Unchained

Keone Hon, Co-founder and CEO of Monad Labs, aims to revolutionize blockchain with high-throughput technology. Jay Jog, Co-founder of Sei Labs, focuses on creating a speedy EVM blockchain influenced by the GameStop saga. Vijay Chetty, CEO of Eclipse Labs, merges Ethereum and Solana to improve transaction capabilities. They delve into parallelized EVMs, the strategic pivots of Sei, and the modular vs. monolithic architecture debate, all while discussing how their innovations craft the future of high-speed decentralized finance.

TN Lee, founder of Pendle Finance, shares the rise and current challenges of his innovative yield trading protocol. He discusses how Pendle surged in popularity this year and the strategies behind its initial success. Lee outlines the sophisticated trading strategies users leverage and the importance of partnerships in boosting market presence. He also examines the significant drop in Total Value Locked and proposes new approaches, including the potential of Bitcoin narratives, to regain user engagement. Tune in for insights on Pendle's future!

A captivating discussion unfolds around Ethereum's capital concentration, drawing parallels to the U.S. economy. The hosts dissect the mechanics of prediction markets, spotlighting Polymarket's influence on political forecasts. They explore the contrasting philosophies of 'the village' and 'the river' in crypto, emphasizing risk versus tradition. Liquidity challenges in prediction markets are analyzed, with insights on emerging platforms. As Ethereum faces pressures from Solana, the conversation turns to potential upgrades and the community's strategies to maintain relevance.

Reed Werbitt, US CEO of Flowdesk, and Hanson Birringer, Head of US OTC Sales, delve into the nuances of launching cryptocurrency tokens and the evolving OTC markets. They share insights on choosing market makers and the significance of prominent exchanges like Binance and OKX. The discussion sheds light on how recent ETF launches have altered market dynamics and emphasizes the importance of tailored strategies for token issuers. They also explore the benefits of OTC trading and the unique challenges faced by Bitcoin miners in today's landscape.

Aki Balogh, CEO of dlcBTC and a pioneer in the crypto space, dives into the transformative power of Discreet Log Contracts (DLCs) for Bitcoin. He explains how dlcBTC creates a self-sovereign Wrapped Bitcoin that addresses the pitfalls of traditional models like WBTC. The conversation reveals the mechanisms of attestation for security and the importance of decentralization. Aki also shares plans for integrating with Bitcoin Layer 2 solutions and expanding into various blockchain ecosystems, promising a future ripe with innovation.

Shuyao, cofounder of MegaETH Labs and founder of hotpot DAO, shares his insights on the dynamic world of decentralized AI and blockchain tech. The discussion heats up around the recent WBTC drama and BitGo’s Hong Kong move, exploring its implications for the crypto landscape. They also tackle the SEC’s subpoenas affecting token investments, casting shadows on the industry’s future. Lastly, the podcast probes the current cycle’s apparent lack of groundbreaking innovation, questioning what’s next for the crypto community.

Chris Cecere, GP and Head of Global Macro and Trading at Asymmetric, shares insights into the volatile crypto market. He discusses the yen carry trade's role in recent sell-offs and the Fed's missteps regarding interest rates. The conversation also sheds light on the SEC's crackdown on Ripple and its implications for the crypto landscape. Additionally, Cecere reflects on the upcoming signals from Jackson Hole, touching on economic disparities and the ongoing drama surrounding the custody of wrapped bitcoin.

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.