Unchained

Custodia, established as a special purpose depository institution in Wyoming, aimed to offer secure banking services for the crypto sector. Despite meeting state requirements and taking extra steps to demonstrate its commitment to safety, Custodia’s application for a Fed master account was met with delays and ultimately denied in an unprecedented 86-page report. In this episode, Caitlin and Michelle explain why they believe the Fed’s rejection was politically motivated, how this relates to Operation Choke Point 2.0, the appallingly small number of American banks owned by women, where they are in their lawsuit against the Fed, and what this case means for the future of crypto banking in the U.S. Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:52 What Custodia Bank is and how it got started in Wyoming 06:04 How Custodia got into a fight with the Fed to get its master account 09:58 How the dual banking system works in the U.S. and the differences between Custodia and traditional banks 18:15 Why Custodia filed a lawsuit against its own regulator 24:33 Why the Fed denied Custodia its applications and Caitlin’s response to the criticisms 29:57 The political coordination meant to “intimidate” Custodia, according to Caitlin 42:43 The amicus briefs that were filed in favor of Custodia 48:48 Caitlin’s reaction to the Fed’s enforcement action against Customers Bank  53:35 Why Caitlin says that it’s “abusive and corporatist” that the SEC is granting exceptions to big banks 56:03 Why so few banks are owned by women and whether this played a role in Custodia’s denial 59:25 The next steps in Custodia’s case and whether a stablecoin is viable for them 1:05:21 Whether the elections are going to impact the case Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! Polkadot Token 2049 Mantle  Guests: Caitlin Long, Founder & CEO of Custodia Bank Previous appearances on Unchained: Why Caitlin Long and Meltem Demirors Are Worried About Crypto’s Future in the US Caitlin Long: Why Avanti Will Be a New Kind of Crypto Bank Michelle Kallen, Partner at Jenner & Block Links Timeline PerkinsCoie: Federal Reserve Issues Final Guidelines for Master Account Access CoinDesk: Crypto Bank Custodia Sues Federal Reserve Davis Polk: Crypto bank sues Federal Reserve over delay in master account application Fed’s 86-page report of its denial of Custodia’s membership  Custodia’s response to the Fed report Custodia’s amended filing Judge Scott Skavdahl’s order to dismiss Davis Polk: District courts refuse to order Federal Reserve to grant master accounts to Custodia Appeal Custodia’s appeal notice Custodia’s appeal filing Amicus briefs for the appeal Bitcoin Magazine: The Federal Reserve, Custodia Bank, And The Battle For Sovereignty Paul Clement on behalf of the Digital Chamber and Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC) Don Verrilli for Blockchain Association State of Wyoming Americans for Prosperity Foundation Members of the United States Senate Banking Committee and House Financial Services Committee Former Sen. Patrick Toomey Customers Bank: CoinGeek: ‘Crypto’-friendly Customers Bank hit with Fed Reserve enforcement action Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

13 Aug 20241h 11min

This episode addresses the recent market crash, the Bank of Japan's surprising rate hike, and its global impact. The team also discusses the Science of Blockchain Conference's relocation from Stanford to New York, and the current political landscape affecting crypto, including reactions from key politicians and internal community conflicts. Highlights include Solana's recent performance surge, opportunities in its ecosystem, and the effects of Elizabeth Warren's letter to the CFTC on prediction markets. Tune in for an insightful overview of these significant developments! Show highlights 🔹 In-depth analysis of the recent U.S. crypto market crash caused by the Bank of Japan’s unexpected rate hike and its impact on global financial markets.  🔹 Discussion on the resilience of DeFi during market turmoil, with highlights on record on-chain volumes and DEX stability.  🔹 Examination of the rebranding of the Stanford Blockchain Conference and its implications. 🔹 Insights into the political landscape affecting crypto, including perspectives on Kamala Harris, Trump's pro-crypto stance, and Elizabeth Warren's opposition to political event betting contracts.  🔹 Analytical focus on the Solana ecosystem, its early investment opportunities, network reliability, UX advantages, and its influence on newer EVM chains.  🔹 Reflections on market trends and opportunities for smart investors to capitalize on new developments. Hosts ⭐️Haseeb Qureshi, Managing Partner at Dragonfly  ⭐️Tom Schmidt, General Partner at Dragonfly ⭐️Robert Leshner, CEO & Co-founder of Superstate ⭐️Tarun Chitra, Managing Partner at Robot Ventures Disclosures Links What Drives Crypto Asset Prices? Adams, Austin and Ibert, Markus and Liao, Gordon, (July 30, 2024). Available at SSRN: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4910537  Timestamps 00:00 Intro  01:29 SBC 03:57 Market Crash & BOJ 06:58 Crypto Market Reactions and On-Chain Activity 17:41 Fed's Interest Rate Decisions and Market Implications 23:27 Political Landscape and Crypto 38:50 Elizabeth Warren Doesn’t Like Prediction Markets 55:09 Solana vs. Ethereum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 Aug 20241h 15min

