Unchained

Caitlin Long, Founder and CEO of Custodia Bank, and Michelle Kallen, Partner at Jenner & Block, delve into Custodia's struggle against the Federal Reserve’s denial of its master account application. They argue the rejection was politically motivated and discuss its implications for the future of crypto banking. The duo also touches on the lack of women-owned banks, biased regulatory practices, and the significance of their ongoing lawsuit. Their insights shed light on the complex interplay between innovation, regulation, and politics in the crypto sector.

The discussion kicks off with the impact of the Bank of Japan's rate hike, shaking up the crypto market and leading to significant sell-offs. Solana's ecosystem shines with investment opportunities, surpassing Ethereum's performance in certain aspects. Political dynamics play a crucial role, with figures like Elizabeth Warren influencing the future of prediction markets. The recent relocation of a major blockchain conference hints at shifting tech hubs, moving away from San Francisco. Tune in for insights on how these developments shape the crypto landscape.

In this insightful discussion, Jason Pagoulatos, Head of Markets at Delphi Digital, dives into the complexities of the current crypto landscape. He highlights the recent selloff triggered by macroeconomic factors and Jump Trading's role in Ethereum's struggles. Jason predicts how slowing outflows from Grayscale’s ETHE could influence Ethereum's future. He also tackles the impact of Bitcoin ETFs and why investment advisors are likely to keep promoting Bitcoin to clients despite current uncertainties in the market.

Jeff Dorman, Chief Investment Officer at Arca, shares his insights into the recent crypto market crash and the macroeconomic factors influencing it. He dives into Ethereum’s unexpected downturn, the significant impact of the Japanese yen carry trade, and why he remains optimistic by 'buying the dip.' Dorman discusses the evolving dynamics of crypto policy, and how political shifts could affect the landscape. He also tackles the role of Bitcoin as a hedge against market volatility and the implications of government proposals for cryptocurrency reserves.

George Selgin, a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute and an expert in monetary alternatives, dives into intriguing proposals for the U.S. government to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve. He contrasts the varying approaches of Donald Trump and Senator Cynthia Lummis, expressing skepticism about government involvement in Bitcoin. Selgin argues that such investments are risky and primarily symbolic. He also discusses the potential implications of stockpiling Bitcoin, emphasizing the need for caution in these high-stakes financial decisions.

The podcast dives into the implications of a proposed U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve, discussing its potential impact on institutional adoption and global crypto policies. It explores the controversial governance issues surrounding Compound Finance, particularly the influence of activist investors on decision-making. Additionally, the legal troubles of BitClout's founder highlight the importance of ethical governance in the crypto space. They also reflect on the evolving political attitudes towards cryptocurrency, showcasing a shift in bipartisan support.

Nic Carter, a general partner at Castle Island Ventures with a surprising background in amateur fighting, discusses the impact of political figures on crypto. He delves into Trump’s promises regarding crypto at the Bitcoin Nashville conference and Kamala Harris’s policy shifts. Nic shares insights on Ethereum's narrative struggles and the rise of Solana, highlighting the competition between the two ecosystems. He also reflects on the implications of regulatory proposals and the Biden administration's evolving stance towards cryptocurrencies.

In this discussion, Sheila Warren, CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation, and Justin Slaughter, Policy Director at Paradigm, dive into the evolving landscape of crypto politics. They analyze Trump's surprising pro-Bitcoin stance and the Democrats' shift towards a crypto-friendly agenda. The duo also explores the potential ramifications of a changing SEC leadership and Gary Gensler's uncertain future. They highlight the crucial role crypto voters could play in the upcoming elections and decode the significance of the proposed Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Bill.

Ro Khanna, a U.S. Representative from California, is on a mission to reshape the Democratic Party's stance on cryptocurrency. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in the current regulatory environment, emphasizing the need for a crypto-inclusive platform. Khanna shares his thoughts on the Supreme Court's recent decision, how to regain trust from disillusioned crypto voters, and his upcoming speech at the Nashville Bitcoin conference. He believes that younger voices within the party are crucial for fostering a positive, innovative approach to crypto policy.

In this discussion, Alena Shmalko, Ecosystem Lead at the TON Foundation, and Jack Booth, Director of Marketing, dive into the explosive growth of the TON blockchain. They share insights on its impressive rise in Total Value Locked, fueled by innovative mini apps like Hamster Kombat. They also discuss the evolution of TON from its early days with Telegram to current market success, the scalability features that enhance its performance, and the community engagement strategies driving user interest in games and decentralized applications.