CoinDesk Podcast Network

Charlie Hu, Co-founder of BitLayer, dives into the critical financialization of Bitcoin and its 2026 outlook. He explains how Bitcoin emerged as a lifeline during Venezuela's hyperinflation crisis. The conversation covers the competition between Bitcoin and precious metals, highlighting the factors driving Bitcoin adoption. Hu identifies bottlenecks that hinder DeFi's integration with Bitcoin and discusses how stablecoins complement Bitcoin's role in the market. He emphasizes key indicators to watch in 2026, making a strong case for Bitcoin's potential rise.

Bitcoin skyrockets above $93,000 amidst U.S. military actions in Venezuela. The capture of President Maduro fuels speculation about a potential U.S. seizure of Venezuela's rumored bitcoin reserves. Discussion includes how accessing oil could trigger disinflation, along with concerns over a recent data breach at Ledger, exposing user contact information. Additionally, PwC is set to ramp up its crypto services thanks to evolving legislation, marking a significant shift in the financial landscape.

Predictions for 2026 are on the table, featuring a potential silver supply shock and stagnating Bitcoin hash rates. The rise of prediction markets is highlighted, along with big banks entering Bitcoin lending. Meanwhile, AI data centers face supply chain challenges that may hinder their growth. The internet is bracing for a flood of AI-generated content, raising questions about trust and authenticity. Join the discussion on how these trends could reshape financial landscapes and digital interactions.

Paul Veradittakit, Managing Partner at Pantera Capital, shares keen insights on the future of crypto markets. He discusses how regulatory progress is enticing entrepreneurs back to the U.S. and the growing success of stablecoins and digital asset IPOs. Paul predicts that AI will enhance smart-contract security and improve research tools for on-chain assets. Additionally, he highlights the potential for prediction markets to flourish across various sectors like sports and elections, driven by newfound regulatory clarity.

Trump Media announces a new digital token for DJT shareholders in partnership with Crypto.com, sparking discussions about rewarding investors on-chain. Meanwhile, Tether makes waves with a $780 million Bitcoin purchase, planning to reinvest profits in BTC. In a controversial move, Iran's Mindex is now accepting cryptocurrency for weapons, offering missiles and drones. These bold developments highlight the evolving interplay between digital assets and traditional sectors.

TeraWulf successfully secures a staggering $1.3 billion for its AI compute venture, while Riot launches a $500 million ATM offering, adding financial flexibility. The conversation dives into a dramatic drop in Bitcoin’s network hash rate and the implications of potential miner capitulation. David Beckham's Prenetics unexpectedly pivots away from Bitcoin investment, holding onto $44.8 million in BTC but shifting focus towards supplements. The hosts also explore market dynamics and potential tailwinds for the future.

The anticipated crypto 'Santa Rally' has failed, with Bitcoin and Ether plummeting over 22% in the last quarter. Prenetics, backed by David Beckham, has halted its Bitcoin buying strategy while still holding 510 BTC. In more positive news, Cypherpunk Technologies made headlines by purchasing $28 million in Zcash, which has surged over 1,200% since September. As liquidity dries up, the market is undergoing a significant positioning reset, signaling uncertain times ahead in the crypto landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Paul Veradittakit, Managing Partner at Pantera Capital, and Jan Camenisch, privacy technologist at SubZero Labs, delve into the crucial role of privacy in the future of blockchain. They argue that privacy has become essential for global adoption, as institutional interest grows. The duo explores privacy-by-design principles with Jan’s work on Rialo, which aims to bridge Web2 and Web3. They also discuss avoiding past privacy pitfalls while highlighting breakthroughs in zero-knowledge proofs and encrypted data solutions.

Peter Schiff, the founder of SchiffGold and a prominent critic of Bitcoin, shares his unique perspective on the cryptocurrency and gold markets. He reveals how his advocacy for gold has ironically led many to buy Bitcoin. Schiff discusses gold's record highs, predicting a continued upward trend into 2026, and questions Bitcoin’s status as sound money due to its lack of intrinsic value. He also unveils his new tokenized gold product, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional and digital assets.

The hosts kick off The Hashies, celebrating the highs and lows in Bitcoin for the year. They crown Daniel Roberts as the most ascendant BTC Mining CEO and Shayne Coplan in crypto. Notable deals are discussed, from the best (CoreWeave's headline-making acquisition) to the worst (Riot's failed takeover). Investor cultures are critiqued, highlighting IRON's community versus MARA's outdated base. They also touch on the biggest crashouts and most wrecked plays, including meme coins and struggling Bitcoin treasury firms. Valentin Rousseau's accurate hashrate prediction stands out, while extreme BTC price targets get a good laugh.