After the unwinding of the Japan carry trade, the weak jobs report, and Jump’s dumping of ETH slammed crypto prices earlier this week, Jason Pagoulatos, head of markets at Delphi Digital, gives his insights on where prices are headed. He explains why he thinks Ethereum has underperformed so far in 2024, how the ETH ETFs might impact the price as outflows from Grayscale’s ETHE dwindle, and how the election, moves by the Fed, and the adoption of Bitcoin ETFs by Morgan Stanley advisors will affect BTC.  Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:34 Why the markets have rebounded since the weekend selloff 04:11 The role of Jump in the ETH selloff and why ETH has been underperforming so much this year 14:18 Whether Grayscale’s ETHE slowing down the outflows will reverse the trend for ETH 17:53 Why Jason believes that investment advisors will continue to push bitcoin to their clients 20:18 How the macroeconomic environment is affecting crypto prices now and the impact in the near future Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! iTrustCapital Polkadot Token 2049 Guest Jason Pagoulatos, head of markets at Delphi Digital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 Aug 202435min

The recent crypto crash has left many investors questioning the way the market is going. In this episode, Jeff Dorman, chief investment officer at Arca, provides a deep dive into the factors behind the crash, the macroeconomic influences at play, and why he remains optimistic despite the downturn. Expressing surprise at Ethereum's underperformance this year, he describes how the Democrats’ handling of crypto is an own goal, and how TradFi and DeFi differ from each other during market upheavals. Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:38 The two main reasons the markets crashed this past weekend 05:29 How the macro environment has affected crypto lately and why the market has gotten “way ahead of itself” 12:44 Why ETH was down so much, more than other cryptocurrencies 16:52 The “most important” shift in crypto policy that has occurred this year 21:19 The Japanese yen carry trade that was one of the key factors in the market meltdown 30:20 Whether Genesis distributing $4 billion in assets had an impact on the market 33:39 Why Jeff believes that the data we have today does not point to a recession in the U.S. 36:49 Why Jeff says he’s "buying the dip” 40:47 Crypto as a political issue and why he thinks Harris winning would not be as bad for crypto as many believe 48:19 Why bitcoin doesn’t always act as a hedge against equity-related or geopolitical risk, in Jeff’s opinion 52:56 What Jeff thinks about the proposals for the U.S. government to buy bitcoin for a strategic reserve 54:15 The stark contrast between TradFi giants halting trading and the permissionless nature of DeFi Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! Polkadot Token 2049 Guest: Jeff Dorman, Chief Investment Officer at Arca. Previous appearances on Unchained: How Elon Musk Pushed DOGE Up and BTC Down, With Arca's Jeff Dorman 3 Things SushiSwap Needs to Get in Order, According to Arca Links Market crash: Unchained:  Ethereum Drops Below $2,300 Amid Jump Crypto Rumors Bitcoin ETF Trading Volume Surges to $4.7 Billion Amidst Market Selloff Bitcoin and Ethereum Funds Record $546 Million in Weekly Outflows: CoinShares The Block: Cryptocurrency market capitalization registers largest daily drop since 2022 Japan BBC: The Bank of Japan raises interest rates for second time this year The Defiant: Here’s an ELI5 on on How Japan Sent Global Markets Tumbling SEC: Eleanor Terret’s tweet on the SEC’s funding Unchained: Can Gary Gensler Be ‘Fired’ If Trump Becomes President Again? Others: The Block: Genesis completes bankruptcy restructuring, begins distributing $4 billion in crypto and cash Poylmarket: US Presidential Elections odds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

