CoinDesk Podcast Network

Google is set to show real-time prediction market odds from Polymarket and Kalshi in its Search and Finance platforms, signaling a bold move for mainstream blockchain use. Zcash is making headlines as it climbs back into the crypto top 20, driven by privacy enhancements. Exciting news in the meme-coin world: a potential Doge ETF could be launching soon, riding the wave of meme momentum. Breakthroughs in global payments are also discussed, focusing on how OwlTing is bridging fiat and stablecoins seamlessly.

Patrick Witt, White House Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, shares his insights on federal crypto market-structure legislation. He expresses confidence that the bill will be finalized by 2026 and explains how the government shutdown has quietly enhanced negotiation focus. Witt argues for proactive legislation to avoid crisis-driven rules and discusses the importance of balancing state and federal regulations. He also touches on the need for inclusivity in DeFi and harmonizing roles between the SEC and CFTC.

This week, two massive deals make waves in the AI and bitcoin mining sectors. Cipher Mining secures a stunning $5.5B, 15-year lease with Amazon for a 300MW facility, while IREN lands a $9.7B deal with Microsoft for 200MW. Bitcoin miners face hash price pressures, with values crashing to $40 per petahash and a significant price retracement. The hosts also debate if China is poised to win the AI race, referencing Nvidia's CEO's bold claims, and unpack a lawsuit involving transformer failures and OpenAI.

In this insightful discussion, Sergey Nazarov, the Co-founder of Chainlink and a blockchain infrastructure expert, delves into the evolving U.S. crypto policy. He explores how recent political shifts have accelerated industry growth and legitimized blockchain in finance. Sergey counters the misconception that blockchains facilitate money laundering, asserting they actually reduce illicit activities. He also touches on institutional adoption and the potential passage of the market structure bill, highlighting a transformative future for the financial system.

Brad Garlinghouse, CEO of Ripple, dives into the significance of Ripple's recent $500 million investment from financial giants like Citadel and Fortress, marking a notable shift towards traditional finance. He discusses the newly favorable U.S. regulatory landscape, which is easing previous hurdles for the crypto industry. Garlinghouse also highlights Ripple's strategic growth through acquisitions and predicts a surge in institutional crypto allocations, alongside exciting developments like the anticipated XRP ETF that aims to bridge traditional finance with decentralized finance.

Jose Fernandez-Deponte, President of the Stellar Development Foundation, discusses the exciting integration of PayPal's PYUSD into the Stellar network, enhancing value transfers for millions of users. Edward Nwokedi, CEO of RedSwan, reveals his company’s groundbreaking $100 million portfolio of tokenized commercial real estate, offering investors access to diverse properties across various regions. The conversations from the Stellar Meridian conference highlight the transformative potential of blockchain in finance and real estate.

President Trump passionately advocates for the U.S. to become the 'Bitcoin superpower,' claiming his policies have ended the federal war on crypto. The podcast dives into industry reactions, highlighting differing opinions on bill passage timing. It also explores Tenerife's ambitious plan to sell 97 Bitcoin for funding tech research, navigating complex banking challenges. Additionally, there’s talk of declining market predictions for the Clarity Act, showcasing the ever-changing landscape of crypto legislation.

Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn and a key player in PayPal, shares insights into his evolution from shaping online commerce to exploring AI and crypto. He discusses the challenges and resistance faced by disruptive technologies, the potential of stablecoins, and the political polarization within the crypto space. Hoffman also reflects on the role of AI in future work dynamics, advocating for a balanced approach to adoption. His current stealth projects aim to bridge AI and digital assets, promising intriguing developments on the horizon.

Anna Baydakova, a Senior Reporter at CoinDesk, dives into the intricate dynamics of Russia's Bitcoin mining industry. She reveals how recent sanctions have catalyzed a shift towards Bitcoin as a means of economic survival. The discussion covers Putin's unexpected support for crypto mining and the expansion of Siberian mining hubs relying on unique energy sources. Anna also exposes the grey market for ASIC miners, detailing how unofficial imports dominate, all while highlighting how Russians are using Bitcoin to protest and preserve wealth amid political turmoil.

Kevin Dede, Managing Director and Senior Technology Analyst at H.C. Wainwright, brings insights into the evolving landscape of bitcoin miners pivoting to AI. He discusses how AI-driven opportunities are outpacing traditional mining, emphasizing the benefits of the Powershell model over neo-cloud solutions. Dede also dives into the implications of recent AI deals, including the failed CoreWeave merger, and highlights the potential for U.S. mining operations to thrive. With an exciting competitive field, he predicts that the race for AI-miners is just getting started.