thanksgivings and what turned into a surprisingly newsy holiday week. Anchorage Digital’s Head of Global Operations Rachel Anderika and Vice President of Stablecoins Martin Carrica join the show to discuss Anchorage’s new stablecoin rewards program amid a fierce push by banks to curb crypto firms’ ability to offer yield. Then, New Hampshire Business Finance Authority Executive Director James Key-Wallace and Wave Digital co-founder Les Borsai join to explain how New Hampshire is breaking ground with its first-ever Bitcoin-backed conduit bond.

Stani Kulechov is the Founder of Aave Labs. We spoke to Stani live on stage at SmartCon. In this conversation, we discuss how Aave’s is bridging the gap from TradFI to DeFi, tokenization, the introduction of the new initiavte Ethereum Protocol Advocacy Alliance aimed at shaping DeFi policy, his thoughts on the SEC & current regulatory environment, if crypto is protecting the wrong people, market volatility, and token buybacks.This episode is sponsored by Gemini: https://gemini.com/CIA Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y3bQRjEQtdlNx1fxmS8hB?si=813495451b9f4e4e Subscribe to the podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crypto-in-america/id1799000155 Please note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.This show is powered by Sei.Learn more about Sei: https://www.sei.io/Follow Crypto in America: https://x.com/CryptoAmerica_Follow Sei: https://x.com/SeiNetworkFollow our hostsJacquelyn: https://x.com/jacqmelinekGerald: https://x.com/thatgeraldEleanor: https://x.com/EleanorTerrettTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Welcome Stani To Crypto In America0:48 - What ‘Crypto in America’ Means To Stani1:42 - TradFi Entering The DeFi Space - How Aave Is Bridging the Gap3:50 - Ethereum Protocol Advocacy Alliance - Shaping DeFi Policy In DC7:00 - U.S. Opportunities vs. Overseas Counties (AAPAC, Europe, Latam)9:25 - Is Crypto Protecting The Wrong People (I.e. Roman Storm) - Thoughts On Protecting Developers11:30 - Is The SEC understanding crypto? Is Stani Optimistic About DeFi Regulation?14:15 - Recent Market Volatility In The Space16:25 - Navigating Small Team Startups vs. Large Institutions/Compliance17:50 - $50M Token Buyback - Will DeFi Continue To Adopt TradFi-style buybacks? 19:10 - Stani Is Excited About Providing More Access To Finance 20:15 - Thanks Dani For Joining! Like & Subscribe#crypto #bitcoin #blockchain #investing #technology #america

In this enlightening discussion, Khurram Dara, a crypto lawyer and New York AG candidate, reveals his pro-business platform aimed at reversing anti-crypto policies. Paul Brigner from Electric Coin Co. shares insights into Zcash's surprising price surge and the essential role of privacy in digital payments. Meanwhile, Colin McLaren of the Solana Policy Institute discusses a significant industry letter to the White House, advocating for clearer regulations and tax guidance in the crypto space. The dialogue emphasizes the urgent need for clarity and innovation in the sector.

Hunter Horsley is the Co-Founder & CEO of Bitwise Asset Management. In this conversation, we discuss launching one of the first crypto index funds, the evolution of ETFs, staking, and institutional adoption, including the first Solana staking ETF on Wall Street, the next ETFs to be released, DATs, the impact of regulatory changes, and the ongoing efforts to educate mainstream investors.This episode is sponsored by Gemini: https://gemini.com/CIA This episode is sponsored by Avalanche: https://www.avax.network/Watch On YouTube: https://youtu.be/gDEpaMj_2WgPlease note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.This show is powered by Sei.Follow Crypto in America: https://x.com/CryptoAmerica_Follow Sei: https://x.com/SeiNetworkFollow our hostsJacquelyn: https://x.com/jacqmelinekGerald: https://x.com/thatgeraldEleanor: https://x.com/EleanorTerrettTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Welcome Hunter Horsley To Crypto In America 0:50 - What ‘Crypto In America’ Means To Hunter1:59 - Hunter's Journey from Big Tech to Crypto7:35 - The Evolution of ETFs & Crypto Asset Management in 7 Years9:45 - Bitwise’s Operation 14:35-  Regulatory Challenges During Gensler, ETF Launch17:20 - Is Regulation Taking Too Long?19:30 - Why Bitwise Prefers ETFs23:00 - Allowing People To Get Exposure To Crypto Through ETF26:45 - Appealing To Retail Traders28:53 - The Success of Solana Staking ETF - The Largest ETF Launch36:47 - Solana Community 37:08 - Launching More ETFS (Filing For XRP, Chainlink, Avalanche) 40:39 - Bitwise's Staking Business44:00 - In-Kind Transactions and Digital Asset Treasuries53:00 - How DATs took over 55:46 - Crypto Education and Institutional Interest59:45 - Bearish Sentiment In The Crypto Markets1:03:00 - Banking Adoption 1:06:30 - Crypto As Emerging Tech Similar To E-Commerce01:10:00 - Thanks Hunter For Joining#crypto #bitcoin #blockchain #investing #technology #america

Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer of Coinbase, delves into their strategic shift from Delaware to Texas, highlighting the state's new appeal for crypto innovators. Steve McClurg, CEO of Canary Capital, celebrates the groundbreaking launch of the first XRP spot ETF, sharing insights on its record-breaking volume and operational hurdles. Meanwhile, Cody Carbone, CEO of the Digital Chamber, discusses the Senate Agriculture Committee’s market structure draft, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation to overcome legislative challenges.

