Podcasts about issuers

We are releasing today on our Consumer Finance Monitor podcast our host Alan Kaplinsky's discussion with Marisa Calderon, President and CEO of Prosperity Now, about two high-profile policy proposals raised or embraced by President Trump as part of a broader populist affordability agenda: 1.         A nationwide 10% cap on credit card interest rates for one year. 2.         The Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA), long championed by Senator Dick Durbin which would require large credit card issuers to enable at least two unaffiliated payment networks (only one of which could be MasterCard or VISA) on their cards. Each proposal is framed as pro-consumer. Each has generated significant pushback from banks, card issuers, and trade associations. However, even consumer advocacy groups have raised serious questions about the wisdom of such initiatives. Prosperity Now is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing economic mobility, with a focus on those facing economic barriers. Each raises fundamental questions about how to balance affordability and access in the consumer credit market. Our discussion focused on a central theme: affordability is a real and pressing concern, but policy design matters enormously. Credit Card APRs: A Real Affordability Pressure As Calderon emphasized, policymakers are not wrong to focus on credit card interest rates. Average credit card APRs now hover around 22%, up sharply from roughly 13% a decade ago. Approximately half of cardholders carry a balance, and many rely on credit cards not for discretionary spending, but as liquidity bridges, covering emergency medical bills, car repairs, groceries, and other essentials. For lower and moderate-income households, credit cards are often the only readily available, regulated source of short-term liquidity. That makes rising APRs particularly painful. Calderon's formulation is apt: policymakers have identified the right problem. The harder question is whether they have identified the right solution. The 10% Interest Rate Cap: Lessons from History The proposal to impose a flat 10% nationwide cap on credit card interest rates for one year would represent an unprecedented federal intervention into unsecured revolving credit markets. Credit cards are unsecured and priced for risk. Interest margins help issuers cover expected charge-offs, volatility, and operational costs. If pricing flexibility is removed, lenders cannot simply absorb the loss, they adjust. Historically, those adjustments take predictable forms: •                 Tighter underwriting standards •                 Higher minimum credit scores •                 Lower credit limits •                 Reduced rewards programs •                 Increased non-interest fees •                 Exit from higher-risk market segments The likely result, as Calderon noted, is credit contraction, particularly affecting marginal and lower-income borrowers. The most relevant historical example may be the 1980 credit controls imposed during the Carter Administration, which were rescinded within months after causing severe market disruption. A more targeted example is the 36% APR cap under the Military Lending Act, which illustrates both the importance of bipartisan legislative design and the reality that even well-intentioned caps can reduce access at the margins. Recent Federal Reserve research on state usury caps reinforces this concern: when interest rate ceilings are imposed, credit to higher-risk borrowers contracts, credit to lower-risk borrowers expands, and delinquency rates do not meaningfully improve. In other words, credit is reallocated, not necessarily improved. Even a "temporary" cap may have durable consequences. Issuers that exit certain segments or reduce credit lines are not obligated, and may not be economically inclined, to restore them once the cap expires. Credit score impacts and reduced access can linger well beyond the formal life of the policy. As Calderon put it, blunt price controls are a chainsaw when what is needed is a scalpel. Affordability in Context: What Drives Household Budgets? An additional consideration is scale. Research recently highlighted by the Consumer Bankers Association shows that the fastest-growing household expenses from 2013–2024 were healthcare, shelter, food, and vehicles. Credit card interest represents a relatively small share of average household expenditures. This does not minimize the pain of high APRs, especially for households carrying persistent balances, but it does raise an important structural question: can credit card rate caps meaningfully solve broader affordability challenges rooted in housing, medical costs, food inflation, and transportation? Credit cards are often the mechanism households use to cope with those rising costs. Constraining access to that liquidity may exacerbate, rather than relieve, financial stress. The Credit Card Competition Act: Structural Reform or Indirect Price Control? The second proposal we discussed, the Credit Card Competition Act (the "CCCA"), takes a different approach. Rather than capping interest rates, the CCCA would require large issuers to offer merchants at least two unaffiliated network routing options (only one of which could be Visa or Mastercard). The theory is that routing competition would reduce interchange fees ("swipe fees"), lowering merchant costs and ultimately consumer prices. Merchants have generally supported the proposal. Banks and card issuers have strongly opposed it. The consumer-facing promise is straightforward: lower merchant fees should translate into lower retail prices, but history complicates that assumption. The Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Act imposed caps on debit card interchange fees for large issuers and included routing requirements. While interchange revenue declined, Calderon pointed out that empirical evidence suggests that cost savings were not consistently passed through to consumers in the form of lower prices. At the same time, banks offset lost revenue through higher account fees and reduced benefits. A similar dynamic could unfold in the credit card market. Interchange revenue helps fund: •           Rewards programs •           Fraud detection and prevention •           Customer service infrastructure •           Risk management If that revenue is compressed, issuers may respond with tighter underwriting, reduced rewards, or new fee structures. As Calderon observed, although the CCCA operates through indirect price pressure rather than a direct APR ceiling, downstream effects could look similar. Distinguishing Populist Framing From Durable Reform Both the rate cap and the CCCA are framed as pro-consumer, populist reforms. The political appeal is clear, but distinguishing headline appeal from durable consumer benefit requires careful analysis. Calderon suggested several guideposts policymakers should consider: •                 Access – Does the reform preserve or expand access for low- and moderate-income borrowers? •                 Incidence – Who actually captures the gains? Consumers, merchants, intermediaries, or some combination? •                 Substitution effects – Does the policy push consumers toward higher-cost, less-regulated alternatives such as payday or fringe products? •                 Durability – What happens after implementation? Do markets rebound, or do credit line reductions and underwriting changes persist? These questions are not ideological. They are structural. Affordability and access are not opposing values. The policy challenge is designing reforms that alleviate financial strain without narrowing the regulated credit tools families rely on when emergencies arise. The Bottom Line Affordability concerns are real. Rising APRs are real. Financial stress among many households is real. But blunt price caps may reduce rates on paper while reducing access in practice. Structural competition mandates may promise savings that do not materialize at the checkout counter. Durable consumer protection requires careful calibration — the scalpel, not the chainsaw. For industry participants, policymakers, and advocates alike, the takeaway is straightforward: evidence and market mechanics matter. Populist framing may win headlines, but long-term financial stability depends on policy design that accounts for how credit markets actually function. As always, we will continue to monitor these proposals and their evolution in Congress and the Administration.  It may be noteworthy that President Trump did not mention either proposal during his almost two-hour State of the Union Address on January 24th. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry.

Winning Consumers Starts with IssuersFor Brice van de Walle, EVP Core Payments Europe at Mastercard, consumer value starts with strong partnerships.As a B2C business, Mastercard's priority is making sure banks and issuers fully understand the benefits behind every Mastercard, so they can clearly communicate that value to cardholders.By closely supporting partners with the right tools, materials, and insights, Mastercard ensures its value proposition reaches consumers in a way that truly resonates. Listen to the full podcast now- https://premade.outgrow.us/interview-with-Brice-van-de-Walle?utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=organic_social&utm_source=linkedin#Outgrow #Podcast #Mastercard #Payments #CustomerValue #B2C #BankingPartners

In this edition of our banking litigation podcast, we consider some recent cases that will be most relevant to in-house lawyers at banks and financial institutions. This episode is hosted by John Corrie, a partner in our banking litigation team, who is joined by Ceri Morgan and special guest Jonah Oliver. Speakers: John Corrie (Partner), Ceri Morgan (Knowledge Counsel), Jonah Oliver (Associate). You can find out more about the cases covered in this podcast on our blog at the following links: High Court rejects attempt by Noteholders to remove and replace Trustee against wishes of Issuer https://www.hsfkramer.com/notes/bankinglitigation/2026-01/high-court-rejects-attempt-by-noteholders-to-remove-and-replace-trustee-against-wishes-of-issuer High Court finds UK broker did not breach contract by refusing to return funds to client subject to US sanctions https://www.hsfkramer.com/notes/bankinglitigation/2025-12/high-court-finds-uk-broker-did-not-breach-contract-by-refusing-to-return-funds-to-client-subject-to-us-sanctions High Court strikes out illegality defence premised on alleged breaches of US sanctions https://www.hsfkramer.com/notes/bankinglitigation/2026-01/high-court-strikes-out-illegality-defence-premised-on-alleged-breaches-of-us-sanctions High Court applies "scope of duty" principle to limit damages claimed for breach of so-called Quincecare duty https://www.hsfkramer.com/notes/bankinglitigation/2025-12/high-court-applies-scope-of-duty-principle-to-limit-damages-claimed Court of Appeal recognises "onerous clause doctrine" where terms are incorporated by reference https://www.hsfkramer.com/notes/bankinglitigation/2025-11/court-of-appeal-recognises-onerous-clause-doctrine-where-terms-are-incorporated-by-reference Supreme Court reshapes UK competition class actions landscape https://www.hsfkramer.com/notes/bankinglitigation/2025-12/supreme-court-reshapes-uk-competition-class-actions-landscape Government to legislate for enforceability of litigation funding agreements based on a share of damages https://www.hsfkramer.com/notes/bankinglitigation/2025-12/government-to-legislate-for-enforceability-of-litigation-funding-agreements-based-on-a-share-of-damages Banking Litigation Yearbook and broader Disputes Yearbook for 2025 https://www.hsfkramer.com/notes/bankinglitigation/2025-12/banking-litigation-yearbook-and-broader-disputes-yearbook-for-2025 2026 Global FSR Outlook: The Human Element | Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer | Global law firm https://www.hsfkramer.com/notes/bankinglitigation/2026-01/2026-global-fsr-outlook-the-human-element

In this Season 3 episode, co-hosts Valerie Mirko, Partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP and leader of the firm's Securities Regulation and Litigation Practice, and William Nelson, Director of Public Policy and Associate General Counsel at the Investment Adviser Association, break down a timely set of regulatory and legislative developments shaping today's securities landscape.The conversation begins with a recent House Financial Services Committee hearing, A New Day at the SEC: Restoring Accountability, Due Process, and Public Confidence, and why many in the industry have welcomed the hearing as an opportunity to reinforce transparency, accountability, and adherence to the SEC's core mission - particularly in the Commission's rulemaking and enforcement processes.Valerie and William also discuss the SEC's recent January 30, 2026 statement on tokenization, highlighting how the Commission is thinking about the application of the federal securities laws to traditional asset classes as new technologies reshape market infrastructure. The episode wraps up with a look at FINRA's rule modernization initiative, including a proposed update to the outside business activities rule, and how FINRA's efforts are aligning with broader SEC and congressional priorities.A must-listen for securities lawyers, compliance professionals, regulators, and others navigating a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.Recent Past Episodes of this Series:A Study in Contrasts: Innovation and Crypto versus the Crypto Fraud Landscape (1/21/2026)⁠A Year of Change, Challenges, and What Comes Next⁠ (12/17/2025)⁠⁠When Washington Stops: What the 2025 Shutdown Means for the SEC and Congress Going Forward⁠⁠ (11/19/2025)⁠⁠⁠⁠The SEC's New Direction: Enforcement and Governance in Focus⁠⁠⁠⁠ (10/22/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠From Memecoins to Custody: What Firms Need to Know About Crypto⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (9/24/25)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Corp Fin in Flux: What the SEC's Latest Moves Mean for Issuers and Investors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (8/13/25)Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.

