Bloomberg Crypto

Coming soon: When nerdy gamer Sam Bankman-Fried rocketed to fame as the world's richest 29-year-old, he pledged to donate his billions to good causes. But then his crypto exchange FTX collapsed Billions of dollars were missing, and Sam was in handcuffs. Those who knew him were left wondering — who was Sam really? A well-meaning billionaire who made a mistake? Or a calculating con man? From Wondery and Bloomberg, the makers of The Shrink Next Door, comes a new story of incredible wealth, betrayal and what happens when “doing good” goes really really bad. Learn more here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spellcaster-the-fall-of-sam-bankman-fried/id1685258534See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been another wild week of financial mayhem connected to crypto. But this time the crisis focused on banks.  It started earlier this month [March], when Silvergate Capital shut down operations. The California-based bank serviced various crypto companies like Coinbase and Gemini. But its most notorious clients included the now-bankrupt crypto exchange FTX and its sister firm Alameda. As these two giants faltered, Silvergate suffered a series of financial difficulties and fell under intense regulatory scrutiny, leading to its eventual shut down.   Then, last Friday, one week ago now,  the tech and startup-focused Silicon Valley Bank collapsed. It was the largest bank failure since 2008, and incited investor panic. By late last Sunday, another domino had fallen: New York State regulators announced they were taking possession of Signature Bank. It was moving to retreat from crypto, but was still known for having some ties to the digital asset industry, at one point even launching a crypto-payments platform. This was the third-largest bank failure in the US to date. Bloomberg reported that regulators took action after they “lost faith in management.” This trio of recent closures is another blow to crypto - leaving the industry nearly cut off from the fiat banking sector. All the while a Bitcoin rally ensued, but has since cooled a bit. So. In the aftermath of one of the biggest weeks in finance so far this year, how has the crypto industry fared? And how does it move forward?  Bloomberg senior executive editor Chris Nagi joins this episode. Listen to Bloomberg Crypto on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts or  Spotify. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to Bloomberg Crypto on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts or  Spotify. Last year, just before the crypto winter had hit in earnest, Princeton University opened up “The Center for the Decentralization of Power Through Blockchain Technology”. The Center was funded in part by a $20 million gift from prominent Princeton alumni including Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Investment Partners, and Joe Lubin, co-founder of the Ethereum crypto platform. The university says the Center focuses on the software engineering that makes blockchain technology work, finds innovative uses for decentralized systems and considers how it might affect our collective future. One year on, as the crypto winter persists, what's the Center up to these days?  Bloomberg reporter Francesca Maglione joins this episode to discuss the role universities are playing in studying blockchain. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to Bloomberg Crypto on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts or  Spotify. Some might argue that the popularity of NFTs faded as quickly as it rose. NFTs boomed in early 2022 when the crypto mania was at fever pitch. But a steep decline in sales and prices quickly followed, as 2022's crypto winter set in, and digital asset bankruptcies piled up, culminating with the collapse of FTX late last year. But as we move into 2023, some crypto traders and NFT owners are cautiously optimistic, eyeing a Bitcoin bump despite the last year. Former bond traders Ovie Faruq and Mike Anderson recently sold 72 iconic Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs for around 78 Eth each, which translated to roughly $9.25 million at the time.  Bloomberg reporter Abhinav Ramnarayan and Ovie Faruq, Co-founder at Canary Labs, join senior editor Anna Irrera to discuss the ins and outs of trading NFTs. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The last 12 months or so have been a particularly grueling season for crypto. And as we head into the spring months of 2023, we're getting a better sense of what the slump in crypto prices has meant for the companies that shape the fledgling industry.  One of the biggest consequences digital asset firms are now finding is the need to make job cuts. Since the start of 2023, more than 15 crypto companies have posted labor force cuts including big names like Galaxy Digital, Genesis Global, and Chainanalysis. Some - like Silvergate Capital and crypto lender Amber Group - have cut as much as 40% of their workforce.  While that trend is not universal – Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire spoke with Bloomberg a few weeks ago, and said Circle is actually hiring people –what do these cuts say about the general health of crypto?  Bloomberg reporter Hannah Miller joins to discuss the latest in the crypto workforce. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Argentina is one of the countries with the highest rates of inflation in the world -  currently hovering at close to 100%.  The nation is also one of the countries with the biggest population of crypto enthusiasts. In this environment, digital currencies can be perceived as a safer bet than the peso.  This popular enthusiasm for digital tokens has faced pushback from the country's central bank. But ever since the crypto winter has stepped up volatility, and exchanges like FTX collapsed, many Argentinians likely feel squeezed: with fewer ‘safe' places to protect their life savings from inflationary pressures. Bloomberg's Nacho Olivera Doll reported on a recent study by Buenos Aires-based Wunderman Thompson - it found that nearly two-thirds of the nation's crypto investors use digital currencies as a way to protect their savings. He joins this episode to discuss. