The Crypto Beat

Episode 73 of The Crypto Beat features Tim and Kelvin in conversation with Sam Green, Founder of Cambrian Network, and Austin Griffith, Head of Builder Growth at the Ethereum Foundation.They discuss how AI agents are already building smart contracts, managing capital, and interacting with onchain systems, while also introducing new risks around security and user control.OUTLINE02:01 - Introduction03:32 - AI Tooling Setup06:53 - Vibe Coded Game09:08 - AI Hacking Debate15:42 - X402 Payments19:38 - Permissioned Chains24:07 - Agent Standards30:28 - AgentFi Trends36:15 - DeFi Risk Layer41:49 - Letting Agents TradeGuest links:Sam Green - https://x.com/0xsamgreenCambrian Network - https://x.com/CambrianNetworkAustin Griffith - https://x.com/austingriffithEthereum Foundation - https://x.com/ethereumfndnHosts:Tim Copeland - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/timccopeland⁠⁠⁠⁠Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters!🚨 Breaking News👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis📈 Market InsightsSubscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hiring in crypto?🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block!✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

Episode 72 of The Crypto Beat features Tim and Kelvin in conversation with Nikola Plecas, VP of Payments at TON Foundation, to break down how Telegram is evolving into a crypto payments platform.He explains TON’s strategy around merchant tools, stablecoin payments, and reducing friction for everyday users, while highlighting key growth areas like remittances and crypto commerce.OUTLINE00:00 - Introduction00:43 - TON Payments Strategy01:21 - Merchant Tools and SDK04:50 - Growth Opportunities06:59 - Blockchain vs Fiat Rails09:41 - TON vs Visa Experience11:20 - Industry Challenges13:04 - Institutional Adoption18:13 - Telegram UX and Wallets23:04 - Regulation and Market OutlookGuest links:Nikola Plecas - https://x.com/nikola_plecasTON - https://x.com/ton_blockchainHosts:Tim Copeland - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/timccopeland⁠⁠⁠⁠Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters!🚨 Breaking News👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis📈 Market InsightsSubscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hiring in crypto?🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block!✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

Episode 71 of The Crypto Beat features Tim and Kelvin in conversation with Charlie Lee, creator of Litecoin, to reflect on crypto’s evolution from its early cypherpunk roots to today’s institution-driven market. He explains why Litecoin has remained focused on fast, reliable payments, the importance of privacy and fungibility, and how new trends like AI intersect with crypto.OUTLINE00:00 - Introduction01:02 - Early Crypto Growth02:20 - Competing in Crypto03:58 - Smart Contracts on Litecoin05:26 - Privacy and Fungibility09:58 - AI and Engineering14:07 - AI Agents and Money15:42 - Why Decentralization Matters18:27 - Institutions Enter Crypto24:40 - Market Cycle OutlookGuest links:Charlie Lee - https://x.com/SatoshiLiteLitecoin - https://x.com/litecoinHosts:Tim Copeland - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/timccopeland⁠⁠⁠⁠Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters!🚨 Breaking News👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis📈 Market InsightsSubscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠...---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hiring in crypto?🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block!✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

Episode 70 of The Crypto Beat features Tim and Kelvin in conversation with Thomas Cowan, Head of Tokenization at Galaxy Digital, and Jim Hiltner, Co-Founder of Superstate. The conversation explores how Superstate tokenized Galaxy’s equity onchain, the regulatory and infrastructure challenges involved, and why institutions are increasingly exploring tokenization.OUTLINE00:00 - Introduction00:57 - Galaxy Stock Onchain02:39 - When Equities Move Onchain05:16 - Trading Volume Today07:25 - IPOs on Blockchain09:17 - Market Adoption Curve12:25 - TradFi Interest Rising16:14 - Regulatory Capital Clarity19:37 - DeFi and TradFi Converge23:01 - CLO Example30:45 - Ownership Models Explained38:04 - DeFi Collateral Markets43:06 - What Assets Come NextGuest links:Thomas Cowan - https://x.com/ThomasCowan93Jim Hiltner - https://x.com/HiltnerJimGalaxy HQ - https://x.com/galaxyhqSuperstate - https://x.com/SuperstateIncHosts:Tim Copeland - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/timccopeland⁠⁠⁠⁠Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters!🚨 Breaking News👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis📈 Market InsightsSubscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠...---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hiring in crypto?🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block!✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

