Unchained

Stephane Gosselin, cofounder and chief architect of Flashbots, and Uri Klarman, CEO of bloXroute Labs, dive into the intriguing world of Maximal Extractable Value (MEV). They unravel the complexities of MEV within Ethereum, discussing issues like frontrunning and the impact of Proof of Stake. The duo explores how innovative solutions like MEV-Boost and proposer-builder separation aim to create fairer transactions. They even tackle the legal implications of MEV and debate whether its exploitation is ethical, shedding light on a contentious yet vital aspect of decentralized finance.

Ari Redbord, Head of Legal and Government Affairs at TRM Labs, shares his deep insights as a former federal prosecutor and Treasury advisor. He discusses the significant sanctions against Tornado Cash, emphasizing the heightened regulatory scrutiny following the Ronin hack. Ari explains how TRM's blockchain analytics tools aid compliance in DeFi, and debates the implications of recent regulatory actions on users' privacy. He also warns about the future of privacy technologies amid growing government intervention in the crypto space.

Discover the controversies surrounding Tornado Cash and the implications of OFAC sanctions on privacy in crypto. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by decentralized finance as government regulations rise. Delve into the intricate issues of Ethereum's shift to Proof of Stake and the centralization risks posed by MEV. Learn about the evolving landscape of NFT royalties and how innovative platforms like Sudoswap are changing the game for creators. Each topic unveils the complexities of navigating the intersections of regulation, technology, and market dynamics.

Surojit Chatterjee, Chief Product Officer at Coinbase, discusses his journey into cryptocurrency and the company’s vision for onboarding billions of users into the space. He highlights Coinbase's unique approach to differentiating itself in a competitive market and integrating with Web3. Surojit touches on the challenges faced with the failed NFT marketplace and how partnerships, like the one with BlackRock, reflect crypto’s growing institutional interest. He also delves into the importance of continuous innovation even in a downturn.

Jerry Brito, executive director of Coin Center, dives into the controversial sanctions against Tornado Cash. He discusses how the government's actions may have misclassified the decentralized service, impacting many legitimate users. Brito raises concerns about the constitutional validity of the sanctions and argues for clearer regulatory frameworks. He also explores the complexities of unfreezing assets affected by these sanctions, and the broader implications for financial privacy and the future of cryptocurrency regulation.

Rune Christensen, co-founder of MakerDAO, and Hasu, a decentralized finance expert, dive deep into governance challenges within MakerDAO. They discuss their differing visions for MakerDAO and the crucial role of collateral, including the impact of real-world assets. Hasu introduces his mental model of DAI as eurodollars, while Rune argues against a single council to mitigate political risks. They also explore concepts like 'clean money' and the philosophical motivations behind crypto, questioning if DAOs can truly align with members' best interests.

Layne Haber, Co-founder of Connext Network and a DeFi security expert, dives into the recent Nomad bridge hack and its implications. He unpacks the hack's unique aspects, its ties to the historic DAO exploit, and discusses the reactive measures by law enforcement. Haber elaborates on the role of bounty programs in recovery efforts and the challenges faced by authorities in tracking decentralized crime. He emphasizes the need for improved cross-chain security and predicts ongoing developments in addressing these vulnerabilities.

Kevin Zhou, co-founder of Galois Capital, dives into the intriguing world of Ethereum's future and potential forks. He discusses the possibility of a Proof of Work chain and why he anticipated the LUNA death spiral before others did. Kevin outlines his trading strategies during the Terra collapse and sheds light on the risks surrounding the Merge. He also emphasizes the importance of replay protection and draws parallels between Ethereum's history and his personal insights on trading. A must-listen for crypto enthusiasts!

Lyn Alden, founder of Lyn Alden Investment Strategy, shares her deep insights on economics, while Mauricio di Bartolomeo, co-founder of Ledn, brings his firsthand experience with Venezuela's hyperinflation. The two delve into how inflation impacts the crypto landscape, touching on Bitcoin as a potential hedge and its contrasting role in inflationary versus hyperinflationary settings. They explore the link between rising interest rates and crypto adoption, implications of global events like the Ukraine war, and the growing significance of stablecoins and the Lightning Network in volatile economies.

Balaji Srinivasan, author of "The Network State," shares insights on how crypto empowers emerging digital communities aimed at gaining recognition. He discusses the concept of network states and why they may surpass traditional nations. Balaji also explores the tension between Bitcoin maximalism and various political ideologies, predicting that a community of keto dieters could pioneer this movement. Additionally, he reflects on the evolution of the crypto industry and suggests that learning and adaptation are crucial for its future.