The Signal

Welcome to The Signal, powered by The DeFi Report! Our weekly show is hosted by Michael Nadeau (The DeFi Report) and Oskari Tempakka (Token Terminal). We provide market insights and fundamental analysis of public blockchains and protocols using onchain data.

Stablecoins + Web3 Payroll with Hugo Finkelstein from Rise

In this episode of The Signal, Hugo Finkelstein, Co-Founder of Rise, joins us to share insights into the evolving world of crypto payroll. Learn how Rise is helping businesses globally manage payroll for remote teams, bridging the gap between traditional payment systems and the modern need for flexible, onchain solutions. Hugo dives into the compliance challenges, the adoption of stablecoins in emerging markets, and the future of payroll innovations. Don't miss this deep dive into the intersection of Web2 and Web3 payroll solutions and the exciting developments ahead! We hope you enjoy the episode! Rise: https://www.riseworks.io/ Hugo: https://x.com/hugfink Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Web2 and Crypto Payroll Challenges 00:37 Welcome to The Signal: Global Crypto Ecosystem Insights 01:55 Guest Introduction: Hugo Finkelstein's Journey into Crypto 08:10 The Rise of Crypto Payroll Solutions 11:22 Challenges and Solutions in Global Payroll 14:23 Future of Payroll: Stablecoins and Streaming Payments 20:18 Emerging Markets and the Impact of Crypto Payroll 27:38 User Experience and Onboarding with Rise 32:35 Future Plans and Market Expansion 36:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts --- Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: ⁠ https://thedefireport.io/subscribe⁠ Download a copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.io/ethereum-inv... Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8⁠ Subscribe on Spotify:  ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Oskari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskaritempakka/ ---- The views expressed by the co-hosts or any guests are their personal views and should not be relied upon as financial, technical, tax, legal, or any other type of advice.  The creators of this content, or members, affiliates, or stakeholders of The DeFi Report, may be participating in or have invested in the protocols or tokens mentioned herein. The foregoing statement acts as a disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and is not a recommendation to purchase or invest in any token or participate in any protocol.  Listeners are strongly urged to exercise caution and have regard to their own personal needs and circumstances before making any decision to buy or sell any token or participate in any protocol.

09-30
39:22

The Path to $10 Trillion of Stablecoins with Martin Carrica

In this episode, we're joined by Martin Carrica, Founder of Mountain Protocol, to dicuss the growing role of stablecoins in the global financial ecosystem, with a specific focus on how Mountain Protocol aims to provide a yield-bearing stablecoin solution. The episode starts with a general discussion on the importance of stablecoins, particularly in markets like Argentina, where inflation and unstable currency drive people toward U.S. dollar-denominated assets. Martin shares his personal experiences with Argentina's financial instability and how stablecoins have helped people protect their wealth. We then move onto how Mountain Protocol differentiates itself by offering the first permissionless yield-bearing stablecoin, USDM. This allows users to earn a yield on their stablecoin holdings, similar to how traditional banks offer interest on deposits. The episode highlights how traditional stablecoins like USDC and USDT generate yield for companies, but not for holders, and Mountain Protocol aims to change that. Additionally, we explore the regulatory landscape, particularly in Bermuda, where Mountain Protocol is regulated. Martin explains why this jurisdiction provides a secure and stable environment for their operations, especially with bankruptcy remote structures in place. The episode ends with a discussion of the future of stablecoins, the potential role of traditional banks in issuing their own, and how Mountain Protocol is positioning itself to capture a significant share of the market by offering better value to users through yield-bearing stablecoins. We hope you enjoy the episode! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:32 Guest Introduction: Martin Carrica from Mountain Protocol 01:55 Martin's Journey into Crypto: From Argentina to Stablecoins 03:18 Early Crypto Adoption in Argentina 05:49 The Rise of Stablecoins During the Pandemic 07:30 Stablecoins vs. Traditional Banking in Argentina 20:44 The Role of USDT and USDC in Emerging Markets 31:51 Institutional Adoption and Yield 44:23 The Future of Stablecoins 45:04 Regulatory Landscape for Stablecoins 48:32 Global Adoption and Use Cases 49:59 Challenges and Opportunities 55:53 Introducing Mountain Protocol 01:02:10 User Experience and Risks 01:15:43 Market Strategy and Predictions 01:25:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts --- Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: ⁠ https://thedefireport.io/subscribe⁠ Download a copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.io/ethereum-inv... Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8⁠ Subscribe on Spotify:  ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Oskari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskaritempakka/ ---- The views expressed by the co-hosts or any guests are their personal views and should not be relied upon as financial, technical, tax, legal, or any other type of advice.  The creators of this content, or members, affiliates, or stakeholders of The DeFi Report, may be participating in or have invested in the protocols or tokens mentioned herein. The foregoing statement acts as a disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and is not a recommendation to purchase or invest in any token or participate in any protocol.  Listeners are strongly urged to exercise caution and have regard to their own personal needs and circumstances before making any decision to buy or sell any token or participate in any protocol.

