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This week in crypto, the first U.S. congressional hearing on DeFi shook things up. The integration of Ethereum Name Service with PayPal and Venmo is a game changer. Friend.tech's surprising move to abandon its keys leaves many questioning its future. Plus, Coinbase rolled out its new cbBTC, while discussions about Bitcoin ETFs spark contrasting opinions. Amidst all this, how will the markets react to political debates? The excitement continues as regulatory frameworks evolve and the crypto landscape shifts.

Joining the discussion is Yuval Noah Harari, best-selling author of 'Sapiens' and 'Nexus', who delves into the interplay between humanity and information networks. He raises concerns about AI's transformative role in society, paralleling its impact to the printing press. The conversation navigates the paradox of truth versus fiction, illustrating how misinformation can lead to self-destruction. Harari emphasizes storytelling's power in fostering cooperation and outlines the crucial need for trustworthy institutions amidst rapid technological change.

Ben Cowen, founder of Into The CryptoVerse and a popular YouTube chart analyst, dives into the intricate world of Ethereum and cryptocurrency cycles. He discusses whether Ethereum has hit its bottom and the implications for the ETH/BTC ratio. Cowen also reveals his portfolio strategies amidst the volatile landscape, while exploring the relevance of four-year cycles and the impact of macroeconomic factors on future trends. His insights promise to challenge conventional wisdom on crypto investments and market dynamics.

Peter Schiff, a financial commentator known for his long-standing advocacy for gold, dives deep into his skepticism of Bitcoin. He argues that gold’s intrinsic value and historical stability make it a superior monetary asset. Schiff discusses the risks of Bitcoin, including volatility and regulatory concerns, while proclaiming gold as the ultimate store of value. The conversation also touches on wealth growth principles, the need for government reform, and the generational divide in perceptions of these assets. Tune in for a thought-provoking clash of gold versus crypto!

A controversial new DeFi project linked to Donald Trump raises eyebrows—legit or a grift? The CFTC targets Uniswap, igniting a discussion on regulatory scrutiny in crypto. Brazil’s Twitter ban sparks a debate on censorship and free speech, highlighting crypto’s role in resistance. Meanwhile, Polymarket gets a boost on the Bloomberg terminal, and Coinbase is gearing up to integrate AI into banking. As the crypto market struggles, insights on potential innovations and the future of digital finance are shared.

Max Resnick, an Ethereum researcher at Special Mechanism Group, shares his contrarian views on Ethereum's roadmap. He raises concerns about Layer 2 solutions potentially diverting users from the primary chain and critiques the prioritization of these over essential Layer 1 upgrades. Resnick suggests that Ethereum's vision of decentralization and censorship-resistance is in jeopardy and calls for a reevaluation of community priorities. The discussion also touches on the urgency of enhancing Layer 1 infrastructure to support decentralized finance.

Senator Cynthia Lummis, a prominent advocate for Bitcoin in Congress, discusses her Bitcoin Act, aimed at establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve for the U.S. to help tackle the national debt. She explores converting gold certificates into Bitcoin and the potential economic benefits of this shift. The conversation also highlights the importance of Bitcoin as 'digital gold,' examines bipartisan support, and critiques current government policies related to cryptocurrency. Lummis envisions a future where the U.S. leads in digital asset innovation, impacting both the economy and political landscape.

Join Max Resnick, Head of Research at Special Mechanisms Group, Charlie Noyes, MEV expert, and Georgios Konstantopoulos, CTO at Paradigm, as they navigate the enticing future of Ethereum. They delve into the innovations behind the Braid framework aimed at improving transaction ordering and tackling the Miner Extractable Value (MEV) dilemma. The trio discusses the shift towards multi-proposer systems, addressing censorship resistance, and the exciting possibilities for Ethereum's scalability. Expect thought-provoking insights on the balance between efficiency and decentralization!

This week, the arrest of Telegram's founder raises crucial questions about privacy rights. Meanwhile, the Ethereum Foundation's shocking $100 million ETH sale stirs up debate over transparency in the crypto community. The SEC targets OpenSea with a Wells Notice, adding to the growing scrutiny of NFT regulations. Also, insights into crypto market metrics and the implications of macroeconomic factors keep the conversation lively.

In this discussion, Marcelo Cavazzoli, founder of Lemon Cash, Federico Ogue from Buenbit, and Manuel Beaudroit of Belo share insights about Argentina's vibrant crypto scene. They explore how grassroots enthusiasm and new government policies are making the country a crypto hub. The guests highlight the role of cryptocurrencies in navigating economic instability, the surge in adoption among everyday Argentines, and the creative strategies startups are using to thrive amid regulatory challenges. Their stories reflect hope and innovation in a transforming economy.