In the Season 3 premiere, co-hosts Valerie Mirko, Partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP and leader of the firm's Securities Regulation and Litigation Practice, and William Nelson, Director of Public Policy and Associate General Counsel at the Investment Adviser Association, are joined by Caitlin Barnett, Director of Regulation & Compliance at Chainalysis for a timely, practical conversation on how crypto fraud is evolving - and what lawyers, regulators, and compliance professionals need to know now. This episode complements prior crypto episodes and addresses the misuse of innovation, which harms investors and erodes confidence in crypto and innovation.Drawing on Chainalysis's frontline experience, Caitlin explains how crypto fraud has advanced, dispels common misconceptions, and breaks down how blockchain forensics works in practice—from spotting suspicious activity to tracing funds. The conversation then turns to regulatory and compliance implications, including where crypto fraud most directly intersects with securities law, common compliance gaps for regulated firms, and what it takes to move from on-chain activity to real-world attribution and recovery. The episode closes with a forward-looking discussion of emerging fraud techniques, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence. A must-listen for securities lawyers, compliance officers, regulators, and others navigating the rapidly evolving crypto enforcement landscape.Recent Past Episodes of this Series:A Year of Change, Challenges, and What Comes Next (12/17/2025)⁠When Washington Stops: What the 2025 Shutdown Means for the SEC and Congress Going Forward⁠ (11/19/2025)⁠⁠⁠The SEC's New Direction: Enforcement and Governance in Focus⁠⁠⁠ (10/22/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠From Memecoins to Custody: What Firms Need to Know About Crypto⁠⁠⁠⁠ (9/24/25)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Corp Fin in Flux: What the SEC's Latest Moves Mean for Issuers and Investors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (8/13/25)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AI in the Investment Adviser Industry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (7/16/25) Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.

Send us a text◆ Public sector issuers embrace hedge fund bid... ◆ ... as they flex in the swap market ◆ Car makers welcomed back to bond marketAllocating more of a new issue to hedge funds has long been something SSA issuers have only done if they absolutley needed to. But that is now changing. Issuers are giving more bonds to the so-called fast money but only if it slows down. We discuss which types of hedge funds are getting more SSA bonds, why they want them and what they are prepared to do to get them.Another important but rarely talked about influence on SSA bond issuance is the swap market. Some issuers are starting to show more flexibility around when they use it to hedge their debt exposures. We discuss the dynamic and what it means for both the derivatives and bond markets.Finally, we highlight the stellar start to the year for car makers in Europe's corporate bond market. This is an industrial sector that investors have fretted about in the recent past so we examined what is driving demand for their new issues so far this year.

This week on the award-winning Consumer Finance Monitor Podcast, host Alan Kaplinsky is joined by Senior Counsel Mark Levin and special guest Professor Mohsen Manesh for a powerful roundtable on one of today's most consequential topics: the SEC's new position on mandatory arbitration in corporate governance documents and how state law and market realities are shaping the future for consumer financial services companies, investors, and legal counsel. Meet the Speakers: Alan Kaplinsky - Host and Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr's Consumer Financial Services Group, Alan brings decades of expertise in arbitration and class action waivers to the table. Mark Levin - A leading authority on arbitration provisions and regulatory compliance, Mark (now retired) was a seasoned attorney at Ballard Spahr and long-time collaborator with Alan. Mohsen Manesh - The L.L. Stewart Professor of Business Law at the University of Oregon, Mohsen is a nationally recognized legal scholar and co-author of a widely cited NYU Law Review article on shareholder arbitration clauses. In This Episode, the Panel Explores: The SEC's Policy Shift: Why the SEC now allows mandatory arbitration provisions in registration statements, and how the focus has moved to disclosure, not the substance, of arbitration clauses. State Law Challenges: How Delaware's SB 95 (DGCL 115(c)) bans arbitration provisions for federal securities law claims in corporate charters, and the legislative backstory behind this move. Federal vs. State Authority: The panel debates whether states like Delaware can lawfully prohibit shareholder arbitration in corporate charters without being preempted by the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA). Practical Guidance for Issuers: The importance for issuers of providing clear, plain-language disclosures about arbitration clauses and drafting these provisions conservatively while preserving statutory remedies to address current legal and regulatory challenges. Market Realities and Investor Response: Despite ongoing legal debates, public companies thus far have shown little interest in reincorporating elsewhere to enable arbitration provisions, as both shareholder demand for mandatory arbitration and management support for such proposals remain limited. Issuer and Investor Impact: While arbitration can offer faster, more efficient, and confidential dispute resolution and reduce costly class actions, it may also limit options for class-wide remedies and restrict investor recourse. What's Next? With the SEC's new stance and ongoing uncertainty about the interplay with state laws, the landscape for shareholder arbitration is in flux—and this episode breaks down the key issues you need to watch. Whether you're a legal professional, corporate executive, or investor, this episode delivers sharp insight and practical takeaways on regulatory trends that could reshape the field of consumer financial services. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry. Following this episode, Professor Mohsen Manesh released a new article, The Past, Present, and Likely Future of Shareholder Arbitration, which builds directly on the insights he shared on the podcast. The full paper is available here.

Crypto natives entered 2025 with many expectations, but bingo cards likely did not include world leaders launching memecoins. In this first installment of a two part Unchained Special, Ambient Finance founder Doug Colkitt and “Gwart” join to offer a whimsical take on some of the years major happenings as it pertains to crypto. How did an erstwhile dropshipper get in bed with world leaders and convince them to launch memecoins? And did Tom Lee's “good hair” save ETH? Thank you to our sponsor, Walrus! http://walrus.xyz/ Guests: Doug Colkitt, Co-founder of Fogo and Ambient Finance Gwart, Host of The Gwart Show Links: Unchained: Why Lyn Alden Isn't a Fan of Trump's Memecoins, but Neutral on a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve The Chopping Block: Trump's Crypto Shake-Up, Solana's Big Moment, that Changes Everything Why Would Argentine President Javier Milei Protect Kelsier's Hayden Davis? How the $1.5 Billion Bybit Hack Could Have Been Prevented Which Crypto Assets Belong in a Reserve? This VC Says Not XRP and ADA White House Crypto Summit: Two Attendees Share Why It Matters Arthur Hayes and Hanson Birringer on Hyperliquid's Success (And What Could Stop It) Hyperliquid Trader Makes $87M in 70 Days, Loses It In Five The Chopping Block: Tom Lee the New Saylor? DAT Consolidation, Token Wrappers Under Fire Circle, Issuer of the $61.5 Billion USDC, Raises $1.1 Billion in Landmark IPO Why Arbitrum Won Over Robinhood + A $59 Million Polymarket Controversy DAT Stocks Are on Sale. Are They a Buy? Plus, Why Crypto Is Dead Timestamps:

Crypto natives entered 2025 with many expectations, but bingo cards likely did not include world leaders launching memecoins. In this first installment of a two part Unchained Special, Ambient Finance founder Doug Colkitt and “Gwart” join to offer a whimsical take on some of the years major happenings as it pertains to crypto. How did an erstwhile dropshipper get in bed with world leaders and convince them to launch memecoins? And did Tom Lee's “good hair” save ETH? Thank you to our sponsor, Walrus! http://walrus.xyz/ Guests: Doug Colkitt, Co-founder of Fogo and Ambient Finance Gwart, Host of The Gwart Show Links: Unchained: Why Lyn Alden Isn't a Fan of Trump's Memecoins, but Neutral on a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve The Chopping Block: Trump's Crypto Shake-Up, Solana's Big Moment, that Changes Everything Why Would Argentine President Javier Milei Protect Kelsier's Hayden Davis? How the $1.5 Billion Bybit Hack Could Have Been Prevented Which Crypto Assets Belong in a Reserve? This VC Says Not XRP and ADA White House Crypto Summit: Two Attendees Share Why It Matters Arthur Hayes and Hanson Birringer on Hyperliquid's Success (And What Could Stop It) Hyperliquid Trader Makes $87M in 70 Days, Loses It In Five The Chopping Block: Tom Lee the New Saylor? DAT Consolidation, Token Wrappers Under Fire Circle, Issuer of the $61.5 Billion USDC, Raises $1.1 Billion in Landmark IPO Why Arbitrum Won Over Robinhood + A $59 Million Polymarket Controversy DAT Stocks Are on Sale. Are They a Buy? Plus, Why Crypto Is Dead Timestamps:

In the final episode of Season 2, Valerie Mirko, Partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP and leader of the firm's Securities Regulation and Litigation Practice, joins William Nelson, Director of Public Policy and Associate General Counsel at the Investment Adviser Association, to recap a truly momentous year - one that brought a new administration, a new SEC Chairman, and the longest government shutdown in history. Valerie and William reflect on key themes and conversations from throughout the season, revisiting episodes on digital assets, artificial intelligence, corporate governance, and SEC examination and enforcement priorities. They also look ahead to 2026, offering insights into what the next six to twelve months may hold for the regulatory and policy landscape. To close out the season, we extend a heartfelt thank-you to all our incredible guests, to the D.C. Bar, and to you - our listeners - for your support and for making this podcast possible.Past Episodes of this Series:When Washington Stops: What the 2025 Shutdown Means for the SEC and Congress Going Forward (11/19/2025)⁠⁠The SEC's New Direction: Enforcement and Governance in Focus⁠⁠ (10/22/25) ⁠⁠⁠From Memecoins to Custody: What Firms Need to Know About Crypto⁠⁠⁠ (9/24/25)⁠⁠⁠⁠Corp Fin in Flux: What the SEC's Latest Moves Mean for Issuers and Investors⁠⁠⁠⁠ (8/13/25)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AI in the Investment Adviser Industry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (7/16/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Harnessing AI: What Attorneys and Financial Industry Professionals Need to Know⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (6/18/25)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SEC Leadership, Crypto Policy, and FINRAs Regulatory Refresh⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (5/21/25)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New Leadership, New Priorities: Paul Atkins at the SEC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (4/23/25)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How the New Administration and Congress Will Shape the SEC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (3/26/25)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Reflecting on 30 years of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (2/26/25)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Insights on SEC Transition and Policy Priorities with Pete Driscoll⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (2/5/25)Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.