09-14
01:27:13

Episode 14: LST Innovation with Sanctum’s FP Lee

In this episode, FP Lee from Sanctum joins us to discuss the potential of liquid staking in the Solana ecosystem. He explains the concept of liquid staking, the technical differences between Solana and Ethereum, and why liquid staking offers unique advantages.  The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities of building in the liquid staking space, including new use cases for liquid staking tokens (LSTs) beyond DeFi, such as crowdfunding and supporting creators. The episode also explores the different strategies and innovations of various Solana projects like Marinate and Jito, and how Sanctum aims to democratize LST creation.  Additionally, FP Lee shares his learnings from their token generation event (TGE), stressing transparency and fair pricing for retail investors. He concludes with a vision for the future where everyone holds their net worth onchain, supported by real-world use cases and a strong LST ecosystem. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Liquid Staking 01:14 Welcome and Guest Introduction 02:23 Understanding Liquid Staking on Solana 05:10 Comparing Liquid Staking on Ethereum and Solana 08:53 Challenges and Incentives for Liquid Staking 16:10 Innovative Use Cases for Liquid Staking 18:27 Sanctum's Unique Approach 27:01 Future of Liquid Staking and Governance Tokens 29:14 Deep Dive into Sanctum's Product 29:45 Introduction to Liquid Staking and Jupyter UX 30:16 The Concept of a Unified Liquidity Pool 31:09 The Reserve Pool and Its Advantages 31:42 Jupyter Router and Efficient Swaps 33:00 Infinity Pool: Solving Liquidity Issues 34:42 Risks and Unknowns in Liquidity Pools 37:22 Sanctum's Business Model and Growth Potential 41:59 The Token Generation Event (TGE) Strategy 49:14 Future Vision and Real-World Use Cases 55:32 Closing Thoughts and Community Engagement We hope you enjoy the episode! --- Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: ⁠ https://thedefireport.io/subscribe⁠ Download a copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.io/ethereum-inv... Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8⁠ Subscribe on Spotify:  ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Oskari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskaritempakka/ ---- The views expressed by the co-hosts or any guests are their personal views and should not be relied upon as financial, technical, tax, legal, or any other type of advice.  The creators of this content, or members, affiliates, or stakeholders of The DeFi Report, may be participating in or have invested in the protocols or tokens mentioned herein. The foregoing statement acts as a disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and is not a recommendation to purchase or invest in any token or participate in any protocol.  Listeners are strongly urged to exercise caution and have regard to their own personal needs and circumstances before making any decision to buy or sell any token or participate in any protocol.

08-30
56:49

Episode 13: Has the bull market even started??

In this episode, we discuss a few of Michael's recent viral tweets. We briefly cover Robinhood's crypto strategy before moving on to key updates in the crypto market, explaining why we feel the current setup is bullish. We also debate whether Layer 2s should be included in Ethereum's ecosystem analysis. Additionally, we touch on the outcomes of crypto VC investments and the industry's narrative around governance tokens. We hope you enjoy the episode! Markets Update: https://x.com/JustDeauIt/status/1821191664154644804 Should L2s be included in Ethereum KPI data? (comps to networks like Solana): https://x.com/_ryanrconnor/status/1818385404078571768 Token Performance for Paradigm's Portfolio Projects: https://x.com/tokenterminal/status/1819752943933174213 Comparing L1 tokens to Equities: https://x.com/JustDeauIt/status/1810665134408269976 Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:45 LinkedIn vs. Twitter Engagement 02:33 Robinhood's Crypto Strategy 06:12 Market Sentiment and Analysis 12:57 Macro Factors and Market Predictions 19:34 Stablecoins and Future Market Trends 22:49 Sentiment Indicators and Market Update 23:28 Blockchain Economics and Custom Chart Analysis 24:02 Debate on Including L2s in Blockchain Analysis 34:03 VC Investments and Token Performance 38:09 Governance Tokens and Value Accrual 43:49 Regulatory Overhangs and Market Dynamics 45:48 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes Crypto Bull Market, Wall Street Crypto, Robinhood, Crypto VCs --- Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: ⁠ https://thedefireport.io/subscribe⁠ Download a copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.io/ethereum-inv... Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8⁠ Subscribe on Spotify:  ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Oskari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskaritempakka/ ---- The views expressed by the co-hosts or any guests are their personal views and should not be relied upon as financial, technical, tax, legal, or any other type of advice.  The creators of this content, or members, affiliates, or stakeholders of The DeFi Report, may be participating in or have invested in the protocols or tokens mentioned herein. The foregoing statement acts as a disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and is not a recommendation to purchase or invest in any token or participate in any protocol.  Listeners are strongly urged to exercise caution and have regard to their own personal needs and circumstances before making any decision to buy or sell any token or participate in any protocol.

