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In this episode, we break down the state of stablecoins and why they've been able to bridge the gap into TradFi's mainstream. Who's adopting stablecoins and why? How are stablecoins changing the financial and legislative landscape? And what does this mean for the future of the larger crypto landscape? -- Follow Canton: https://x.com/CantonNetwork Follow Mo: https://x.com/Mo_Bps Follow Eric: https://x.com/wesarn_real Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod -- Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh -- Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:56) The Evolution of Stablecoins (8:43) The Stablecoin Stack (11:16) Who is Building on HIFI? (12:57) Cross-border Payments (15:55) Stablecoin Market Share (22:49) Canton's Stablecoin Strategy (26:09) The Stablecoin Landscape (28:33) The Importance of Privacy (31:58) Stablecoin Fragmentation (35:05) Agentic Payments (36:52) General Purpose vs Specialized Chains (41:29) What is the Industry Missing? (45:06) Closing Comments -- Disclaimer: “Quadrillions” is a mini-series produced by Blockworks, and is sponsored by Canton Network. Nothing on this show is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. It's for informational purposes only, and the views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice or necessarily the views of Blockworks. Our hosts, guests, and the Blockworks team may hold positions in companies, funds, or projects discussed, including those related to Canton Network.
Following up on the White House crypto meeting with Executive Director of the President's Council of Advisors on Digital Assets Patrick Witt. Speaking with CoinDesk's Jennifer Sanasie and Sam Ewen at the Ondo Summit, Patrick Witt, Executive Director of the President's Council of Advisors on Digital Assets unpacks the high-stakes negotiations surrounding the new market structure bill. Plus, he weighs in on the push for America to remain an innovation hub, bridging the gap between banks and crypto, and addresses the ongoing debate over ethics provisions and government official asset disclosures. - Timecodes: 00:47 - Inside the White House Crypto Meeting04:06 - Will Community Banks Embrace Innovation?06:29 - Why This Bill is the "Crown Jewel" for Crypto?07:41 - Does Legislation Pass Before Midterms?09:05 - How Do We Depoliticize the Perception of Crypto?11:10 - White House Won't Tolerate Attacks on President in Crypto Bill12:53 - How Much Bitcoin Does the U.S. Government Hold? - This episode was hosted by Jennifer Sanasie and Sam Ewen.
Recorded live at our Founders Summit, a16z general partner Chris Dixon speaks with Palmer Luckey, founder of Anduril and Oculus VR. They talk about what it takes to build hardware at scale, where the biggest technological bottlenecks are today, and why optimism is still warranted despite geopolitical turmoil and regulatory constraints. They also cover crypto, stablecoins, modern warfare, the U.S.–China technology race, AI and manufacturing, and frontiers like fusion and quantum computing—plus lessons from Oculus, the founding of Anduril, and how to build mission-driven teams. Resources:Follow Palmer Luckey on X: https://twitter.com/PalmerLuckeyFollow Chris Dixon on X: https://twitter.com/cdixon Stay Updated:If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your friends!Find a16z on X: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zListen to the a16z Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYXListen to the a16z Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a16z-podcast/id842818711Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see http://a16z.com/disclosures. Stay Updated:Find a16z on XFind a16z on LinkedInListen to the a16z Show on SpotifyListen to the a16z Show on Apple PodcastsFollow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Since inception, ARK has researched and published thoughts on the cryptocurrency ecosystem within Big Ideas and through articles, whitepapers, monthly Bitcoin reports and podcasts. Now, in coordination with Bitcoin Park, ARK is pleased to introduce a monthly conversation with leaders in the Bitcoin space, to discuss everything happening in the rapidly-changing and still nascent Bitcoin ecosystem. Published through the For Your innovation podcast channels, this monthly series aims to be informative and enlightening, including experts with diverse viewpoints. In this episode, Cathie Wood and guests reflect on ARK's decade-long Bitcoin journey—from early research to its prominent role in Big Ideas 2026—and debate Bitcoin's evolving thesis amid shifting macro conditions. The conversation distinguishes Bitcoin as “freedom technology” versus stablecoins as more “humanitarian” but censorable tools, while exploring institutional adoption, emerging-market use cases, and gold's relationship to Bitcoin as a hedge. The group then pivots to the convergence of Bitcoin, AI, and decentralized social (Noster), highlighting “vibe coding,” open-source acceleration, and the rise of autonomous agents—ending with a forward-looking vision of 2030 shaped by autonomous mobility, healthcare breakthroughs, and expanding digital/space frontiers.Guests on this month's Bitcoin Brainstorm include: Lorenzo Valente: Director of Digital Assets, ARK InvestAlex Gladstein: Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), Human Rights Foundation (HRF) Tuur Demeester: Founder, Adamant CapitalAlex Gleason: Open-source developer / Soapbox developer; formerly Head of Engineering at Truth Social.Rapha Zagury: Chief Investment Officer, SwanCathie Wood: Founder, CEO and CIO at ARK Invest Rod Roudi: Founder, Bitcoin Park Key Points From This Episode:(0:00) Intro disclaimer(1:04) Flashback: ARK's 2016 Bitcoin white paper(2:33) Bitcoin in Big Ideas — a 10-year evolution(7:49) Bitcoin vs. stablecoins: freedom tech vs. humanitarian tech(12:23) Personal stories: Brazil, inflation, and Bitcoin's role(17:14) Tuur on Bitcoin cycles, gold correlation, and price thesis(26:37) Convergence: Bitcoin, AI, and decentralized social(31:41) New renaissance: vibe coding, AI agents, and entrepreneurship(34:24) Open source, Claude bots, and encrypted personal AI(46:44) Autonomous agents exchanging Bitcoin(48:19) Dreaming of 2030: freedom tech and decentralization(52:17) Bitcoin mining, energy, and infrastructure(56:11) Cathie: AI's biggest opportunities — mobility and healthcare Learn more about Bitcoin Park: bitcoinpark.com
