Bankless

This week, markets react to Trump's Greenland chatter and resurfacing tariff threats, causing investor nerves. Highlights from Davos reveal crypto's newfound legitimacy amidst central bank debates. The NYSE unveils a tokenized trading platform, sparking discussions on DeFi implications. Meanwhile, concerns over quantum risks lead to a crypto sell-off. Social dynamics shift as Farcaster and Lens get acquired, while payrolls now embrace stablecoins. A mix of intrigue and uncertainty defines the crypto landscape as the next Fed chair looms.

Arnav Pagidyala, an investment partner at Bankless Ventures, dives into the intense rivalries shaping crypto in 2026. He discusses Ethereum versus Solana's contrasting trajectories and the battle between Coinbase and Robinhood as finance super-apps. Arnav highlights how prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi stack up, while unpacking the resurgence of ICOs and the pressing need for regulatory clarity. He also explores the implications of proof-of-personhood for crypto's future and how AI is transforming startup dynamics.

This week, Washington's crypto landscape heats up as the CLARITY Act faces hurdles and banks aim to stifle stablecoin yields. Tension rises with Trump's DOJ probing Jerome Powell, questioning Fed independence. Meanwhile, silver prices surge as safe havens draw attention. NYC's mayor faces backlash over a meme coin fiasco, and Tom Lee invests big in MrBeast, hinting at intriguing cultural shifts in crypto. Plus, X’s ambition to morph into a crypto super app adds another layer to the ongoing digital revolution.

C. Thi Nguyen, a philosopher specializing in the ethics of games, dives deep into the hidden dangers of modern scoring systems. He explores how social media and metrics can distort our values, transforming rich experiences into mere numbers. Nguyen challenges us to question the 'games' we participate in and highlights the pitfalls of 'value capture.' He advocates for playfulness and reflective control to reclaim our agency, suggesting that we should design our own rules that align with our true values. It's a thought-provoking discussion on finding meaning amid the metrics.

In this engaging discussion, Yuval Rooz, co-founder of Digital Asset and the Canton Network, dives into the innovative world of blockchain design. He explains Canton's focus on privacy through need-to-know information sharing and its unique federated architecture. Yuval addresses the governance challenges in regulated finance and details the role of super validators. He also shares insights on the DTCC's tokenization pilot and why Canton's model emphasizes institutional utility over full decentralization. Tune in for a fresh perspective on the future of blockchain!

Dive into the evolving world of prediction markets and their impact on real-time intelligence, including recent trades around Venezuela. Discover Solana's surge in decentralized exchange volumes and Ethereum's record in stablecoin settlements. The discussion also touches on Zcash's governance crisis and its market fallout. Plus, Vitalik's bold claim about solving the trilemma in blockchain, and insights into Morgan Stanley's ETF filings signal growing institutional interest.

Brent Johnson, Founder of Santiago Capital and creator of the Dollar Milkshake Theory, dives into the complexities of global currency dynamics. He argues that while some may want to de-dollarize, the Eurodollar system continues to enforce dollar demand. Johnson discusses how the GENIUS Act could boost the use of stablecoins and facilitate redollarization. He also explores the implications of sovereign debt crises, the influence of AI on economic conditions, and the emerging currency competition between the US and China.

In this lively discussion, Anthony Sassano, a savvy Ethereum analyst, dives into the ongoing Aave civil war over governance control and fees. He highlights the recent surge of precious metals and the implications for crypto markets. The duo also celebrates Uniswap's significant unification win and cheers the new pro-crypto CFTC chair's potential impact. Lastly, they tackle the looming threat of quantum computing to Bitcoin's future security, raising crucial questions about its post-quantum readiness and systemic implications.

Mike Ippolito, a savvy crypto investor and commentator, discusses the turbulent landscape of crypto as it transitions into a more fundamental era, akin to the post-dot-com age. They unpack the prospect of an Ethereum renaissance, while Bitcoin may face sentiment challenges. Ippolito predicts a decline in speculative hype, the growing importance of investor narratives, and the consolidation of blockchain infrastructure. Plus, the conversation touches on the implications of quantum computing and evolving revenue models as investors prioritize stability in the crypto market.

In this engaging discussion, Arnav Pagidyala, an investment partner at Bankless Ventures, shares insights on the future of crypto investing. He explores the next wave of on-chain lending and the potential of equity perps in retail markets. The duo dives into the evolution of DeFi neobanks and the importance of verticalized tokenization platforms. They also predict how compliant ICOs could reshape capital formation and how AI agents may revolutionize crypto finance. This conversation is a treasure trove for anyone looking to understand the evolving landscape of digital finance!