08-16
47:31

Episode 12: Ethereum Q2 Earnings + ETF

In this episode, we dive into the impacts of recent political chaos in the U.S. and its effects on the financial markets. The discussion covers an update on the Bitcoin ETF,  including insights into the current buying activity, mining dynamics, and more. We also discuss the recent launch of Ethereum ETFs, and how we predict things will play out. The conversation also explores Ethereum's Q2 financials, the competitive landscape of L2s, and the future predictions for stablecoins and real-world assets. We hope you enjoy the episode! Timestamps 00:00 Political Chaos in the U.S. 03:42 Bitcoin ETFs and Market Dynamics 11:34 The "Trump Trade" 18:56 Ethereum ETFs Launch and Market Reactions 28:26 Ethereum Q2 Earnings and L2 Developments 39:54 Future of L2s and Token Economics 46:52 Concluding Thoughts and Future Content --- Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: ⁠ https://thedefireport.io/subscribe⁠ Download a copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.io/ethereum-inv... Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8⁠ Subscribe on Spotify:  ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Oskari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskaritempakka/ ---- The views expressed by the co-hosts or any guests are their personal views and should not be relied upon as financial, technical, tax, legal, or any other type of advice.  The creators of this content, or members, affiliates, or stakeholders of The DeFi Report, may be participating in or have invested in the protocols or tokens mentioned herein. The foregoing statement acts as a disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and is not a recommendation to purchase or invest in any token or participate in any protocol.  Listeners are strongly urged to exercise caution and have regard to their own personal needs and circumstances before making any decision to buy or sell any token or participate in any protocol.

07-26
48:02

Episode 11: Robinhood's venture into crypto

In this episode of The Signal, we dive into Robinhood's strategic entry into the crypto space and compare it to Coinbase's established position. The discussion covers Robinhood's history with crypto, partnerships with Arbitrum and MetaMask, and the recent acquisition of Bitstamp. We also explore the potential for tokenized equities and discuss what strategic moves Robinhood could be planning to better capture crypto market share, including what launching their own Layer 2 blockchain could look like. Join us to understand the key metrics, business model, and future direction for this fintech giant as it navigate the evolving digital asset landscape.  Tune in for a speculative but insightful conversation on fintechs moving onchain. 00:00 Introduction  03:53 Robinhood's Evolution and Current Market Position 09:38 Robinhood vs. Coinbase: A Competitive Analysis 15:14 Robinhood's Crypto Integration Timeline 18:22 Robinhood's Strategic Partnerships and Future Directions 25:35 Integrating Crypto and Solving User Experience Issues 26:03 Payment for Order Flow in an Onchain Economy 30:34 Robinhood's Acquisition of Bit stamp 35:02 Strategic Moves and Tokenized Equities 42:13 Challenges and Strategic Considerations 47:18 Comparing Coinbase and Robinhood 52:37 Speculations and Future Predictions We hope you enjoy the episode! --- Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: ⁠ https://thedefireport.io/subscribe⁠ Download a copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.io/ethereum-inv... Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8⁠ Subscribe on Spotify:  ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Oskari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskaritempakka/ ---- The views expressed by the co-hosts or any guests are their personal views and should not be relied upon as financial, technical, tax, legal, or any other type of advice.  The creators of this content, or members, affiliates, or stakeholders of The DeFi Report, may be participating in or have invested in the protocols or tokens mentioned herein. The foregoing statement acts as a disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and is not a recommendation to purchase or invest in any token or participate in any protocol.  Listeners are strongly urged to exercise caution and have regard to their own personal needs and circumstances before making any decision to buy or sell any token or participate in any protocol.

