The Defiant - DeFi Podcast

Matcha recently launched cross-chain swap functionality, allowing users to swap one asset on a particular chain for an new asset on a separate chain with one transaction. Cross-chain swaps on Matcha are available on 7 chains: Ethereum, Optimism, Polygon, Arbitrum, Avalanche, Base and BNB Chain. 1:05 Will's background 4:41 Matcha origin story 8:30 USP of Matcha 11:30 Cross-chain swaps 19:13 Bridge security 25:00 Supported chains 35:40 Mainstream catalyst for DeFi 40:03 Hopes for the upcoming bull 42:42 Biggest learnings of Matcha 44:07 Monetization of Matcha 49:25 Developments and Milestones

Arjun Bhuptani, founder and CEO of Connext Labs, discusses the importance of seamless crosschain interactions and security in the Web3 stack. Topics include bridging, rollups-as-a-service, abstracting complexity, Connext's proposal for bridged assets, their recent launch, and the decentralization challenges of the space.

David Gogel, VP of Strategy and Operations at the dYdX Foundation, discusses the recent milestone of operating on their independent app chain. They delve into the transition process, tokenomics mechanisms, and the implications for dYdX going forward. Topics include the entities within the dYdX ecosystem, the benefits of a separate chain, on-chain trading, customized proof of stake blockchain, open-source nature of the dYdX exchange, tokenomics for validators, and bridging USDC to the dYdX chain.

Rune Christensen, Co-Founder of MakerDAO, discusses crypto adoption in Turkey, regulatory challenges, the potential collapse of the dollar, decentralized stable coins, and increasing participation in DeFi governance.

Vitalik Buterin, co-founder of Ethereum, discusses Ethereum's roadmap updates, scaling challenges, and the future of Ethereum. He also talks about the potential of Turkey as a crypto hub, his favorite Turkish dish, and his thoughts on DeFi, stable coins, and fractional ownership.

Bloomberg Analyst discusses the potential approval of Bitcoin ETFs and the impact on Bitcoin's value and adoption. The podcast explores the history of ETF applications, the involvement of BlackRock, and the optimism surrounding approval. It also explores retail and institutional interest in Bitcoin ETFs, the new Bumper protocol and Ethereum messaging, allocation of Bitcoin in investment portfolios, safest portfolio construction and the return of active investing, and the potential of package trades in ETFs and DeFi.

Beniamin Mincu, founder of MultiversX, introduces xDay conference in Romania. Topics discussed include crypto adoption, Universal zkRollups, upcoming trends, challenges for MultiversX, and building bridges for technology adoption. The podcast also explores Romania's crypto-friendly environment, growth potential, advancements in the network's ecosystem, innovation in DeFi lending protocols, and the future of crypto adoption.

Darren Langley, general manager of Rocket Pool, discusses the benefits of liquid staking on Ethereum, the issue of centralization among liquid staking protocols, and the potential risks and safeguards in Ethereum staking. The podcast also explores the role of ICOs in decentralized protocols, the impact of decreased queue to stake on staking growth, and the integration of liquid staking tokens with the DeFi ecosystem.

Lucas Vogelsang, Founder of Centrifuge, discusses the growing sector of Real World Assets (RWAs) in DeFi, bridging the gap between tradfi and DeFi. They explore the process of connecting business borrowers and lenders and the implications of putting securities on-chain. The podcast also touches upon incorporating real-life legal systems in lending protocols and the importance of oracles in real world asset pricing.

Alex Shevchenko, CEO of Aurora Labs, discusses the intricacies of Aurora Labs, the difference between Aurora Cloud and the Aurora EVM, and his vision of Ethereum Layer 2s and an AppChain future. Topics also include interoperability, Aurora EVM in the gaming industry, bringing Web 2 businesses into blockchain, and the importance of user experience in driving adoption.