In this KE Report update, we speak with Roger Moss, President & CEO of Labrador Gold (TSX.V:LAB - OTCQX:NKOSF - FSE:2N6) , and Ian Bliss, President & CEO of Northern Shield Resources (TSX.V:NRN), to discuss Labrador Gold's strategic shift toward a hybrid mining and investment issuer and its first investment under this model. Labrador Gold has deployed $1 million into Northern Shield Resources, gaining exposure to an early-stage but highly prospective gold–silver–copper–tellurium project in Newfoundland, while continuing to advance its own exploration assets. Key discussion points: Hybrid mining–investment model - Labrador Gold outlines how it plans to balance direct exploration with strategic equity investments. Capital position & investment focus - With ~$16M in cash, the company targets high-quality projects in strong jurisdictions, with emphasis on gold, copper, and critical metals. Why Northern Shield - A science-driven exploration approach and an underexplored Newfoundland project hosting gold, silver, copper, and tellurium. Near-term work & drilling plans - Northern Shield outlines upcoming geophysics and a planned 2026 drill program at the Root & Cellar Project. Please email me with any questions for Roger or Ian. My email address is Fleck@kereport.com.   Click here to visit the Labrador Gold website to learn more about the Company.   ----------------- For more market commentary & interview summaries, subscribe to our Substacks: https://kereport.substack.com/ https://excelsiorprosperity.substack.com/ Investment disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Investing in equities and commodities involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Guests and hosts may own shares in companies mentioned.

If you're seeing “Do Not Honor,” “Pick Up Card,” Code 05, Code 04, Code 07, or “Issuer Decline” in your transaction logs, this video breaks down exactly what they mean — and how to fix them before they wreck approval rates and revenue.This video uncovers what these decline codes actually signal and why banks trigger them. Whether you run subscriptions, upsells, or a high-ticket funnel, these declines can quietly kill revenue if you don't know what's behind them. Maria explains what merchants can do to recover the sale, reduce future declines, and stabilize cash flow.If decline codes spike during billing cycles, promotions, or traffic surges, this guide shows you the real root causes — and the strategies that actually work.What you'll learn:✅ What “Pick Up Card” REALLY means today✅ Do Not Honor vs Issuer Decline — and why banks use them✅ Why these declines happen (fraud patterns, velocity, AVS mismatches, processor changes, and more)✅ How to save the sale when these codes hit✅ Best practices to prevent declines and increase approval rates long-termIf you've been stumped by these decline codes and how to fix them, this is the clearest breakdown you'll find — and it gives you the insight you need to read your data like an expert and make smarter decisions for your checkout flow.Struggling with declines? DirectPayNet helps merchants improve approval rates and prevent these codes from tanking revenue. Reach out if you need support!

A lot has changed in European restructuring this year.Two more appeals in the UK courts — Thames Water and Petrofac — led to **Waldorf** failing at the first hurdle as judges increasingly focus on being fairer to creditors who are considered out of the money.The appeals have created a lot of uncertainty as restructuring practitioners are trying to work out what exactly is considered fair? The Supreme Court hearing on Waldorf's case in February hopefully should provide more clarity.Issuers have been starting to shy away from using the UK Restructuring Plan to avoid the risk of their plan being reversed by the Court of Appeal. Instead they are increasingly turning to looking into ways to implement out of court through liability management exercises in other European jurisdictions.We saw this in Selecta which implemented its restructuring through a distressed disposal in the Netherlands.Private credit is also in the lime light this year as the market has been growing its presence in distress both as providers of fresh capital and as private credit lenders end up taking the keys.In this episode we delve into all these emerging themes with Daniel Bayfield, Barrister at South Square and Lois Deasey and Matt Benson, restructuring partners from Weil. All three provide insights on their involvement in all of the above mentioned cases.Weil and 9fin initially sat down to discuss these topics at the Weil & 9fin Private Credit & Restructuring Autumn Forum on 8 October (find here some of the highlights of that day). This podcast is for the benefit of those who could not attend!

Original Release Date: October 31, 2025Our Japan Financials Analyst Mia Nagasaka discusses how the country's new stablecoin regulations and digital payments are set to transform the flow of money not only locally, but globally.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Mia Nagasaka, Head of Japan Financials Research at Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities. Today – Japan's stablecoin revolution and why it matters to global investors. It's Friday, October 31st, at 4pm in Tokyo. Japan may be late to the crypto market. But its first yen-denominated stablecoin is just around the corner. And it has the potential to quietly reshape how digital money moves across the country and globally. You may have heard of digital money like Bitcoin. It's significantly more volatile than traditional financial assets like stocks and bonds. Stablecoins are different. They are digital currencies designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to assets such as the yen or U.S. dollar. And in June 2023, Japan amended its Payment Services Acts to create a legal framework for stablecoins. Market participants in Japan and abroad are watching closely whether the JPY stablecoin can establish itself as a major global digital currency, such as Tether. Stablecoins promise to make payments faster, cheaper, and available 24/7. Japan's cashless payment ratio jumped from about 30 percent in 2020 to 43 percent in 2024, and there's still room to grow compared to other countries. The government's push for fintech and digital payments is accelerating, and stablecoins could be the missing link to a truly digital economy. Unlike Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, stablecoins are designed to suppress price volatility. They're managed by private companies and backed by assets—think cash, government bonds, or even commodities like gold. Industry watchers think stablecoins can make digital payments as reliable as cash, but with the speed and flexibility of the internet. Japan's regulatory approach is strict: stablecoins must be 100 percent backed by high-quality, liquid assets, and algorithmic stablecoins are prohibited. Issuers must meet transparency and reserve requirements, and monthly audits are standard. This is similar to new rules in the U.S., EU, and Hong Kong. What does this mean in practice? Financial institutions are exploring stablecoins for instant payments, asset management, and lending. For example, real-time settlement of stock and bond trades normally take days. These transactions could happen in seconds with stablecoins. They also enable new business models like Banking-as-a-Service and Web3 integration, although regulatory costs and low interest rates remain hurdles for profitability.Or think about SWIFT transactions, the backbone of international payments. Stablecoins will not replace SWIFT, but they can supplement it. Payments that used to take days can now be completed in seconds, with up to 80 percent lower fees. But trust in issuers and compliance with anti-money laundering rules are critical. There's another topic on top of investors' minds. CBDCs – Central Bank Digital Currencies. Both stablecoins and CBDCs are digital. But digital currencies are issued by central banks and considered legal tender, whereas stablecoins are private-sector innovations. Japan is the world's fourth-largest economy and considered a leader in technology. But it takes a cautious approach to financial transformation. It is preparing for a CBDC but hasn't committed to launching one yet. If and when that happens, stablecoins and CBDCs can coexist, with the digital currency serving as public infrastructure and stablecoins driving innovation. So, what's the bottom line? Japan's stablecoin journey is just beginning, but its impact could ripple across payments, asset management, and even global finance. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a review wherever you listen and share Thoughts on the Market with a friend or colleague today.

Welcome back to the Fintech Takes podcast. I'm Alex Johnson, joined by Mike Milotich, CEO of Marqeta (who stepped into the role after serving as CFO,) and now leads a cloud based issuing platform approaching 400B in annual payment volume.  First up, we focus on Marqeta's platform. It's built out of configurable building blocks, and Mike gets specific about what that means in practice; walking us through clear examples, including how delivery platforms used virtual credentials to remove driver fraud, and how early BNPL providers relied on Marqeta to pay merchants behind the scenes (without integrating with every retailer). From there, we shift to agentic commerce and why the issuer's vantage point changes the conversation. Issuers face different constraints. They create the credential, set the controls, and carry the risk when something goes wrong. Mike unpacks how an AI agent could fund and configure a virtual card with narrow parameters so it can only execute the purchase the user intended, and how AI is being applied to fraud, risk, and disputes (plus how dynamic rewards will push cards toward real personalization). We also dig into the insights Marqeta is seeing across its network. BNPL is moving into more everyday categories as a cashflow tool. And SMBs are starting to treat modern payments as real operational leverage (because automated controls and real-time tools replace the manual work that used to eat their time).  For more insights, their 2025 State of Payments Report is linked below. Thanks for listening!   This episode was brought to you by Marqeta. Don't sacrifice agility for stability. With Marqeta, launch payments experiences that perform at scale and flex with your business. Learn more at https://marqeta.com/ftt Sign up for Alex's Fintech Takes newsletter for the latest insightful analysis on fintech trends, along with a heaping pile of pop culture references and copious footnotes. Every Monday and Thursday: https://workweek.com/brand/fintech-takes/ And for more exclusive insider content, don't forget to check out my YouTube page. Follow Mike Milotich: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-milotich-7b78402/ Access Marqeta's 2025 State of Payments Report here:  https://www.marqeta.com/asset/state-of-payments-2025 Follow Alex Johnson:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgfH47QEwbQmkQlz1V9rQA/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhjohnson X: https://www.twitter.com/AlexH_Johnson

In this episode of Season 2, A. Valerie Mirko, Partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP and leader of the firm's Securities Regulation and Litigation Practice, joins William Nelson, Director of Public Policy and Associate General Counsel at the Investment Adviser Association, to break down the ripple effects of the unprecedented 2025 government shutdown. The episode was recorded as the 43-day shutdown was nearing its end, during a period of uncertainty about the exact timing of its resolution. In this episode, Valerie and William focus on what the shutdown means for the months ahead. William explores how postponed or cancelled Congressional hearings are slowing momentum on potential legislation, and why we're unlikely to see any new SEC rule proposals in 2025. Valerie walks through the expected delays to the SEC's examination and enforcement priorities—typically released by year-end—which now appear more likely to slip into 2026. Together, they unpack why the full impact of the shutdown on policy and rulemaking will take time to fully emerge, and what investment advisers, broker-dealers and public companies should be watching for next.Past Episodes of this Series:⁠The SEC's New Direction: Enforcement and Governance in Focus⁠ (10/22/25) ⁠⁠From Memecoins to Custody: What Firms Need to Know About Crypto⁠⁠ (9/24/25)⁠⁠⁠Corp Fin in Flux: What the SEC's Latest Moves Mean for Issuers and Investors⁠⁠⁠ (8/13/25)⁠⁠⁠⁠AI in the Investment Adviser Industry⁠⁠⁠⁠ (7/16/25) ⁠⁠⁠⁠Harnessing AI: What Attorneys and Financial Industry Professionals Need to Know⁠⁠⁠⁠ (6/18/25)⁠⁠⁠⁠SEC Leadership, Crypto Policy, and FINRAs Regulatory Refresh⁠⁠⁠⁠ (5/21/25)⁠⁠⁠⁠New Leadership, New Priorities: Paul Atkins at the SEC⁠⁠⁠⁠ (4/23/25)⁠⁠⁠⁠How the New Administration and Congress Will Shape the SEC⁠⁠⁠⁠ (3/26/25)⁠⁠⁠⁠Reflecting on 30 years of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act⁠⁠⁠⁠ (2/26/25)⁠⁠⁠⁠Insights on SEC Transition and Policy Priorities with Pete Driscoll⁠⁠⁠⁠ (2/5/25)Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.