Episode 69 of The Crypto Beat features Tim and Kelvin in conversation with Markus Infanger, SVP at RippleX | Ripple. The conversation explores why firms like Aviva Investors are experimenting with tokenized funds, how blockchain infrastructure could modernize financial market plumbing, and where institutional DeFi is gaining traction.OUTLINE00:00 - Introduction01:19 - Aviva Tokenization Announcement02:31 - Why Tokenize Funds05:42 - Compliance and Permissioned Access07:42 - TradFi Interest Changing10:14 - RWA Growth Opportunities16:57 - XRP Utility Explained19:57 - Agents and Blockchain25:36 - Automated Finance Future31:18 - RippleX 2026 Roadmap39:40 - From Banking to CryptoGuest links:Markus Infanger - https://x.com/markusinfangerRippleX - https://x.com/RippleXDevRipple - https://x.com/RippleHosts:Tim Copeland - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/timccopeland⁠⁠⁠⁠Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters!🚨 Breaking News👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis📈 Market InsightsSubscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hiring in crypto?🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block!✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

In episode 68 of The Crypto Beat features Tim and Kelvin in conversation with BitGo CEO Mike Belshe. The discussion covers BitGo’s pursuit of a national bank charter, the expanding role of traditional finance in the crypto ecosystem, and why market structure, custody infrastructure, and clear regulation will be essential to long-term industry adoption.OUTLINE00:00 – Introduction01:11 – BitGo’s Institutional Growth02:38 – IPO and Market Shift04:31 – Building Crypto Infrastructure06:32 – Market Structure Debate08:23 – National Bank Charter10:07 – Wall Street Entering Crypto15:43 – Future Crypto Innovations24:00 – From Google to Bitcoin29:14 – AI and Crypto Custody37:51 – Crypto and Global Events42:27 – Stablecoin Depeg DiscussionGuest links:Mike Belshe - https://x.com/mikebelsheBitGo - https://x.com/BitGoHosts:Tim Copeland - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/timccopeland⁠⁠⁠⁠Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters!🚨 Breaking News👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis📈 Market InsightsSubscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hiring in crypto?🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block!✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

In episode 67 of The Crypto Beat, Tim and Kelvin were joined by Ethos Network CEO Trevor Thompson to discuss the escalating bot crisis on X and how AI tools like OpenClaw have made it trivially easy to spin up fake accounts at scale. He argues that biometric solutions like WorldCoin aren't cypherpunk enough, and instead pitches Ethos's social consensus model — where humans vouch for each other's authenticity with skin in the game — as a privacy-preserving alternative to KYC.OUTLINE00:00 - Introduction01:54 - The Bot Problem on X03:59 - AI and the Slop Super Cycle05:19 - Credibility in the Age of AI11:40 - The Chess Engine Analogy12:55 - Why Serpentax Built Ethos15:11 - Ethos Human Verification Explained20:06 - Sybil Attacks and Proving You're Human28:18 - Social Capital and Alt Accounts36:56 - Community Erosion in CryptoGuest links:Trevor Thompson/Serpin Taxt - https://x.com/serpinxbtEthos - https://x.com/ethos_networkHosts:Tim Copeland - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/timccopeland⁠⁠⁠⁠Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters!🚨 Breaking News👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis📈 Market InsightsSubscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hiring in crypto?🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block!✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

In episode 66 of The Crypto Beat, Tim and Kelvin were joined by Galaxy's Michael Marcantonio and Ondo's Matt Blumberg to discuss the ways in which AI agents will operate in the economy, and how crypto and DeFi and primed to play a key facilitating role. They also make the case that despite bearish price action, every fundamental indicator is screaming bullish.OUTLINE00:00 - Introduction02:40 - AI Meets the Money Legos07:05 - Galaxy's AI & Crypto Thesis09:17 - AI Trading Agents in Practice14:48 - Ondo Perps & Capital Efficiency21:50 - Perps Architecture Deep Dive28:00 - Yield Capture as the New Meta32:40 - Most Bullish Bear Market Ever39:00 - BTC Price Predictions45:00 - The Store of Value Debate50:00 - AI Agents as DeFi's UX FixGuest links:Matthew Blumberg - https://x.com/matt_blumbergOndo - https://x.com/OndoFinanceMichael Marcantonio - https://x.com/marcryptonioGalaxy Digital - https://x.com/GalaxyHQHosts:Tim Copeland - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/timccopeland⁠⁠⁠⁠Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters!🚨 Breaking News👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis📈 Market InsightsSubscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hiring in crypto?🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block!✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