07-13
53:49

Episode 10: Maple Finance & Syrup with Joe Flanagan

In this episode of The Signal, we're joined by Joe Flanagan, Co-Founder of Maple Finance. The discussion covers Maple Finance's innovative approach using smart contracts to streamline institutional debt issuance and enhance transparency in financial markets. Joe explains the process of originating and tokenizing debt onchain, providing insights into the borrowers and the underwriting process.  The conversation also introduces Syrup, Maple's new platform aimed at making institutional yields accessible to a broader DeFi audience. Joe details the reasons behind the token transition to SYRUP, the expected yields, and the future opportunities for Maple Finance. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:38 Guest Introduction: Joe Flanagan from Maple Finance 01:15 Overview of Maple Finance 03:36 Why Crypto? 05:40 How Maple Finance Works 06:01 Borrowers and Underwriting Process 09:03 Lending Products and Rates 11:21 Supply Side and Lenders 13:39 Business Model and Fees 15:00 Introducing Syrup: New Product Launch 24:51 Syrup Token and Community Engagement 29:18 Future Markets and Conclusion If you’re interested in checking out Maple’s new Syrup product you can do so at the link here: https://syrup.fi/lend?access-code=JD3PU with code JD3PU Please note that The DeFi Report has no formal affiliation with Maple Finance and was not compensated to share the episode or links. Lending in DeFi is not risk-free. We encourage you to conduct your own research before putting any capital at risk. We hope you enjoy the episode! --- Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: ⁠ https://thedefireport.io/subscribe⁠ Download a copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.io/ethereum-inv... Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8⁠ Subscribe on Spotify:  ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Oskari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskaritempakka/ ---- The views expressed by the co-hosts or any guests are their personal views and should not be relied upon as financial, technical, tax, legal, or any other type of advice.  The creators of this content, or members, affiliates, or stakeholders of The DeFi Report, may be participating in or have invested in the protocols or tokens mentioned herein. The foregoing statement acts as a disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and is not a recommendation to purchase or invest in any token or participate in any protocol.  Listeners are strongly urged to exercise caution and have regard to their own personal needs and circumstances before making any decision to buy or sell any token or participate in any protocol. #TheSignal #MapleFinance #Syrup

06-28
30:58

Episode 9: Hivemapper

In Episode 9 of The Signal, we into into a market update, discuss our approach to due diligence and research in the crypto space, and provide a comprehensive analysis of Hivemapper, a decentralized physical infrastructure network on Solana. Join us as we explore the market's current state, the Federal Reserve's recent moves, and the implications for crypto. We also share detailed insights into Hivemapper's business model, token economics, and potential for growth. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to evaluate crypto projects and the future of DePin networks. 00:00 Introduction to Hivemapper and Market Potential 00:49 Welcome Back to The Signal Podcast 01:15 Market Update and Fed Meeting Insights 09:43 Analyzing On-Chain Data and Market Sentiment 22:40 Understanding Hivemapper's Disruptive Potential 35:45 Exploring Uber's Potential Involvement 35:59 Web 2 vs Web 3: Future of Mergers and Acquisitions 36:51 Introduction to Hivemapper's Product 37:06 Earning with Hivemapper Dash Cams 39:05 Hivemapper's Data Product and Tokenomics 40:31 Global Mapping Progress and Contributors 42:11 Token Economics and Market Dynamics 52:46 Financials and Team Behind Hivemapper 01:00:51 Risks and Future Prospects 01:07:03 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes We hope you enjoy the episode! --- Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: ⁠ https://thedefireport.io/subscribe⁠ Download a copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.io/ethereum-inv... Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8⁠ Subscribe on Spotify:  ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Oskari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskaritempakka/ ---- The views expressed by the co-hosts or any guests are their personal views and should not be relied upon as financial, technical, tax, legal, or any other type of advice.  The creators of this content, or members, affiliates, or stakeholders of The DeFi Report, may be participating in or have invested in the protocols or tokens mentioned herein. The foregoing statement acts as a disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and is not a recommendation to purchase or invest in any token or participate in any protocol.  Listeners are strongly urged to exercise caution and have regard to their own personal needs and circumstances before making any decision to buy or sell any token or participate in any protocol. #TheSignal #Hivemapper #DePin

