The Owl Explains Hootenanny

Explore the intersection of anti-money laundering (AML) policy and digital assets with Caroline Malcolm (Chainalysis), Monica Sah (Clifford Chance), Seema Khinda Johnson (Nuggets), and Isabella Chase (TRM Labs) as they discuss the evolving landscape of AML compliance in DeFi. Learn about the challenges of establishing a global framework, the risks of non-compliance, and insights into future regulatory directions and industry contributions to sensible rule-making.Find out more in our explainers at owlexplains.com

Join Russell Klein and a panel of experts in a captivating discussion on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) in our latest Owl Explains podcast episode. Mai Santamaria (Department of Finance, Ireland), Jannah Patchay (Digital Pound Foundation), and Varun Paul (Fireblocks) dissect the potential impact of CBDCs on modern finance. Discover the implications, risks, and revolutionary prospects of digital currencies as we delve into whether they're a necessity in our increasingly digital world. Tune in for an insightful journey into the evolving realm of digital finance and CBDCs. Find out more in our explainers at owlexplains.com

Dive into the world of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) with Eugenio Reggianini (European Commission), Joni Pirovich (Blockchain and Digital Asset Lawyer), John Yarwood (Blockchain Strategy Consultant), and Steve Wink (Partner at Latham & Watkins LLP) unravel the complexities of DAOs. They compare these innovative entities to traditional organizations and delve into their unique regulatory landscapes. Joni discusses the current regulatory sentiment around DAOs, Eugenio focuses on community identity and governance, Steve navigates the legal challenges and liability issues, while John sheds light on the 'killswitch' concept in DAO crises. Join us for an insightful exploration into the evolving world of DAOs and their future regulation.Find out more in our explainers at owlexplains.com

Explore global blockchain policies beyond the EU and US in this episode, moderated by Lee A. Schneider of Ava Labs. Our guests, Joey Garcia from Xapo Bank, Jongbaek Park of Bae Kim & Lee, Manmeet Singh from Blockseed Ventures, and Urszula McCormack of King & Wood Mallesons, take us on a journey through legal frameworks in Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, Gibraltar, Japan, Australia, Argentina, and more. They debate whether the EU’s MiCA regulation is truly setting a global standard or if other regions are advancing more rapidly in the crypto-legal landscape.Find out more in our explainers at owlexplains.com

Discover the European Blockchain Regulatory Sandbox's role in harmonizing technology and regulation in this episode. Featuring Helen Köpman from the European Commission, Marjolein Geus of Bird & Bird, and Yuji Develle from OXYGY Consulting, we delve into the sandbox's goals, its collaborative approach with regulators and SMEs, and focus on infrastructure development. Our guests discuss the selection criteria for innovative projects, their industry diversity, and the sandbox's response to regulatory complexities before the EU's MiCA regulation. Additionally, they highlight how cross-sector learning and best practices sharing could influence future regulations beyond blockchain.Find out more in our explainers at owlexplains.com

Peder Muller and Tim Davis from Deloitte, alongside moderator Justin Gunnell of Sher Tremonte LLP, explore how Deloitte is leveraging blockchain technology in disaster relief. They delve into Deloitte's 'Close as you go' project, a prime example of blockchain's capabilities. Built on an Avalanche subnet, this initiative uses tokens, smart contracts, and decentralized architecture, all seamlessly integrated and invisible to the user. Join us for an insightful look at practical blockchain applications in critical humanitarian efforts.Find out more in our explainers at owlexplains.com

Join Roy Confino, Head of Strategy and Operations at Lemonade Foundation, and Justin Gunnell, counsel at Sher Tremonte LLP, for a deep dive into the innovative world of smart contracts in crop insurance. This episode explores how Lemonade Insurance is revolutionizing the field with blockchain technology. Delve into the Crypto Climate Coalition, blockchain's solutions to cost and access issues, and the intriguing concept of 'oracles'. Plus, we debate: should smart contracts be called 'live contracts' for their dynamic capabilities? Tune in for this compelling exploration of insurance and blockchain's intersection. Find out more in our explainers at owlexplains.com

Shawn Helms, co-head of McDermott Will & Emery’s technology and outsourcing practice, leads a discussion on AI's trust issues and blockchain's role as a solution with Anne Gressel, Associate at Debevoise & Plimpton, Erwin Voloder, Head of Policy at the European Blockchain Association, and Kai Zenner, Digital Policy Adviser for MEP Axel Voss. They explore how blockchain's transparency and auditability can address concerns about AI's opaque algorithms and potential misuse. Tune in for this insightful dialogue at the nexus of AI and blockchain technology.Find out more in our explainers at owlexplains.com

Join Dr. Lisa Cameron, MP and crypto policy expert, in a discussion with Emma Pike from Owl Explains about the UK's quest to become a global crypto hub. Dr. Cameron shares key insights from her report with actionable recommendations for the UK, emphasizing the urgency to keep pace with the EU. Tune in to this enlightening session moderated by Emma Pike, Consultant at H+K Strategies, for a closer look at the evolving landscape of blockchain and digital assets in the UK.Find out more in our explainers at owlexplains.com

Connor Daly, Software Engineer at Ava Labs and known for having the 'most cats in crypto,' discusses the future of blockchain technology with Sylvia Sanchez from Owl Explains. In this episode, they delve into Ava Labs' innovative use of subnets to address blockchain's technological challenges, including complexity, scalability, and consensus speed. Learn how subnets allow for the creation of tailored blockchains adaptable to various projects and regulations. Connor also shares his experiences in quickly starting a subnet, its impact on wider adoption and innovation, plus a glimpse into his life with his beloved cats and plans for his growing animal family.Find out more in our explainers at owlexplains.com