CoinDesk Podcast Network

The discussion centers on the surprising underperformance of the 2025 Bitcoin peak at $126k. Hosts analyze how Bitcoin's ROI parallels that of traditional assets like Gold and the S&P 500. They also dissect the shift from DeFi to TradFi, highlighting institutional revenues overtaking decentralized finance. Meltem Demirors' critique of Proof of Stake and its implications for Ethereum sparks debate. The conversation delves into how institutionalization has made the crypto landscape feel more stable and, paradoxically, less exciting.

Bilal Bin Saqib, the Chairman of Pakistan's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, discusses the country's ambitious plans for cryptocurrency and stablecoin launch. He emphasizes the need for regulatory clarity to harness the crypto boom, especially among Pakistan's youth. Bilal reveals plans for a national stablecoin aimed at reducing remittance costs and including the unbanked population. He also shares insights on leveraging Bitcoin mining for sovereign compute and AI development, showcasing Pakistan's strategic vision in the digital assets landscape.

Richard Teng, Co-CEO of Binance, and Yi He, former Chief Customer Success Officer, explore their ambitious vision for Binance as they aim for one billion users by 2026. They discuss a user-first product strategy, focusing on empowering employees and building a customer-centric culture. Richard highlights Binance's rapid growth, educational initiatives, and partnerships in the Middle East, where they are navigating progressive regulations. Together, they emphasize their commitment to scaling the ecosystem and enhancing user experience.

This week's discussion dives into the turbulent world of Bitcoin mining. ABTC shares plummet 39% after an investor unlock raises questions about transparency. Meanwhile, IREN pushes forward with a massive $3.6 billion capital raise to tackle its debts. Greenidge faces tough times with a fire incident and asset sales. The talk turns to Zcash, exploring its branding dilemmas and legal threats as the team debates its real privacies. It's a wild week for miners, marked by challenges and key shifts in the industry!

Peter Schiff shares his critical views on the crypto market during Binance Blockchain Week. He draws alarming parallels between the current digital asset scene and the subprime mortgage bubble, predicting that over 90% of crypto firms are destined for bankruptcy. Schiff warns that new investors are likely to lose money and describes the market as a pyramid scheme. While acknowledging the potential of tokenization for real assets, he dismisses Bitcoin's value, emphasizing that only tokenized gold can be considered 'digital gold'.

XRP ETFs are on an impressive streak, hitting 13 consecutive days of inflows and nearing $1 billion in total investments. The podcast explores the broader crypto ETF landscape, highlighting momentum from Solana, Bitcoin, and Ether. A new bridge launched between Coinbase Base and Solana promises seamless token transfers, supported by early adopters like Zora and Aerodrome. Excitingly, the UK has recognized crypto as property, establishing a legal framework that could enhance fraud prevention and asset recovery.

Rene Reinsberg, Co-founder of Celo and a pioneer in mobile crypto adoption, joins KOL Leon, a distinguished community builder awarded by Binance. They discuss the crucial role of KOLs in fostering trust amidst AI-driven misinformation. Leon shares his evolution from trader to community leader, emphasizing his dedication to authentic engagement and research. Meanwhile, Rene highlights how KOLs facilitate global crypto adoption and education, shaping a more informed user base in the rapidly evolving blockchain landscape.

Fanatics is making waves with the launch of a real-money prediction market, set to roll out across 24 states. Initial operations are live in 10 states, with expansions planned into major markets like California and Texas. The show also highlights a Connecticut investigation into unlicensed betting involving major firms like Robinhood and Crypto.com. Additionally, there's a discussion about Senate progress on crypto oversight nominees, shedding light on potential regulatory changes in the industry.

In this insightful discussion, Alex Svanevik, CEO of Nansen, introduces an innovative agentic trading platform merging on-chain data with conversational AI. He highlights 'vibe trading,' making trading accessible for many users through a streamlined interface. Alex also discusses the importance of mitigating AI hallucinations, employing rigorous QA, and security measures against emerging threats. Additionally, he shares insights on Nansen’s growth in the UAE and the impact of forward-thinking regulations in the region, paving the way for a new era in trading.

Rene Reinsberg, co-founder of Celo and a blockchain entrepreneur committed to financial inclusion, teams up with Jørgen Arnesen, EVP of Mobile at Opera, who spearheads mobile product strategies. They unveil their MiniPay partnership aiming to bring one billion people into the Web3 economy by 2030. They discuss creating a simplified crypto experience for non-users, leveraging Opera's extensive user base, and the significance of integrating fiat options. Emerging markets and small-value transactions are key targets for their innovative approach.