6 Aug 202458min

In this episode, George Selgin, senior fellow at the Cato Institute, discusses the recent proposals by Donald Trump, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Senator Cynthia Lummis for the U.S. government to establish a strategic bitcoin reserve. George provides his insights into the differences between these proposals, their potential implications, and why he believes the government should not be investing in bitcoin or other assets. Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:16 How the Bitcoin proposals by Trump, RFK Jr., and Lummis differ 04:08 Why George believes that Trump’s proposal to not sell the government’s bitcoin is just symbolic  07:36 What the purpose of acquiring BTC is in the Lummis and RFK proposals 11:29 Whether the government should even be investing in bitcoin or other assets 18:53 How would the government buy BTC as per the Lummis bill 25:08 How likely is it that the bill passes through Congress 27:40 Crypto News Recap Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! iTrustCapital Polkadot Guest George Selgin, Senior Fellow and Director Emeritus of the Cato Institute's Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives Links Trump’s proposal: Unchained:  At Bitcoin Conference, Trump Promises to Fire SEC Chair Gary Gensler If He Wins Trump Has Made Promises to Crypto Voters. If He’s Elected, What Could He Actually Do? Lummis proposal:  Unchained: A Bitcoin Strategic Reserve for the U.S.? Senator Cynthia Lummis Reveals Her Bill  Decrypt: There’s a Problem With Senator Lummis’ Bitcoin Reserve Plan, Cato Institute Expert Says  Lummis Introduces Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Legislation RFK. Jr proposal:  RFK Jr. Proposes 550 Daily Bitcoin Purchase Plan for U.S. Economy | Kennedy24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 Aug 202439min

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Robert Leshner, and Tarun Chitra explore the latest trends in the crypto world. In this episode, we dive into topics like the potential U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve proposed by Trump and political figures, and its implications for the institutional adoption of Bitcoin. The episode explores the recent turmoil in DAO governance through the example of Compound's voting mishap with a controversial proposal, analyzing the role of activist investors. The squad also reflects on the legal challenges faced by the founder of BitClout, Nader Al-Naji, who was charged with misappropriation of funds, offering insights into the importance of transparent and ethical governance in the crypto industry. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Pandora, Castbox, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. Show highlights 🔹 Analysis of the potential implications of U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserves as discussed by presidential candidates, focusing on how this could affect global crypto policies and market reactions. 🔹 Exploration of the influence of regulatory environments on DAO participation, particularly how U.S. funds are hesitant to vote due to potential legal liabilities. 🔹 Examination of the controversial proposal by the 'Golden Boys' on Compound Finance and the role of activist investors in DAO governance.  🔹 Discussion on the complexity and innovation in crypto governance models, with examples of Compound and the challenges faced by DAOs in managing proposals.  🔹 Debate on the role of governance structures and how they can evolve to prevent malicious actions by large stakeholders.  🔹 Review of the SEC and DOJ charges against BitClout founder Nader Al-Naji for misappropriation of funds and misleading investors.  🔹 Overall reflection on the responsibility of crypto project leaders in maintaining transparency and ethical financial practices. Hosts ⭐️Haseeb Qureshi, Managing Partner at Dragonfly  ⭐️Tom Schmidt, General Partner at Dragonfly ⭐️Robert Leshner, CEO & Co-founder of Superstate ⭐️Tarun Chitra, Managing Partner at Robot Ventures Disclosures Links DOJ - Founder Of “BitClout” Digital Asset Charged With Fraud In Connection With Sale Of “BitClout” Tokens: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/founder-bitclout-digital-asset-charged-fraud-connection-sale-bitclout-tokens  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 Aug 20241h 1min