Dave Weisberger, Author of the upcoming book Million Dollar Fratboys! & Co-Founder of Coinroutes, joined me to discuss the crypto market conditions and if Bitcoin and Altcoins will recover. Recorded 1/20/26Topics: - Crypto market outlook - are we in a bear market? Have the Bitcoin 4 year cycles been broken? - Crypto adoption by TradFi institutions - Crypto market structure legislation - Trump Coin and Memecoins - Tokenization market Brought to you by
Crypto News: Banks and Crypto industry met at the White House today to discuss stablecoin yield and clarity act. Binance buys dip with first $100M Bitcoin purchase from $1B SAFU fund. A metric tracking the health of the US economy has just posted its highest monthly score since August 2022, and crypto analysts say it could signal a turnaround for Bitcoin.Brought to you by
Crypto News: Bitcoin's price bottom is near and rotation from Gold and Silver is coming. Binance to buy $1 billion in Bitcoin over the next 30 days. President Trump nominates pro crypto Kevin Warsh as the next Fed Chairman.Brought to you by
Kevin Lehtiniitty, CEO of Borderless xyz, sat down with me at Stablecoin Summit NYC to talk about the summit and the growing adoption of Stablecoins.Brought to you by
Markets wobble as gold and silver hit all time highs, raising the big question of what comes next for crypto. Ryan and David unpack the macro shock driving the move, from Fed independence and shutdown risk to a weaker dollar narrative, and why Tether is quietly becoming one of the world's largest gold holders. They make the case for Ethereum's comeback, from surging usage to serious quantum resistance efforts, break down Fidelity's new onchain dollar, and dig into MegaETH's eye popping stress test. Plus: prediction markets go mainstream, a bizarre $40 million government crypto theft, and a new Vitalik meme to close it out. ---
Jean-Baptiste Wautier is here to talk growing global debt and the impact on the economy. He draws on decades of private-equity and macro experience to discuss accelerating global change, arguing that rising debt, AI, and political polarization are reshaping the economic and geopolitical order. We discuss Europe's recent market strength, China as an unavoidable, though risky, investment given its scale and AI ambitions, and gold and crypto as hedges rather than true currency alternatives. He also warms that global debt dynamics will force restructuring in places like Japan and parts of Europe, and concludes that AI is likely transformative but slower and more socially disruptive than markets assume, ultimately requiring a rethink of productivity, employment, and even how economic progress is measured. We discuss... Jean-Baptiste Wautier argued that today's environment reflects an acceleration of long-term forces—debt accumulation, AI as a fourth industrial revolution, and rising political polarization—rather than a completely unprecedented moment. He suggested populism can be reversed without extreme disruption if governments deliver tangible economic fixes, citing Italy as an example of pragmatic reform restoring democratic confidence. Wautier emphasized that middle-class affordability, youth opportunity, and fiscal credibility are the core issues driving political instability in Western democracies. He criticized the lack of democratic oversight of central banks, arguing monetary policy has become too consequential to remain entirely insulated from public accountability. He believes there is no painless solution to global debt problems, with Europe facing unavoidable austerity while the U.S. may temporarily "get away with it" due to dollar dominance and capital inflows. Europe's recent market outperformance was described as a short-term valuation and diversification blip rather than a reflection of improving fundamentals. Wautier argued the dollar has no credible fiat challenger, reinforcing its dominance despite past U.S. policy mistakes. Gold and cryptocurrencies were discussed primarily as hedges against dollar risk rather than true replacements for the global reserve system. Bitcoin was criticized as too volatile to function as a reserve or transactional currency, regardless of its popularity as a speculative store of value. Stablecoins were viewed as a strategic U.S. response to crypto, potentially extending dollar dominance into digital finance. Demographic decline across developed economies was identified as a structural constraint that traditional growth models cannot easily resolve. Wautier argued AI adoption is moving faster than societies can adapt, limiting near-term productivity gains while increasing long-term disruption. AI's ultimate impact will be profound but slow, likely forcing a reassessment of GDP and other traditional measures of economic progress. Today's Panelists: Kirk Chisholm | Innovative Wealth Barbara Friedberg | Barbara Friedberg Personal Finance Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moneytreepodcast Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/money-tree-investing-podcast Follow on Twitter/X: https://x.com/MTIPodcast For more information, visit the show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/growing-global-debt-jean-baptiste-wautier-786
Matt and Nic are back with another week of news and deals. In this episode: Matt is heated about the Belichick HoF vote Fidelity launches a stablecoin FIDD on Ethereum Market structure passes Senate Ag Cmte The White House crypto council is being revived to find a compromise on stablecoin yield Fairshake has another war chest for the midterms Do stablecoins cause bank deposit contraction? Tether has 140 tons of gold now Why is Bitcoin not participating in the "debasement" trade? Is gold at risk from alchemy? People are still worried about quantum Will Worldcoin save us from AI bots? What's the solution to the AI slop apocalypse? Digital alibis with blockchains Content mentioned in this episode: Niall Ferguson and Manny Rincon-Cruz, Stablecoins Are the Future but Banks will Survive McKinsey and Artemis, Stablecoins in payments: What the raw transaction numbers miss
Ellie Farrisi, Lead Software Engineer at Dynamic, sat down with me at the Stablecoin Summit NYC to discuss how Dynamic's wallet infrastructure is turning crypto demand into revenue. Brought to you by
Why did Tether launch a U.S. stablecoin now? Why does Coinbase have so much influence in Congress? And what's really behind the SEC–CFTC harmonization push? Bitcoin Policy Hour breaks down the biggest regulatory stories shaping Bitcoin's future plus a deep look at the debasement trade driving gold, silver, and potentially Bitcoin higher.
