RECENT EPISODES
Wed 23 SeptWhite House: Market Structure Bill Stalls as Focus Shifts to Regulators | CoinDesk DailyThe latest episode of CoinDesk Daily discusses the stalling of the crypto market structure bill in Congress, with Patrick Witt expressing doubts about its future. As focus shifts from legislative action to regulatory oversight, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission has raised concerns about market manipulation risks, particularly in betting markets. Additionally, a significant ether transfer involving 27,373 ether has sparked uncertainty regarding its implications, underscoring the complexities facing the crypto industry amid regulatory scrutiny.Tue 22 SeptTrader Bets $3M on Bitcoin Hitting $95K by October | CoinDesk DailyIn this episode, a trader has wagered $3.17 million on Bitcoin reaching $95,000 by the end of October, highlighting the growing speculative interest in the cryptocurrency. The discussion also covers Binance's strategic $100 million investment in Circle, signaling confidence in the crypto market and the USDC stablecoin. Additionally, Cardano is testing a new payment standard for AI agents, showcasing the competitive landscape and innovation within the blockchain space.Mon 21 SeptWill Bitcoin Become Legal Tender in the U.S.? Plus, Why Crypto Isn’t Waiting for CLARITYIn this episode, Jack Moller discusses the potential for Bitcoin to become legal tender in the U.S., asserting its value as a hard asset amid declining fiat purchasing power. He emphasizes that Bitcoin's success is independent of congressional approval and highlights Strike's commitment to quality services in the Bitcoin sector. The conversation also touches on the evolving perception of Bitcoin as digital gold and the implications of U.S. dollar stablecoins for the future of the crypto market.Mon 21 SeptGoogle & Apple Hunt for Crypto Talent | CoinDesk DailyIn this episode, Google and Apple ramp up their search for crypto talent, focusing on roles that emphasize stablecoins and tokenization, reflecting a major shift in Big Tech's engagement with digital assets. Google Cloud is looking for an architect in Hong Kong to spearhead tokenization initiatives, while Apple seeks a strategy lead for Apple Pay to enhance its payment offerings. Additionally, scrutiny surrounds Calci for allegedly inflating its trading volume, raising questions about the integrity of its operations.Fri 18 SeptSEC Opens the Door to Tokenized U.S. Stocks After CLARITY Failure | CoinDesk DailyThe SEC has unveiled a new innovation exemption that permits the trading of real tokenized U.S. stocks on public blockchains for five years, while excluding synthetic products that track prices. This regulatory change could enhance liquidity and accessibility in digital asset trading, although it may limit options for retail investors. Additionally, corporate treasuries have sharply reduced Bitcoin acquisitions, reflecting a cautious stance amid market volatility and regulatory challenges.Wed 16 SeptCircle Launched Its Own Blockchain. What Happens to Ethereum? | Markets OutlookCircle's launch of the ARC mainnet marks a significant shift in the stablecoin landscape, positioning the company as a leader with its compliance to upcoming regulations under the Genius Act. The ARC blockchain enhances transaction efficiency with sub-second finality and an opt-in privacy feature, while USDC serves as its gas token.Tue 15 SeptSenate Votes on Crypto's Clarity Act as Bitcoin Slides | CoinDesk DailyBitcoin has slid below $77,000 as the Senate prepares to vote on the Clarity Act, with its chances of passing this year dropping from 34 percent to 20 percent. In a related move, the U.S. Department of Justice is seeking to seize $61 million in cryptocurrency linked to Iran's military, raising compliance concerns for exchanges like Binance, which maintains a strict policy against sanctions violations.Mon 14 SeptShould You Bet on AI or Crypto? Plus, the SEC’s Tokenized Stock OverhaulIn this episode, the hosts explore the evolving landscape of AI and crypto investments, weighing their respective growth potentials and challenges. Ram Alulalia expresses skepticism about tokenized stocks, highlighting inefficiencies in the current transfer agent model, while also noting the increasing demand for AI technologies despite public doubts. The discussion emphasizes the need for improved blockchain infrastructure and education to fully realize the benefits of tokenization, making it clear that both sectors present