In episode 65 of The Crypto Beat, Tim and Kelvin were joined by Casey Craig, co-founder of Euphoria, and Bread, head of ecosystem at MegaETH. Together they discuss how Euphoria turns complex on-chain options into a one-tap mobile trading game built on MegaETH's 10ms block times. They discuss the "consumer DeFi" thesis, the morality of gamified finance and  MegaETH's KPI-locked token launch strategy.OUTLINE00:00 - Introduction01:05 - What Is Euphoria02:24 - UX-First Design Philosophy04:53 - How the Tap Mechanics Work10:19 - Trading vs. Gambling Debate14:22 - Why MegaETH22:05 - MegaETH Ecosystem Overview33:02 - Consumer DeFi Thesis44:10 - MegaETH 2026 Roadmap & TGE49:37 - KPI-Locked Token UnlocksGuest links:Bread - https://x.com/bread_MegaETH - https://x.com/megaethCasey Craig - https://x.com/caseycraigEuphoria - https://x.com/euphoria_fiHosts:Tim Copeland - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/timccopeland⁠⁠⁠⁠Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters!🚨 Breaking News👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis📈 Market InsightsSubscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hiring in crypto?🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block!✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

In episode 64 of The Crypto Beat, Aave-Chan Initiative Founder Marc Zeller  discusses the ongoing governance dispute between the Aave DAO and Aave Labs, arguing it's not simply drama but governance working as intended. OUTLINE00:00 - Introduction01:22 - The Aave DAO vs Labs Dispute06:00 - Fox Guarding the Henhouse09:38 - Return on Investment Framework12:02 - The CowSwap Fee Redirect14:02 - Aligning Token Holders & Service Providers17:01 - The $5M Payback Question22:18 - V3 vs V4 Revenue Reality25:04 - Buybacks vs Dividends31:03 - Treasury Allocation & Future OutlookGuest links:Marc Zeller - https://x.com/MarczellerAave-Chan Intitiate - https://x.com/AavechanHosts:Tim Copeland - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/timccopeland⁠⁠⁠⁠Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters!🚨 Breaking News👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis📈 Market InsightsSubscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hiring in crypto?🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block!✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

In episode 63 of The Crypto Beat, Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan argues crypto is in a self-fulfilling four-year cycle bear market, where retail investors sold in anticipation of the downturn and made it real, but says this period feels far less existential than 2018 or 2022. He sees BlackRock's aggressive push into tokenization and DeFi as a landmark signal that on-chain finance is inevitable, though full adoption is a 10 to 15 year story. His 2026 outlook: a grindy bottom with fundamentals outpacing price, setting up 2027 as the breakout year.OUTLINE00:00 - Introduction00:20 - Crypto Winter Check-In04:03 - When Did the Bear Actually Start?07:57 - Is This Time Different?11:44 - BlackRock Goes On-Chain17:10 - The 10-Year DeFi Adoption Arc21:17 - Prediction Markets Boom24:08 - Has Crypto Grown Up?27:08 - The Strategy Question29:14 - 2026 Outlook & What Comes NextGuest links:Matt Hougan - twitter.com/Matt_HouganBitwise - twitter.com/BitwiseInvestHosts:Tim Copeland - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/timccopeland⁠⁠⁠⁠---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters!🚨 Breaking News👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis📈 Market InsightsSubscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hiring in crypto?🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block!✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

In episode 62 of The Crypto Beat, Lido's Head of Node Operators Will Shannon and Chaos Labs' Head of Vaults Craig Le Riche join the show to unpack what BlackRock buying UNI tokens means for DeFi, the CFTC's new crypto innovation panel, and Aave's proposal to return 100% of protocol revenue to its DAO. The bulk of the conversation dives into vault infrastructure, and why chasing unsustainable yields remains DeFi's biggest trap.OUTLINE00:00 - Introduction03:19 - BlackRock Buys UNI05:07 - CFTC Innovation Panel06:10 - Aave Revenue to DAO07:12 - SafeMoon CEO Sentenced08:36 - Vault Infrastructure 10113:01 - Chaos x Kraken Earn Vaults21:47 - Lido V3 & Institutional Staking28:07 - Yield Danger Zone39:42 - AI Agents & DeFi's FutureGuest links:Craig Le Riche - https://x.com/craiglericheChaos Labs - https://x.com/chaoslabsWill Shannon - https://x.com/KimonShLido -  https://x.com/LidoFinanceHosts:Tim Copeland - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/timccopeland⁠⁠⁠⁠Kelvin Sparks -⁠⁠ https://x.com/imyoungsparks⁠⁠---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters!🚨 Breaking News👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis📈 Market InsightsSubscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hiring in crypto?🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block!✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