Thomas Cowan, Head of Tokenization at Galaxy, and co-host Michael Blaschke reveal how stablecoin issuers survive institutional scrutiny through four architectural layers from operating model to infrastructure.

Send us a textIn this episode of the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight Podcast, Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group, joins hosts Tim Gerdeman, Vice Chair and Co-Founder of Water Tower Research, and Shawn Severson, WTR Co-Founder and CEO. The discussion explores OTC's expanding global footprint, the surge in cross-border trading activity, and the company's role in connecting international issuers with U.S. investors. Paltrowitz highlights rising European and Canadian engagement, the “list local, trade global” model, and new opportunities ahead in Asia and overnight trading as OTC continues to enhance global market efficiency heading into 2026.

Our Japan Financials Analyst Mia Nagasaka discusses how the country's new stablecoin regulations and digital payments are set to transform the flow of money not only locally, but globally.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Mia Nagasaka, Head of Japan Financials Research at Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities. Today – Japan's stablecoin revolution and why it matters to global investors. It's Friday, October 31st, at 4pm in Tokyo. Japan may be late to the crypto market. But its first yen-denominated stablecoin is just around the corner. And it has the potential to quietly reshape how digital money moves across the country and globally. You may have heard of digital money like Bitcoin. It's significantly more volatile than traditional financial assets like stocks and bonds. Stablecoins are different. They are digital currencies designed to maintain a stable value by being pegged to assets such as the yen or U.S. dollar. And in June 2023, Japan amended its Payment Services Acts to create a legal framework for stablecoins. Market participants in Japan and abroad are watching closely whether the JPY stablecoin can establish itself as a major global digital currency, such as Tether. Stablecoins promise to make payments faster, cheaper, and available 24/7. Japan's cashless payment ratio jumped from about 30 percent in 2020 to 43 percent in 2024, and there's still room to grow compared to other countries. The government's push for fintech and digital payments is accelerating, and stablecoins could be the missing link to a truly digital economy. Unlike Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies, stablecoins are designed to suppress price volatility. They're managed by private companies and backed by assets—think cash, government bonds, or even commodities like gold. Industry watchers think stablecoins can make digital payments as reliable as cash, but with the speed and flexibility of the internet. Japan's regulatory approach is strict: stablecoins must be 100 percent backed by high-quality, liquid assets, and algorithmic stablecoins are prohibited. Issuers must meet transparency and reserve requirements, and monthly audits are standard. This is similar to new rules in the U.S., EU, and Hong Kong. What does this mean in practice? Financial institutions are exploring stablecoins for instant payments, asset management, and lending. For example, real-time settlement of stock and bond trades normally take days. These transactions could happen in seconds with stablecoins. They also enable new business models like Banking-as-a-Service and Web3 integration, although regulatory costs and low interest rates remain hurdles for profitability.Or think about SWIFT transactions, the backbone of international payments. Stablecoins will not replace SWIFT, but they can supplement it. Payments that used to take days can now be completed in seconds, with up to 80 percent lower fees. But trust in issuers and compliance with anti-money laundering rules are critical. There's another topic on top of investors' minds. CBDCs – Central Bank Digital Currencies. Both stablecoins and CBDCs are digital. But digital currencies are issued by central banks and considered legal tender, whereas stablecoins are private-sector innovations. Japan is the world's fourth-largest economy and considered a leader in technology. But it takes a cautious approach to financial transformation. It is preparing for a CBDC but hasn't committed to launching one yet. If and when that happens, stablecoins and CBDCs can coexist, with the digital currency serving as public infrastructure and stablecoins driving innovation. So, what's the bottom line? Japan's stablecoin journey is just beginning, but its impact could ripple across payments, asset management, and even global finance. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a review wherever you listen and share Thoughts on the Market with a friend or colleague today.

NYSE Head of International Markets Cassandra Seier hops on a quick but jam packed conversation with On Call host Paulo on Singapore and Southeast Asia public market opportunities going global, the ways NYSE is diversifying capital access for issuers and investors, globalization of venture exits, and more. This On Call with Insignia episode is part of a series featuring speakers from the NOVA 2025: SG60 Edition event co-hosted by Smobler, the New York Stock Exchange, Gemini, Nifty Gateway Studio, and Skadden. Timestamps(00:38) Singapore and Southeast Asia Public Market Opportunities Going Global; (02:32) Diversifying Capital Access for Issuers and Investors;(03:48) Globalization of Venture Exits;(05:41) Enriching the Public Markets Playbook;(07:35) Public Markets as Innovation Bellwether;(08:25) Why you should engage with exchanges early;(13:00) Blind Leadership Questions;About Cassandra SeierCassandra Seier is the Head of International Capital Markets for NYSE Group, a part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE).Cassandra is responsible for attracting new listings from companies around the world, including Asia, Canada, EMEA and Latin America. She advises private companies, private equity and venture capital firms, investment bankers and others on the IPO landscape, NYSE initiatives and listing venue selection.Prior to joining the NYSE, Cassandra spent more than 24 years at Goldman Sachs, where she most recently served as a Managing Director focusing on futures and OTC clearing. During her time at Goldman, Seier worked in the bank's offices in Singapore, New York and London.Cassandra earned a BA in Finance with a minor in Economics from the University of Oregon. She has been a CFA charterholder since 2004. Seier is President and CEO of Women in Financial Markets (WIFM), a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect, elevate, and advance female leaders in the financial industry.Directed by Paulo JoquiñoProduced by Paulo JoquiñoFollow us on LinkedIn for more updatesThe content of this podcast is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, tax, or business advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Insignia Ventures⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ fund. Any and all opinions shared in this episode are solely personal thoughts and reflections of the guest and the host.

Send us a text◆ What is pushing CLO mezz wider ◆ FIG pre-funding underway ◆ What happened at the World Bank/IMF Annual MeetingsThe CLO market is both subject to and affects what happens in leveraged loans, risking distortion in the latter. First, we discuss why the riskier bits of the CLO stack are trading wider. Then we delve into why CLOs give us cause to think that leveraged loan pricing may not purely reflect the credit quality of the borrowers.If you like listening to GlobalCapital talking about securitization for free, be sure to listen to our dedicated podcast: Another Fine Mezz.In the bank bond market, issuers are raring to pre-fund to get ahead of what may be a risk-laden 2026. We discuss the pitfalls that await, how issuers can mitigate them and why, contrary to what might normally be the case, covered bonds are not the way to do it.Finally, we talked about the big issues that cropped up at the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings this year, including how multilateral development banks operate and what happens to the ESG agenda when many of its biggest proponents show up for a week on climate naysayer US president Donald Trump's doorstep.

In this episode of Season 2, A. Valerie Mirko, Partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP and leader of the firm's Securities Regulation and Litigation Practice, joins William Nelson, Director of Public Policy and Associate General Counsel at the Investment Adviser Association, to discuss the ongoing government shutdown and two recent speeches by SEC Chairman Paul Atkins on enforcement and corporate governance.Chairman Atkins has announced plans to revamp the SEC's Wells process, aiming to make the agency more transparent in sharing investigative findings and to give firms greater opportunity to respond before enforcement actions move forward.He also signaled a potential shift in the shareholder proposal framework under Exchange Act Rule 14a-8, suggesting the SEC may allow companies to exclude precatory, or non-binding, shareholder proposals - a move that could reshape how corporate governance issues reach the ballot.Finally, Valerie and William explore the implications of the government shutdown, noting that its full impact on rulemaking and policy may take time to unfold.Past Episodes of this Series:From Memecoins to Custody: What Firms Need to Know About Crypto (9/24/25)⁠Corp Fin in Flux: What the SEC's Latest Moves Mean for Issuers and Investors⁠ (8/13/25)⁠⁠AI in the Investment Adviser Industry⁠⁠ (7/16/25) ⁠⁠Harnessing AI: What Attorneys and Financial Industry Professionals Need to Know⁠⁠ (6/18/25)⁠⁠SEC Leadership, Crypto Policy, and FINRAs Regulatory Refresh⁠⁠ (5/21/25)⁠⁠New Leadership, New Priorities: Paul Atkins at the SEC⁠⁠ (4/23/25)⁠⁠How the New Administration and Congress Will Shape the SEC⁠⁠ (3/26/25)⁠⁠Reflecting on 30 years of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act⁠⁠ (2/26/25)⁠⁠Insights on SEC Transition and Policy Priorities with Pete Driscoll⁠⁠ (2/5/25)Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.

Miriam Patterson, Senior Director, Market Practice and Regulatory Policy, discusses ICMA's response to the US SEC concept release on foreign private issuer eligibility.

Tether is reportedly looking to raise up to $20B. Can they hit $500B valuation? Tether is looking to raise between $15 billion and $20 billion for about a 3% stake in the company through a private placement, according to a report from Bloomberg. The raise would bring its valuation to around $500 billion, putting it in the same league as OpenAI and SpaceX. CoinDesk's Jennifer Sanasie hosts “CoinDesk Daily.” - Break the cycle of exploitation. Break down the barriers to truth. Break into the next generation of privacy. Break Free. Free to scroll without being monetized. Free from censorship. Freedom without fear. We deserve more when it comes to privacy. Experience the next generation of blockchain that is private and inclusive by design. Break free with Midnight, visit midnight.network/break-free - This episode was hosted by Jennifer Sanasie. “CoinDesk Daily” is produced by Jennifer Sanasie and edited by Victor Chen.