unique opportunities and risks for investors.Mon 14 SeptTrump Agrees to Stricter Ethics Rules to Save the Clarity Act: Report | CoinDesk DailyIn this episode, Trump agrees to about 80% of a stricter ethics package related to the Clarity Act, aiming to secure support for upcoming Senate votes on crypto regulations. The discussion also highlights concerns from Dario Amade and others about the rapid development of AI technologies, advocating for a more cautious approach. Additionally, ByteDance's significant $29.6 billion loan for AI initiatives and potential $70 billion investment in infrastructure underscore the financial stakes in the evolving tech landscape.Mon 14 SeptFed Rate Hike Ahead? This CEO Says It Won't HappenIn this episode, Ram Alulalia argues that the Federal Reserve is unlikely to raise interest rates before the midterm elections, potentially sparking a market rally. He discusses the temporary nature of current oil prices and anticipates stabilization of the 10-year yield around 5%. Alulalia also expresses skepticism about the value of tokenizing liquid traded stocks compared to decentralized finance innovations, while highlighting the need for better education on blockchain technology among CEOs to enhance market accessibility.Fri 11 SeptKalshi Wants 24/7 Perps on Tesla, Apple & Nvidia | CoinDesk DailyKalshi is set to launch 24/7 perpetual futures for Tesla and Nvidia, expanding trading opportunities for investors outside standard market hours. This initiative aims to enhance market liquidity and provide real-time insights into these major stocks. Additionally, Senator Cynthia Lummis is advocating for the Clarity Act, which seeks to establish clearer crypto regulations in the U.S., a move that could significantly impact the legislative landscape for cryptocurrencies.Fri 11 SeptCLARITY Act on “Death Watch”: Can Crypto’s Biggest Bill Survive?In this episode, the fate of the Clarity Act hangs in the balance as it faces potential revival during the lame duck session, contingent on White House engagement with key senators. The discussion highlights significant changes to the Act, particularly regarding decentralized finance and the need for regulatory clarity in U.S. markets. Bipartisan support remains crucial, with ongoing negotiations aimed at facilitating Democratic backing, while the Digital Chamber advocates for a national framework to address state overreach in crypto regulations.Thu 10 SeptIs Bitcoin on the Verge of Its Biggest Bull Run? | Markets OutlookIn this episode, the discussion centers on the potential for Bitcoin to initiate its largest bull run yet, following a recent peak around $82,000. The analysis highlights the significance of Golden Cross patterns in Bitcoin's volatility and the muted market response to a $6 billion Treasury buyback. Additionally, the episode explores the rising importance of altcoins, innovations in tokenization, and the shift towards social trading, indicating a broader evolution in the cryptocurrency landscape.Thu 10 SeptNasdaq Invests $100M in Kraken Parent PaywardNASDAQ's $100 million investment in Payward, the parent company of Kraken, highlights a deepening partnership focused on developing NASDAQ equity tokens. Mark Greenberg emphasized the transformative potential of tokenization in reshaping financial markets and enhancing asset management. As Payward evolves into a multi-asset entity, interest from other companies in tokenization initiatives is growing, indicating a shift in the business landscape. However, details on Payward's postponed IPO timeline remain unclear, raising questions about its future direction.Wed 9 SeptAMC Slams Robinhood's Approach To Tokenized Stocks: Why Kraken and Bullish Are Betting Big AnywayIn this episode, AMC's CEO criticizes Robinhood's approach to synthetic tokens, calling them "vile," while discussing the importance of issuers in tokenized equities. Kraken's Mark Greenberg highlights the success of X stocks, which have achieved $40 billion in trading volume, and outlines plans to expand offerings internationally despite regulatory challenges in the U.S. The conversation also explores the potential of tokenization to disrupt the equities market and enhance access for global investors.Wed 9 SeptAnthropic Researcher Warns AI Could Kill Us All After Quitting | CoinDesk DailyIn this episode, an anthropic researcher raises alarming concerns about the potential lethal risks of AI, predicting over a 10% chance of significant harm within the next decade. The discussion