06-21
01:07:53

Episode 8: Bitcoin vs. Ethereum

In Episode 8 of The Signal, we dive into the financial performance, technical differences, and market narratives surrounding Bitcoin and Ethereum.  We discuss how Ethereum and Bitcoin should be evaluated as part of an investment portfolio, analyze their supply and demand dynamics, and look at token incentives and inflation rates. Additional topics include the growth of onchain user bases, market valuations, and security considerations. This episode provides a comprehensive, data-driven comparison of the two leading crypto assets, highlighting why direct comparisons can be misleading. We hope you enjoy the episode! Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Understanding Bitcoin and Ethereum Narratives 03:13 Bitcoin: The Digital Gold 04:51 Ethereum: The Software Network 08:20 Technical Differences Between Bitcoin and Ethereum 11:47 Addressable Markets for Bitcoin and Ethereum 19:23 Value Accrual and Token Economics 24:26 Token Incentives and Network Security Costs 25:13 Ethereum's Monetary Policy and User Activity 26:05 Bitcoin's Fixed Issuance and Selling Pressure 27:50 Inflation Rates and Monetary Policies 30:20 Supply on Exchanges and Investor Sentiment 33:33 Onchain Data and User Metrics 35:22 Long-Term Holders and Network Health 38:55 Financial Statements and Profitability 43:33 Security and Cost to Attack Networks 45:11 Final Thoughts and Market Predictions --- Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: ⁠ https://thedefireport.io/subscribe⁠ Download a copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.io/ethereum-inv... Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8⁠ Subscribe on Spotify:  ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Oskari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskaritempakka/ ---- The views expressed by the co-hosts or any guests are their personal views and should not be relied upon as financial, technical, tax, legal, or any other type of advice.  The creators of this content, or members, affiliates, or stakeholders of The DeFi Report, may be participating in or have invested in the protocols or tokens mentioned herein. The foregoing statement acts as a disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and is not a recommendation to purchase or invest in any token or participate in any protocol.  Listeners are strongly urged to exercise caution and have regard to their own personal needs and circumstances before making any decision to buy or sell any token or participate in any protocol.

06-07
48:36

Episode 7: ETH ETF + Crypto Policy Update with George Leonardo

In episode 7 of The Signal, we discuss the evolving landscape of crypto regulation, marked by last week's approval of the first Ethereum ETF and significant policy movements in Congress. We're joined by George Leonardo from Cap Hill Crypto to gain insights into recent legislative activities and the implications of revamped regulatory frameworks on the industry. Key topics include the SEC's SAB121, the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT 21) the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act, and the potential political influences driving these changes. The episode also dives into Ethereum's network effects and economic dynamics compared to Bitcoin, as well as broader market implications of an ETF, and how investors should be thinking about portfolio construction. 00:00 Introduction 01:13 Historic Week in Crypto Policy 01:48 Meet George Leonardo from Cap Hill Crypto 03:25 Understanding SAB121 and Its Implications 06:02 Congressional Review Act and Crypto Regulation 07:17 Democratic Engagement in Crypto Policy 12:18 The Financial Innovation and Technology Act (FIT 21) 18:38 Decentralization and Digital Commodities 22:36 Impact of Congressional Movements on Crypto Lawsuits 24:54 Banning Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) 27:50 Ethereum ETF Approval: A Game Changer 31:03 Political Influences on SEC Decisions 36:28 Implications of Ethereum's Unique Economics 38:59 Ethereum vs. Bitcoin: Key Differences 42:40 Future Outlook for Ethereum and Crypto Market 50:20 Technological Revolutions and Crypto's Turning Point 53:15 Conclusion and Future Content --- Show Resources: Sign up for Cap Hill Crypto policy updates: https://www.caphillcrypto.com/ Follow George Leonardo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-leonardo-aa841423/ We hope you enjoy the episode! --- Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: ⁠ https://thedefireport.io/subscribe⁠ Download a copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.io/ethereum-inv... Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8⁠ Subscribe on Spotify:  ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Oskari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskaritempakka/ ---- The views expressed by the co-hosts or any guests are their personal views and should not be relied upon as financial, technical, tax, legal, or any other type of advice.  The creators of this content, or members, affiliates, or stakeholders of The DeFi Report, may be participating in or have invested in the protocols or tokens mentioned herein. The foregoing statement acts as a disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and is not a recommendation to purchase or invest in any token or participate in any protocol.  Listeners are strongly urged to exercise caution and have regard to their own personal needs and circumstances before making any decision to buy or sell any token or participate in any protocol.

