Unchained

In this engaging discussion, Greg Xethalis, Chief Compliance Officer at Multicoin Capital, and Collins Belton, Founding Partner at Brookwood P.C., tackle pressing issues in crypto regulation. They decode how the SEC determines whether a token qualifies as a security, offering insights on DeFi's regulatory challenges. The duo argues for proactive stances on stablecoins, discussing the impact of regulatory scrutiny on centralized exchanges. They also explore the SEC's approach to decentralized projects, stressing the importance of clearer guidelines in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Stephen Palley, a partner at Anderson Kill specializing in financial regulation, dives into hot topics in the crypto space. He discusses the surprising lack of enforcement action from the SEC and CFTC, and why decentralized finance (DeFi) poses unique regulatory challenges. Palley shares insights on the status of stablecoins, Coinbase's decision to drop its Lend product, and the need for a different regulatory approach for DeFi compared to centralized exchanges. He expresses skepticism about applying traditional securities laws to crypto protocols, emphasizing innovation and consumer protection.

Fereshteh Forough, a former refugee and the founder of Code to Inspire, sheds light on her journey from displaced individual to tech advocate. She discusses the unique challenges Afghan girls face in accessing education and how coding empowers them. With a focus on cryptocurrency as a funding solution, Fereshteh explains how crypto payments offer financial freedom amid restrictive banking systems. The podcast also highlights the success stories of students and the community's changing attitudes towards women's education, despite the Taliban's oppressive regime.

Nik De, Managing Editor for Global Policy and Regulation at CoinDesk, shares his expertise on the evolving crypto regulatory landscape. He discusses SEC Chair Gary Gensler's shift in stance on stablecoins and DeFi, emphasizing rising tensions with Coinbase over its Lending product. Nik explores what it would take for crypto exchanges to comply with SEC regulations and the ongoing challenges in classifying stablecoins. He also sheds light on the implications of upcoming regulatory developments, especially as fiscal year-end approaches.

Rhea Myers, an OG crypto artist and senior smart contract developer at Dapper Labs, shares her pioneering journey in blockchain-based art. She discusses her creation of Bitcoin-based transaction art and the conceptual underpinnings of her Sotheby's auction piece, 'Secret Artwork.' Rhea believes concerns over NFT energy consumption are exaggerated and highlights how NFTs revolutionize the art world. She addresses the relationship between art and cryptography, explores the NFT DAO movement, and reflects on the evolution of artists' roles in the digital landscape.

Aidan Mott, a research analyst at Messari and an expert in blockchain technology, dives into the recent 17-hour outage of Solana's network. He reveals the triggers behind the disruption, including an IDO that flooded the system with transactions. The conversation examines how Solana's response compares to past outages on other blockchains and discusses the implications for decentralization. Mott also touches on potential vulnerabilities ahead and the challenges of validators running the same client, raising important questions about the network's resilience.

Vijay Boyapati, author of "The Bullish Case for Bitcoin," and Justin Drake, a researcher at the Ethereum Foundation, delve into Bitcoin's future security. They debate whether transaction fees can sustain Bitcoin once block rewards decline. Justin argues this reliance may arise in just 20-30 years, while Vijay is skeptical. The duo explores implications of a 51% attack, Bitcoin's economic model, and compares it to the Gold Standard. Their contrasting views on Bitcoin's hard cap and Ethereum's strengths lead to a riveting discussion on the evolution of cryptocurrency.

Ephrat Livni, a DealBook business and policy reporter at The New York Times, dives into Coinbase's tense showdown with the SEC over its Lend product, calling the commission's behavior 'sketchy.' She dissects why Coinbase's Lend structure may fit the definition of a security and shares her take on CEO Brian Armstrong's perceived entitlement towards a meeting with the SEC. The conversation also critiques El Salvador's choice to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, highlighting the challenges and public sentiments surrounding this controversial move.

Roneil Rumburg, Co-founder and CEO of Audius, discusses the explosive growth of Audius, which recently hit six million monthly active users. He dives into how artists benefit from blockchain technology to connect with fans and the nuances of AUDIO tokenomics. Roneil highlights Audius's unique platform features, including its partnership with TikTok and the innovative 'password' system designed for non-crypto users. He also explores the balance of decentralization and the future plans for Audius, all while navigating the challenges of the music industry.

Steven Ehrlich, director of research for digital assets at Forbes, discusses the FTX.US acquisition of the derivatives platform LedgerX, revealing its significance in the crypto landscape. He predicts a surge in crypto mergers and acquisitions, while also exploring the regulatory hurdles facing FTX and the potential for derivatives-focused ETFs. Additionally, he shares insights on how a woman in Afghanistan is using crypto education to empower local girls, illustrating the transformative potential of technology even in challenging environments.