Stewart Alsop interviews Tomas Yu, CEO and founder of Turn-On Financial Technologies, on this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast. They explore how Yu's company is revolutionizing the closed-loop payment ecosystem by creating a universal float system that allows gift card credits to be used across multiple merchants rather than being locked to a single business like Starbucks. The conversation covers the complexities of fintech regulation, the differences between open and closed loop payment systems, and Yu's unique background that combines Korean martial arts discipline with Mexican polo culture. They also dive into Yu's passion for polo, discussing the intimate relationship between rider and horse, the sport's elitist tendencies in different regions, and his efforts to build polo communities from El Paso to New Mexico. Find Tomas on LinkedIn under Tommy (TJ) Alvarez.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to TurnOn Technologies02:45 Understanding Float and Its Implications05:45 Decentralized Gift Card System08:39 Navigating the FinTech Landscape11:19 The Role of Merchants and Consumers14:15 Challenges in the Gift Card Market17:26 The Future of Payment Systems23:12 Understanding Payment Systems: Stripe and POS26:47 Regulatory Landscape: KYC and AML in Payments27:55 The Impact of Economic Conditions on Financial Systems36:39 Transitioning from Industrial to Information Age Finance38:18 Curiosity and Resourcefulness in the Information Age45:09 Social Media and the Dynamics of Attention46:26 From Restaurant to Polo: A Journey of Mentorship49:50 The Thrill of Polo: Learning and Obsession54:53 Building a Team: Breaking Elitism in Polo01:00:29 The Unique Bond: Understanding the Horse-Rider Relationship01:05:21 Polo Horses: Choosing the Right Breed for the GameKey Insights1. Turn-On Technologies is revolutionizing payment systems through behavioral finance by creating a decentralized "float" system. Unlike traditional gift cards that lock customers into single merchants like Starbucks, Turn-On allows universal credit that works across their entire merchant ecosystem. This addresses the massive gift card market where companies like Starbucks hold billions in customer funds that can only be used at their locations.2. The financial industry operates on an exclusionary "closed loop" versus "open loop" system that creates significant friction and fees. Closed loop systems keep money within specific ecosystems without conversion to cash, while open loop systems allow cash withdrawal but trigger heavy regulation. Every transaction through traditional payment processors like Stripe can cost merchants 3-8% in fees, representing a massive burden on businesses.3. Point-of-sale systems function as the financial bloodstream and credit scoring mechanism for businesses. These systems track all card transactions and serve as the primary data source for merchant lending decisions. The gap between POS records and bank deposits reveals cash transactions that businesses may not be reporting, making POS data crucial for assessing business creditworthiness and loan risk.4. Traditional FinTech professionals often miss obvious opportunities due to ego and institutional thinking. Yu encountered resistance from established FinTech experts who initially dismissed his gift card-focused approach, despite the trillion-dollar market size. The financial industry's complexity is sometimes artificially maintained to exclude outsiders rather than serve genuine regulatory purposes.5. The information age is creating a fundamental divide between curious, resourceful individuals and those stuck in credentialist systems. With AI and LLMs amplifying human capability, people who ask the right questions and maintain curiosity will become exponentially more effective. Meanwhile, those relying on traditional credentials without underlying curiosity will fall further behind, creating unprecedented economic and social divergence.6. Polo serves as a powerful business metaphor and relationship-building tool that mirrors modern entrepreneurial challenges. Like mixed martial arts evolved from testing individual disciplines, business success now requires being competent across multiple areas rather than excelling in just one specialty. The sport also creates unique networking opportunities and teaches valuable lessons about partnership between human and animal.7. International financial systems reveal how governments use complexity and capital controls to maintain power over citizens. Yu's observations about Argentina's financial restrictions and the prevalence of cash economies in Latin America illustrate how regulatory complexity often serves political rather than protective purposes, creating opportunities for alternative financial systems that provide genuine value to users.
Stay informed on current events, visit www.NaturalNews.com - Special Report on Military Minerals Supply Chain (0:10) - Gold and Silver Market Analysis (0:47) - Introduction to Stable Coins and Their Risks (3:41) - Critique of Stable Coins and Government Control (12:28) - Alternatives to Stable Coins and Government Control (27:21) - The Day That Maga Died (1:00:16) - Conservative Influencers and Government Violence (1:11:29) - The Future of Conservative Politics (1:11:49) - Gold and Silver Pricing Trends (1:23:18) - Government Execution Squads and Freedom of Speech (1:24:17) - Government Weaponization and Civil War (1:27:06) - Alex Jones' Trial and Principle (1:28:56) - ICE Agents and Legal Rights (1:33:11) - Government Death Squads and Civil War (1:39:20) - Alex Jones' Altercation with ICE (1:40:24) - Conservative Reactions to Alex Jones' Death (1:47:33) - Kyle Seraphin's Background and FBI Experience (1:55:45) - Law Enforcement Training and ICE Operations (2:14:34) - Government Corruption and Financial Fraud (2:19:02) - Systemic Breakdown and Governmental Dysfunction (2:20:07) - The Role of States and Local Governments (2:33:29) - Historical Parallels and Future Scenarios (2:35:59) - Economic and Infrastructure Vulnerabilities (2:38:36) - Geopolitical and Cybersecurity Concerns (2:46:03) - Military and Resource Dependence (2:48:40) - Final Thoughts and Community Building (2:51:24) Watch more independent videos at http://www.brighteon.com/channel/hrreport ▶️ Support our mission by shopping at the Health Ranger Store - https://www.healthrangerstore.com ▶️ Check out exclusive deals and special offers at https://rangerdeals.com ▶️ Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: https://www.naturalnews.com/Readerregistration.html Watch more exclusive videos here:
Celo is quietly powering real-world payments at global scale. In this episode, David and Ryan sit down with Marek Olszewski, CEO of cLabs, to unpack how Celo became a fast, low-cost payments layer used for remittances, savings, onchain FX, and identity across emerging markets. They explore why Celo stayed focused on peer-to-peer payments while others chased trends, how Opera's MiniPay onboarded hundreds of thousands of daily users, and why stablecoins are reshaping global finance from the ground up. The conversation spans onchain FX, proof of personhood with Self.xyz, Ethereum's L2 future, and why fast, cheap payments, not hype, may be crypto's real unlock. ---
Crypto News: Fidelity Investments is launching its first stablecoin, the Fidelity Digital Dollar (FIDD), based on the Ethereum network. White House to gather crypto and banking industry executives to discuss crypto market structure legislation on Monday.Brought to you by
Ezra Solomon, Strategy Lead for Blockchain and DeFi at Fireblocks, sat down with me at the Stablecoin Summit NYC to discuss the infrastructure Fireblocks is building to help institutions adopt crypto and stablecoins. Brought to you by