05-31
53:58

Episode 6: Bitcoin as an ESG-friendly asset with Daniel Batten

On Episode 6 of The Signal, Michael and Oskari are joined by a special guest, Daniel Batten, an expert in ClimateTech and ESG investing. Together, we dive deep into the intersection of Bitcoin, energy, and the environment. We discuss how Bitcoin can accelerate renewable energy adoption, mitigate methane emissions, and potentially become the world's first carbon-negative network. Daniel shares his insightful research, debunks common myths about Bitcoin's environmental impact, and explores the unique economic incentives that make Bitcoin mining beneficial for renewable energy projects. We also touch on the potential for nation-states and major energy producers to get involved in Bitcoin mining.  Links: 1. https://www.batcoinz.com/ 2. https://x.com/DSBatten 3. ch4capital.com 4. https://x.com/dsbatten/status/1776555625318650205?s=46 5. https://x.com/dsbatten/status/1671336675497349121?s=46 Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Daniel Batten's Journey into ESG Investing and Bitcoin 03:06 The Potential of Bitcoin Mining to Mitigate Methane Emissions 06:43 Debunking Myths: The Environmental Impact of Bitcoin Mining 18:20 A Deep Dive into Bitcoin's Energy Consumption and Sustainability 30:30 Addressing Bitcoin FUD with Facts and Patience 34:29 Bitcoin's Unique Journey and Global Impact 39:12 Debunking Myths: Bitcoin and Renewable Energy 43:21 The Growing Recognition of Bitcoin's Environmental Benefits 48:08 Future Prospects: Bitcoin's Role in Energy and Climate Solutions 58:30 Envisioning Bitcoin's Expansion and Environmental Impact 01:02:27 Advice for Climate Tech Investors Considering Bitcoin We hope you enjoy the episode! --- Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: ⁠ https://thedefireport.io/subscribe⁠ Download a copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.io/ethereum-inv... Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8⁠ Subscribe on Spotify:  ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Oskari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskaritempakka/ ---- The views expressed by the co-hosts or any guests are their personal views and should not be relied upon as financial, technical, tax, legal, or any other type of advice.  The creators of this content, or members, affiliates, or stakeholders of The DeFi Report, may be participating in or have invested in the protocols or tokens mentioned herein. The foregoing statement acts as a disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and is not a recommendation to purchase or invest in any token or participate in any protocol.  Listeners are strongly urged to exercise caution and have regard to their own personal needs and circumstances before making any decision to buy or sell any token or participate in any protocol.

05-24
01:05:17

Episode 5: Coinbase

This episode of The Signal dives into the evolution of Coinbase, one of Wall Street's most misunderstood companies. Learn about Coinbase's transformation from a Bitcoin-only exchange to a key player in the web3 infrastructure space, with a multifaceted business model including trading, staking products, stablecoins, a layer 2 blockchains, and prime brokerage services. We analyze Coinbase's competitive positioning, operational efficiency, regulatory challenges, and the company's potential for unprecedented growth in the crypto and onchain economy over the next decade. Whether you're an investor, analyst, or simply curious about the future of crypto, this episode offers valuable insights into Coinbase's strategic direction and its pivotal role in web3. 00:00 From Bitcoin Exchange to Web3 Pioneer 02:21 Coinbase's Multifaceted Business: Beyond Just an Exchange 06:55 The Founding Story of Coinbase and Its Web3 Vision 11:38 Exploring Coinbase's Revenue Streams and Market Position 12:48 The Rise of Base: Coinbase's L2 and Its Impact 34:57 Coinbase Wallet and the Future of Web3 Accessibility 38:30 Understanding Coinbase's Trading Revenue and Market Dynamics 50:43 The Growing Importance of Stablecoins in Coinbase's Revenue 55:24 Staking 01:00:33 Prime Brokerage and Custody 01:02:59 Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening Coinbase's Ecosystem 01:06:24 The Competitive Landscape 01:17:29 Coinbase's Venture Portfolio 01:19:20 Coinbase vs. SEC 01:24:59 Analyzing Coinbase's Financials and Profit Drivers 01:31:51 Drawing parallels with Amazon’s growth trajectory We hope you enjoy the episode! --- Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: ⁠ https://thedefireport.io/subscribe⁠ Download a copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.io/ethereum-inv... Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8⁠ Subscribe on Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Oskari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskaritempakka/ ---- The views expressed by the co-hosts or any guests are their personal views and should not be relied upon as financial, technical, tax, legal, or any other type of advice. The creators of this content, or members, affiliates, or stakeholders of The DeFi Report, may be participating in or have invested in the protocols or tokens mentioned herein. The foregoing statement acts as a disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and is not a recommendation to purchase or invest in any token or participate in any protocol. Listeners are strongly urged to exercise caution and have regard to their own personal needs and circumstances before making any decision to buy or sell any token or participate in any protocol.