In this episode of Season 2, A. Valerie Mirko, Partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP and leader of the firm's Securities Regulation and Litigation Practice, joins William Nelson, Director of Public Policy and Associate General Counsel at the Investment Adviser Association, for a timely discussion with David Adams, Member at Mintz, on the evolving world of crypto assets. As crypto moves further into the mainstream, investment advisers and broker-dealers face both new opportunities and heightened regulatory scrutiny. The conversation covers how the SEC and FINRA currently view crypto—from memecoins and mining to stablecoins—and what to expect from upcoming SEC rulemaking over the next 6–12 months. The episode also explores how advisers are using crypto today, whether as investment products, portfolio diversifiers, or tokenized assets, and examines the fiduciary-duty challenges that come with digital assets. On the compliance front, the discussion highlights how firms can prepare for examinations and enforcement, with special attention to custody - the top concern for many advisers. Finally, the group looks ahead with practical guidance for advisers and broker-dealers considering crypto products, offering insights to help navigate this fast-changing landscape.Past Episodes of this Series:Corp Fin in Flux: What the SEC's Latest Moves Mean for Issuers and Investors (8/13/25)⁠AI in the Investment Adviser Industry⁠ (7/16/25) ⁠Harnessing AI: What Attorneys and Financial Industry Professionals Need to Know⁠ (6/18/25)⁠SEC Leadership, Crypto Policy, and FINRAs Regulatory Refresh⁠ (5/21/25)⁠New Leadership, New Priorities: Paul Atkins at the SEC⁠ (4/23/25)⁠How the New Administration and Congress Will Shape the SEC⁠ (3/26/25)⁠Reflecting on 30 years of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act⁠ (2/26/25)⁠Insights on SEC Transition and Policy Priorities with Pete Driscoll⁠ (2/5/25)Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.

The Cybercrime Wire, hosted by Scott Schober, provides boardroom and C-suite executives, CIOs, CSOs, CISOs, IT executives and cybersecurity professionals with a breaking news story we're following. If there's a cyberattack, hack, or data breach you should know about, then we're on it. Listen to the podcast daily and hear it every hour on WCYB. The Cybercrime Wire is brought to you Cybercrime Magazine, Page ONE for Cybersecurity at https://cybercrimemagazine.com. • For more breaking news, visit https://cybercrimewire.com

In this episode of Season 2, A. Valerie Mirko, Partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP and leader of the firm's Securities Regulation and Litigation Practice, joins William Nelson, Director of Public Policy and Associate General Counsel at the Investment Adviser Association, for a timely conversation with Michelle Heisner, Partner at Baker McKenzie LLP and a member of the Firm's Global Corporate and Securities Practice Group. With the SEC keeping law firms and GCs on their toes this summer, this episode dives into three key themes: tighter disclosure requirements, increased scrutiny on foreign issuers, and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding ESG regulations. One key takeaway: If you're advising issuers, now is the time to revisit your disclosure playbook. The SEC is signaling change, and companies that adapt early will be better positioned for what's ahead. Tune in for key insights on how these developments are shaping the regulatory landscapePast Episodes of this Series:AI in the Investment Adviser Industry (7/16/25) Harnessing AI: What Attorneys and Financial Industry Professionals Need to Know (6/18/25)SEC Leadership, Crypto Policy, and FINRAs Regulatory Refresh (5/21/25)New Leadership, New Priorities: Paul Atkins at the SEC (4/23/25)How the New Administration and Congress Will Shape the SEC (3/26/25)Reflecting on 30 years of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act (2/26/25)Insights on SEC Transition and Policy Priorities with Pete Driscoll (2/5/25)Please note, the positions and opinions expressed by the speakers are strictly their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of their employers, nor those of the D.C. Bar, its Board of Governors or co-sponsoring Communities and organizations.

In this insightful episode of Kiln DeFi Rendez-Vous, host Laszlo Szabo, CEO & Co-Founder at Kiln, sits down with Duncan Moir, President of 21Shares, the world's largest crypto ETP issuer, for a deep dive into the explosive growth of Bitcoin ETFs, the evolving landscape of institutional crypto adoption, and what's next for digital asset investing.Less than a year after their launch, Bitcoin ETFs have captured nearly 70% of the trading volume of gold ETFs (GLD)—a staggering milestone that underscores the pent-up demand for crypto exposure in traditional finance. Duncan breaks down why this is just the beginning, with the $40 trillion US pension fund market still largely on the sidelines.The conversation explores how major players like Goldman Sachs are entering the space, why Ethereum ETFs haven't seen the same success as Bitcoin (yet), and the critical role of staking in ETPs—especially in Europe, where 21Shares has pioneered innovative products. Duncan shares his unique perspective on regulation, from the UK's recent shift allowing retail crypto ETNs to the SEC's cautious approach in the US.With over 40 crypto ETPs under its belt, 21Shares has become a bellwether for institutional crypto adoption. Duncan reveals how the company selects new assets, from blue-chip tokens to emerging altcoins, and why Dogecoin—often dismissed as a memecoin—has surprising institutional potential. He also discusses the growing intersection of traditional finance and on-chain assets, including the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) like BlackRock's BUIDL money market fund.Before joining 21Shares, Duncan spent years in hedge funds and asset management, eventually leading Aberdeen's digital asset division and serving on the board of Hedera Hashgraph. He shares lessons from his journey, including how blockchain can streamline archaic financial systems and why crypto is maturing beyond speculative trading into a strategic portfolio allocation.PODCAST INFO:

In this panel from The Bond Buyer's recent Southeast Public Finance event, top public finance officials from Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, Alabama, and Florida share how they evaluate bankers, bond counsel, and municipal advisors, and what makes a pitch fall flat.

Our analysts Andrew Sheets and Kelvin Pang explain why international issuers may be interested in so-called ‘dim sum' bonds, despite Asia's growth drag.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Andrew Sheets: Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Andrew Sheets, Head of Corporate Credit Research at Morgan Stanley. Kelvin Pang: And I'm Kelvin Pang, Head of Asia Credit Strategy. Andrew Sheets: And today in the program we're going to finish our global tour of credit markets with a discussion of Asia. It's Friday, June 20th at 2pm in London. Kelvin Pang: And 9pm in Hong Kong. Andrew Sheets: Kelvin, thank you for joining us. Thank you especially for joining us so late in your day – to complete this credit World tour. And before we get into the Asia credit market, I think it would just be helpful to frame at a very high level – how you see the economic picture in the region. Kelvin Pang: We do think that the talks and potential deals will probably provide some reprieve towards the growth for the region, but not a big relief. We do think that tariff uncertainty will linger here, and it will keep growth low here; especially if we do think that CapEx of the region will be weaker due to tariff uncertainty. A weaker U.S. dollar, for example, plus monetary easing will help offset some of this growth drag. But overall, we do think that the Asia region could see 90 basis point down in real GDP growth from last year. Andrew Sheets: So, we've got weaker growth in Asia as a function of high tariffs and high tariff uncertainty that can't be offset by further policy easing. In the context of that weaker growth backdrop, higher uncertainty – are credit spreads in the region wide? Kelvin Pang: No, they're actually really low. They're probably at like the lowest since we start having a data in 2013. So definitely like a 12 to 13 year low of the range. Andrew Sheets: And so why is that? Why do you have this kind of seemingly odd disconnect between some real growth challenges? And as you just mentioned, really some of the tightest credit spreads, some of the lowest risk premiums that we've seen in quite some time? Kelvin Pang: Yeah, we get this question a lot from clients, and the short answer is that, you know, the technicals, right? Because the last two years, two-three years, we've been seeing negative net supply for Asia credit. A lot of that is driven by China credit. And if you look at year-to-date, non supply remain still negative net supply. And demand side, for example, has not really picked up that strongly. But it still offsets any outflows that we see the last two-three years; is offset by this negative net supply. So, you put this two together, we have this very strong technicals that support very tight spread. And that's why spread has been tight at historical end in the last, I would say, one to two years. Andrew Sheets: Do you see this changes? Kelvin Pang: Yeah, we do think it's changed. We have a framework that we call the normalization of Asia Credit technicals. And for that to change, essentially our framework is saying that Treasury yields use need to go down, and dollar funding need to go down. Cheaper dollar funding will bring back issuers. Net supply should pick up. Demand for credit tends to do well in a rate cut cycle. Demand tends to pick up in a rate cut cycle. So, if we have these two supports, we do think that Asia credit technicals will normalize. It's just that, you know, we have four stages of normalization. Unfortunately we are in stage two now, and we still have a bit of room to see some further normalization, especially if we don't get rate cuts. Andrew Sheets: Got it. So, you know, we do think that if Morgan Stanley's yield forecasts are correct, yields are going to fall. Issuers will look at those lower yields as more attractive. They'll issue more paper in Asia and that will kind of help rebalance the market some. But we're just not quite there yet. Kelvin Pang: Yeah, we feel like this road to rate cuts has been delayed a few times, in the last two-three years. And that has really been a big conundrum for a lot of Asia credit investors. So hopefully third time's a charm, right. So next year's a big year. Andrew Sheets: So, I guess while we're waiting for that, you also have this dynamic where for companies in Asia, or I guess for any company in the world, borrowing money locally in Asia is quite cheap. You have very low yields in China. You have very low local yields in Japan. How do those yields compare with the economics of borrowing in dollars? And what do you think that, kind of, means for your market? Kelvin Pang: Yeah, I think the short answer is that we are going to see more foreign issuers in local currency market. And, you know, we wrote a report in in March to just to pick on the dim sum corporate bond market. It benefits… Andrew Sheets: And Kelvin, just to stop you there, could you just describe to the listener what a dim sum bond is? And probably why you don't want to eat it? Kelvin Pang: Yes. So dim sum bond is basically a bond denominator in CNH. So, CNH is a[n] offshore Chinese renminbi, sort of, proxy. And it's called dim sum because it's like the most local cuisine in Hong Kong. Most – a lot of dim sum bonds are issued in Hong Kong. A lot of these CNH bonds are issued in Hong Kong, And that's why, [it has] this, you know, sort nickname called dim sum. Andrew Sheets: So, what is the outlook for that market and the economics for issuers who might be interested in it? Kelvin Pang: Yeah. We think it's a great place for global issuers who have natural demand for renminbi or CNH to issue; 10 years CGB is now is like 1.5-1.6 percent. That makes it a very attractive yield. And for a lot of these multinationals, they have natural renminbi needs. So, they don't need to worry about the hedging part of it. And what – and for a lot of investor base, the demands are picking up because we are seeing that renminbi internationalization are making some progress. You know, progress in that means better demand. So, overall, we do think that there is a good chance that the renminbi market or the dim sum market can be a bit more global player – or global, sort of, friendly market for investors. Andrew Sheets: Kelvin, another sector I wanted to ask you about was the China property sector. This was a sector that generated significant headlines over the last several years. It's faced significant credit challenges. It's very large, even by global standards. What's the latest on how China Property Credit is doing and how does that influence your overall view? Kelvin Pang: it's been four plus years, since first default started. and we've been through like 44 China property defaults, close to about 127 billion of total dollar bonds that defaulted. So, we are close to the end of the default cycle. Unfortunately, the end or default cycle doesn't mean that we are in the recovery phase, or we are in the speedy recovery phase. We are seeing a lot of companies struggling to come out restructuring. There are companies that come out restructuring and re-enter defaults. So, we do think that it is a long way to go for a lot of these property developers to come out restructuring and to get back to a going concern, kind of, status – I think we are still a bit far. We need to see the recovery in the physical property markets. And for that to happen, we do need to see the China economy to pick up, which give confidence to the home buyers in that sense. Andrew Sheets: So, Kelvin, we started this conversation with this kind of odd disconnect that kind of defines your market. You have a region that has some of the most significant growth risks from tariffs, some of the highest tariff exposure, and yet also has some of the lowest credit risk premiums with these quite tight spreads. If you look more broadly, are there any other kind of disconnects in your market that you think investors around the world should be aware of? Kelvin Pang: Yeah, we do think that investors need to take advantage of the disconnect because what we have now is a very compressed spread. And we like to be in high quality, right? Whether it is switching our Asia high yield into Asia investment grade, whether it is switching out of, you know, BBB credit into A credit. We think, you know, investors don't lose a lot of spread by doing that. But they manage to pick out higher quality credit. At the same time, we do think that one thing unique about Asia credit is that we have significant exposure to tariff risk. Asia countries are one of the few that are, you know; seven out the 10 countries that are having trade surplus with the U.S. And that's why we think that the iTraxx Asia Ex-Japan CDS index could be a good way to get exposure to tariffs. And the index did very well during the Liberation Day sell off. Now it's trading back to more like normal level of 70-75 basis point. We do think that, you know, for investors who want long tariff with risk, that could be a good way to add risk. Andrew Sheets: Kelvin, it's been great talking to you. Thanks for taking the time to talk. Kelvin Pang: Thank you, Andrew. Andrew Sheets: And thank you listeners as always, for your time. If you find Thoughts of the Market useful, let us know by leaving a review wherever you listen. And also tell a friend or colleague about us today.

