Bankless

Join Rebecca Rettig, Chief Policy Officer at Polygon Labs, Seth Hertlein, VP of Policy at Ledger, and Patrick Hansen, Director of EU Strategy at Circle, as they dive into Europe's groundbreaking MiCA regulation. They discuss how this legislation aims to create a unified crypto framework across EU member states by 2024, the implications for stablecoins, and the challenges of self-custody regulations. The trio also compares EU and U.S. regulatory approaches, weighing innovation against the need for consumer protection.

This week, major developments in cryptocurrency are front and center, particularly the SEC's crackdown on Kraken's staking services. The $BLUR airdrop creates buzz as its market impact unfolds. The episode explores the evolving landscape of Bitcoin and Ethereum amidst rising inflation, contradicting stereotypes about crypto's illicit use. Regulatory challenges are scrutinized, with a focus on the SEC's authoritarian approach. Also discussed are exciting innovations like Shopify's integration with Ethereum and the competitive rise of alternative blockchain networks.

In this engaging discussion, Pacman, the founder of Blur and an MIT graduate, dives into the fascinating world of NFT trading. He shares the thrilling backstory of the $BLUR token airdrop, highlighting its unique phases designed to promote genuine participation. The conversation also unpacks Blur's competitive edge over OpenSea, the evolving dynamics of NFT royalties, and the innovative community-driven governance of the Blur token. Pacman’s insights reveal the future of NFT trading and the challenges facing this dynamic marketplace.

Mike Selig, a crypto lawyer and former CFTC regulator, breaks down the current state of crypto regulation. He discusses the SEC's aggressive actions, including the crackdown on staking services like Kraken and the scrutiny of stablecoins such as BUSD. Selig highlights the tension between regulation and innovation, emphasizing the urgency for decentralization. He also examines the impact of these policies on the future of cryptocurrency and the banking industry’s evolving role in servicing crypto businesses.

Punk6529, a pseudonymous thought leader in the crypto sphere, dives deep into the transformative power of NFTs and digital identities. He argues that NFTs will define the future of digital ownership, emphasizing their role as a vital form of self-expression in the metaverse. Punk6529 highlights the critical importance of 'freedom to transact' and the threat posed by centralized control over digital services. He believes NFTs could potentially outshine DeFi in impact, making a compelling case for their significance in reshaping our digital interactions.

Hadrien Charlanes from Sismo, a pioneer in Web3 identity tooling, discusses the transformative power of digital identity using zero-knowledge proofs. He highlights how Sismo enables users to manage multiple Ethereum addresses while maintaining privacy. The conversation explores soulbound tokens and their significance in validating digital identities. Listeners learn about exciting applications for NFTs and event access, along with insights from the recent StarkNet conference that showcase the growing interest in zero-knowledge technology.

Gregoire Gambatto, co-founder of Only Dust, shares insights on empowering developers within the StarkNet ecosystem. He discusses a peer-to-grant platform that connects developers for direct financial support, revolutionizing traditional funding methods. The conversation delves into community-driven funding models, highlighting StarkNet’s innovative partnerships and success stories. Gambatto emphasizes the importance of collaboration and projects that positively impact open-source development, paving the way for a vibrant crypto future.

Kacper Kozio, co-founder of Herodotus, dives into the cutting-edge realm of cross-chain data interoperability. He elaborates on how Herodotus leverages ZK proofs to enhance data access, unlocking innovative applications in decentralized finance. The discussion highlights the significance of storage proofs, inter-layer loans, and simplified fund recovery. Kacper also shares insights from StarkWare Sessions in Tel Aviv, painting a picture of the future of web3 where improved blockchain interactions and user-friendly APIs are set to shape the landscape.

In this discussion, guest Tarrence, founder of Cartridge and former contributor to the Dope Wars project, dives into the transformative world of on-chain gaming on StarkNet. He explores how zk technology enhances game functionalities, making complex mechanics possible. Tarrence contrasts traditional Web3 gaming with StarkNet's innovative infrastructure. The conversation highlights player ownership of assets and the freedom blockchain offers, paving the way for creativity in game design. Discover how Cartridge is shaping the future of gaming in the metaverse!

Omer Shlomovits, Founder and CEO of Ingonyama, dives into the cutting-edge world of specialized hardware for Zero-Knowledge Proofs. He discusses how these chips can enhance computational efficiency and democratize access to privacy technologies. Omer highlights the relationship between hardware and zero-knowledge tech, revealing the importance of sustainable solutions for decentralized systems. He also envisions a future where everyday devices benefit from these innovations, emphasizing collaboration to overcome current challenges in the ZK ecosystem.