The financial system has run on basically the same payments rails for the past several decades. But there is new infrastructure being built today that takes advantage of the unique capabilities of stablecoins. In some ways, the future is already here as Visa has processed several billion dollars in transactions that have been settled in stablecoins. But who will build the infrastructure needed for credit when we move to this new system?Today's guest is Rhett Roberts, the CEO and Founder of LoanPro. I last had Rhett on the show back in 2021, and needless to say, a lot has changed since then. Part of Rhett's thesis is that this talk around interest rate caps could actually be a catalyst to hasten a movement away from the traditional credit rails. And his company is already working on the systems and protocols to create a new credit infrastructure that runs on stablecoins.In this podcast you will learn:How LoanPro has evolved over the past five years.Why most fintechs are now moving into credit products.Why both banks and fintechs are using LoanPro to launch new credit products.Why the idea of an interest rate cap on credit cards is resonating today.What would happen if a 10% rate cap went into effect.Why this could be great news for BNPL and the other alternative lending products.Rhett's thesis around stablecoins and the value proposition.The elephant in the room for a stablecoin payments network.How a line of credit backed by stablecoins could work in reality.Where the card networks will sit within this new system.How LoanPro is helping to create these processes and protocols.Where we will be in five years time with this new infrastructure.Connect with Fintech One-on-One: Tweet me @PeterRenton Connect with me on LinkedIn Find previous Fintech One-on-One episodes
If you're a freelancer or a remote worker from the global south, you likely have a harder time getting paid and participating in the global economy. Maybe a global payments company doesn't operate in your country. Maybe they banned your account or froze your funds. Remote workers and freelancers from emerging markets often have to jump through hoops to get paid, incurring additional costs along the way.Meanwhile, more people than ever are working online, and more of these workers are coming from the developing world. Yet the global payments system is often failing the very people who rely on it the most. Are stablecoins the solution?This episode of Money Trails is presented by Stellar Development Foundation.Watch the full episode on YouTube.00:00 - The global payments system is broken01:34 - Freelancing and remote work payment issues03:38 - Why does this happen? De-risking04:29 - 1.2 billion people are reaching working age in emerging markets05:15 - Stablecoins to the rescue?07:09 - There is a tax on the global south09:03 - Next episode, we head to Lagos, NigeriaOur Links -
Join FPC Executive Director and CEO Reed Luhtanen as he goes off the rails with Kevin “The Payments Professor” Olsen of Pidgin. Class is in session as the professor provides a thorough 101 on stablecoins, then drops some insights on recent Nacha rule changes and describes for us his appreciation for banjo music. Register now for the FPC's Spring Member Meeting February 25-27th in Washington DC! https://fasterpaymentscouncil.org/events/2894/FPC-2026-Spring-Member-Meeting
Money is changing faster than most teams can update a roadmap. We sit down with Farooq Malik, Co-Founder and CEO of Rain, to unpack how stablecoins and tokenized dollars are moving from crypto headlines to the hidden plumbing of real payments - powering card programs, cross-border payouts, and embedded finance at enterprise scale.Farooq breaks down Rain's vertically integrated stack: pay-ins and payouts across ACH, wires, and Visa; support for dozens of stablecoins on 11 blockchains; and account logic that makes tokenized value feel like a familiar account, not a science project. We dig into a standout use case - a margin-backed credit card where each swipe triggers instant receivable financing in stablecoin - cutting working capital needs by about 80% and transforming the unit economics of card programs. He also shares how one API can issue regulatorily compliant products in multiple markets, letting global platforms pay creators, freelancers, and merchants in “international dollars” without stitching together country-by-country integrations.We explore the surge in institutional interest fueled by emerging regulatory clarity, the 30x volume growth Rain has seen in the last 12 months, and why broader rules could unlock 10x–100x adoption across the ecosystem. Farooq contrasts Rain's approach with reseller patchworks, highlighting the benefits of being a principal Visa member and owning the core of the stablecoin stack. Beyond stablecoins, we touch on open banking, the rise of global-first consumer apps, and how nomadic work patterns are forcing finance to follow people, not addresses.If you lead payments, product, or finance, you'll leave with a clear view of where tokenized money creates immediate value: better card economics, faster global disbursements, and simpler enterprise integrations.
Fidelity announces its FIDD stablecoin. Robinhood plans 24/7 tokenized stock trading. The EF PSE team shares a client-side GPU acceleration roadmap. And Uniswap adds CCAs on its web app. Read more: https://ethdaily.io/871 Sponsor: Arkiv is an Ethereum-aligned data layer for Web3. Arkiv brings the familiar concept of a traditional Web2 database into the Web3 ecosystem. Find out more at Arkiv.network Content is for informational purposes only, not endorsement or investment advice. The accuracy of information is not guaranteed.
A new episode of the JofA podcast breaks down the AICPA's updated criteria for stablecoin controls, explaining what issuers and practitioners need to know as regulatory expectations evolve. This episode explores how revised AICPA stablecoin criteria support more consistent reporting, disclosure, and control assessments across a rapidly developing digital asset landscape. What you'll learn from this episode: Why the AICPA developed updated criteria for stablecoin controls and how they complement existing presentation and disclosure criteria. How the criteria help issuers and auditors evaluate controls over tokens in circulation and the related reserve assets. How the guidance aligns with regulation, including federal guidelines in the GENIUS Act. Who can use the criteria and how practitioners can apply them in assurance engagements involving stablecoins. What work the AICPA Attestation Subgroup is planning for digital asset-related controls and auditing guidance.
Bob Murphy is a Senior Fellow at the Mises Institute and Chief Economist at Infineon. In this conversation, we discuss Federal Reserve policy, tariffs, and what's really happening in the U.S. economy. We break down the housing market, inflation, and what it all means for your wallet—plus Bob's Austrian economics perspective on gold, bitcoin, and the road ahead.=======================BitcoinIRA: Buy, sell, and swap 80+ cryptocurrencies in your retirement account. Take 3 minutes to open your account & get connected to a team of IRA specialists that will guide you through every step of the process. Go to https://bitcoinira.com/pomp/ to earn up to $1,000 in rewards.=======================As markets shift, headlines break, and interest rates swing, one thing stays true — opportunity is everywhere. At Arch Public, we help you do more than just buy and hold. Yes, our dynamic accumulation algorithms are built for long-term investors… but where we really shine? Our arbitrage algos — designed to farm volatility and turbocharge your core positions. The best part of Arch Public's products is they are free! Yes, you heard that right, try Arch Public for free! Take advantage of wild moves in assets like $SOL, $SUI, and $DOGE, and use them to stack more Bitcoin — completely hands-free. Arch Public is already a preferred partner with Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, and Robinhood, and our team is here to help you build smarter in any market. Visit Arch Public today, at https://www.archpublic.com, your portfolio will thank you.=======================0:00 – Intro1:52 – Why gold has outperformed bitcoin5:06 – Fed vs White House: power, politics, & “independence”17:03 – Tariffs, trade deficits, & inflation outlook22:06 – Stablecoins: why they matter & key risks28:34 – Economic data: what to trust?