highlights the race among AI labs to develop self-improving superintelligence, which could threaten humanity's existence. Additionally, U.S. security agencies accuse six Chinese AI companies of misusing American models, while Iranian authorities promote cryptocurrency to navigate U.S. sanctions, emphasizing the complex interplay of technology and geopolitics.Tue 8 SeptHunter Biden Is Launching a Memecoin | CoinDesk DailyHunter Biden is launching a meme coin called Laptop, named after his controversial 2019 laptop incident, with a total supply of $1 billion and 30% allocated to founders. In related news, White Hat hackers have recovered 3,400 of the 4,000 Bitcoin stolen during the Liquid Network breach, using innovative public negotiations. Meanwhile, Bitcoin's price hovers just under $78,500, reflecting a slight decline amid market fluctuations and a potential Federal Reserve rate hike, as traders assess economic indicators.Fri 4 SeptZcash Hits $1,000 as Short Sellers Lose $34 Million | CoinDesk DailyZcash has surged nearly 20% to approach $1,000, marking a significant increase in value over the past month. This price rise coincided with the liquidation of approximately $34.5 million in short positions, indicating a shift in market dynamics that has impacted short sellers. Additionally, developments in El Salvador's Bitcoin acquisition through private donations and South Korea's plans to tokenize traditional securities highlight the ongoing integration of cryptocurrency with traditional finance, suggesting potential future volatility and investment opportunities.Thu 3 Sept$1.3 Million Bitcoin Will Be “Relatively Easy,” Says Bitwise’s Matt Hougan | Markets OutlookIn this episode, Matt Hougan forecasts that Bitcoin could reach $1.3 million by 2035, driven by bullish market conditions and a potential rebound to $100,000 this year. He emphasizes the risks of traditional portfolios lacking Bitcoin and anticipates a significant increase in institutional crypto allocation as the tokenization market evolves. Hougan also highlights the growth potential of tokenized assets and the importance of retail participation in driving the crypto market forward.Thu 3 SeptThe Malware That Hijacked Crypto Payments for 8 Years | CoinDesk DailyThis episode delves into a botnet that operated for eight years, hijacking crypto payments by swapping addresses during transactions, resulting in a theft that appreciated from $150,000 to $1.35 million. It also covers the CFTC's request to dismiss the CME's lawsuit over crypto perpetual futures, highlighting regulatory tensions. Additionally, the Justice Department's seizure of over $560,000 in cryptocurrency linked to Hamas underscores the complexities of monitoring illicit activities in the evolving digital asset landscape.Wed 2 SeptTether Sued for Allegedly Freezing $42M Before a WarrantTether is facing a lawsuit from two Thai businessmen who allege the company unlawfully froze $42.4 million in USDT without a warrant, raising legal concerns about its cooperation with law enforcement. The frozen funds are linked to a Justice Department investigation into stolen USDT from scams. Meanwhile, U.S. spot XRP ETFs have attracted significant capital, with Goldman Sachs becoming the largest institutional holder, highlighting growing investor interest amid evolving regulatory discussions by the SEC on cryptocurrency trading practices.Wed 2 SeptCoinbase Tokenized Stocks Hit $100M in Volume; First Zcash ETF and Strategy Yield Goes DeFiCoinbase has launched tokenized stocks on its base blockchain, achieving over $100 million in trading volume, allowing non-US investors to access US equities. The episode also discusses the introduction of the first Zcash ETF, coinciding with a 70% increase in Zcash's value, highlighting the growing importance of privacy in cryptocurrency. Additionally, Solstice is focusing on a tokenized yield layer in DeFi, offering structured strategies with yields ranging from 7% to over 20%, catering to institutional interest in innovative financial products.Tue 1 SeptNorth Korea Is Cashing Out Bitcoin on Hyperliquid | CoinDesk DailyIn this episode, we explore how North Korean hackers, particularly the Lazarus Group, have sold over $30 million in bitcoin on Hyperliquid, raising alarms about sanctions and money laundering. The platform's unique trading model, which bypasses traditional KYC checks, has caught the attention of regulators and the Trump administration, which is considering its integration into the U.S. financial