The Rollup

Teng Yan, co-founder of Chain of Thought and an AI researcher with a background in healthcare AI and crypto, delves into the current state of AI agents. He discusses why these agents struggle with simple tasks due to chaining errors and the lack of proper training datasets. Teng predicts that 2026 could be a pivotal year for AI autonomy and explores concerns around AI privacy as data collection increases. He also shares insights on model improvements, prompt engineering, and the booming data center race in the AI landscape.

Sam Kazemian, the founder of Frax Finance, and Rob Montgomery from Infinify dive into the monumental implications of DTCC's recent SEC approval. They discuss how this opens the floodgates for tokenization, revealing insights on why non-USD stablecoins like the Korean Won could reshape global markets by 2026. Sam shares dramatic tales from the Terra collapse, while Rob highlights the lucrative landscape of real-world asset liquidations. Their analysis sheds light on the competitive dynamics between emerging stablecoin networks and the future of on-chain finance.

Mark Greenberg, Head of Kraken's Consumer Business, discusses the revolution of neo banks in replacing traditional finance. He highlights how Kraken's Crack app allows users to hold and spend any asset while offering features like on-chain yields. Greenberg elaborates on the exciting potential of tokenized equities (X Stocks) and shares insights on their rapid growth and adoption. Listeners learn about the innovative Crack Card, which delivers 1% cashback in crypto. The vision for democratizing access to global markets is a key theme throughout their conversation.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Anderson, a venture investor and co-founder at Framework, teams up with Vance Spencer, an investor and partner at the same firm. They explore the seismic shift in crypto, revealing how institutional capital now dominates, controlling 90% of the market. They dissect why the traditional four-year cycle has broken and the impending significance of the Clarity Act for DeFi in 2026. The guests also predict the future of ETH and BTC, arguing that just 3-4 crypto projects will likely emerge victorious in this new landscape.

Illia Polosukhin, the Co-founder of NEAR Protocol and a leader in blockchain and decentralized AI, discusses groundbreaking concepts around ownership of AI. He explains how NEAR AI Cloud and Private Chat prioritize user privacy, showcasing the significant $7B flowing through NEAR Intents. Illia reveals insights into how AI agents can reshape DeFi yield and their role in creating a personal AI that travels with users. He also highlights the integration of confidential computing from Intel and Nvidia to bolster privacy in AI applications.

Juan David, Founder and CEO of Keyrock, dives into the transformative world of tokenization, having built crucial infrastructure since 2017. He shares insights on why regional stablecoins haven’t taken off compared to their USD counterparts. Juan highlights the importance of liquidity, discussing how market-making and protocol revenue reflect real business models. He also elaborates on on-chain FX and how stablecoins can manage cross-border risks. Ultimately, he emphasizes the return to fundamentals in the evolving crypto landscape.

Hoanan Li, co-founder and CEO of Codex, dives into building neutral infrastructure for stablecoins on Ethereum. He discusses why Codex opted for an Ethereum layer over launching a new blockchain and critiques the 'research fetish' in crypto. Hoanan explains how Codex FX aims to tackle the $7.5 trillion FX market, enabling local stablecoin swaps without relying on USD intermediaries. He reveals plans to reshape global commerce through on-chain direct swaps and offers insights into Codex's roadmap for community profits.

Join TJ Miller, the comedian and crypto enthusiast, and Jordan Jefferson, founder of MyDoge, as they dive into the quirky journey of Dogecoin. They discuss how this meme-turned-currency might just outshine Bitcoin and its serious counterparts. The duo explores the creation of DogeOS and its potential as an interplanetary currency. They also highlight the importance of humor in crypto, proposing that a little silliness might be just what the blockchain needs to thrive.

Hester Peirce, SEC Commissioner and a strong advocate for innovation in crypto regulation, discusses the SEC's transformative approach. She highlights the significant 180-degree shift towards a more accommodating regulatory environment. Peirce explains why many tokens may not be securities and champions self-custody as a fundamental right. With an eye on 2025 as a pivotal year, she also explores the potential resurgence of compliant ICOs and the balancing act between CFTC and SEC jurisdictions. Expect a future where privacy and consumer rights are prioritized!

Dankrad Feist, a protocol researcher and architect with a focus on Ethereum scaling, recently transitioned from the Ethereum Foundation to Tempo. He discusses the urgent need for Ethereum's 'wartime mentality' to tackle pressing issues like the L2 finality crisis and scaling challenges. Dankrad sheds light on Fusaka's data availability breakthroughs and the importance of stablecoin payments in shaping Ethereum's future. He also addresses the technical bottlenecks posed by the massive validator set and the benefits of post-finality enhancements for user experience.