Agenda: 00:00 – Meta's $14.8B Deal for Scale: The Analysis 05:40 – Will Scale Lose Their $800M ARR? Will All Customers Leave? 13:00 – Who is the Winner from All Scale Customers Leaving? 21:30 – Who Made the Most Money From Scale? 24:00 – LPs Just Got $14B Back. Are They Reinvesting? 26:45 – Chime IPO: The Breakdown 29:20 – Ramp Hits $16B Valuation: Are We Back in 2021? 31:10 – Ramp vs Brex vs Mercury: Who's the Real Winner? 34:00 – Gusto Going Public with $900M in ARR??? 36:40 – Dropbox vs Glean: Can the Old Guard Survive the AI Wave? 38:50 – Is Slack Dead as a Platform? Salesforce Shutdown Slack API? 41:15 – Will China Dominate AI? The Bets Are In 43:00 – S&P Prediction, iPhone Assembly in the US, and Rory's Rants Please read the offering circular and related risks at invest.modemobile.com. This is a paid advertisement for Mode Mobile's Regulation A+ Offering. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investing in private company securities is not suitable for all investors because it is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. It should only be considered a long-term investment. You must be prepared to withstand a total loss of your investment. Private company securities are also highly illiquid, and there is no guarantee that a market will develop for such securities. DealMaker Securities LLC, a registered broker-dealer, and member of FINRA | SIPC, located at 105 Maxess Road, Suite 124, Melville, NY 11747, is the Intermediary for this offering and is not an affiliate of or connected with the Issuer. Please check our background on FINRA's BrokerCheck.  

19th June: Blockchain DXB podcast

Agenda: 00:03 – Circle's IPO: Investors Just Left $BNs on the Table 00:06 – CoreWeave & Circle: Are We Back to Meme Stock Madness? 00:11 – Should Stripe and Databricks Finally Go Public? 00:17 – US Stock Markets: How They DOMINATE the Global Game 00:21 – 50% of Unicorns Are DOOMED. What Happens Now? 00:25 – Founders Fund Just Dropped $1B on Anduril. Why?! 00:29 – What Would You Do If LPs Let You Go Wild? 00:36 – What Missing Out on Millions for Docusign Taught Rory 00:44 – Cursor is 20% of SaaS Spend: The Shocking Data Behind the SaaS Slowdown 00:47 – AI vs. SaaS: The Great Budget War Begins 00:48 – Can AI Take Budget from the Talent Budget or Will It Remain in Software Budgets? 00:56 – SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink: Elon's Empire After the Firestorm Please read the offering circular and related risks at invest.modemobile.com. This is a paid advertisement for Mode Mobile's Regulation A+ Offering. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investing in private company securities is not suitable for all investors because it is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. It should only be considered a long-term investment. You must be prepared to withstand a total loss of your investment. Private company securities are also highly illiquid, and there is no guarantee that a market will develop for such securities. DealMaker Securities LLC, a registered broker-dealer, and member of FINRA | SIPC, located at 105 Maxess Road, Suite 124, Melville, NY 11747, is the Intermediary for this offering and is not an affiliate of or connected with the Issuer. Please check our background on FINRA's BrokerCheck.  

Matt Pohlson is the co-founder and Chairman of Omaze, the most insane story in startups that you have never heard. From near death experience to working with Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Clooney and The Pope. Omaze has raised over $200 million for charity by offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences with celebrities and icons. He's a master storyteller, a purpose-driven builder, and one of the most creative entrepreneurs in modern philanthropy. In Today's Episode We Discuss: 00:00 — He Died for 4 Minutes… Then Built a $400M Startup 04:00 — The Magic Johnson Moment That Sparked Omaze 06:30 — From $780 to $1.7M: The Breaking Bad Campaign That Changed Everything 09:00 — Star Wars, Schwarzenegger, and Selling Dreams 13:00 — He Flatlined in Surgery… And Everything Changed 18:00 — How Near-Death Killed Fear and Transformed His Leadership 22:00 — Why Fear Isn't Real — And How to Beat It 24:00 — The $250K Bet That Changed Omaze's Business Forever 27:00 — Launching Houses: The Pivot to $100M+ Revenue 34:00 — The Science of Storytelling: Make the Customer the Hero 38:00 — Why TV Still Works: $35M Ad Spend Secrets 45:00 — How They Almost Went Out of Business—Twice 50:00 — The Deck That Saved Omaze Mid-COVID 53:00 — Loneliness, Therapy, and the CEO Mental Game 55:00 — From Self-Doubt to Self-Love: The Hoffman Process 58:00 — How to Lead With Story, Science, and Soul 1:02:00 — Should Omaze Go Public? Matt's Unfiltered Take 1:05:00 — Addiction, Ambition, and Why Fulfillment Can Kill Hunger 1:10:00 — Revenue Per Employee: $7M a Head! 1:15:00 — Matt's 10-Year Vision: Fortune 500. #1 in Charity. Please read the offering circular and related risks at invest.modemobile.com. This is a paid advertisement for Mode Mobile's Regulation A+ Offering. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investing in private company securities is not suitable for all investors because it is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. It should only be considered a long-term investment. You must be prepared to withstand a total loss of your investment. Private company securities are also highly illiquid, and there is no guarantee that a market will develop for such securities. DealMaker Securities LLC, a registered broker-dealer, and member of FINRA | SIPC, located at 105 Maxess Road, Suite 124, Melville, NY 11747, is the Intermediary for this offering and is not an affiliate of or connected with the Issuer. Please check our background on FINRA's BrokerCheck.  

Agenda: 00:00 – The Most Unfiltered Episode Ever Begins 03:30 – Does OpenAI Even Matter? Sam Lessin Says Maybe Not. 05:45 – TVPI Is Bullshit?  09:20 – Asset Gatherers vs Real Investors: Who Actually Wins? 12:15 – The Death of the Billion-Dollar VC Fund? 16:00 – Mid-Tier VC Funds Are Getting Annihilated 21:00 – Chime: Great Exit or Missed Opportunity? 27:00 – The War on Relevance: What Companies Truly Matter? 33:00 – If You're Not a Billion-Dollar Company, Do You Even Count? 37:10 – Mary Meeker's AI Report: What Everyone Missed 39:50 – $600B in AI CapEx—Where Is the Revenue?! 43:40 – What Could Trigger the First AI Crash? 51:10 – The Existential Dread Missing in Most B2B Startups 58:30 – Will AI Reduce Your Startup to Just a Pipe? 01:01:10 – IPO Market Is Back: What Actually Matters Now? 01:06:50 – YC Startups at $60M Valuations: How Should You Play It? 01:10:00 – Why 3% Ownership Could Still Work—Maybe 01:11:30 – Will Elon Still Be Tesla CEO by 2027? Place Your Bets 01:14:10 – Will Meta Release a Closed AI Model? And Does It Even Matter? 01:17:30 – The Real Challenge of Managing 11 Companies and 58 Kids Please read the offering circular and related risks at invest.modemobile.com. This is a paid advertisement for Mode Mobile's Regulation A+ Offering. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investing in private company securities is not suitable for all investors because it is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. It should only be considered a long-term investment. You must be prepared to withstand a total loss of your investment. Private company securities are also highly illiquid, and there is no guarantee that a market will develop for such securities. DealMaker Securities LLC, a registered broker-dealer, and member of FINRA | SIPC, located at 105 Maxess Road, Suite 124, Melville, NY 11747, is the Intermediary for this offering and is not an affiliate of or connected with the Issuer. Please check our background on FINRA's BrokerCheck.    

