Unchained

Blake West, co-founder of Goldfinch, shares insights on the burgeoning interest in tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs). They discuss the challenges of adoption and why private credit could be a game-changer for crypto. West explains the importance of on-chain tools and stablecoins, while Robert Leshner expresses his disdain for the term "real-world asset." The conversation touches on traditional finance's embrace of tokenized assets and the evolving dynamics of capital flow, highlighting the transformative potential for transparency and liquidity in the blockchain space.

Illia Polosukhin, co-founder of NEAR Protocol and AI enthusiast, teams up with Jason Warner, founder of Poolside and former CTO at GitHub. They discuss the untapped synergy between AI and blockchain, exploring fascinating applications like AIs managing DAOs and the role of blockchain in enhancing AI transparency. The duo also tackles challenges such as misinformation and the potential for AI in crypto trading. With insights on code auditing and resource provisioning, they paint a picture of a future where these technologies collaborate for innovation.

Philippe Dumonet, Cofounder of DeRegLinks, discusses the crucial ERC-7265 proposal aimed at enhancing DeFi security. He highlights the alarming rise in crypto crime, with $3.8 billion stolen last year. The proposal introduces a 'circuit breaker' to protect decentralized applications, balancing security and governance. Dumonet explains how this could potentially centralize some protocols while improving the safety for newer teams. He also addresses the need for robust security measures in light of historical vulnerabilities and recent market challenges.

Benny Giang, Co-founder of Future Primitive, and Jayden Windle, its founding developer, dive into the groundbreaking ERC-6551 standard, which revolutionizes NFTs by associating them with smart contract wallets. They explore its potential in gaming, identity, and more, highlighting how this innovation can enhance digital interactions. The duo discusses the implications for creators and security, and the exciting idea of 'network playable characters' that could reshape online experiences. Discover how Future Primitive merges Web3 technology with culture, making NFTs even more interactive.

Thomas Braziel, founder of 507 Capital and a bankruptcy claims expert, dives into the chaotic legal saga surrounding FTX. He reveals shocking details from the Daniel Friedberg lawsuit, including whistleblower implications. Braziel discusses potential legal consequences for Friedberg’s former law firm and sheds light on John Ray's strategies regarding fraudulent transactions. He also shares insights about FTX's reorganization timeline and the uncertain chances for an FTX 2.0 relaunch, emphasizing that FTT won't factor into any recovery plans.

The hosts dive into the controversy surrounding Azuki's new NFT collection, with community backlash highlighting concerns over originality. They dissect the collapse of Prime Trust and its implications for crypto custody, questioning if it constitutes fraud. Layer 2 solutions also take center stage, with debates on the strengths of Arbitrum versus Optimism and potential future innovations like shared sequencers. Insights into the political nature of these rollups reveal the complex dynamics within the Ethereum ecosystem.

Aaron Kaplan, co-CEO of Prometheum, and Rodrigo Seira, special counsel at Paradigm, dive into the heated debate on crypto regulation. Kaplan argues that Prometheum is paving a compliant path for digital assets, while Seira challenges the feasibility of the current SEC framework. They discuss the complexities of token classification, the relevance of the Howey Test, and the implications of SEC licensing. The episode highlights diverging views on what constitutes a successful crypto exchange and the future of regulatory compliance in the industry.

Recent trends in the cryptocurrency market spark lively discussions among crypto insiders, with the surprising rise in institutional interest highlighted by BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF application. The hosts dissect why multiple financial firms jumped into ETF bidding simultaneously. They also question the implications of Prometheum’s controversial Congressional testimony and its shaky past. Additionally, the prospects of London emerging as a crypto hub and the challenges faced by exchanges add depth to the conversation.

James Seyffart, a research analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, dives into the intriguing world of Bitcoin ETFs. He discusses why the SEC has rejected previous applications and what sets BlackRock's filing apart. Seyffart explores the significance of partnerships, like BlackRock's with Coinbase, amid ongoing legal challenges. He highlights the substantial advantages of being a first mover in the ETF market and explains the critical differences between spot and futures Bitcoin ETFs. The conversation unveils the potential impacts on the cryptocurrency landscape as TradFi giants maneuver for approval.

Hayden Adams, the founder and CEO of Uniswap, shares insights on the latest advancements with Uniswap v4. He dives into the innovative 'hooks' feature, explaining how it enhances liquidity management while addressing concerns over security and potential exploits. The discussion also touches on the evolution of Uniswap since 2018, debates around open-source principles, and the significance of the new fee structure. Hayden responds to criticisms regarding plagiarism and discusses the implications of upcoming Ethereum upgrades on the platform.