Unchained

Do Kwon, cofounder of Terraform Labs, reflects on the tumultuous aftermath of the TerraUSD collapse and the legal challenges he faces in South Korea. He discusses the emotional fallout for victims, openly addressing the tragic losses reported. Kwon shares his past regrets over his confident social media presence and contemplates the transparency issues surrounding Terra's financial structures. He also explores the complexities behind stablecoins and the lessons learned from both Terra and previous projects.

Peter Van Valkenburgh, Director of Research at Coin Center and an expert in cryptocurrency regulation, discusses the SEC's investigation into Yuga Labs and the complexities of determining whether NFTs are securities. He reveals the implications for NFT holders if classified as such and shares insights on Coin Center's lawsuit against the U.S. Treasury regarding Tornado Cash sanctions. Peter also addresses the broader legal challenges posed by smart contracts and the need for effective regulation in the evolving crypto landscape.

Zaki Manian, cofounder of Sommelier Protocol and Iqlusion, and Jack Zampolin, founder of Strangelove Ventures, dive into the innovative world of Cosmos. They unravel the significance of application-specific blockchains and the new white paper set to redefine ATOM's role. Key topics include interchain security, a new governance model allocating gas fees to developers, and maximizing extractable value (MEV) through a scheduler. They also discuss the future of decentralized finance and how USDC will launch on a consumer chain, making waves in the ecosystem.

Crypto optimism varies dramatically between Asia and the U.S., sparking lively debate. The recent CFTC lawsuit against Ooki DAO raises concerns about decentralized governance and legal implications. Celebrity endorsements in crypto come under scrutiny after a hefty SEC settlement, revealing conflicts of interest. The NFT landscape faces challenges with royalty enforcement and marketplace censorship. Meanwhile, the conversation turns to Ethereum's MEV, questioning the ethics of centralization and the need for a technical overhaul in regulatory bodies.

Kristin Smith, the Executive Director of the Blockchain Association, dives into the complexities of crypto regulation. She discusses the impacts of the Tornado Cash sanctions and the CFTC lawsuit against Ooki DAO. Kristin sheds light on the SEC's charges against Kim Kardashian, questioning whether they were a mere publicity stunt. With an eye on upcoming legislation, she shares her thoughts on the prospects of crypto bills passing by the year's end and why stablecoin regulations might be delayed.

Sam Bankman-Fried, founder and CEO of FTX, dives into the intricacies of crypto regulation and the impact of recent market downturns. He emphasizes the need for clear regulatory frameworks to prevent future collapses like Terra and 3AC. Sam discusses sustainable risk management strategies for crypto lenders and the interplay between crypto and traditional finance. He also reflects on political donations, advocating for political support based on candidates' economic perspectives rather than party affiliation. A fascinating glimpse into the future of the crypto landscape!

Nick Day, CoinDesk's managing editor for global policy and regulation, discusses the significant CFTC lawsuit against Ooki DAO. He explores how this case could chill participation in decentralized autonomous organizations and questions the regulatory fairness of targeting DAO members. They dive into the implications of the lawsuit on the DeFi landscape, concerns over member liability, and the adequacy of the CFTC's notification methods. The conversation also touches on whether the allegations might render all DeFi illegal and the broader risks faced by token holders.

Jongbaek Park, a blockchain lawyer from Bae, Kim & Lee, and journalist Zack Guzman dive deep into the legal saga surrounding Do Kwon and TerraForm Labs. They discuss whether Do Kwon is really on the run and the serious charges he faces, including a potential violation of capital markets law. The pair also explore the massive impact of Terra’s collapse on South Korean society, implications for cryptocurrency regulations, and the future of Kwon's legal battles, including possible prison time and the chilling effect on innovation in the crypto space.

The hosts dive into the surprising slump of Ethereum's price post-Merge, questioning market dynamics and investor behavior. They debate the potential flaws in Bitcoin's security model and the challenges facing the Lightning Network amid rising competitors. The fallout from the Terra collapse and its implications for legislation on stablecoins spark intense discussion. The conversation also touches on the Wintermute hack, accountability in crypto, and the balance between regulation and innovation in the ever-evolving digital asset landscape.

Pat Toomey, U.S. Senator for Pennsylvania, dives deep into the world of crypto regulation. He argues against the SEC's 'regulation by enforcement' approach and emphasizes the need for clarity regarding what defines a security. Toomey discusses the implications of proof of stake models and advocates for a balanced framework for stablecoins, steering clear of outright bans on algorithmic versions. He highlights the lessons learned from crypto collapses and critiques existing government reports on digital currencies, expressing concerns about innovation flight from the U.S.