Stock market update for June 5, 2025.This video is for informational purposes only and reflects the views of the host and guest, not Public Holdings or its subsidiaries. Mentions of assets are not recommendations. Investing involves risk, including loss. Past performance does not guarantee future results. For full disclosures, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Public.com/disclosures⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Tune in to this episode of the Security Token Show where this week Kyle Sonlin and guest contributors Marcus Martin from MPact Capital and Adrian Alvarez from InvestReady cover the industry leading headlines and market movements, including how tokenized stocks are becoming more relevant, enhanced yield strategies with tokenization, and more RWA news!   Company of the Week - Kyle: Kraken   The Market Movements 1. Robinhood's SEC Submission and RWA Exchange   2. Kraken and Backed Finance to Launch 50+ xStocks on Solana   3. MPact Capital Launches RIA for Tokenized RWAs, Targeting Impact Investing   4. Apollo's ACRED to Expand Leverage Loop to Solana via Kamino Finance & Steakhouse Financial   5. JPMorgan, Bank of America, Citi, and Wells Fargo Considering Joint Stablecoin   6. Apex to Acquire Tokeny   7. InvestReady and Accreditoken Partner with TrustNFT for Onchain Identity   The Token Debrief 1. VanEck Launching Blockchain-Asset Venture Fund on Avalanche   2. SocGen Building USD Stablecoin on Ethereum   3. HSBC Launching Tokenized Deposits with Ant International   4. BNP Paribas Asset Management Natively Tokenizes Money Market Fund on Allfunds   5. BounceBit Delivers Double-Digit Yield Using BUIDL as Collateral    6. IXS' “BTC Real Yield” Enables BTC Collateralization, Unlocked Capital Invested into RWAs   7. Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) to Prioritize Real Estate Tokenization   8. Hong Kong Passes Stablecoin Bill, Issuers to Attain License From HKMA   9. City of Lugano Issued 4th Bond (CHF 100 Million) on SDX   10. Dubai Land Department Brings Tokenized Land Deeds to XRP Ledger   11. Black Manta and SBI Digital Markets offer Tokenized Note on UBS MMF (USMO), Available on 21X   12. Amber Premium Allows Credit Card Access to UBS Tokenized Funds   13. Ozean and Brickken Partner with over $300M of Tokenized Assets   14. R3 Integrates with Solana   STM Predicts $30-50T in RWAs by 2030: https://docsend.com/view/7jx2nsjq6dsun2b9 More STM.co Reports: https://reports.stm.co/ Join the RWA Foundation and Read the Whitepaper: RWAF.xyz   ⏰ TABLE OF CONTENTS ⏰ 0:00 Introduction 0:16 Welcome 1:52 Market Movements 43:02 Token Debrief 54:49 Companies of The Week

Agenda: 04:34 Chime's IPO Announcement: Who Wins & Who Loses 06:28 The Lopphole That Means Chime Has a Better Business than JP Morgan 10:51 Why Investors Who Invested at $25BN Will Make Money When it IPOs at $12BN 18:59 Are IPOs Dead & The Future of the Late Stage Private Market 27:32 Exits are Larger Than Ever: So What? What Happens? Who Wins? Who Loses? 40:51 Is Europe Totally F******* 43:48 Challenges of Going Public & What Needs to Change? 46:12 OpenAI's Future and Predictions 49:45 Rippling vs. Deel Lawsuit: Is Deel Screwed? 59:28 Why So Many Companies Are About To Become Database Companies 01:08:07 The Future of Salesforce: Buy or Sell? 01:13:28 Quickfire Round Please read the offering circular and related risks at invest.modemobile.com. This is a paid advertisement for Mode Mobile's Regulation A+ Offering. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investing in private company securities is not suitable for all investors because it is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. It should only be considered a long-term investment. You must be prepared to withstand a total loss of your investment. Private company securities are also highly illiquid, and there is no guarantee that a market will develop for such securities. DealMaker Securities LLC, a registered broker-dealer, and member of FINRA | SIPC, located at 105 Maxess Road, Suite 124, Melville, NY 11747, is the Intermediary for this offering and is not an affiliate of or connected with the Issuer. Please check our background on FINRA's BrokerCheck.    

22nd May: Blockchain DXB podcast

Yuhki Yamashita is the Chief Product Officer at Figma, where he leads the development of one of the world's most beloved design platforms. Previously, he was Head of Product at Uber, overseeing the core rider experience used by millions globally. A master of product storytelling and team-building, Yuhki has redefined how world-class digital products are built and scaled. Items Mentioned in Today's Episode:  04:30 – "Simple is Lazy?" — Yuhki Challenges Product Dogma 07:45 – The Secret Behind Figma's New Product Ideas (Hint: Users Hack It First) 09:00 – From Hack Week to Roadmap: How New Figma Products Are Born 10:00 – Are PRDs Dead? Yuhki's Spicy Take on the Death of Specs 12:30 – The ‘Screenshot Test': Can Your Product Explain Itself in 1 Frame? 14:15 – Code Layers and ‘Living Designs'—This Demo Blew Everyone's Mind 15:30 – Designers vs Coders: Who Really Owns the Future of Product? 17:45 – The Most Controversial Product Decision Inside Figma 19:00 – Why Figma's Org Structure Could Kill the PM Role (For Real) 21:00 – Should Everyone Be a Designer and a Builder Now? 23:15 – Will Figma Have Fewer Engineers in 5 Years? 24:00 – Cursor, Windsurf & AI Coding Tools—What Figma Engineers Really Use 25:30 – AI's Dual Power: Lowering the Floor, Raising the Ceiling 27:00 – Figma's Biggest Product Flop? Yuhki Owns It 29:30 – The Magic of Product Storytelling—Even for Boring Compliance Tools 31:00 – Why Joy Must Be in the Product (and How Figma Bakes It In) 33:00 – Does Product Market Fit Even Mean Anything in 2025? 35:30 – Is Great Design Enough? Or Is It ALL About Distribution? 37:15 – Dylan's Secret to Early Growth: Hacking Design Twitter 39:00 – Community Mistakes Startups Keep Making 41:00 – The One Thing Yuhki Wishes He Could Change at Figma 43:00 – Should They Have Launched 4 Products at Once? Time Will Tell 45:00 – When Do You Know a New Product Is Doomed? 46:30 – Why Designers Still Don't Ship What They Design (and How to Fix It) 48:00 – From Uber to Figma: Yuhki's Playbook for Massive Product Swings 53:00 – The Adobe Deal Breakup—How Figma Rallied 56:00 – What Yuhki Needs to Improve as a Leader (His Own Feedback Review) 58:00 – The Product Leader He Admires Most—and Why 59:30 – What Figma Still Gets Wrong About Product Culture Please read the offering circular and related risks at invest.modemobile.com. This is a paid advertisement for Mode Mobile's Regulation A+ Offering. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investing in private company securities is not suitable for all investors because it is highly speculative and involves a high degree of risk. It should only be considered a long-term investment. You must be prepared to withstand a total loss of your investment. Private company securities are also highly illiquid, and there is no guarantee that a market will develop for such securities. DealMaker Securities LLC, a registered broker-dealer, and member of FINRA | SIPC, located at 105 Maxess Road, Suite 124, Melville, NY 11747, is the Intermediary for this offering and is not an affiliate of or connected with the Issuer. Please check our background on FINRA's BrokerCheck.

with @rhhackett @smc90 @DarenMatsuoka @SamBronerWelcome to web3 with a16z, a show about the next generation of the internet. I'm Robert Hackett.There has been a flurry of stablecoin news lately, so we're doing a special bonus episode to cover everything that's been going on. Sonal and I are joined by a16z crypto's Data Science lead Daren Matsuoka who shares the actual data behind the stablecoin trend. Then we have Sam Broner — who is a Deal Partner here and our frequent author on stablecoins — to analyze the news, and help highlight the signal versus the noise.Here's a selection of the news:USDC issuer Circle filed to go public on the New York Stock ExchangeCoinbase released an agentic payments standard with support for stablecoin paymentsVisa and Mastercard enhanced stablecoin supportStripe announced stablecoin financial account balances, a programmable stablecoin (via Bridge), a stablecoin-backed card, and moreMeta is reportedly in talks to introduce stablecoins as a means for payoutsAnd much moreWe also have one of our regular episodes covering the broader stablecoins trend and big picture, dropping separately in the feed, also with Sam and a16z crypto Founder Chris Dixon, so be sure to check that out next.Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(1:30) Stablecoin Data Overview(3:55) Stablecoin Adoption and Infrastructure(4:24) Market Share of Issuers and Blockchains(6:10) Stablecoin Growth vs. Crypto Market Cycles(7:45) Stablecoin News and Developments(9:44) Fintech Embraces Stablecoins(12:44) Legacy Payment Systems vs. Stablecoins(17:04) The Future of Stablecoins and Open Networks(22:11) ConclusionLinks to related resources:Everything stablecoins: Big picture, deep dive with Chris Dixon, Sam Broner, and Robert Hackett (a16z crypto, May 2025)A chart of stablecoin usage growth vs. crypto market cyclicality (@DarenMatsuoka on X)The month fintechs embraced stablecoins by Sam Broner (a16z crypto, May 2025)What Stripe's acquisition of Bridge means for fintech and stablecoins by James da Costa and Sam Broner (a16z crypto, April 2025)A guide to stablecoins: What, why, and how by a16z crypto editorial (a16z crypto, April 2025)As a reminder, none of the content should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.

Alexandra Levis, Founder & CEO of Arro Financial Communications, provides an in-depth look at how ETF issuers should think about approaching marketing.  VettaFi's Roxanna Islam breaks down some of the year's top-performing ETFs, from international plays to precious metals.

