
The Scoop
Welcome to The Scoop, The Block's flagship podcast covering finance and technology industries through unmatched interviews with top thought leaders, cultural icons and industry veterans. The Block’s Frank Chaparro hosts new guests every week, diving into breaking news and topics ranging from NFTs, to the impact of DeFi on Wall Street, to Bitcoin's role in the economy and beyond.
Latest episodes

Sep 12, 2024 • 26min
Here's how Kraken is positioning for crypto's institutional era
David Ripley, the CEO of Kraken, dives into the transformative landscape of cryptocurrency, focusing on institutional adoption. He highlights Kraken’s strategic move towards offering custody and lending services tailored for institutions. The fallout from FTX and the implications for regulatory changes are discussed, along with the evolving credit landscape in crypto. Ripley also emphasizes Kraken's innovative approach to crypto banking and how recent developments in Wyoming might reshape the industry, fostering deeper engagement with institutional clients.

Sep 6, 2024 • 20min
Former SEC Chair Jay Clayton says the crypto industry is 'pushing US market infrastructure forward'
Jay Clayton, the former chairperson of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, dives into the evolution of the crypto industry since his tenure. He highlights the growing need for clearer regulatory frameworks around crypto as securities or commodities. Clayton discusses how crypto can enhance traditional market structures, particularly in bond markets. He also touches on the importance of transparency in financial markets and the ongoing challenges that exchanges face in achieving compliance amidst rapid innovations.

Sep 2, 2024 • 25min
A conversation with US Senator Tim Scott and FalconX's Austin Reid on the future of crypto in the US
Join US Senator Tim Scott, representing South Carolina and an advocate for crypto legislation, alongside Austin Reid, Head of Revenue and Business at FalconX, as they dive into the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency in the U.S. They discuss the political momentum building for digital assets and the urgent need for better education around their benefits. The duo highlights key challenges in U.S. regulatory frameworks compared to more progressive regions, and the significance of bipartisan support for innovation in this transformative industry.

Aug 30, 2024 • 26min
Tokenized treasuries will dethrone stablecoins as the institutional collateral of choice: Securitize
Carlos Domingo, founder and CEO of Securitize, shares insights on institutional adoption of tokenized treasuries, especially following the launch of the BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund. He discusses the shift from stablecoins to tokenized treasuries for better yield and liquidity. The conversation also touches on the complexities of integrating tokenization into traditional finance and addresses challenges related to banking and KYC regulations. Domingo emphasizes the potential for innovative financial solutions through tokenization.

Aug 27, 2024 • 33min
Anthony Scaramucci on the importance of not alienating the crypto vote
Anthony Scaramucci serves as both the founder and managing partner of Skybridge Capital, as well as the founder and chairman of SALT Conferences. In this episode recorded live at last week's SALT Conference in Jackson Hole, Chaparro and Scaramucci discuss the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election and the rising importance of the 'crypto vote.'OUTLINE00:00 Intro 04:16 2024 Election 14:19 Presidential Crypto Policy15:58 Donald Trump19:59 China Policy 25:05 Closing ThoughtsThis episode is brought to you by our sponsor PolkadotPolkadot is the blockspace ecosystem for boundless innovation. To discover more, head to polkadot.networkThe Block CommunityThe Block is launching a new community experience for fans of The Scoop! Follow us on Lens to stay in the loop: hey.xyz/u/theblockcommunityThe Block NewslettersThe Block's newsletters bring you the latest news and analysis of the fast-moving crypto and DeFi markets. To subscribe, visit theblock.co/newsletters

Aug 19, 2024 • 35min
Gamifying fitness: Moonwalk wants to turn user tasks into tokenized rewards
Caitlin Cook, the director of growth at Moonwalk Fitness, discusses transforming fitness through gamification and crypto incentives. She explains how their platform motivates users with daily step competitions and tokenized rewards. The conversation dives into bridging the gap between crypto and mainstream audiences, emphasizing user-friendly designs. Caitlin also highlights community engagement's role in personal fitness and the importance of realistic health goals, showcasing how technology can encourage more active lifestyles.

6 snips
Aug 16, 2024 • 52min
Diogo Mónica on building company 'cult-ure' and lessons for startup founders
Diogo Mónica, founder and executive chairman of Anchorage Digital, shares wisdom from his journey through the crypto landscape. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating a strong company culture in startups to drive success. Diogo discusses how to navigate financial resource challenges amidst market volatility and offers advice for founders on maintaining motivation. The conversation also delves into the intersection of AI and crypto, exploring innovative opportunities that could reshape the industry. Don't miss his predictions for the future of cryptocurrency!

Aug 8, 2024 • 48min
Meet Berachain: a new Layer 1 born from a community built around bear NFTs
Smokey the Bera, co-founder of Berachain, discusses the fascinating journey from a cannabis-themed NFT collection to raising $100 million for a Layer 1 network. He delves into the concept of 'proof of liquidity' and how it incentivizes community engagement through governance tokens. The power of memetics is explored, revealing how meme culture drives collaboration and liquidity in crypto. Smokey shares insights on the competitive landscape of blockchain, emphasizing innovative partnerships and the transformative potential of Berachain's tech.

Aug 1, 2024 • 30min
How Agora aims to disrupt the stablecoin market by turning digital dollars into public goods
Nick van Eck, co-founder and CEO of Agora, dives into the disruptive potential of stablecoins after raising $12 million to fuel innovation. He discusses the evolution of the stablecoin market, highlighting shifts from Tether's dominance to new models. Nick shares insights into integrating tokenization with traditional finance, exploring the promise of instant settlements. With a focus on creating utility and liquidity, he outlines Agora's strategies to navigate a competitive landscape and the vision for an efficient global payment system.

9 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 36min
Coinbase CISO breaks down common crypto scam tactics and how to protect yourself
Coinbase's Chief Information Security Officer, Jeff Lunglhofer, discusses common crypto scam tactics, data leaks, scammer psychology, victim recourse, security best practices, scammer trends, and Coinbase's security measures in the crypto space.