Bitcoin Has Been Co-Opted – Jim Bianco Warns The Fed Is Losing Control

The Fed’s latest rate cut has markets questioning whether 2% inflation is officially dead, while the SEC’s new ETF framework could unleash a wave of altcoin and meme-coin funds. JPMorgan launched a tokenized money-market fund on Ethereum, Tether unveiled a new U.S.-regulated stablecoin, and Coinbase’s Base may issue its own token as its Google x402 partnership enables AI-powered payments. Ripple and other major crypto firms gained U.S. banking approval and analysts warn of a “Darwinian phase” for crypto treasury firms as stocks trade cautiously into year-end.

15 Dec 20251h 5min

Crypto Town Hall's latest session focused on current trends in crypto markets, macroeconomic factors, and the evolving intersection between crypto and mainstream finance. The panel of regular contributors and guest experts discussed Bitcoin's recent price action, MicroStrategy's ongoing Bitcoin acquisitions, regulatory developments, and the impact of AI startups on liquidity and investment flows. Participants explored market sentiment, execution strategies, tokenization, stablecoin adoption, and the question of whether the crypto sector is entering or exiting a "winter". The goal was to provide market perspectives, debate narratives, and equip listeners with actionable insights.

15 Dec 202556min

Traditional finance still runs on 1980s infrastructure... limited hours, slow settlement, and endless intermediaries. But as the world moves toward 24/7, instant global markets, Robinhood is preparing to rebuild the system on blockchain rails. In this exclusive interview, Robinhood Crypto’s General Manager, Johann Kerbrat, joins Scott Melker to discuss how tokenization, stablecoins, and instant settlement will reshape global finance. Johann breaks down how Robinhood is integrating crypto and equities, what the Clarity Act could mean for builders and investors, and why he believes the four-year Bitcoin cycle is dead. From the GameStop fiasco to the rise of stablecoins and prediction markets, this conversation reveals how Wall Street and DeFi are finally converging.

14 Dec 202553min

This Crypto Town Hall episode (recorded on Friday, December 12) brings together prominent voices in crypto and macroeconomics to discuss the current state of the market, Bitcoin's recent price action, tokenization of traditional assets, the changing role of banks and government, and the implications of new infrastructure and liquidity. The overarching goal is to unpack market shifts driven by institutional adoption, government engagement, and rapid technical change, with a focus on whether these lead to real progress or represent risks to the original ethos of crypto.

12 Dec 20251h 1min

Today’s episode breaks down one of the biggest developments in TradFi and crypto convergence yet — the DTCC, the massive clearinghouse that settles over $2 QUADRILLION in securities every year, is officially accelerating its move into asset tokenization. We’ll cover why the DTCC’s new digital-assets roadmap could completely transform how stocks, bonds, money markets, and alternative assets are traded… and why this may be the catalyst institutions have been waiting for. Plus: what tokenized markets mean for Bitcoin, crypto liquidity, regulation, U.S. banks entering crypto, and the next wave of blockchain adoption

12 Dec 202525min

This episode of Crypto Town Hall dives deep into macroeconomic trends impacting Bitcoin and the broader crypto market, with a focus on Fed policy, market sentiment, the flow of capital into precious metals, and the ongoing debate over utility versus store of value within blockchain assets. The hosts and their panel explore how shifts in market psychology, recent moves in gold and silver, and upcoming regulatory policies are shaping the future landscape for both crypto and traditional assets. Participants weigh in on whether Bitcoin's perceived volatility and potential for utility can match its narrative against gold, discuss the role of memecoins and network effects, and highlight the challenges regulatory uncertainty poses for smaller crypto firms.

11 Dec 202549min

The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged in December but opened the door to potential cuts in early 2026 as economic data softens and recession risks rise. While inflation has cooled faster than expected, Fed officials stressed they need more evidence before easing policy, noting pockets of labor-market weakness and tightening financial conditions. Markets reacted sharply as investors priced in a more dovish trajectory for next year, with traders now expecting multiple cuts if growth continues to slow.

11 Dec 202535min

This Crypto Town Hall discussion provides an in-depth analysis of the current state and future trajectory of cryptocurrency markets, focusing on the anticipated Federal Reserve interest rate cut and its limited immediate impact on Bitcoin’s price. The conversation highlights the growing importance of stablecoins as a gateway for blockchain adoption, especially in emerging markets where traditional banking infrastructure is weak. Experts emphasize the critical need for regulatory clarity, with shifts expected between the SEC and CFTC, and landmark changes such as the OCC’s recent approval allowing banks to engage in Bitcoin trading, signaling increased institutional integration. The dialogue also explores the evolving tokenization of assets, the challenges and opportunities in transforming traditional financial systems with blockchain technology, and how crypto-native companies maintain an edge by catering to the unique demands of Bitcoin holders. Additionally, the rise of Bitcoin-backed lending is examined as a vital financial tool enabling users to access liquidity without selling their assets, supported by transparency and risk management that distinguished resilient firms during recent market turmoil. Overall, this discussion captures the dynamic interplay of policy, technology, and market innovation shaping the crypto ecosystem’s future.

10 Dec 202559min