Bitcoin Magazine Podcast

Ken Egan, policy expert at the Bitcoin Policy Institute, unpacks why Tether launched a U.S. stablecoin now and the politics behind it. He examines SEC–CFTC harmonization, Coinbase’s outsized influence in Washington, and the debasement trade boosting gold, silver, and potentially Bitcoin. Multiple short takes on regulation, market structure, and geopolitical money shifts.

Phil Geiger, MetaPlanet strategist focused on Bitcoin adoption in Japan. Dylan LeClair, executive who turned the company into a bitcoin-first treasury with massive capital raises. They discuss MetaPlanet’s pivot from hotels to a 35,000 BTC reserve. Short, punchy takes on rights issues, moving-strike warrants, preferred stock tools, and how Japan’s savings landscape shapes corporate bitcoin strategies.

Why are banks fighting stablecoin yield and why does it matter for Bitcoin? Zack Shapiro, Ken Egan, and Zack Cohen, break down the political battle unfolding in the U.S. Senate and why Coinbase’s opposition could derail market structure reform in the latest Senate bill. From developer protections to self-custody rights, this episode explores what’s at stake for the future of Bitcoin in the United States.🔶 Connect with Zack Shapiro on X: https://x.com/zackbshapiro🔶 Connect with Zack Cohen on X: https://x.com/zackcohen_🔶 Connect with Ken Egan on X: https://x.com/Bayman11771🔶 Learn more about the Bitcoin Policy Institute: https://www.btcpolicy.org/Chapters: 00:00 – Why U.S. Payments Lag Behind the World 05:05 – What the Market Structure Bill Is Trying to Do 10:10 – Stablecoin Yield and Coinbase’s Breaking Point 15:20 – Banking Lobby Power and Protectionism 20:15 – Developer Protections and Self-Custody Explained 25:00 – Why No Bill Could Be Worse Than a Bad Bill 30:00 – DOJ, Samurai Wallet, and the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve 35:30 – De Minimis Tax Exemptions and Network Fees 40:45 – Market Structure vs Crypto Tax Legislation 46:30 – Iran, Geopolitics, and Bitcoin’s Policy Role 51:30 – What Happens Next for U.S. Bitcoin Regulation#BitcoinPolicy #BitcoinRegulation #StablecoinYield #MarketStructure #Coinbase #BankingLobby #SelfCustody #DeveloperProtections #BitcoinMagazine #BitcoinConference #USPolicy #DigitalAssets #PaymentsInfrastructure #BlockchainPolicy #USDCDISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BTC Inc., Bitcoin Magazine, or any affiliated entities. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Nothing contained in this show constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. Viewers should consult their own advisors before making financial or business decisions.

Explore the shifting global power dynamic with bitcoin at the forefront. Discover the intricacies of US foreign policy in Venezuela and the implications of stablecoins for dollar dominance. Delve into bitcoin's potential as a reserve asset and its role in shaping economic strategies. Unpack the DOJ's bitcoin seizures and the strategic responses to them. Finally, get insights into the future of bitcoin, its adaptation in Venezuela's energy landscape, and bold predictions for 2026!

Allard Peng, a research analyst focused on Bitcoin corporate finance, discusses how Bitcoin is transforming corporate treasury strategies and banking. He highlights the role of perpetual preferreds in accessing a larger market and the importance of Bitcoin as a preferred form of collateral. The conversation delves into the risks and benefits of Bitcoin-backed credit, the future of digital credit in banking, and the implications of regulatory environments. Allard also assesses the potential for Bitcoin's identity to evolve and emphasizes the ongoing innovation in the space.

George Mekhail, Managing Director of Bitcoin For Corporations, shares insights on the potential exclusion of Bitcoin treasury companies from global equity indexes due to MSCI's new rule proposal. He discusses how this misunderstanding of corporate Bitcoin adoption could harm industry participants and investors alike. George emphasizes the importance of reflecting economic realities in indices and the risks of setting a dangerous regulatory precedent. The conversation highlights the growing significance of Bitcoin as a corporate treasury asset and calls for a fair approach to index classification.

Stafford Masie, Executive Chairman of the Africa Bitcoin Corporation and a fintech entrepreneur, joins Shawn Owen, Founder and CEO of Salt Lending. They dive into how Bitcoin is revolutionizing private credit across Africa, linking it to job creation and economic dignity. Stafford shares insights on using Bitcoin to assess human yield, while Shawn discusses leveraging Bitcoin as collateral for lending. They also highlight the importance of distinguishing Bitcoin from other cryptocurrencies and predict a transformative moment for Africa in 2026.

Michael Saylor, entrepreneur and executive chairman of MicroStrategy, passionately advocates for Bitcoin as the cornerstone of a reimagined financial system. He discusses how Bitcoin is positioned as 'digital capital' and highlights the shift of major banks towards Bitcoin-backed credit by 2026. Saylor unveils his strategies for transforming Bitcoin holdings into perpetual Yield instruments, including overcollateralized credit options that promise high returns. He emphasizes nations' roles in adopting digital banking practices to lead in this new financial landscape.

In this discussion, Peter McCormack, a prominent podcaster and Bitcoin advocate, dives into the future of Bitcoin and his personal evolution. He shares his decision to step back from What Bitcoin Did and the mixed feelings of relief and anxiety that followed. The focus shifts to how Bitcoin can seamlessly integrate into everyday life through invisible adoption like ETFs and pensions. McCormack also talks about buying Real Bedford FC, emphasizing community support, and touches on building a legacy that extends beyond Bitcoin itself.

Washington is finally embracing Bitcoin, with the new Strategic Bitcoin Reserve marking a significant policy win. Political acceptance spans across parties, signaling a shift in how Bitcoin is viewed. Policymakers are now asking detailed questions about Bitcoin's structure, adoption, and even exploring budget-neutral acquisition methods. The conversation also touches on potential future debates about quantum security and the importance of public-private partnerships. Plus, Gen Z's interest in Bitcoin as a solution to affordability pressures is a key theme.