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legal battles, circling regulators and a troubled bank. It's all happening in crypto this week.  Court is in session as Grayscale challenges the SEC over the prospects for a Bitcoin ETF, while themselves facing a lawsuit filed by FTX's Alameda Research.Voyager won a key court ruling that would a proposed sale to to Binance US to proceed despite the objections of multiple federal and state regulators.And speaking of regulators: US officials showed up at Silvergate's California headquarters as the troubled crypto-friendly bank tries to salvage what's left of its business.  Bloomberg reporters Justina Lee & Emily Nicolle join senior editor Anna Irrera to discuss the biggest stories in crypto this week.  Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bloomberg's stacy-marie ishmael interviewed Jeremy Allaire, Chief Executive Officer of Circle Internet Financial Ltd. to discuss stablecoins and his views on crypto regulation. The CEO of the Boston-based firm behind the second-largest stablecoin, USDC, told Bloomberg that the US Securities and Exchange Commission is “not the right regulator” for the tokens. So who should regulate them? Listen to this episode to find out. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to Bloomberg Crypto on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts or  Spotify. Voyager. Celsius. Genesis. And of course, FTX. All major crypto companies that went bankrupt last year. All names we've talked a lot about on this podcast.  But even if you've heard of these companies, did you know there's a tax season quirk for US investors who had digital tokens tied up in accounts on these platforms? These investors have lost access to these funds while bankruptcy cases wind through the court system, and in some cases they're going to have pay taxes on those assets.  Bloomberg's Claire Ballentine, and Bloomberg Tax reporter Lauren Vella join this episode to help crypto investors who are dreading US tax season. We also connect with a crypto investor who owes tax on his losses.  Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter  This podcast is produced by the Bloomberg Crypto Podcast team: Supervising producer: Vicki Vergolina, Senior Producer: Janet Babin, Producers: Sharon Beriro and Muhammad Farouk, Associate Producers: Mo Andam and Ty Butler. Sound Design/Engineer:  Desta Wondirad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past few weeks, we've seen US regulators, both federal and state in some cases -  take aim at crypto companies with accusations of fraud and unregistered securities offerings.  These moves sent shockwaves through the digital asset industry.  And the new regulations have also raised concerns about potential over regulation. On the other side of the Atlantic, the UK and EU are taking a different approach.  The UK Treasury has recently proposed new rules for crypto-related businesses aimed at stepping up transparency and consumer protection. This, as the planned EU's Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation seeks to provide a clear legal framework for digital assets across all member states. Joining senior editor Philip Lagerkranser to discuss the crypto regulation competition across Europe is Bloomberg reporter Emily Nicolle. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been three months since one of the most influential crypto exchanges collapsed into bankruptcy. FTX's demise brought with it a wave of financial uncertainty and distress in the crypto industry. But it also had an effect on the small islands where the crypto exchange had established its headquarters: the island nation of the Bahamas. This is not the Caribbean's first financial crisis. History suggests it won't be the last. But it is perhaps one of the highest profile losses, and potentially the most damaging. It comes as islands in the region try to diversify away from tourism revenue.  The Bahamas had high hopes that an ambitious financial sector would achieve that. But crypto was a big part of that game plan, and now it's gone. Can the Bahamas fill the gap left in its financial sector? Can the nation still be a hub for digital assets? Bloomberg's Katanga Johnson joins this episode. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last month marked the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has had a devastating impact on Ukraine's economy, people and landmarks. In this episode, we consider the nuanced role that crypto has played so far in the conflict.  Plus, a review of what's happening with Bitcoin miner Marathon Digital: The company was supposed to report earnings this week, but instead announced it's restating financials from previous quarters. We'll explain what, if anything, accounting and the price of Bitcoin have to do with prospects for the sector.  The show also has the latest on an FTX lieutenant who recently pleaded guilty to various crimes in a New York court.   Bloomberg senior editor Dave Liedtka and reporter Emily Nicolle join this episode to discuss. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter  This podcast is produced by the Bloomberg Crypto Podcast team: Supervising producer: Vicki Vergolina, Senior Producer: Janet Babin, Producers: Sharon Beriro and Muhammad Farouk, Associate Producers: Mo Andam and Ty Butler. Sound Design/Engineer:  Desta Wondirad.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most crypto enthusiasts pride themselves on being tech visionaries. After all, they were among the first to back innovative blockchain technologies and even embrace Web3 and NFTs. Now there's a new innovation that's captured the public imagination, and it's getting a lot of buzz in the crypto world too. It's ChatGPT. Late last year, OpenAI's new chatbot sparked a conversation about the future of artificial intelligence. People on the internet were going CRAZY about its ability to craft human-like responses and even ace an exam from Wharton. Ever since, AI-linked crypto tokens have been on a rapid rise. At one point in early February, tokens from decentralized AI companies like SingularityNet and SingularityDAO soared over the span of just a couple of days. But as the fervor grows, so do concerns. And some industry insiders are warning investors against being too bullish. So, what exactly are AI tokens and how can they shape the industry? Bloomberg's Hannah Miller joins this episode. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bank of England and the UK Treasury are moving forward with a plan to launch a digital currency. It's being called the CBDC, or Central Bank Digital Currency, dubbed (or nicknamed) 'Britcoin.'The action is part of a global effort to stay ahead of various new currency options and prepare for a future in which consumers adopt card payments backed by companies instead of by governments. But, some critics are calling it a "solution in search of a problem", particularly in light of the country's already-strong fintech industry. Senior editor Philip Lagerkranser and reporter Emily Nicolle discuss the implications. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The story of crypto lender Celsius Network's bankruptcy officially began last summer, when it filed for Chapter 11 and cited a severe liquidity crisis. At the time, FTX and its CEO were still heralded as promising figures in the industry, even as companies and users were struggling to get by in the midst of a grueling crypto winter.  But now, we're getting a glimpse of just how bad things were at Celsius, almost from its inception. The recent release of a final independent examiner's report contains a searing account of how the lender may have concealed ineffective risk management and misled customers.  In the report, Celsius appears to have failed to properly track assets and liabilities. They also failed to disclose crucial financial information about its native token, CEL, and falsely portrayed the financial state of the company as robust and healthy. It's a whopping 689-page read. So - what else did it say about Celsius?  Bloomberg's Olga Kharif joins this episode to discuss.Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a major twist in the digital-assets world, Bitcoin has added nonfungible tokens (NFTs) to its blockchain. The new protocol that makes them is called “Ordinals.” And just like anything in crypto, fierce debate has ensued about this on social media. Bitcoin NFT proponents call the move a game-changer. Naysayers worry about potential pitfalls of Bitcoin NFTs — like rising transaction costs and environmental concerns. Higher fees could push Bitcoin away from its primary use as a decentralized currency. Plus, some hard-core Bitcoiners are also concerned that these NFTs could clog up the blockchain.  Bloomberg reporters Emily Nicolle & David Pan join this episode and consider how the integration of NFTs impacts the network, Bitcoin and the broader crypto ecosystem. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coinbase released quarterly earnings this week, providing an etch-a-sketch road map of what's ahead for digital asset investors. Regardless, the darkening outlook for Coinbase's business of stablecoins and staking is having an impact. The company had been counting on these business threads to help jump-start growth. But regulators are pushing for increased scrutiny of these offerings.  Also this week: A lot of action is happening on Bitcoin. Plus, FTX Japan has resumed withdrawals. Bloomberg Senior Editors Beth Williams & Anna Irrera join this episode to unpack the news of the week. Listen to Bloomberg Crypto on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts or  Spotify. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to hear a big number? How about $3.8 billion. That's the amount of crypto that hackers managed to steal last year. That's a new record. The company behind that report, Chainalysis, also found that one specific hacking group was responsible for a huge chunk of that stolen crypto. If you guessed that hacking group was Lazarus, connected to North Korea, you'd be correct.  Lazarus allegedly stole $1.7bn in 2022, compared with only $400 million worth of crypto the year before. It further solidifies the notion that North Koreans are likely using the cryptocurrency sector as a way to raise funds in the face of international sanctions.  But what does all of this mean for the crypto market? And what can we do to prevent more hacks from happening? Bloomberg reporter Jeff Stone joins this episode.  Listen to Bloomberg Crypto on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts or  Spotify. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the course of the crypto winter we've seen companies falling like dominos. Several have filed for bankruptcy, with consequences that continue to reverberate across markets. In July 2022, Celsius became the first of the major crypto companies to seek bankruptcy protection, but it would be far from the last. Now, consumers and courts alike are grappling with what these collapses mean. Regulators have sharpened both their rhetoric and their actions against crypto companies and individuals in the market.  How are these bankruptcies informing their thinking? What precedents are they setting and what are the potential consequences for crypto?  Joining this episode to discuss the growing power and importance of bankruptcy court judges is Bloomberg reporter Steve Church. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter  This podcast is produced by the Bloomberg Crypto Podcast team: Supervising producer: Vicki Vergolina, Senior Producer: Janet Babin, Producers: Sharon Beriro and Muhammad Farouk, Associate Producers: Mo Andam and Ty Butler. Sound Design/Engineer:  Desta Wondirad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bitcoin “evangelist” Roger Ver has said in at least one interview ... when he was a little boy, he wanted to be a garbage truck driver. That way, he  could drive heavy machinery around his neighborhood and get to talk to everyone. Fast forward, to the recent past and Roger Ver actually DOES, talk to a LOT of folks…Just not  while collecting their trash. He was instead promoting Bitcoin as the future of money and finance so much so that people started calling him “Bitcoin Jesus.” According to his website, he's one of the early investors in several BTC projects -  including Kraken, purse.io, Blockchain.com, and Ripple.  