In episode 61 of The Crypto Beat, Kelvin and Tim were joined by Christian Lopez of Cohen & Company Capital Markets to discuss why mid-scale crypto companies face a "consolidate or die" moment as big banks prepare to enter the space post-regulation. He explains how stablecoin yields could disrupt traditional banking's cost-of-capital advantage, and makes the case that Bitcoin is this generation's store of value — the way gold was for grandparents and homes were for parents.OUTLINE00:00 - Introduction01:57 - Coinbase Super Bowl Ad04:00 - Crypto's Perception Gap07:00 - Buy vs. Build for TradFi12:28 - Consolidation & IPO Pipeline17:26 - Private Market Exits19:46 - Tokenized Equities24:32 - Stablecoin Regulation Battle30:23 - Bitcoin Bear Market Drivers35:50 - Generational Wealth & BitcoinGuest links:Christian Lopez - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianjlopez/Tim Copeland - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/timccopeland⁠⁠⁠⁠Kelvin Sparks -⁠⁠ https://x.com/imyoungsparks⁠⁠---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters!🚨 Breaking News👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis📈 Market InsightsSubscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hiring in crypto?🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block!✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

In episode 60 of The Crypto Beat, Kelvin and Tim were joined by Thomas Coratger, post-quantum team lead at the Ethereum Foundation, to break down how Ethereum is preparing for quantum computing with a 2030 target for shipping post-quantum resistant consensus. He explains how AI is accelerating both defense and offense in this race, and warns that bridges and DeFi oracles are particularly vulnerable weak points that could cascade failures across the entire crypto ecosystem.OUTLINE00:00 - Intro 02:47 - The Grind 07:36 - Lean Ethereum 10:29 - Quantum Threat 17:00 - 2030 Roadmap 20:15 - Quantum Winter 25:05 - Bridge Risks 35:25 - User Migration 42:20 - AI Workflow 48:19 - Rapid FireGuest links:Thomas Coratger - https://x.com/tcoratgerEthereum Foundation - https://x.com/ethereumfndnTim Copeland - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/timccopeland⁠⁠⁠⁠Kelvin Sparks -⁠⁠ https://x.com/imyoungsparks⁠⁠---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters!🚨 Breaking News👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis📈 Market InsightsSubscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hiring in crypto?🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block!✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

In episode 59 of The Crypto Beat, Miden Co-Founder Azeem Khan discusses how most crypto users don't realize how exposed their on-chain activity really is, drawing parallels to the 1990s encryption wars. He makes the case for "compliant privacy" as the path to institutional adoption, explains why the cypherpunk ethos needs a pragmatic update, and shares what he's learned from pitching privacy tech to JP Morgan, the SEC, and central banks from Abu Dhabi to Uzbekistan. OUTLINE 00:00 - Introduction 02:30 - The Illusion of Anonymity 06:25 - The Privacy Rorschach Test 09:01 - Scaling Privacy UX 11:01 - The Regulatory Bottleneck 15:45 - Cypherpunk Ethos in 2026 18:44 - Institutional Adoption Playbook 24:04 - Where Privacy Captures Value 27:49 - The Privacy Token Pump 32:41 - Three Lessons on Privacy Guest links: Azeem Khan - https://x.com/azeemk Miden - https://x.com/0xMiden Tim Copeland - ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/timccopeland⁠⁠⁠ Kelvin Sparks -⁠ https://x.com/imyoungsparks⁠ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teams Start your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

In episode 58 of The Crypto Beat Wintermute's Head of OTC Trading Jake Ostrovskis and Kaiko Senior Researcher Adam McCarthy join Kelvin and Tim to discuss why crypto feels like a bear market — compressed basis, dead retail, and Bitcoin stuck between risk asset and digital gold narratives. The conversation pivots to Hyperliquid's HIP3 and HIP4 as rare bright spots, the challenges of pricing RWAs and prediction markets on-chain, and what the Clarity Act and regulatory momentum could mean for a 2026 recovery. OUTLINE 00:00 - Introduction 03:11 - Market Malaise 09:38 - The 10/10 Flash Crash 14:41 - Bodies & Leverage 19:24 - HIP3 & RWA Perps 29:03 - HIP4 & Prediction Markets 36:20 - Valuing Hyperliquid 39:17 - 2026 Crystal Ball 44:57 - What Is Bitcoin? 47:19 - Treasury Companies Guest links: Adam McCarthy - https://x.com/AdMcMarkets Jake Ostrovskis - https://x.com/JO_wintermute Tim Copeland - ⁠⁠https://x.com/timccopeland⁠⁠ Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teams Start your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