05-17
01:39:48

Episode 4: Circle Deep Dive

This episode provides an in-depth analysis of Circle and USDC, while also exploring the broader stablecoin landscape. The discussion highlights stablecoins as crypto’s killer use-case, Circle's transition from a Bitcoin wallet to a leading figure in the stablecoin space,  a data driven overview of USDC adoption, an overview of the competitive landscape, the regulatory environment, the anticipations around Circle's IPO, and the broader implications of stablecoins on the crypto ecosystem, banking sector, and global economy.  00:00 Introduction 00:27 Stablecoins: Crypto’s killer use case 01:36 The Impact of Stablecoins on Global Finance 06:25 Circle's Evolution: From Bitcoin Wallet to Stablecoin Powerhouse 17:31 The Business Model Behind Stablecoin Issuers 31:50 Exploring the Competitive Landscape of Stablecoins 43:15 Data Dive: Analyzing USDC Distribution and Activity 48:04 Deep Dive into USDC's Performance on Different Blockchains 50:02 The Role of Bots in Crypto Transactions and Their Impact 51:05 Analyzing Transaction Volumes and User Behaviors Across Blockchains 01:04:08 Exploring Future Use Cases for Stabelcoins: Payroll and Daily Payments 01:09:37 Market Share, Rate Sensitivity, and the Impact of Interest Rates on Stablecoins 01:14:36 Regulatory Challenges and the Future of Stable-coins 01:22:23 Circle's Potential IPO 01:29:17 Concluding Thoughts We hope you enjoy the episode! --- Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: ⁠ https://thedefireport.io/subscribe⁠ Download a copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.io/ethereum-inv... Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8⁠ Subscribe on Spotify:  ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Oskari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskaritempakka/ --- The views expressed by the co-hosts or any guests are their personal views and should not be relied upon as financial, technical, tax, legal, or any other type of advice. The creators of this content, or members, affiliates, or stakeholders of The DeFi Report, may be participating in or have invested in the protocols or tokens mentioned herein. The foregoing statement acts as a disclosure of potential conflicts of interest and is not a recommendation to purchase or invest in any token or participate in any protocol. Listeners and are strongly urged to exercise caution and have regard to their own personal needs and circumstances before making any decision to buy or sell any token or participate in any protocol.

05-10
01:33:19

Episode 3: The Onchain Data Landscape

In episode 3 of The Signal, Michael and Oskari take a deep dive into the onchain data landscape. They discuss various metrics and data points crucial for analyzing market cycles, comparing blockchain and dApps, and assessing the health and growth of crypto. They cover tools and platforms for accessing and interpreting onchain data, such as Token Terminal, Glassnode, Dune, and others.  ----- Timestamps and topics covered: 00:00 Intro 01:04 Market updates & ETF flows 10:09 Exploring web3 data, its impact, and differences to web2 data 12:52 Deep dive into onchain data: Understanding the basics 25:45 The landscape of web3 data providers 35:34 Standardizing metrics for blockchains & dApps 39:59 Onchain data as a competitive edge  46:21 Institutional interest in crypto 46:32 Onchain data's impact on equity analysis and traditional finance 53:54 Overview of Mike's favorite metrics and charts (ALPHA) 01:09:11 Preview of next week's episode on Circle We hope you enjoy the episode! --- Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: https://thedefireport.io/subscribe⁠ Download a copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.io/ethereum-inv... Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8⁠ Subscribe on Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Oskari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskaritempakka/

05-02
01:09:57

Episode 2: Solana Liquid Staking

In episode 2 of The Signal, Michael and Oskari discuss the current state of the liquid staking market on Solana. Resouces: 1. The Liquid Staking Set-Up on Solana (And an analysis of Marinade Finance): https://thedefireport.io/research/the-liquid-staking-set-up-on-solana 2. Solana Liquid Staking (Revisiting the thesis): https://thedefireport.io/research/solana-liquid-staking-revisiting Timestamps and topics covered: 00:00 Market update: Bitcoin halving and ETF flows 06:48 Solana's liquid staking landscape & comparing Ethereum and Solana staking dynamics 11:34 Marinade Finance: A case study in Solana's liquid staking market 15:24 Future projections and business model insights 20:42 Marinade vs. Jito 27:03 Exploring the potential of Sanctum: A new approach to liquid staking 36:20 The future of money and liquidity in DeFi We hope you enjoy the episode! -- Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: ⁠ https://thedefireport.io/subscribe⁠ Download a copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.io/ethereum-investment-framework Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8⁠ Subscribe on Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh... Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Oskari: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskaritempakka/

04-25
40:21

Episode 1: Welcome to The Rundown

Welcome to The Rundown! In the first episode, Michael and Shiv share their unique backgrounds, their journeys into web3, and what brought them together to co-host The Rundown. The duo also provides a sneak peek into various topics to be covered in future episodes and why the podcast will be anchored to fundamental analysis and on-chain data. Thanks for tuning in! --- The Rundown is powered by Token Terminal — the leading on-chain data and analytics platform for institutional investors. Learn more about Token Terminal: https://tokenterminal.com/about --- Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Shiv: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivmehta/ --- Download The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.gumroad.com/l/ethereuminvestmentframework Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: https://thedefireport.io/#newsletter