system. Additionally, we discuss the implications of a major security breach at Crypto.com, highlighting the ongoing risks in the cryptocurrency landscape.Fri 28 AugBitcoin Slides After Kevin Warsh's First Jackson Hole Speech | CoinDesk DailyKevin Warsh's first keynote at Jackson Hole has sparked significant interest in the crypto market, particularly as Bitcoin's price surged from $64,000 to $80,000 amid discussions of the Federal Reserve's potential shift towards yield curve control. The episode also highlights Circled's historic sponsorship deal with Chelsea, marking a milestone for crypto in sports. Additionally, the delay in Senate discussions on the Clarity Act reflects ongoing regulatory developments as banks explore tokenized deposits and on-chain solutions.Fri 28 AugCan You Regulate a Machine? Walt Lukken on the CFTC's Innovation CommitteeIn this episode, Walt Lukken discusses the CFTC's Innovation Advisory Committee, which aims to address the challenges posed by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence in financial markets. He highlights the complexities of agentic trading and the need for a regulatory framework that treats traditional and new markets equally. With the rise of tokenization and a significant increase in exchanges, Lukken emphasizes the importance of maintaining trust and integrity while adapting to rapid innovation in the finance sector.Thu 27 AugNvidia Buys Hugging Face for $12.9B After Earnings Beat | CoinDesk DailyNvidia's recent earnings report showcased a remarkable $96.2 billion in quarterly revenue, with projections of $108 billion for the next quarter, leading to a 7% stock price increase. In a strategic move to bolster its AI capabilities, Nvidia announced the acquisition of Hugging Face for $12.9 billion. Meanwhile, the cryptocurrency market saw nearly 8% of Bitcoin transactions occurring between $80,000 and $82,000, alongside urgent warnings from core lightning developers about vulnerabilities affecting node operators.Thu 27 AugAre AI Chips the New Crypto Trade? | Markets OutlookIn this episode, Pierre Rochard discusses the potential end of the Bitcoin bear market, predicting a price surge to $80,000 by year-end, contingent on capital inflow. He contrasts Mark Cuban's view of AI chips as the new crypto, emphasizing Bitcoin's unique scarcity amid an anticipated overcapacity in chip manufacturing. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of Bitcoin mining companies, the future of custody practices, and the connection between on-chain capital and real-world markets.Wed 26 AugTokenized Deposits Could Cost Banks $700B: Dallas Fed Economists | CoinDesk DailyIn this episode, Dallas Fed economists reveal that tokenized deposits could cost U.S. banks $700 billion in lending capacity, driven by a projected 10% increase in depositors' sensitivity to interest rates. This shift may lead to higher credit costs for consumers and businesses as banks adjust interest rates to maintain profitability.Wed 26 AugFomo Co-Founder: The Next Breakout App Won't Call Itself Crypto | Markets OutlookIn this episode, the co-founder of FOMO discusses the evolving landscape of crypto applications, emphasizing that the next breakout app will likely not label itself as crypto. With FOMO generating significant fees and a growing user base, the conversation highlights the importance of user experience in social finance applications. The episode also explores the shift towards on-chain finance and the potential for new consumer applications that prioritize specific use cases over generic blockchain solutions.Tue 25 AugWhat Was Behind Bitcoin's $80K Surge? | CoinDesk DailyBitcoin's price skyrocketed from $62,000 to $80,000, driven primarily by short covering that liquidated billions in short positions. This surge marked the second largest weekly gain in five years, coinciding with a drop in futures open interest to its lowest level in nearly five months. Additionally, the US Treasury's decision to sanction Iran's crypto industry highlights the growing regulatory scrutiny in the crypto space, reflecting the complex dynamics between market movements and geopolitical factors.Mon 24 AugBlockchain’s Fannie Mae Moment, Bitcoin Treasury Shakeout & AI Agents That PayIn this episode, the discussion centers on FIGURE Technology Solutions' impressive public debut and its blockchain innovations that parallel Fannie Mae's impact on capital markets. The conversation also delves into the evolving digital asset treasury landscape, highlighting