Unchained

Dive into the world of Layer 1 blockchains as insiders discuss their vibrant experiences from a major conference. Explore why Korea is emerging as a crypto hotspot and the urgent need for benchmarking blockchain performance. Catch the rivalry between Aptos and Sui, and the implications of Sui's unconventional token distribution choices. Delve into the scrutiny surrounding the audit firm Certik amid a major hack. Finally, hear about the exciting intersection of AI and blockchain, shaping the future of smart contracts and Web3.

J.W. Verret, Associate Professor of Law at George Mason Law School and a crypto regulation expert, discusses the legal showdown between Coinbase and the SEC. He explains Coinbase's strategy likening it to a chess game, and how this case might reshape the Howey test. Verret delves into the implications of 'West Virginia vs. EPA' for crypto, critiques the SEC's tactics with Kraken, and speculates on the Ripple case’s future. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency regulation.

In this insightful discussion, Josh Klayman, head of digital assets at Linklaters, and Marc Boiron, chief legal officer at Polygon Labs, analyze the SEC’s aggressive stance towards cryptocurrency. They dive into Gary Gensler's congressional testimony and debate whether recent actions stemmed from the FTX collapse. The duo discusses the potential existential threat posed by the SEC's proposed exchange definition changes to DeFi, the complexities of regulatory compliance for platforms like Coinbase, and the nuances of Ether's security classification in the current legal landscape.

The hosts dive into the rapidly expanding world of Ethereum Layer 2s, tackling their cost implications and user experience. They debate whether these solutions ultimately siphon value from Ethereum and explore the growing security threats within crypto. Discussions also cover the fate of centralized lending and the appeal of stablecoins yielding less than Treasury bills. The potential of tokenizing real-world assets takes center stage, challenging the notion of Layer 1 dominance as they analyze the competitive landscape between various blockchain technologies.

Join Jason Gottlieb, a partner at Morrison Cohen and chair of the Digital Assets Department, as he dives into the heated debate on whether Ethereum should be deemed a security. He analyzes the potential fallout if the SEC makes such a declaration and questions the agency's impact on investors. Gottlieb also discusses ongoing litigations against exchanges like Bittrex and Beaxy, and the SEC's efforts to broaden the definition of exchanges, raising concerns about the future of DeFi in the U.S. Don't miss this insightful legal perspective on crypto regulation!

In this enlightening discussion, Justin Drake, a researcher at the Ethereum Foundation, and Uri Klarman, CEO of bloXroute Labs, dive into the complexities of maximal extractable value (MEV) in the Ethereum ecosystem. They explore how MEV has evolved and its controversial nature. Highlights include debates on the MEV Blocker, the balance between back-running and front-running, insights on proposer-builder separation, and the potential benefits of MEV burn. Their differing perspectives spark a thought-provoking conversation about the future of fairness in blockchain.

Laura Shin, author and CEO of Unchained, joins crypto insiders to dissect pressing industry issues. They debate the potential revival of the collapsed FTX exchange, with mixed opinions on whether it could regain trust. The conversation dives into the U.S. Treasury's misconceptions about decentralized finance and the debate on whether VCs compromise crypto's founding principles. They also explore the balance of democratizing finance versus fundraising, touching on the complexities of investor behavior in today’s volatile market.

Celebrating a decade of self-employment, the host shares her inspiring journey filled with struggles and triumphs. She discusses her transformation from personal finance to cryptocurrency writing, revealing pivotal moments that shaped her career. Emphasizing self-compassion and creative freedom, she reflects on the vital role of mental resilience in overcoming challenges. The narrative highlights personal growth and the gratitude felt for support received, encouraging others to embrace their entrepreneurial aspirations.

Tim Beiko, head of Ethereum protocol developer calls, shares his insights on the recent Shapella upgrade, marking a significant milestone in Ethereum's shift to proof-of-stake. He discusses the implications of validator withdrawals and the challenges faced during this transition. Beiko highlights the future roadmap for Ethereum, including the pivotal EIP-4844 aimed at reducing Layer 2 costs, and explains the concept of proposer-builder separation and its intended benefits. The conversation is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of Ethereum.

Gabriel Shapiro, general counsel at Delphi Labs, and Fatemeh Fannizadeh, a lawyer specializing in DAOs, delve into the resilience of decentralized autonomous organizations amidst growing regulatory scrutiny. They discuss the legal ramifications of Wyoming's DAO LLC law and Utah's innovative Limited Liability DAOs. The guests analyze recent lawsuits, including the Ooki DAO case, and highlight crucial liability issues for governance token holders. Their contrasting views on the Mango DAO settlement provide further insight into the complexities of DAO governance and legal frameworks.