But in 2017, Ver switched his enthusiasm away from Bitcoin and more toward something called Bitcoin Cash - an offshoot of the original currency. Recently, Ver became entangled in the bankruptcy of crypto lender Genesis that says BTC Jesus owes millions of dollars on trades. So, what happens when Bitcoin Jesus speaks? Do people say ‘Hallelujah' or ‘deliver us from evil.' Bloomberg Reporter Olga Kharif joins host Vildana Hajric to discuss. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a holiday in the US, an opportunity to look back on one of our popular episodes. It was recorded with Joe Weisenthal from the Bloomberg Odd Lots podcast shortly after FTX declared bankruptcy and Sam Bankman-Fried was arrested. We talked to Joe about “the box." Back in April 2022, long before Sam-Bankman Fried was tweeting threads about the collapse of his FTX empire, he joined the Odd Lots podcast and talked about this "box" - his metaphor for describing the crypto practice of “yield farming." SBF's description at the time raised many an eyebrow because it seemed too good to be true. Enjoy! Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After years of inaction, regulators appear to be coming for crypto. State regulators in New York this week took aim at stablecoin issuer Paxos and its relationship with crypto exchange Binance.  The Securities and Exchange Commission is also pushing ahead with a plan that would make it harder for investment firms to work with cryptocurrency companies.  Bloomberg reporters Allyson Versprile & Emily Nicolle join this episode with the latest. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past several months, regulators have watched crypto company after crypto company file for bankruptcy. Some crypto founders have become fugitives from the law, and others have been arrested for allegedly breaking laws. Some customers have lost a lot of money, and the prospects for recovery are in some cases, bleak. And after months on the sidelines, now, regulators have begun fighting back. In the first two months of this year alone, we've seen a couple of really significant escalations. In this episode, a look at what's happening with stablecoins – the crypto tokens that are supposed to hold their value, and that are typically backed by some real-world financial asset like the US dollar or US treasuries. Binance is the largest crypto exchange in the world, by any measure. And it's been particularly affected by some of these regulatory moves. So, what's at stake for Binance and what could all of this mean for the industry? Bloomberg reporter Emily Nicolle joins. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The best known figure of the FTX bankruptcy is - of course - its notorious former CEO Sam Bankman-Fried. But there were dozens of other top executives at the firm. Some of them with titles ranging from Chief Technology Officer to Business Development.  Prosecutors are likely scrutinizing them to better understand what role they played at Alameda.   At issue is the alleged illegal transfer of billions of customer dollars from FTX to its sister company Alameda Research. So any employees associated with Alameda may likely be under review…  So who are the power players most closely associated with Alameda and FTX? And what's next for them? That's what we review with Bloomberg reporter Hannah Miller.  Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With everything that has gone on in crypto over the past year, Wall Street would be excused for wanting to take a rain check on digital assets. But some big banks and other large financial firms– like exchanges and asset managers–are moving ahead with their plans in the space.  Initiatives range from launching new cryptocurrency trading platforms, offering custody of digital currencies or focusing on how blockchain can be used to issue and trade traditional assets like bonds. Some executives at these firms see recent scandals in crypto, like the collapse of FTX as a big opportunity to capture a new market as it is likely to drive more regulation.  And If more regulation is coming to digital assets, who would be better placed to offer services in the space than a big regulated financial institution? Bloomberg reporter Yueqi Yang joins Bloomberg senior editor Anna Irrera in this episode to talk more about what Wall Street is thinking. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've heard the name Winklevoss, it's likely that you've watched the movie The Social Network. The movie featured a memorable depiction of the Harvard twins and Olympic rowers who sued Mark Zuckerberg for allegedly stealing their idea for a social network.  Or you might know that Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss set up a crypto exchange called Gemini, which is currently involved in a very public dispute with the folks over at Genesis. Both Genesis and Gemini - We know, so many G names - are facing serious allegations from US regulators about their products and services. Or you might be familiar with their cover band, Mars Junction. Tyler's the lead singer; Cameron jams on guitar. The twins certainly lead a very interesting life - and according to the Bloomberg Wealth tracker, they're worth billions of dollars. That wealth comes in part from their early adoption of digital assets like Bitcoin - when they settled out of court with Zuckerberg, for around $65 million, they put some of their assets into crypto.  To break down what's up with the Winklevoss twins and their presence in digital assets, Bloomberg reporter Olga Kharif joins this episode.  Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter  This podcast is produced by the Bloomberg Crypto Podcast team: Supervising producer: Vicki Vergolina, Senior Producer: Janet Babin, Producers: Sharon Beriro and Muhammad Farouk, Associate Producers: Mo Andam and Ty Butler. Sound Design/Engineer:  Desta Wondirad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crypto is an asset class that runs 24/7. It's hard to keep up. So we're back with a show that reviews the biggest stories of the week. Here's one: the United Kingdom is amping up plans to launch a digital currency, which folks have started calling Britcoin.  