As Washington digs out from a winter storm, there are signs that the long-stalled crypto market structure bill may be inching forward again, with behind-the-scenes negotiations aiming to revive a bipartisan path in the Senate Agriculture Committee. The episode unpacks the competing narratives around whether talks are truly back on track, the political tradeoffs shaping the next markup, and why stablecoin yield remains the most stubborn blocker. It also looks at how pressure is building from outside Washington, from Coinbase and Bloomberg's Neil Ferguson pushing back on banking-lobby arguments, to new yield-bearing products from Bitwise and BlackRock that could make parts of the debate obsolete, before closing with a look at how Bitcoin miners' grid-balancing role showed up during the latest round of extreme winter weather. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
This episode of The Edge of Show was recorded live at the Future of Money, Governance, and the Law (FOMGL) 2025 event in Washington, D.C. In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of finance, exploring the intersection of traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi).Join Mariana de la Roche alongside distinguished panelists including Joanna Rindell, Annelise Osborne and Charlie Hu as they discussInsights from leaders in the Tezos ecosystem, Bitcoin L2 systems, and innovative blockchain projects.The transformation of finance over the past two decades and the future of DeFi.The impact of regulatory developments like the Clarity Act and Mika on the DeFi space.Real-world applications of DeFi, including tokenization of assets and social impact projects.The importance of financial literacy in navigating the DeFi landscape.Tune in to discover how DeFi is reshaping our financial future and what it means for both individuals and institutions!Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes!____
Crypto News: Morgan Stanley appoints new head of digital asset strategy. Tether Announces the Launch of USA₮, the Federally Regulated, Dollar-Backed Stablecoin.Brought to you by
Episode 79: Liberate the Yield with Ronald Falls, Jr. Ron Falls visits the Tokens of Wisdom Studio to shed light on the epic showdown of Brian vs The Banks. We discuss the controversy surrounding yield provisions for stablecoins, the banking industry's response, and the potential future of financial services as digital assets gain traction. Key Points From This Episode: The Clarity Act aims to provide a regulatory framework for digital assets.Stablecoin issuers are prohibited from paying interest to holders under the Genius Act.Exchanges have found loopholes to reward stablecoin holders despite this prohibition.The banking industry is concerned about losing deposits to stablecoins offering higher yields.There is a tension between traditional banks and crypto exchanges regarding yield provisions.The conversation around yield is becoming a significant political issue.Technological innovation in financial services should lead to healthy competition and more choices for consumers.Consumers should advocate for better yield opportunities in the digital asset space. Disclaimer: This show is for informational purposes only. Nothing presented here constitutes legal, investment or tax advice. The guests that join us share their considerable fund-related wisdom, but everything they share here is their personal opinion and for educational purposes only. On this show, they are speaking for themselves, and not for their employer or any affiliated entity. Tokens of Wisdom is produced by Dave Rothschild, partner at Cole-Frieman & Mallon LLP headquartered in San Francisco, California. For more information, visit https://colefrieman.com/ Links Mentioned in Today's Episode: Dave Rothschild - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcrothschild/Ronald Falls, Jr. - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laexecutive9/Cole-Frieman & Mallon LLP - https://colefrieman.com/Music by Joe Ginsberg - https://www.instagram.com/thejoeginsbergFor any questions or comments, email: tow@colefrieman.com
In this episode, Austin talks with Anthony, Executive Director of Wyoming's Stable Token Commission, about how Wyoming became the first U.S. state to issue its own government-backed stablecoin. They discuss the state's decade-long push into crypto policy, why Wyoming chose to operate digital financial infrastructure instead of just regulating it, and how the Frontier Stable Token is designed to be fully backed, legally neutral, and usable for any lawful purpose. The conversation covers constitutional safeguards around privacy and due process, how reserves generate public revenue, and why a small, agile state may be uniquely positioned to experiment with on-chain money—offering a glimpse into what the future of state finance could look like. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Leading advocacy groups from across the US digital asset sector have urged the Federal Trade Commission to adopt a more restrained and technologically informed approach to consumer protection. Meanwhile, tokenized stocks are exploding in adoption.~This episode is sponsored by Tangem~Tangem ➜ https://bit.ly/TangemPBNUse Code: "PBN" for Additional Discounts!00:00 intro00:06 Tangem: Sponsor00:29 CLARITY Act odds00:59 Amendments Coming01:19 Senate is in JP Morgan's Pocket02:18 JP Morgan raids SEC office03:36 DTCC Enabling Tokenized Stocks04:16 Securitize vs DTCC05:00 FTC Wants "Kill Switch" on Crypto05:45 Robinhood enabling Tokenized Stocks06:30 Gamestop Anniversary07:00 Jupiter x Ondo07:27 $JUP and $HYPE07:50 Solana Tokenized Stocks08:42 Avalanche RWA Incoming09:20 Vault Explosion Incoming09:52 Stablecoins vs Visa & Mastercard10:41 IRS Forcing Users into DeFi11:46 Gold & Silver Skyrocketing12:38 Ethereum Wins With CLARITY13:03 outro#Crypto #bitcoin #Ethereum~Gov Wants "Kill Switch" on Crypto!?
Tune in live every weekday Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM Eastern to 10:15 AM.Buy our NFTJoin our DiscordCheck out our TwitterCheck out our YouTubeDISCLAIMER: The views shared on this show are the hosts' opinions only and should not be taken as financial advice. This content is for entertainment and informational purposes.
Polaris introduces its stablecoin operating system. Tether launches its USA₮ stablecoin on Ethereum. FOCIL is proposed as a headliner for Hegotá. And SSV Network introduces SSV Staking. Read more: https://ethdaily.io/870 Sponsor: Arkiv is an Ethereum-aligned data layer for Web3. Arkiv brings the familiar concept of a traditional Web2 database into the Web3 ecosystem. Find out more at Arkiv.network Content is for informational purposes only, not endorsement or investment advice. The accuracy of information is not guaranteed.
Patrick Witt, Executive Director of President's Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, joins CoinDesk's Sam Ewen to discuss the presence of crypto at Davos 2026 and President Trump's renewed pledge to make America the global center of innovation. Witt breaks down the tension between traditional banks and the crypto industry, and its impact on the market structure battle. - Timecodes 01:05 Crypto's "Turning Point" at Davos 02:10 The Future of Stablecoins and Crypto Regulation 03:26 U.S. Leadership in Crypto Innovation 06:45 The Path Forward for Crypto Legislation 09:56 The White House's Stand on Stablecoin Yield 12:14 Does Venezuela Have a Secret Crypto Stash? - This episode was hosted by Sam Ewen.
Crypto News: Ripple XRP partners with Saudi bank unit on blockchain payments, custody, and tokenization. BlackRock files for a new iShares Bitcoin Premium Income ETF. https://x.com/Ripple/status/2015923986589262039Brought to you by
From Walmart and Amazon to banks and credit unions, stablecoins are accelerating a banking reset that is already reshaping how payments move. In this episode of Banking Transformed, I'm joined by Dr. Lamont Black, Associate Professor of Finance at DePaul University. We will break down why stablecoins represent a fundamental shift in financial infrastructure, not another crypto cycle. We will also explore how emerging payment rails challenge traditional card networks, what this means for deposits, data, and interchange revenue, and how financial institutions of all sizes should prepare for what comes next. This conversation is essential listening for banking executives, payments leaders, and fintech professionals who want to understand the real impact of stablecoins, the strategic risks of waiting, and how the banking reset is already unfolding.