Jordi Alexander and Zaheer Ebtikar join Tim Copeland break down why crypto sentiment seems to be at its worst in years despite supportive macro tailwinds, arguing the market is suffering from a sort of regime change: ancient whale distribution, exhausted infrastructure narratives, and a duration mismatch between builder timelines and speculator expectations. They discuss the shift toward real product-building (stablecoins, on-chain trading of traditional assets, Dreamcash/HIP3), the commodities volatility pulling attention from crypto, and why the current mindshare-to-market-cap ratio signals a strong eventual rebound. OUTLINE 00:00 - Introduction 02:15 - How Bad Is It? 04:30 - October 10th & Cascading Liquidations 07:00 - Infinite Tokens & Regime Change 11:30 - The Year of Productization 16:00 - Layer 1s & The Builder Problem 20:30 - Sports Betting & Financial Nihilism 25:00 - Dreamcash & HIP3 Explained 28:30 - Macro Shifts & The Gold Trade 33:00 - What's Exciting for 2026 Guest links: Jordi Alexander - ⁠https://x.com/gametheorizing Zaheer Ebtikar - https://x.com/SplitCapital Tim Copeland - ⁠https://x.com/timccopeland⁠ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teams Start your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

Anthony Pompliano and Jeff Park argue that deflation, not inflation, may be Bitcoin’s biggest headwind, challenging the narrative that fueled institutional adoption in 2020. They suggest institutions aren’t trying to exit fiat, but are instead integrating Bitcoin into the legacy system to attract new clients and revenue. OUTLINE 00:00 - Introduction 01:30 - The Independent Investor 05:45 - Institutions & Bitcoin 08:20 - Bitcoin vs Altcoins 12:00 - Biggest Risks to Bitcoin 17:30 - The Weak Dollar Play 22:00 - AI & Occupy AI 28:15 - Favorite Investments 33:00 - Long-Term Outlook Guest links: Anthony Pompliano - https://x.com/APomplianoJeff Park - https://x.com/dgt10011Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparksTim Copeland - https://x.com/timccopeland --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teams Start your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

The Block's Kelvin Sparks was joined by Solstice Founder Ben Nadareski and BonkX founder Jovan Tisma, who argue stablecoins will become the standard settlement layer within 10 years, compressing bank margins but unlocking DeFi access for retail. They stress the importance preserving permissionless principles while institutionalizing, and believe lifestyle-focused payments—not speculation—will drive mainstream adoption. OUTLINE 00:00 - Introduction 03:00 - Why Crypto Payments 10:00 - The 10-Year Horizon 12:00 - Building on Solana 17:00 - Breaking Into Payments 23:00 - Banks vs Stablecoins 30:00 - Onboarding Retail 34:00 - Lifestyle Banking 38:00 - Where Value Accrues 45:45 - The USX Incident Guest links: Solstice - ⁠https://twitter.com/solsticefi Ben Nadareski - https://twitter.com/ben_solstice BonkX - ⁠https://twitter.com/BonkX_SOL Jovan Tisma - ⁠https://twitter.com/tishmica --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠⁠ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teams Start your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus

Tim Copeland and Kelvin Sparks were joined by Mike Cahill from Pyth and Niklas Kunkel from Chronicle discuss how oracles are transforming from simple price feeds into critical infrastructure for tokenized real-world assets. They explore the explosive growth in tokenized money market funds and CLOs, the shift toward B2B adoption by DeFi protocols rather than retail, and new business models—Pyth's data subscription hit $1M ARR in weeks while Chronicle scaled to $6B in tokenized funds in under a year. OUTLINE 00:00 - Introduction 02:06 - Pyth's RWA Origins 05:25 - Going Cross-Chain 07:51 - Oracle Competition Metrics 12:04 - Chronicle's DeFi Journey 17:17 - Retail vs Institutional 23:21 - Corporate Chains 34:27 - Pyth Reserve & Buybacks 41:24 - Building Without a Token 45:47 - 2026 Predictions Guest links: Pyth - https://x.com/PythNetwork Mike Cahill - https://x.com/mdomcahill Chronicle - https://x.com/ChronicleLabs Niklas Kunkel - https://x.com/nomos_paradox --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨‍🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉⁠⁠⁠ https://www.theblock.co/newsletters⁠⁠⁠ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teams Start your free trial today 👉 ⁠⁠⁠https://theblock.co/campus