Tune in to this episode of the Security Token Show where this week Herwig Konings and Kyle Sonlin cover the industry leading headlines and market movements, including RWA DeFi vaults, venture funding coming back, and more RWA news! Company of the Week - Herwig: Particula Company of the Week - Kyle: KfW  The Market Movements 1. Circle Rejects Ripple's $5B Acquisition Offer, New $20B Offer Reported: https://cointelegraph.com/news/ripple-circle-bid-rejected-bloomberg  https://x.com/Cointelegraph/status/1918261724224098651  2. BlackRock Files to Tokenize $150B Treasury Trust Fund with BNY Mellon: https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/04/30/sec-filing-shows-blackrock-preparing-150-billion-tokenized-treasury-trust-offering  3. Particula Closes $5.5M Raise and Moves to USA: https://particula.io/particula-raises-5m-funding-round/  4. Dinari Raises $12.7M Series A led by Hack VC and Blockchange Ventures: https://dinari.com/blog/12m-series-a-equities-onchain  5. Tether Attestation Report: More than 7.7 Tons of Gold Backing XAUT: https://crypto.news/tether-holds-more-than-7-7-tons-of-gold-backing-its-xaut-token/  6. MetaWealth Now Registered in Lithuania as VASP: https://thepaypers.com/online-mobile-banking/metawealth-gains-a-virtual-asset-service-provider-licence-in-lithuania--1273351  7. Sony's Soneium and Plume Partner for Onchain Staking and Yield Opportunities: https://www.techinasia.com/news/sonys-blockchain-plume-partner-tokenized-yields  The Token Debrief 1. Calastone Announces Fireblocks as Infrastructure Partner for Fund Tokenization: https://financefeeds.com/calastone-partners-with-fireblocks-to-launch-fund-tokenization-platform/   2. Centrifuge Introduces RWA Launchpad: https://centrifuge.mirror.xyz/Ujcfp4flrFUGxLUEXiDlwZH1ZCfLmh4HMdXI1CUP-XQ  3. ERC3643 Association Announces Interoperable DvP Proof of Concept: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/erc3643_erc3643-activity-7323571899043659776-aPCX 4. Goldman Sachs to Expand Crypto Trading and Explore Crypto Lending & Asset Tokenization: https://www.coinspeaker.com/goldman-sachs-eyes-expansion-in-crypto-trading/  5. Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and DeFi Technologies Create Kenya Digital Exchange: https://coingeek.com/kenya-prepares-tokenizing-rwas-on-homegrown-exchange/   6. Securitize and Gauntlet Use Morpho to Launch Vault for Apollo's ACRED: https://securitize.io/learn/press/securitize-and-gauntlet-launch-levered-rwa-strategy-on-apollo-diversified-credit-securitize-fund  7. Libre to Bring Institutions to TON with $500M Telegram Bond Fund ($TBF): https://www.librecapital.com/insights/libre-and-ton-foundation-launch-500m-telegram-bond-fund-tbf-on-ton-blockchain  8. Hilbert Group Announces Tokenized Bitcoin Yield Offering on Rebranded Syntetika Platform: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/hilbert-group-announces-launch-tokenized-082000090.html  9. KfW Moves from Issuer to Investor, Invests €10M in Berlin Hyp's €100M Covered Bond: https://www.kfw.de/About-KfW/Newsroom/Latest-News/Pressemitteilungen-Details_848192.html  10. Wormhole to Provide Interoperability for Mercado Bitcoin's $200M Pipeline and Invests in Offering: https://www.tronweekly.com/mercado-bitcoin-partners-with-wormhole/  11. MultiBank to Tokenize $3B of MAG's UAE Real Estate on Mavryk: https://cointelegraph.com/news/multibank-mag-mavryk-3b-rwa-tokenization-launch  12. Liquid Noble Adds More Utility to $LGAU Tokenized Gold: https://coingeek.com/liquid-noble-revamps-for-improved-tokenized-bullion-trading/  13. Solana Policy Institute, Superstate, and Orca Submit Proposal for Project Open: US Equities on Public Blockchains https://www.linkedin.com/posts/solana-policy-institute_project-open-wireframe-blueprint-4282025-activity-7323417793951895553-e_W0 14. Pakistan Approves First Tokenized Gold Solution under Fasset's Sandbox License: https://www.urdupoint.com/en/technology/fasset-secures-sandbox-license-to-launch-paki-1971443.html 15. Argentinian Regulator Presents Tokenization Framework: https://invezz.com/news/2025/04/27/latam-crypto-news-itau-to-invest-210m-in-bitcoin-and-argentinas-cnv-to-present-new-tokenization-regime/ 16. World Federation of Exchanges Releases Report on CBDC Impact on Tokenization: https://www.ledgerinsights.com/world-federation-of-exchanges-explore-cbdc-for-tokenization/ 17. Deloitte Predicts 25% of Cross-Border Payments Delivered Onchain by 2030, $50B in Savings: https://fintechmagazine.com/articles/deloitte-tokenised-networks-to-reshape-global-payments   = Stay in touch via our Social Media = Kyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylesonlin /   Herwig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herwigkonings/  Opinion articles, interviews, and more: https://medium.com/security-token-group   Find the video edition of this episode on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stmtvofficial     STM Predicts $30-50T in RWAs by 2030: https://docsend.com/view/7jx2nsjq6dsun2b9  More STM.co Reports: https://reports.stm.co/ Join the RWA Foundation and Read the Whitepaper: RWAF.xyz ⏰ TABLE OF CONTENTS ⏰ 0:00 Introduction 0:16 Welcome 1:05 Market Movements 14:14 RWA Foundation Update 15:04  Token Debrief 26:04 Companies of The Week

Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.This next episode of our 2024 SEC comment letter podcast miniseries discusses Foreign Private Issuers (FPIs). Many of the considerations we talk about for other SEC filers also apply to FPIs; however, there can be some differences and added complexities. We discuss the issues most frequently raised by the SEC staff, including those unique to FPIs, and offer advice to preparers for getting ahead of them. In this episode, we discuss:7:24 – Comment letter trends specific to FPIs, including those related to: 8:55 – Non-GAAP performance measures16:15 – Segment reporting21:32 – Revenue25:01 – Management's Discussion and Analysis30:29 – Financial instruments41:39 – FPI status re-assessment44:53 – IFRS segment reporting considerations  47:45 – Other accounting and reporting reminders related to FPIsFor more information, see our full analysis of SEC comment letter trends. Also, check out our other episodes in this miniseries:SEC comment letters – What's trending in 20242024 SEC comment letter trends: Revenue2024 SEC comment letter trends: Business combinations2024 SEC comment letter trends: Segment reporting2024 SEC comment letter trends: MD&AAdditionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.Patrick Higgins is a Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC's National Office responsible for our SEC foreign private issuer and IFRS teams. Patrick has also served as a global signing partner in a variety of countries and industries.   Kevin Vaughn is a PwC National Office partner specializing in SEC reporting matters. Kevin leverages his extensive experience to support PwC public company and pre-IPO clients on accounting and SEC reporting matters. Prior to joining PwC in 2023, Kevin spent over 18 years at the SEC, most recently serving on the leadership team in the SEC's Office of the Chief Accountant where he focused on technical accounting consultations, SEC rulemakings, and standard setting matters.Kyle Moffatt is PwC's Professional Practice leader, leading a team responsible for working with standard setters and regulators as well as delivering brand-defining thought leadership and educational materials. He also consults with engagement teams and audit clients on SEC reporting matters. Before PwC, Kyle spent almost 20 years with the SEC, most recently as Chief Accountant and Disclosure Program Director in the Division of Corporation Finance.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com. 

Issuers are temporarily motivated to raise capital before any potential volatility that may arise from the election. Follow UsTwitter @NYLInvestmentsTwitter @MacKayMuniMgrsFacebook @NYLInvestmentsLinkedIn: New York Life InvestmentsLinkedIn: MacKay Municipal ManagersPresented by New York Life Investmentswww.newyorklifeinvestments.com MacKay Municipal Managers is a team of portfolio managers at MacKay Shields. MacKay Shields is 100% owned by NYLIM Holdings, which is wholly owned by New York Life Insurance Company. “New York Life Investments” is both a service mark, and the common trade name, of certain investment advisors affiliated with New York Life Insurance Company.

As Europe's MiCA rules go into effect, the continent narrowly avoids serious stablecoin-crypto-trading issues by granting a license to Circle. NLW also looks at a settlement in the Silvergate case. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Host Jennifer Sanasie breaks down the news in the crypto industry from Circle's stablecoin license in the EU to Polymarket's record volume in June.To get the show every day, follow the podcast here."CoinDesk Daily" host Jennifer Sanasie breaks down the biggest headlines in the crypto industry today, as Circle became the first global stablecoin issuer to comply with the EU's MiCA regulatory framework. Plus, Polymarket recorded over $100 million of volume in June on U.S. election enthusiasm. And, Silvergate Bank's $63 million settlement with regulators.-This episode was hosted by Jennifer Sanasie. “First Mover” is produced by Jennifer Sanasie and Melissa Montañez and edited by Victor Chen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Max Boonen, CEO, and Co-Founder PV01, shares the advancements in technology and the war over regulation for tokenization.This episode is sponsored by Consensus 2024 Now Available for pre-order | Michael Casey's New Book with Frank H. McCourt, their forthcoming book: Our Biggest Fight: Reclaiming Liberty, Humanity, and Dignity in the Digital Age-In this episode of "Money Reimagined," host Michael Casey is joined by Max Boonen CEO and Co-Founder of PV01 to discuss the tokenization of real assets and the issuance of treasuries and corporate bonds on the blockchain. Boonen highlights the advantages of tokenized bonds, including increased accessibility, transparency, and liquidity, as well as the potential for tokenization to revolutionize the credit market and provide alternative fundraising opportunities for crypto companies.Takeaways | The tokenization of real assets and the issuance of bonds on the blockchain offer increased accessibility, transparency, and liquidity.Tokenized bonds allow investors to have direct ownership and control over the assets, eliminating the need for intermediaries.The use of blockchain technology in the credit market can provide greater transparency and efficiency, reducing the risk of credit crunches.Tokenization provides alternative fundraising opportunities for crypto companies, allowing them to issue bonds directly on the blockchain.Chapters | 00:00 Introduction and Background of Max Boonen01:22 Exploring Tokenization and Real-World Asset Movement06:10 Natively Issuing Corporate Bonds on the Blockchain09:08 Advancements in Technology and Regulation for Tokenization14:22 Contrasting Tokenization with Real-World Asset Tokenization23:19 The Importance of Fungibility and Asset Seizure Risk24:13 Cutting Out Intermediaries and Lowering Capital Costs26:28 Interest from Issuers and Investors in Tokenized Bonds30:10 Upcoming Consensus Event and ConclusionLinks | Max Boonen's PV01 Tokenizes $5M Treasury Bill, Plans to Look at Corporate Bonds PV01 Crypto Council for Innovation CoinDesk.com-Consensus is where experts convene to talk about the ideas shaping our digital future. Join developers, investors, founders, brands, policymakers and more in Austin, Texas from May 29-31. The tenth annual Consensus is curated by CoinDesk to feature the industry's most sought-after speakers, unparalleled networking opportunities and unforgettable experiences. Take 15% off registration with the code MRP15. Register now at consensus.coindesk.com-Money Reimagined has been produced and edited by senior producer Michele Musso and our executive producer is Jared Schwartz. Our theme song is “The News Tonight ” by Shimmer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.