As lawmakers work to unify crypto and traditional finance under one rulebook, U.S. banks are pressing Congress to ban yields on payment stablecoins.~This episode is sponsored by Uphold~Uphold Get $20 in Bitcoin - Signup & Verify and trade at least $100 of any crypto within your first 30 days ➜ https://bit.ly/pbnupholdGuest: Cody Carbone, CEO of The Digital ChamberWebsite ➜ https://digitalchamber.org/00:00 Intro00:10 Sponsor Uphold00:30 Gaslighting Coinbase recap02:00 CLARITY update03:30 Patrick putting the blame on Banks?06:40 Patrick Witt: World's Worst Negotiator For Crypto?10:00 White House position on stablecoin yields?13:00 Global fumble?14:00 Do the Dems vote for it?15:30 Who is heading the effort?16:30 Did Visa/Mastercard just score another win?18:00 Bernie was brainwashed19:30 Has anyone tried to reach out to Bernie on this issue?22:00 Yields issue up for a separate vote?22:40 Will banks try to ban vaults next?24:30 Bitwise Vaults27:00 Crypto IPO flops are going to devastate bigger IPO season28:00 BitGo and AVAX ETF flops31:00 Outro#Crypto #Bitcoin #Ethereum~Could Bernie Join Stablecoin Yield Fight?
For episode 236, we're excited to welcome Jamie Green, COO of Superset, a crypto start-up on a mission to improve stablecoin efficiency & reliability. Before building in Web3, he worked across startups, venture, and the United Nations; including on programs supporting Syrian refugees with blockchain.In this episode, we dive into why fragmented stablecoin liquidity across chains is one of the biggest bottlenecks to real-world adoption; how Superset is building infrastructure to make stablecoin FX cheaper and more dependable; and what builders can learn from operating at the intersection of finance, humanitarian systems, and Web3.You'll learn:
In Episode 48 of Chain Reactions, we sit down with Ben Sanders, Chief Growth Officer at [Rootstock Labs](https://rootstock.io/), to unpack what it takes to grow the oldest Bitcoin sidechain in an industry obsessed with short-term wins.Ben came into crypto with zero degen credentials. His background spans management consulting at Bain, go-to-market at WorldPay ahead of their IPO, and executive roles at fintech startups like Chipper Cash. He joined Rootstock for an interim role and ended up staying to lead growth for a chain that's been quietly building Bitcoin programmability for nearly a decade.**We cover:**- How Ben learned Bitcoin, crypto, and Rootstock all at once (with no prior Web3 experience)- The origin of Rootstock: Argentinian Bitcoiners building EVM compatibility on Bitcoin before it was cool- Why Rootstock is the "next best thing to Bitcoin" with 90% of Bitcoin's hash rate- The 3 A's framework for growth: Awareness, Attractiveness, Accessibility- Market entry strategies for Korea (retail, CEX listings) vs Japan (institutional, relationship-driven)- Rootstock Institutional and the $260B opportunity in dormant Bitcoin- Why long-term brand building is the most underrated tactic in Web3We also get into TradFi-DeFi convergence, why airdrops are overrated, and what it means to "run your own race" when every project around you is chasing flavor-of-the-month narratives.---**Timestamps**00:00 – Intro and getting started02:00 – Ben's path: Bain, WorldPay, fintech startups, zero crypto background05:30 – Learning Bitcoin, crypto, and Rootstock all at once07:30 – The shift back to utility and self-sovereignty of money09:30 – What is Rootstock: Argentinian Bitcoiners and programmable Bitcoin11:30 – Rootstock vs Rootstock Labs vs RIF token explained14:00 – First priority as CGO: interoperability and on-ramps17:00 – Why Rootstock over other Bitcoin L2s (safety, security, hash rate)20:00 – Bitcoin holders vs retail degens: different audiences, different approaches24:00 – The 3 A's framework: Awareness, Attractiveness, Accessibility26:00 – Market entry into Korea and Japan with Myosin28:30 – Korea Blockchain Week and the Korbit listing31:00 – 2026 focus: consolidation over expansion32:30 – Rootstock Institutional and unlocking $260B in dormant Bitcoin40:00 – TradFi and DeFi convergence: the industry is finally catching up44:00 – Where Rootstock fits as the space matures47:00 – Alpha for Bitcoin holders: what's coming in the next 6-9 months51:00 – Rapid fire: most underrated marketing tactic (long-term brand building)53:30 – Rapid fire: most overrated tactic (airdrops, renting TVL)55:30 – Projects doing it right: Morpho, Midas, Wheeler57:30 – Biggest learning: stay focused, run your own race---**Show Notes & Mentions**-
Crypto News: BlackRock Chief Investment Officer Rick Rieder surges 46% in odds to be picked by President Trump as new Fed Chair. if this happens it could be very bullish for bitcoin and crypto. R3 bets on Solana to bring institutional yield onchain.Brought to you by ✅ VeChain is a versatile enterprise-grade L1 smart contract platform https://www.vechain.org/
For episode 669 of the BlockHash Podcast, host Brandon Zemp is joined by Matt Carr, Managing Partner of QCI Partners.