And there's been a significant development in the dispute among various crypto billionaires. On one side: Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss and their Gemini Exchange. On the other, Barry Silbert and Genesis. Plus: how this year's Super Bowl will be different from last year's ...at least when it comes to crypto ads. Senior editor Anna Irrera joins this episode to review the week's top crypto news. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter  This podcast is produced by the Bloomberg Crypto Podcast team: Supervising producer: Vicki Vergolina, Senior Producer: Janet Babin, Producers: Sharon Beriro and Muhammad Farouk, Associate Producers: Mo Andam and Ty Butler. Sound Design/Engineer:  Desta Wondirad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the more interesting phrases used by folks in crypto is this one: “code is law.” Think of it this way. Under the idea that “code is law”, what governs whether something - say a transaction - is valid or not isn't the whims or caprices of any individual. Instead, what determines whether something is acceptable, permissible, or appropriate is what's written into the software that enabled that transaction in the first place. It is another way of thinking about the so-called immutability of the blockchain - if the blockchain says it, then that's what's going to remain.  Sounds logical, right? But what happens when the code doesn't do what you were expecting it to do - or when someone exploits loopholes in the logic of the software for their own personal financial gain? These questions are at the crux of today's episode, that will review an interesting precedent set by a crypto trader named Avraham Eisenberg, who exploited the “idea of code is law” for millions of dollars - and then was arrested and charged with fraud. Bloomberg reporter Muyao Shen and Bloomberg Law correspondent Matthew Bultman join this episode to discuss. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter. This podcast is produced by the Bloomberg Crypto Podcast team: Supervising producer: Vicki Vergolina, Senior Producer: Janet Babin, Producers: Sharon Beriro and Muhammad Farouk, Associate Producers: Mo Andam and Ty Butler. Sound Design/Engineer:  Desta Wondirad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crypto markets, and Bitcoin especially, had a strong start to the year. That's had a couple of interesting consequences for some of the most important players in the market: Bitcoin miners.2023 has also seen a lot of significant weather events affecting the US, including recent winter storms in Texas that have left hundreds of thousands of people without power. Energy is one of the most important costs that Bitcoin miners must absorb - and of course, they can't run all those machines in their data centers if there's no electricity. In the past, the show has talked about the challenging conditions that Bitcoin miners in the US and around the world have been facing. On this episode, the focus centers on the miners that have been able to adapt and take advantage of current market conditions, to try to put themselves on slightly more stable financial footing. Bloomberg reporter David Pan joins this episode to talk about his reporting. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like many buzzy, fast-growth, high-risk industries, companies operating in and around crypto and the blockchain have relied heavily on venture capital to fund their activities. Venture capitalists, or VCs, manage pools of private money. What sets them apart from many other kinds of investors is that they focus on the riskiest possible bets - for every 10 or so investments, they expect at least eight or nine of them to fail. But what keeps them in business is that every now and again, one of those high-risk bets pays off spectacularly - covering the losses in the rest of the portfolio. Given their appetite for risk and reward, it's no surprise that for a time, VCs big and small flocked to crypto. But what does this relatively depressed environment mean for VC investments in digital assets? Bloomberg reporter Hannah Miller joins this episode to discuss.  Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter  This podcast is produced by the Bloomberg Crypto Podcast team: Supervising producer: Vicki Vergolina, Senior Producer: Janet Babin, Producers: Sharon Beriro and Muhammad Farouk, Associate Producers: Mo Andam and Ty Butler. Sound Design/Engineer:  Desta Wondirad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly five months ago, the Ethereum blockchain successfully completed what was — at the time — a very complicated and years-in-the-making update. Called The Merge, it allowed the blockchain to move from validating transactions using computers, that took a lot of energy to run, to a proof-of-stake model. The switch cut Etherium's power consumption by more than 99 percent. After The Merge, the price of Eth rallied a bit, but has since fallen about 15 percent. Now, software developers who work on Ethereum are gearing up for a new upgrade called Shanghai. It will allow the tokens being used to order transactions on the blockchain to be withdrawn. Right now all those tokens are tied up in staking wallets. To talk more about what's entailed in the Shanghai upgrade, Bloomberg reporter Olga Kharif joins this episode. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Surprising to some, it turned out to be a decent month for crypto. Bitcoin rose almost 40% and some smaller coins did much better. Speaking of risk taking: Wall Street firms are still keen on crypto, despite all of last year's calamities. And a failed crypto lender known for its risk appetite, Celsius, just got some harsh criticism from its bankruptcy examiner. Bloomberg senior editor Anna Irrera and Bloomberg reporter Emily Nicolle join senior editor Philip Lagerkranser to discuss the latest digital asset trends of the week. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The digital-asset industry is reeling from challenges many blame on a handful of so-called crypto bad actors and wayward CEOs. Of course we're talking about the Do Kwon's, the Alex Mashinsky's, the Su Zhu's… oh, yes and the Sam Bankman-Fried. But while some industry leaders say they are upset by the allegedly illegal actions of some of their peers, they still have hope that the digital asset industry will thrive and the crypto market will recover. Mike Novogratz is a prime example. He's the CEO of Galaxy Digital, one of the top investment firms in the digital-asset industry. The 58 year-old is known for his ubiquitous presence in the cryptosphere as well as his assertive demeanor, which aligns well with many in the crypto crowd. Novogratz made it through the chaos of 2022 – but that doesn't mean he and his firm were left unscathed. Bloomberg reporter Sonali Basak recently sat down with him and she joins Vildana Hajric to discuss what's next for the Galaxy Digital CEO.  Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the biggest shocks to the crypto market in the past couple of years came in 2021 - when China issued its most significant crackdown yet on all things digital assets.  Fast forward to 2023, and there are signs that the country might be softening that stance ever so slightly. Just to set the scene a little bit - this is all related to broader signs and speculation that China is quote unquote “reopening”.   To discuss China's potentially softening stance on crypto, Bloomberg reporter Muyao Shen joins this episode.  Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The bankruptcy of crypto exchange FTX and the arrest of its former CEO San Bankman-Fried has had a lasting effect on the digital asset sector, for sure. But it's also made an indelible impact on the politicians and policy makers who are supposed to regulate the industry.  There was already a fire lit under some lawmakers when it comes to imposing regulations on crypto - Last year, President Biden issued an executive order asking agencies to take coordinated action on digital assets. And in the summer, Senators Cynthia Lummis and Kristen Gillibrand issued a bipartisan crypto bill that, among other things, would step up oversight on stablecoins and crypto energy usage.  And then there is the ongoing battle between the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodities Futures Trading Commission - over whether cryptocurrencies are securities…. or commodities.  But with an ongoing wave of crypto bankruptcies linked to FTX, government officials are confronted with a new sense of urgency surrounding digital asset regulation. Bloomberg reporters Allyson Versprille and Lydia Beyoud join senior editor Mike Regan in this episode. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long time Fidelity customers have been getting some interesting offers in their inbox from the financial services company over the past several months: a new crypto trading platform for retail investors. Last November, the brokerage firm launched a wait list for those interested in the services which include custody and zero-commission trading for Bitcoin and Ether.  Fidelity Investments is one of the largest investment managers in the industry and is one of the first financial services firms to offer crypto trading services to clients. Clients who want to dip their toes in the digital asset market have usually reached towards exchanges such as FTX or Coinbase. But in the wake of the FTX collapse, news of Fidelity's digital asset platform could provide crypto curious investors with an alternate opportunity.  In this episode, Bloomberg reporter Claire Ballentine reviews what Fidelity's retail crypto trading platform - and potentially others - means for industry and how it will shape the way retail investors interact with the digital asset market. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we reported this week, Binance acknowledged that it had been mistakenly mixing the collateral it holds for some of its tokens…. in the same digital wallet as other types of funds.  This kind of operational issue is a challenge for these exchanges, especially now, at a point when both regulators and customers are paying super close attention to how this industry is managing its transparency. Also, layoffs continue to happen in crypto - and that's impacting other industries, with numerous companies tightening their belts and shedding workers. Bloomberg senior editor Anna Irrera and Bloomberg reporter Justina Lee join to discuss. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crypto lender Genesis has filed for bankruptcy. For many observers in crypto, this wasn't entirely unexpected, not least because the company itself had been warning that it was staring down a liquidity crisis and trying to raise money. Over the past couple of weeks, Barry Silbert, who is the CEO of the Genesis parent company known as Digital Currency Group, has been in a very public and kind of increasingly nasty online dispute with some fellow billionaires, the co-founders of the Gemini Crypto Exchange, Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss. At the heart of this dispute is around $900 million worth of funds that customers of these two entities have lost access to. Bloomberg editor Anna Irrera and reporter Emily Nicolle join the show to discuss what Genesis was, why it was so important to the crypto ecosystem and what its relationship is with Gemini. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The end of Sam Bankman-Fried's empire created a contagion effect especially felt by crypto exchanges, like publicly-traded Coinbase. In early January, the exchange settled with New York regulators who accused it of “significant” compliance program failings.  Coinbase agreed to pay a $50 million dollar fine and set aside $50 million more to improve its compliance practices. Ahead of its earnings report, CEO Brian Armstrong says Coinbase revenue will likely drop by half or more this year. And the picture may be equally dim for other global exchanges. Crypto senior editors Philip Lagerkranser and Anna Irrera are joined by Bloomberg reporter Yueqi Yang to talk through the latest. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's 2023 and the crypto community is hoping to pull out of its funk this year and put the blowups, bankruptcies and price slumps of the last year in the rear-view mirror.  While some remain hopeful - churning out ideas for a more fruitful, and perhaps community-driven, crypto future, others are still smarting from last year's carnage. But now, both groups have a place where they can toast a revival – or drown their sorrows – at a new Bitcoin-themed bar in New York. It's called PubKey. Pubkey recently opened in lower Manhattan and it's a short walk away from New York University's college campus. The bar is meant to attract a community of Bitcoin enthusiasts along with the Bitcoin curious.   Bloomberg reporter Vildana Hajric recently went to Pubkey with colleague Muyao Shen. They join this episode to talk about what they saw and what this bar could mean for the Bitcoin community. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like most crypto-adjacent firms, fiat banks that diversified into crypto have struggled during the crypto winter. And this was likely the case even BEFORE crypto exchange FTX declared bankruptcy in November 2022.  We'll find out exactly how many of them are doing in the coming weeks, as earnings reports trickle out. But generally, banks that got into crypto benefited during digital currency's rise, and have struggled since last spring, when the digital asset sector took a downward plunge. In this episode, Bloomberg's Max Reyes offers up a pre-earnings preview of these banks, and where they go from here. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is crypto back? That's one question Bloomberg editors and reporters discuss in another This Week in Crypto episode.  Already, the year is packed with digital asset action. Bitcoin is up 30 percent so far in 2023. Lots of smaller tokens are even more than that.  Suddenly, crypto enthusiasts are uttering words like FOMO — Fear of Missing Out - again. Then there are some crypto comebacks happening. Or, at least, some crypto comeback attempts. The guys behind 3AC, Three Arrows Capital, the cryptocurrency hedge fund credited in some circles with launching the crypto winter, are seeking funding for a new startup. Crypto Twitter has not been kind. And also, Heather Morgan, an accused cryptocurrency thief charged along with her husband in the world's biggest crypto heist, has landed a new tech job! Bloomberg senior crypto editor Anna Irrera and Bloomberg reporter Vildana Hajric join Phili Lagerkranser in this episode to review and discuss this and all the week's top digital asset news. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter  This podcast is produced by the Bloomberg Crypto Podcast team: Supervising producer: Vicki Vergolina, Senior Producer: Janet Babin, Producers: Sharon Beriro and Muhammad Farouk, Associate Producers: Mo Andam and Ty Butler. Sound Design/Engineer:  Desta Wondirad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've probably heard financial regulators refer to crypto as the "Wild West." But, instead of shoot-outs and sheriffs -  in crypto, you can get financial experimentation, hackers and  pretty extreme risk-taking (in hopes of yielding extreme returns) - in some cases with people investing their hard-earned savings. People allegedly wronged by crypto are increasingly turning to the law for redress.The only problem is, how do you fit something so new into laws that are often centuries old? That's the conundrum lawyers and creditors are confronting in the case of FTX, the crypto exchange that collapsed into bankruptcy last year.  In this episode, we discuss the legal complexities underlying the FTX bankruptcy. And how the rules change across jurisdictions - from the sunny Bahamas to the cloudy skies of England. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter  This podcast is produced by the Bloomberg Crypto Podcast team: Supervising producer: Vicki Vergolina, Senior Producer: Janet Babin, Producers: Sharon Beriro and Muhammad Farouk, Associate Producers: Mohsis Andam and Ty Butler. Sound Design/Engineer:  Desta Wondirad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Western Massachusetts is a very different place from the Bahamas, where the FTX crypto exchange had its headquarters. But the small town of Lenox there is feeling the effects of the FTX bankruptcy nonetheless. The reason is Ryan Salame, the former co-CEO of FTX Digital Markets who was also a major player in the economy of Lenox.Salame grew up in Berkshire County, of which Lenox is a part. The town has fewer than 10,000 residents - closer to 5000 actually, according to the most recent census. In March 2022, the county's local newspaper the Berkshire Eagle reported that Salame owned multiple restaurants and other properties in the town.What's going to happen to those restaurants now that FTX has filed for bankruptcy and Salame is out of a job? Bloomberg reporter Carly Wanna joins this episode for the latest. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was an unwelcome ruling for about 600,000 Celsius account holders, who are probably wishing they'd read the fine print more closely before investing. Or put more stock in the crypto mantra “not your keys, not your coins.” Earlier this month, federal Bankruptcy Judge Martin Glenn found that when people deposited assets with the now bankrupt crypto lender Celsius - and in exchange received interest on those deposits  - those assets became the property of Celsius. This makes customers of the so-called Celsius “Earn Program” unsecured creditors - unlikely to get all their money back from Celsuis, (again because, well, bankruptcy). Many investors signed up for these accounts in part because of the potentially high returns Celsius promised on their deposits -  up to 18 percent. That's far more interest than you'd make at a savings bank. But unlike at a bank, the deposits, held in crypto, were not covered by federal deposit insurance. To give some context, the value of those accounts back in July topped $4 billion. This ruling could impact other crypto platform arrangements. Bloomberg's Jeremy Hill joins the episode to break down the judge's opinion and explain its wider implications. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter  This podcast is produced by the Bloomberg Crypto Podcast team: Supervising producer: Vicki Vergolina, Senior Producer: Janet Babin, Producers: Sharon Beriro and Muhammad Farouk, Associate Producers: Mo Andam and Ty Butler. Sound Design/Engineer:  Desta Wondirad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is observed in the U.S. So the crypto team wanted to present an episode connected to the idea of service.  The episode, first published last December, focuses on Sam Bankman-Fried's efforts to advance Effective Altruism. SBF used to say he was a man on a mission: to give away more than a billion dollars. It was part of his connection to the Effective Altruism movement. Through personal giving, and through a philanthropic unit called the FTX Foundation, Bankman-Fried appeared to support causes ranging from pandemic prevention to research into climate change. But what happens to those recipients now that FTX is bankrupt? Bloomberg reporters Sophie Alexander and Laura Davison join this episode with the backstory on SBF and effective altruism. We're back tomorrow with a new episode.  Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Something we say often on the Bloomberg Crypto team is that a week in this asset class can feel like a year. And as we wrap up the second week of 2023, it's starting to feel maybe more like a decade. On the proverbial docket this week: a public and ugly fight emerging between Gemini, a crypto exchange that's owned by the Winklevoss twins, and a company called Genesis, which was one of the biggest crypto lenders in the world. Tom Brady, Gisele Bundchen and Patriots owner Bob Kraft popped up in a bankruptcy filing from FTX, the now-defunct crypto exchange associated with Sam Bankman-Fried. And in this episode, our editors tackle listener questions. Bloomberg senior editor Dave Liedtka joins the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a tough winter for Bitcoin miners. As prices of the largest token have fallen from their record highs, there have been bankruptcies and warnings of potential bankruptcy. Billions of dollars in losses. Forced sales of equipment. Regulatory uncertainty in states like New York. Increased criticism of the energy consumption associated with the sector…the list goes on. One miner even changed its name to try to minimize its association with the sector. The company formerly known as Riot Blockchain changed its name to Riot Platforms after seeing its share price fall around 85% in 2022. So what hope is there for Bitcoin miners in 2023?  Bloomberg reporter David Pan and Mason Jappa, CEO and co-founder of mining services company Blockware Solutions join the show. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter  This podcast is produced by the Bloomberg Crypto Podcast team: Supervising producer: Vicki Vergolina, Senior Producer: Janet Babin, Producers: Sharon Beriro and Muhammad Farouk, Associate Producers: Mo Andam and Ty Butler. Sound Design/Engineer:  Desta Wondirad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United Arab Emirates has spent quite a lot of time — and considerable resources — positioning itself as a crypto-friendly hub. Its efforts have attracted some of the top names in crypto to the region: the CEO of the world's largest crypto exchange - Binance's Changpeng 'Zhao - known as CZ -has a residence in Dubai. It's where Su Zhu and Kyle Davies fled to after the collapse of their crypto hedge fund, Three Arrows Capital. Sam Bankman-Fried travelled to Dubai for meetings with investors just weeks before the collapse of FTX - and FTX was one of the first firms granted a license by Dubai's regulator for virtual assets. Around 4% of FTX's global customers are based in the UAE, according to court filings in the firm's bankruptcy case. That makes it one of the top 10 jurisdictions affected  by the FTX fallout.  Bloomberg reporters Suvashree Ghosh and Ben Bartenstein join the episode to discuss United Arab Emirates' crypto ambitions. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The bankruptcy of crypto exchange FTX and the indictment of its former CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, who's pleaded not guilty to 8 criminal counts - is shining a light on the world's largest crypto exchange - Binance - and its CEO, Changpeng Zhao - known as CZ. The exchange is estimated to be worth around $300 billion and holds nearly 60 percent of the crypto derivatives market. Binance has managed to eclipse its rivals when it comes to market share and CZ appears confident that the company will successfully navigate the crypto winter.   But with FTX out of the picture, there are increasing fears among some investors that Binance has become too big, and as the largest exchange, holds too much power in an industry that prides itself on being decentralized. How did Binance get so big? What was the fuel behind its meteoric rise?  Bloomberg reporters Justina Lee and Muyao Shen join crypto senior editor Phil Lagerkranser to unpack how Binance and CZ came to dominate crypto, and whether that dominance creates a threat to the future of digital assets. Subscribe to the Bloomberg Crypto Newsletter at https://bloom.bg/cryptonewsletter  This podcast is produced by the Bloomberg Crypto Podcast team: Supervising producer: Vicki Vergolina, Senior Producer: Janet Babin, Producers: Sharon Beriro and Muhammad Farouk, Associate Producers: Mo Andam and Ty Butler. Sound Design/Engineer:  Desta Wondirad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosted by Bloomberg Opinion senior executive editor Tim O'Brien, Crash Course will bring listeners directly into the arenas where epic business and social upheavals occur. Every week, Crash Course will explore the lessons to be learned when creativity and ambition collide with competition and power -- on Wall Street and Main Street, and in Hollywood and Washington. Listen to Crash Course on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-crash-course-106327154/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.