In this episode of Bits + Bips, hosts James Seyffart, Alex Kruger, and Joe McCann dive deep with Nic Carter into the game-changing promises Trump is making to the crypto community, Kamala Harris’s unexpected policy shifts, and the explosive rise of Solana.  Plus, Nic reveals his unexpected journey into amateur fighting and tackles the pressing issues around Ethereum ETFs, and what ecosystem he’s been funding more as of late.  Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 01:23 Why Alex believes the conference was one of the most incredible moments in the history of crypto 10:00 Nic’s reaction to Trump mentioning breaking down ‘Operation Chokepoint 2.0,’ a term that Nic himself coined 13:44 Nic’s karate fight and his journey to becoming an amateur fighter 21:42 Why Nic thinks that there’s no chance that the Lummis bill proposing the US government establish a strategic bitcoin reserve will pass 29:31 The significance of Trump’s promises at Bitcoin Nashville 36:26 How Tether is comparable to the Eurodollar system 39:41 What the potential impacts are of the Fed's language during their upcoming meeting 47:17 The implications of the Harris campaign's outreach to reset relations with crypto companies 55:44 How the ETH ETFs launch went and why Nic says that Ethereum has a “narrative problem” 59:34 How Solana has been ripping lately and Joe’s response to some of the criticisms 1:07:22 How Nic, as a VC, sees the ETH vs. SOL debate and how founders are increasingly choosing Solana Hosts: James Seyffart, Research Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence Alex Kruger, Founder of Asgard Joe McCann, Founder, CEO, and CIO of Asymmetric Guest Nic Carter, general partner at Castle Island Ventures Links Bitcoin Conference: Trump’s speech: Unchained:  At Bitcoin Conference, Trump Promises to Fire SEC Chair Gary Gensler If He Wins Trump Has Made Promises to Crypto Voters. If He’s Elected, What Could He Actually Do? Lummis proposal:  Unchained: A Bitcoin Strategic Reserve for the U.S.? Senator Cynthia Lummis Reveals Her Bill  The Block: Hong Kong lawmaker advocates for including bitcoin in financial reserves following Trump’s speech |  Democrats/Harris seeking “reset” Letter from Democratic politicians to DNC chair to put crypto plank in Democratic party platform:  ETH ETFs Debut: Unchained:  Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF net outflows hit $1.5B Will ETH Follow Bitcoin’s Path and Reach New Highs Now That Spot ETFs Are Here? BlackRock: Our Spot Ether ETFs Are Complements to Bitcoin ETFs, Not Substitutes The Block: At this rate, Grayscale's ETHE could run out of ether within weeks |  Solana’s ripping: Unchained:  Solana’s Growth Metrics, Including Stablecoin Supply, Continue to Take Off -  Solana Exceeds Ethereum in Monthly Trading Volume for First Time, But Not When Ethereum’s L2s Are Included Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

31 Jul 20241h 11min

As the 2024 elections approach, crypto voters are a real bloc that could be a deciding factor in what looks to be a tight race.  In this episode, Sheila Warren of the Crypto Council for Innovation and Justin Slaughter from Paradigm discuss the significance of Trump appearing at Bitcoin 2024, promising the crypto community pretty much everything on its bucket list, the Democrats’ seeming pro-crypto shift behind the scenes, and the game theory around Gary Gensler’s future (likely not at the SEC).  Plus, they cover the significance (and likelihood of passing) of the Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Bill proposed and to be introduced by Sen. Cynthia Lummis, what would it take for Kamala Harris to show that she truly is a crypto-friendly candidate, and what the Democrats would have to do to undo the damage done by Gensler and win some of the crypto vote.  Lastly, they explore the potential impact on the SEC of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Chevron doctrine. Show highlights: 00:00 Intro 02:08 The significance of a US Presidential candidate, Trump, embracing Bitcoin 04:59 What Justin’s and Sheila’s takes are on the Democrats' sudden shift towards embracing a pro-crypto agenda and whether they can catch up 15:03 The key factor in Trump's shift from giving crypto platitudes to making substantive promises that top the crypto community’s wish list 20:21 How significant crypto could be in influencing the election, particularly in swing states 23:52 Whether Trump would even be able to fire Gary Gensler as SEC Chair, as he has promised 33:23 How the dynamics between Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris differ from the relationship Warren has with Biden 42:48 What could happen with the SEC Commissioner if Harris wins the presidency 50:34 The meaning of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve in the US 57:55 How JD Vance's status as a Bitcoin owner could influence crypto voters and whether Harris could pick a pro-crypto VP 1:05:43 The chances the Democratic Party adopts a crypto plank, and what it might include 1:09:9 Whether there’s a chance a crypto bill could be passed this year 1:14:49 How the Supreme Court's recent decision to limit agency power by overturning the Chevron doctrine could impact the SEC's approach to crypto regulation 1:20:45 How Harris can establish a new stance on crypto while distancing herself from Biden's administration, without appearing disloyal Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! Polkadot Guests: Sheila Warren, CEO of Crypto Council for Innovation (CCI)  Justin Slaughter, Policy Director at Paradigm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 Jul 20241h 32min