Austin Campbell is a finance and risk management professional with two decades of experience spanning trading, portfolio management, executive leadership, and academia. He is the Managing Partner and Founder of Zero Knowledge Consulting and serves as an Acting CFO at Glueti, having recently held the role of Acting CEO at WSPN Ltd. He has taught as an adjunct professor at both NYU Stern and Columbia Business School, specializing in finance and markets. Previously, Austin was Chief Risk Officer and Head of Portfolio Management at Paxos, following senior trading and portfolio management roles at Citi, Stone Ridge, and JP Morgan Chase, where he advanced to Executive Director in Rates Trading. He began his career as a catastrophe risk analyst at Benfield and John B Collins Associates, with early research experience in mathematics at California State University Chico. In this conversation, we discuss:- Open Frontier - Stablecoins - Tokenization of assets - Traditional payment systems vs crypto - Decoupling lending incentives from user incentives - The importance of the Genius Act - Economic realignment that returns power to mainstream - The fragmentation of the financial systems - Composability of blockchains - “smart regulation” - Zero Knowledge Consulting Zero Knowledge Consulting X: @ZKZeroKnowledgeWebsite: www.zero-knowledge.comNewsletter: www.zero-in.beehiiv.comAustin CampbellX: @austincampbellLinkedIn: Austin Campbell---------------------------------------------------------------------------------This episode is brought to you by PrimeXBT.PrimeXBT offers a robust trading system for both beginners and professional traders that demand highly reliable market data and performance. Traders of all experience levels can easily design and customize layouts and widgets to best fit their trading style. PrimeXBT is always offering innovative products and professional trading conditions to all customers. PrimeXBT is running an exclusive promotion for listeners of the podcast. After making your first deposit, 50% of that first deposit will be credited to your account as a bonus that can be used as additional collateral to open positions. Code: CRYPTONEWS50 This promotion is available for a month after activation. Click the link below: PrimeXBT x CRYPTONEWS50FollowApple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicRSS FeedSee All
Epicenter - Learn about Blockchain, Ethereum, Bitcoin and Distributed Technologies
In this episode, we are joined by Zach Abrams, CEO of Bridge, to unpack the infrastructure behind the next generation of global payments. Zach discusses Bridge's mission to move stablecoins beyond mere trading use cases and into core financial services, a vision that recently led to its landmark acquisition by Stripe . He explains how stablecoins function as an innovation at every layer of the money stack, enabling payments that are fundamentally faster and cheaper than legacy systems like ACH or SEPA. They delve into the technical "puzzle pieces" of payments, from the inefficiencies of FBO bank accounts to the "cheat code" of compounding growth in the stablecoin sector. Zach introduces the concept of Stablecoin Orchestration and details why the current USDC/USDT duopoly is unaligned with high-velocity payments due to rent-seeking burn fees and AUM-focused models . Finally, the conversation explores the future of consumer finance, where non-custodial wallets act as bank replacements and a pluralistic ecosystem of local, company-issued stablecoins challenges the dominance of the US dollar Topics00:00 Intro & Context04:15 Legacy Rails vs. Stablecoin Innovation09:30 The "Cash App" Hack & Payments Creativity15:00 Why Bridge Joined Stripe21:45 Maslow's Hierarchy of Startup Needs27:10 Stablecoin Orchestration & Issuance Explained35:20 The Duopoly Problem: Why USDC/USDT Isn't Enough42:15 Orthogonal Competition: The "Europe" of Stablecoins49:00 Wallets as the New Primary Bank Account55:30 Regrets of a "Child of the Depression" FounderLinksZach Abrams on X: https://x.com/ZCAbramsBridge: https://bridge.xyzStripe: https://stripe.comGnosis: https://gnosis.io/Sponsors: Gnosis: Gnosis has been building core decentralized infrastructure for the Ethereum ecosystem since 2015. With the launch of Gnosis Pay last year, we introduced the world's first Decentralized Payment Network. Start leveraging its power today at http://gnosis.io
Breaking down the fight over stablecoin yield. Veda Labs General Counsel and former SEC Senior Attorney TuongVy Le joins Jennifer Sanasie and Renato Mariotti to discuss the critical stumbles in the Market Structure draft. Le explains why the fight over yield is "the tip of the iceberg" in a massive paradigm shift for consumer finance. Plus, insights into the New York Stock Exchange's pivot to on-chain settlement and why a "circuit split" on prediction markets could force a Supreme Court intervention. - This episode was hosted by Jennifer Sanasie and Renato Mariotti.
The interview was recorded during Abu Dhabi Finance Week. We discuss the future of stablecoins like USDC, how Circle is positioning itself in global finance, and whether traditional banks are prepared for what's coming. - Why Circle chose the UAE for its regional expansion - What the GENIUS Act means for USDC and stablecoin adoption - The growing tension between crypto yield and traditional banks - How Circle's new Ark network could reshape financial infrastructure - Why emerging markets may lead stablecoin usage - What challenges banks face in adopting digital assets Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: https://bit.ly/4pUY0Ik
Markets slide this week as Trump floats taking Greenland and tariff threats resurface, pushing investors toward gold. Ryan and David break down what Davos revealed about a shifting world order, why crypto finally had a real seat at the table, and the moments from Brian Armstrong and Larry Fink that framed Crypto versus Central Banks. Plus: the NYSE unveils a tokenized trading platform and whether it validates or co-opts DeFi, Farcaster and Lens are acquired as on-chain social hits a crossroads, and a Jefferies strategist drops Bitcoin over quantum fears. Finally, an update on the Clarity Act delay and the race for the next Fed chair. ---
This week the boys break down the Crypto Clarity Act's dramatic Senate markup with Coin Center's Peter Van Valkenburgh, covering developer liability concerns, tokenized securities language controversy, the banking industry's war against stablecoin yield. Welcome to The Chopping Block — where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner chop it up about the latest in crypto. Tarun's out this episode, but we're joined by Peter Van Valkenburgh, Principal of Policy at Coin Center and one of the sharpest legal minds in crypto. This week, we're diving deep into the Crypto Clarity Act drama that has DC in chaos mode. What started as crypto's best shot at comprehensive regulation just hit a major roadblock when Coinbase pulled their support hours before the Senate markup. We'll break down the developer liability questions around "control" definitions, the tokenized securities language that has Brian Armstrong fired up, and the stablecoin yield restrictions that have banks and crypto companies at each other's throats. Peter gives us the inside scoop on what's really in this 200-page bill, why Polymarket odds crashed from 80% to 40%, and whether this legislative train wreck can still get back on track. Let's get into it. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pods, Fountain, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. Show highlights
Today's blockchain and crypto news Bitcoin is up slightly at $88,599 Ethereum is up slightly at $2,936 And Binance Coin is up slightly at $876 Bloomberg says Trump family fortune increased by $1.4B thanks to crypto Winklevoss Twins donate ZEC to support Zcash Hong Kong plans first batch of stablecoins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today's episode digs into the deepening market structure fallout in Washington, tracing how Coinbase's withdrawal from the bill triggered White House anger, exposed fractures across the crypto lobby, and reignited bipartisan resistance in the Senate, particularly around DeFi liability and stablecoin yield. The episode explores why stablecoin yield has become the central fault line between banks and crypto, with banks warning of deposit flight while critics argue the real issue is banks protecting profits at the expense of consumers, leaving the bill stuck between irreconcilable interests. The result is a pessimistic moment for crypto legislation, where momentum still exists but the path forward increasingly looks like it will require one side to cave—or the effort to collapse entirely. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