11-18
35:32

Episode 1: Ethereum Earnings Call

In episode 1 of The Signal, Michael and Oskari share Ethereum's Q1 Earnings Results. We recommend downloading a copy of the Q1 issue of The Ethereum Investment Framework to go along with this episode. If you're interested, you can do so here: Topics covered: - Financial performance for the quarter (onchain profit) - Operating performance (user growth and other KPIs) - Growth of L2s (vs Ethereum L1) - Ethereum "GDP" - Market metrics - DeFi metrics (TVL, ETH staked, trading volumes) - Token Economics (ETH burned vs issued) - EIP 4844 - Market Outlook We hope you enjoy the episode! -- Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: ⁠ https://thedefireport.io/subscribe⁠ Download a free copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: ⁠ https://thedefireport.io/ethereum-investment-framework⁠ Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8⁠ Subscribe on Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thedefireport⁠ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-defi-report/id1717262936⁠ Follow Michael: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/⁠ Follow Oskari:  ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskaritempakka/⁠ Learn more about Artemis: ⁠https://www.artemis.xyz/⁠

04-19
01:05:06

Episode 20: Navigating FUD and Seeking Truth

Crypto is in a bull market, which means we should expect to see plenty of incoming FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt) hitting our news feeds and timelines. In episode 20 of The Rundown, Michael and Shiv break it all down, including the following: - What is FUD? - The primary sources of FUD - Where FUD *really* comes from - Most common types of FUD and how to debunk it If you’re new to crypto, the goal of this episode is to equip you with everything you need to seek the truth. P.S. the next time someone tells you that Bitcoin miners are “boiling the ocean” or that crypto is “only used by criminals,” simply share this episode with them :) ---- Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: https://thedefireport.io/#newsletter Download a free copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.gumroad.com/l/ethereuminvestmentframework Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8 Subscribe on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thedefireport Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-defi-report/id1717262936 Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Shiv: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivmehta/

04-01
01:07:53

Episode 19: The Institutional Investors Guide to Ethereum with Chan Samadder, CFA

In this week's episode of The Rundown, Michael and Shiv were joined by Chan Samadder, CFA and Head of Product at ETC-Group. Topics covered: - Chan's background in TradFi and his journey into crypto and digital assets - ETC-Group and the regulated crypto financial products they are bringing to market in Europe - Why Ethereum? How Chan thinks about ETH as an asset and how he speaks with investors about the Ethereum Network - How to monitor Ethereum's adoption rates - Ethereum's Token Economics - Onchain Financials - Why Now? - How ETH fits into a diversified portfolio of assets - Correlations to Equities - Staking vs Holding ETH - Types of Staking Products in the Market - Success of recently launched ETH Total Return Staking Product We hope you enjoy the episode! --- Learn more about ETC-Group: https://etc-group.com/ Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: https://thedefireport.io/#newsletter Download a free copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.gumroad.com/l/ethereuminvestmentframework Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8 Subscribe on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thedefireport Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-defi-report/id1717262936 Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Shiv: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivmehta/ --- Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Rundown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by the co-hosts or guests are solely their opinions and not financial advice. Michael, Shiv, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed. Please note that financial products offered by ETC-Group are available only to professional investors within qualified European jurisdictions.

03-22
01:00:46

Episode 18: What are the chances of an ETH ETF in 2024?

In episode 18 of The Rundown, Michael and Shiv dive into the following topics as Bitcoin shot through all-time highs: - Bitcoin ETF Inflow Update - Pattern matching ---- what can we learn about new TradFi entrants so far this cycle? - Why did Bloomberg downgrade the chances of an ETH ETF to 35% in May? - Michael Saylor and Microstrategy buying more BTC (with really cheap capital) - Is FUD season already here? - Going onchain with Artemis Terminal covering Sybil activity onchain We hope you enjoy the episode! ---- Subscribe to The DeFi Report Newsletter: https://thedefireport.io/#newsletter Download a free copy of The Ethereum Investment Framework: https://thedefireport.gumroad.com/l/ethereuminvestmentframework Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3SeyyA8 Subscribe on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thedefireport Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-defi-report/id1717262936 Follow Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-austin-nadeau/ Follow Shiv: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivmehta/ Learn more about Artemis Terminal: https://www.artemis.xyz/ --- Show Resources: Nomura Study on Bitcoin & Impact on the Japanese Economy: https://www.cnbc.com/2018/01/02/bitcoin-could-boost-japans-gdp-nomura-analysts-say.html#

03-15
01:03:37

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