John Wu is the President of Ava Labs, In this conversation, we discuss regulatory changes in the U.S, the importance of onshoring crypto innovation, updates on market structure in DC, real world adoption, why Avalance has many L1s, Tokenization, the growing trend of enterprises embracing blockchain technology. John details Ava Labs' projects such as partnerships with the Cleveland Cavaliers, FIFA World Cup, Wyoming Stablecoin, the California DMV, and land registries in NJ.This episode is sponsored by Gemini: https://gemini.com/CIA Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DKPBf709vaQPlease note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.This show is powered by Sei.Follow Crypto in America: https://x.com/CryptoAmerica_Follow Sei: https://x.com/SeiNetworkFollow our hostsJacquelyn: https://x.com/jacqmelinekGerald: https://x.com/thatgeraldEleanor: https://x.com/EleanorTerrettTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Welcome John Wu To Crypto In America0:33 - What Does ‘Crypto in America’ Mean To John?1:20 - Regulatory Changes In The Last Year2:19 - Market Structure Developments in DC - What Is John Excited About?3:55 - Is Enterprise Now Comfortable With Ava? - Real-World Applications6:21 - Is Crypto Still Cool? Does It Need To Be?8:55 - Working With FIFA & The World Cup10:56 - Stateside Growth vs. Global Expansion13:08 - Products That Ava Labs Is Working On in The US17:03 - Avalanche Has Several Chains - Flexible Architecture For Enterprise21:00 - Do Enterprises Want To Build L1s?23:00 - How Many Avalanche L1s Does John Want To See?23:50 - What Do Institutions Want To Do With Tokenization 29:24 - Tokenizing Traditional Assets, Digital Asset Treasuries,  Asset Wrappers31:00 - Challenges in Marketing & Mainstream Knowledge of Ava35:25 - Stablecoins and Liquidity Volume For All Ecosystems38:30 - TradFi and DeFi Convergence?41:07 - Acquisitions in the Crypto Space44:20 - John Wu's Journey into Crypto47:33 - Future of Private Market Access53:08 - What John Is Paying Attention 55:00 - Thanks John For Joining! Like & Subscriber#crypto #bitcoin #blockchain #investing #technology #america

Ben Jones, co-founder of Optimism, dives into Ethereum layer‑2 scaling and the critical role of infrastructure in user adoption. He discusses the concept of a superchain and warns against overemphasizing tech jargon that alienates users. Lee Schneider, General Counsel at Ava Labs, shares insights on token classification and market structure legislation, advocating for clarity to differentiate protocol tokens from securities. Both guests highlight the need for regulatory alignment to foster a robust U.S. crypto market while addressing current volatility.

Brad Garlinghouse is the CEO of Ripple. We’re live in New York speaking to Brad at Ripple Swell 2025. In this conversation, we discuss the current crypto ecosystem, previous regulatory battles for Ripple and how he views current DC legislation, the importance of the U.S. being the leader in crypto, Ripple's strategy & acquisitions, bridging the gap between traditional finance and crypto, the application for a National Bank charter, and how XRP still plays a major role in Ripple’s future.This episode is sponsored by Gemini: https://gemini.com/CIA Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/z5HP7xNbANcPlease note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.This show is powered by Sei.Follow Crypto in America: https://x.com/CryptoAmerica_Follow Sei: https://x.com/SeiNetworkFollow our hostsJacquelyn: https://x.com/jacqmelinekGerald: https://x.com/thatgeraldEleanor: https://x.com/EleanorTerrettTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Welcome Brian To Crypto In America 0:14 - Ripple's Tumultuous Year and Legal Battles0:43 - What ‘Crypto in America’ Means To Brad1:46 - Comparing the ‘Dot-Com’ Boom to Crypto4:00 - Did Crypto Already Have It’s Bust?6:10 - Ripple’s Previous Legal Battles, Thoughts On Regulatory Clarity and Market Impact10:23 - Long Term Vision For Ripple12:16-  Ripple Prime, Institutional Trading14:57 Public Market Exposure and Institutional Access17:26 - XRP's Role23:41 - US Regulatory Landscape and Future Prospects29:30 - Thanks Brad For Joining Us, Like & Subscribe!#crypto #bitcoin #blockchain #investing #technology #america

This week features Teddy Fusaro, President of Bitwise, discussing the record-breaking launch of the Solana staking ETF and its design. Gregg Bell from the Hedera Foundation shares insights about the significant role of ETFs in institutional framework and Hedera's regulatory evolution. Joe Sticco, co-founder of Cryptex, unveils the Crypto 40 Index, a decentralized benchmark for tracking 40 digital assets, and highlights its innovative governance model. The conversation dives into the future of crypto assets and the exciting developments in the ETF landscape.

Kevin Kennedy, the Executive Vice President of North American Markets at Nasdaq, dives into the future of blockchain and digital assets. He discusses Nasdaq's long-term investment in tokenization and its impact on market efficiency. Kennedy emphasizes the importance of regulatory dialogue and transparency in adapting to digital assets. He also highlights the need for extended trading hours to enhance liquidity and the evolving nature of crypto ETP listings. His insights illuminate how Nasdaq aims to balance innovation with investor protection amid a competitive landscape.