From investment banker to crypto fund strategist, Stas Sukhinin shares insider perspectives on how credit committees really make decisions, why over-leveraged companies fail fast during downturns, and where stablecoins are creating trillion-dollar transaction opportunities. In this episode of the DealQuest Podcast, host Corey Kupfer sits down with Stas Sukhinin, a finance veteran with over 19 years of experience spanning investment banking, corporate lending, and alternative asset management. Stas began his career at internationally recognized institutions including UniCredit and Societe General, where he helped pioneer mezzanine loan products in Eastern Europe. By age 29, he had become a senior partner at one of the region's largest mezzanine lenders, managing a team of 20 finance professionals and overseeing a $450 million loan portfolio. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: In this episode, you'll discover what really happens inside credit committees when your loan application gets reviewed and why factors unrelated to your business can determine outcomes. Stas explains how strong companies can go from healthy to restructuring in just three to four months when leverage catches up with them, and the critical difference between how first-time owners and experienced operators approach debt decisions. You'll learn the two key factors that determine how much debt your business can handle, why working capital provisions in purchase agreements deserve more attention than most buyers give them, and how sellers legally present financials in the most favorable light. The conversation also covers Stas's experience investing in the 2017 ICO boom where 90% of projects went to zero but winners returned 50x to 100x, why venture capital investors sometimes block deals that would be life-changing for founders, and where stablecoin transaction volume is already reaching trillions while most people remain unaware. STAS'S JOURNEY: Stas's path into finance started at age 14 when a classmate brought a business magazine to school. Reading about business owners selling companies for millions crystallized his direction. He knew he wanted to be in corporate lending where he could see businesses, analyze financials, and speak directly with owners while working with numbers at a bank. His first role as a junior credit analyst gave him exactly that. He progressed from working with small businesses that had no financials to mid-sized companies to large corporations. Each step taught him more about how deals really get done from inside the institutions making funding decisions. CREDIT COMMITTEE INSIGHTS: Stas pulls back the curtain on what actually happens when loan applications reach credit committees. The reality differs dramatically from what most business owners imagine. Factors affecting approval can seem completely unrelated to the specific deal. Maybe the bank already has a competitor in their portfolio. Maybe the receivable financing department has a different relationship with someone in your industry. One offhand comment from a committee member who hasn't read the full memo can change the entire trajectory of a conversation or result in higher interest rates. DEBT MANAGEMENT LESSONS: The pattern Stas has seen destroy companies in months follows predictable steps. Revenue drops or stagnates. Margins deteriorate because of increased competition and client uncertainty. Debt ratios that looked comfortable suddenly reach concerning levels. Refinancing options disappear just when needed most. Interest rates climb. Everything compounds simultaneously. The difference between experienced and first-time business owners comes down to scenario planning. Experienced operators build safety margins and stress-test assumptions. First-time owners assume conditions will continue as they are. That assumption determines survival. ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENTS: Stas joined a crypto investment fund at its inception in 2017 during the ICO boom. Out of many investments, approximately 90% went to zero. The winners returned 50x or 100x. His observation about liquidity cycles was particularly interesting. Traditional venture now averages seven-year holding periods while crypto projects can reach liquidity events in three or four years through token distributions. On stablecoins, Stas sees enormous opportunity in programmable money. Transaction volume is already in the trillions though most people in developed countries don't realize the scale. Goldman Sachs reportedly reduced bond settlement time from three days to minutes using blockchain technology. Perfect for business owners considering debt financing, entrepreneurs navigating capital raising, and anyone interested in how credit decisions really get made and where alternative investments are creating new opportunities. FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE: https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/stassukhinin FOR MORE ON STAS SUKHININ: https://www.thesourcer.so https://www.linkedin.com/in/stassukhinin/ FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/ https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast. Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today! Episode Highlights with Timestamps: [00:00] - Introduction: Stas Sukhinin's 19 years in finance from investment banking to crypto [03:26] - First deal experience: Structuring a real estate development loan with disbursement tied to sales [05:47] - Hidden factors: Why deals get rejected for reasons unrelated to underwriting criteria[08:20] - Committee dynamics: How one comment from an uninvolved member changes deal trajectories [11:41] - Timing and instruments: When companies use the wrong type of capital [15:55] - Risk assumptions: The difference between first-time and experienced business owners [18:29] - Volatility factors: How income stability determines appropriate leverage levels [21:09] - M&A implications: Structuring adjustment provisions for concentration risk [24:09] - Liquidity advantages: Why crypto offers shorter holding periods than traditional venture[27:55] - Venture math: The story of a VC blocking a life-changing exit for 1x returns [29:27] - Due diligence limitations: Legal ways sellers present favorable financials [32:14] - Stablecoins explained: Digital tokens designed to maintain dollar parity [36:31] - Programmable money: Smart contracts that execute automatically on conditions [38:00] - Financial advisory services: How Stas helps business owners understand their financials[39:14] - Freedom defined: Removing gatekeepers and accessing financial systems without barriers Guest Bio: Stas Sukhinin has over 19 years of experience in finance spanning investment banking, corporate lending, and alternative asset management. He began his career at internationally recognized institutions including UniCredit and Societe General, where he helped pioneer mezzanine loan products and shaped the market in Eastern Europe. By age 29, Stas had become a senior partner at one of the region's largest mezzanine lenders, managing a team of 20 finance professionals and overseeing a $450 million loan portfolio. He later served on boards of several private companies, deepening his expertise across credit investments and corporate governance. Recognizing early opportunities in alternative assets, Stas joined a crypto investment fund at its inception in 2017 and continues to lead its strategy and operations. He now helps business owners run more efficiently from the lens of financials through his advisory practice. Host Bio: Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker with more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast. Show Description: Do you want your business to grow faster? The DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer reveals how successful entrepreneurs and business leaders use strategic deals to accelerate growth. From large mergers and acquisitions to capital raising, joint ventures, strategic alliances, real estate deals, and more, this show discusses the full spectrum of deal-driven growth strategies. Get the confidence to pursue deals that will help your company scale faster. Related Episodes: Episode 350 - Tom Dillon: When NOT to Take Venture Capital Money: Explore alternative funding sources including private credit, SBA loans, and sale-leasebacks with a fractional CFO who works with startups on capital strategy. Episode 370 - Gerry Hays: Democratizing Venture Capital Through VentureStaking: Discover alternative approaches to early-stage investing that don't require massive checks or exclusive networks. Episode 85 - Nick Adams: Seed Stage Venture Capital Funds: Understand how traditional VCs think about early-stage deals and what metrics they evaluate from the investor perspective. Episode 351 - Solocast: Deal Structures Beyond M&A and Capital Raising: Learn about joint ventures, strategic alliances, licensing agreements, and other creative partnership models for business growth. Episode 324 - Sejal Lakhani-Bhatt: Tech Due Diligence in M&A: Explore how technology systems and cybersecurity impact business valuation and deal outcomes. Episode 330 - Pete Mohr: Preparing Your Business for Exit: Understand why sellers often cause deals to fail and how to prepare for the emotional aspects of selling a business. Follow DealQuest Podcast: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/ Website: https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Follow Stas Sukhinin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stassukhinin/ Website: https://www.thesourcer.so Keywords/Tags: corporate lending insights, credit committee decisions, debt management for businesses, mezzanine lending, alternative asset management, crypto investment strategy, stablecoin business applications, EBITDA management, leverage risk, working capital due diligence, venture capital exits, ICO investing, blockchain finance, programmable money, business financing, capital structure, due diligence strategies, financial advisory, dealmaking, business growth strategies