successful strategies for firms like Strive that are increasing their bitcoin holdings. Additionally, the potential of AI agents to facilitate real-world transactions using stablecoins is explored, showcasing the growing adoption of USDC in the payments ecosystem.Mon 24 AugStrategy Raises $2B Last Week Through Common Stock Sale | CoinDesk DailyIn this episode, Strategy's recent $2 billion capital raise through a common stock sale is highlighted, boosting its total assets to $6.69 billion. The episode also discusses Solana's decision to reduce its token supply, which could significantly increase daily burns. Additionally, Gemini's partnership with Apex FinTech Solutions aims to expand regulated crypto prediction markets, reflecting a growing integration of cryptocurrency within traditional finance. These developments underscore the dynamic shifts occurring in the cryptocurrency landscape.Fri 21 AugWhy Bitcoin Just Had Its Best Week Since 2023 | CoinDesk DailyBitcoin posted its largest weekly gain since March 2023, surpassing 77,000 dollars in a move analysts attributed to a US Treasury announcement of 4 billion dollars or more in long-dated bond buybacks, framing the rally as a macro liquidity story rather than crypto-specific demand.Fri 21 AugSEC Drops 'Reg Crypto' Rulemaking: Do We Still Need Clarity?The SEC's release of a roughly 400-page proposed crypto rulemaking, now in a 60-day public comment period, anchors this episode's discussion. Alex Zanderzozos breaks down Reg Crypto as a barbell structure addressing both entry and exit points within securities law, including two fundraising exemptions and a back-end safe harbor designed to solve what he calls the Hotel California problem.Thu 20 AugBitcoin Jumps Above $71K as Trump Pushes Congress on Clarity Act | CoinDesk DailyBitcoin surged past $71,000 on Thursday, reclaiming the short-term holder cost basis near $67,000 and the 200-day moving average around $69,000 for gains exceeding 10% on the day. President Trump simultaneously pressed Congress to advance the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, with Chainlink co-founder Sergey Nazarov reporting that Trump pulled crypto CEOs into the Oval Office for direct feedback and called passage very doable, though Senate inaction remains the central obstacle.Thu 20 AugBitcoin Breaks $70K—When Will It Hit a New All-Time High? | Markets OutlookBitcoin recently crossed 70,000 dollars, and analyst Marcus Thielen argues a genuine all-time high will take at least another year, with 80,000 as the more realistic year-end target. He points to two on-chain confirmation levels, a monthly close at 63,000 and a sustained break above the short-term realized price near 69,000, as signals that the cycle low is in.Wed 19 AugHow the World Cup Became One of Kalshi's Biggest Onboarding EventsKalshi recently closed a round at a 40 billion dollar valuation, and the conversation centers on how the World Cup became one of the platform's largest onboarding events, drawing international users and enabling bars, restaurants, and other businesses with direct revenue exposure to the tournament to hedge that risk on the platform.Wed 19 AugKalshi's Head of Crypto on Why Prediction Markets Are Going MainstreamJohn Wang, Kalshi's head of crypto, explains how prediction markets have crossed from niche internet communities into mainstream finance during his roughly one year at the company, a shift he says is confirmed by Kalshi's recent 40 billion dollar valuation. Crypto is now the second largest category on the platform, and Kalshi's CFTC regulated perpetual futures exchange did approximately one billion dollars in volume in its first week and five billion in its first month.Wed 19 AugAnthropic Overtakes OpenAI in Revenue for First Time | CoinDesk DailyAnthropic has overtaken OpenAI in revenue for the first time, more than doubling its figures to 11.6 billion dollars while OpenAI grew only 18 percent to 6.7 billion dollars, with OpenAI's operating loss widening to 12.3 billion dollars amid weaker ChatGPT growth and pressure from cheaper Chinese models.Tue 18 AugSaylor Floats a Strategy Buyback as MSTR Falls More Than 73% in Past Year | CoinDesk DailyMichael Saylor warned Strategy shareholders to brace for difficult years ahead while leaving open the possibility of an MSTR share buyback if the stock trades at a deep enough discount to net asset value, a scenario with real urgency given the stock is down roughly 36% this year and 73% over the past twelve months.