Beyond the Code

Last week, Yitzy attended Coindesk's premier event in Hong Kong, #ConsensusHK, where he livestreamed Beyond the Code episodes with leading innovators in the blockchain arena (more on that in the coming weeks).This week, Yitzy is back with the 48th episode of BTC! In this episode, Yitzy connects with Dr. Jimmie Lenz, a trailblazer in the crypto space and FinTech educator at Duke University. They explore Dr. Lenz’s remarkable journey from traditional finance to pioneering blockchain applications in academia, discussing innovations like soulbound tokens, the tokenization of real-world assets, and income share agreements. The conversation also touches on the challenges of regulatory compliance, the evolving role of AI, and generational shifts in work ethics, offering listeners practical insights into the future of digital assets and financial innovation.About Our Guest. Dr. Jimmie Lenz is the Director of the Master of Engineering in Financial Technology and Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity at Duke University and the Frank and Irene Salerno Visiting Professor of Financial Economics.   Lenz also leads the Digital Asset Research and Engineering Collaborative (DAREC) at Duke University.  Jimmie is an experienced executive, lecturer, and scholar in the fields of FinTech, Risk Management and Capital Markets.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmie-lenz-5a80485/ X: https://x.com/jimmie_lenz Web: https://www.jimmiehlenz.com/bioCoffee & Crypto Podcast with Lee and Jimmie: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yxDPqe6ZNwMqG8BT0PwQt?si=533bd4581a69481f DA@D - https://www.digitalassetsatduke.org/

In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy sits down with Tom Teman from the Ethereum Foundation to explore his path from early crypto days to shaping the future of wallets through account abstraction. Tom details his journey founding Portis, getting acquired by ShapeShift, and eventually joining Kraken—before landing at the Ethereum Foundation. He dives deep into ERC-4337, explaining how it revolutionizes wallet design by improving key management, enabling flexible recovery, and letting users pay gas with any token. Along the way, Tom shares candid insights into the Ethereum Foundation’s unique structure, the culture shifts he’s seen in big crypto companies, and why making crypto more user-friendly is the key to mainstream adoption. Whether you’re a builder, investor, or newcomer to web3, this conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes intel on how Ethereum is evolving from the inside out. https://x.com/tomteman

In this special episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy Hammer welcomes back Jonathan Caras for a lively discussion on the rise of meme coins and their impact on the crypto landscape. From the evolution of token issuance—Bitcoin, ICOs, DeFi Summer—to the chaotic yet fascinating world of meme tokens like $TRUMP Coin and $MELANIA Token, Jonathan unpacks how these tokens sidestep traditional expectations and regulatory hurdles. Together, they explore the cultural and community-driven value of memes, the role of innovation versus speculation, and what this new era of crypto might mean for the industry’s future. Tune in for sharp insights and a touch of humor on one of the most unexpected trends in Web3!

In this episode, Yitzy sits down with Eylon Aviv, a partner at Collider.VC, Israel’s leading crypto-centric venture capital fund. Eylon shares his journey from early days at tech unicorn IronSource to becoming a driving force in Israel’s crypto ecosystem. We discussed Eylon’s investment thesis, the unique challenges and opportunities of being a crypto-focused VC, and the innovative ways the fund supports startups in Israel and beyond. Eylon offers candid insights into the future of Web3, the importance of community, and how Israel’s tech DNA is shaping its role in the global crypto space. Tune in for a lively discussion packed with practical advice, thoughtful reflections, and a sneak peek into Building Blocks 2.0.

In this episode of Beyond the Code, SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, affectionately referred to within the cryptoverse as "Crypto Mom," joins Yitzy to discuss the SEC’s evolving approach to cryptocurrency and innovation. They explore the challenges of balancing regulatory oversight with fostering innovation, the agency's struggles to provide clear guidelines for the crypto industry, and the impact of enforcement-focused strategies on both U.S. and global markets. Commissioner Peirce candidly shares her views on the need for transparency, collaboration with international regulators, and empowering consumers through education, while also reflecting on her role as a dissenting voice within the SEC. With the upcoming change in SEC leadership and a new administration, Commissioner Peirce highlights why this moment is an opportunity to embrace optimism and work toward a regulatory framework that fosters innovation while protecting investors. Whether you're an industry professional or simply curious about the intersection of crypto and regulation, this episode offers a deep dive into the complexities and opportunities shaping the future of financial technology. Follow the Commissioner on X, at: @HesterPeirce

Noah Perlman, Chief Compliance Officer at Binance, draws on his background in federal prosecution to navigate the intricate world of crypto compliance. He discusses Binance's proactive stance on regulation and the importance of building trust across 21 jurisdictions. Noah shares insights on the role of AI in tackling financial crime and the emotional impact of challenges faced by his team. He emphasizes the vital need for innovation in compliance, especially in the shifting political landscape surrounding cryptocurrency.

In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy Hammer sits down with Ouriel Ohayon, CEO and founder of ZenGo, to explore the cutting-edge innovations behind the world’s most secure crypto wallet. Ouriel shares the journey from discovering crypto to building a wallet that eliminates the pain points of seed phrases, leverages multi-party computation (MPC) technology, and prioritizes user security and simplicity. The conversation also delves into Ouriel's relentless advocacy for Israel, his strategic approach to countering misinformation online, and the broader battle for truth in the digital age. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that spans technology, resilience, and a vision for a brighter future in both the crypto space and the world.

In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy sits down with Professor Edward Lee, a leading expert in intellectual property, copyright law, and emerging technologies. Professor Lee, author of Creators Take Control, dives into the fascinating world of NFTs, AI, and their legal and cultural implications. Together, they explore: The resurgence of NFTs and their role in redefining digital art and IP ownership; The challenges posed by AI to copyright law, including questions of authorship and creativity; The impact of regulation (or lack thereof) on innovation in Web3 and AI spaces; The evolving debate over NFTs as securities and the role of the SEC in shaping the market. Professor Lee shares insights from his book, recent Harvard and Yale publications, and his work tracking AI controversies through ChatGPTIsEatingTheWorld.com.  Tune in to learn how law is adapting—or failing to adapt—to innovations that are reshaping our world. Guest Links: Book: Creators Take Control Website: ChatGPTIsEatingTheWorld.com AI and the Sound of Music (Yale) Prompting Progress: Authorship in the Age of AI (Florida Law Review) Why is the SEC wrong about NFTs (Coindesk) The Original Public Meaning of ‘Investment Contract’ (Harvard) Follow Prof. Lee:  X: https://x.com/edleeprof Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edleeprof.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-lee-18084652

In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy sits down with Ofir Eliasi, founder of Borsa, to discuss his journey as a serial entrepreneur and blockchain innovator. Ofir shares his background, from early days in the 8200 unit of the Israeli army to leading development at major tech companies and startups, including his work on groundbreaking blockchain projects since 2017.  The conversation delves into the evolution of account abstraction, its transformative potential for blockchain infrastructure, and how Borsa is pioneering new solutions for wallet technology. Ofir also reflects on the lessons learned from the NFT boom, the strengths of the Israeli Web3 ecosystem, and his vision for the future of blockchain. Tune in for an insightful discussion on technical innovation, entrepreneurship, and the challenges and opportunities shaping the next wave of Web3. Check out Vitalik’s new blog post which Yitzy and Ofir discussed, ‘What I Would Love to See in a Wallet”. Follow Ofir on X.

In Episode 38, Yitzy interviews Nick Furneaux, a pioneer in cryptocurrency investigations and digital forensics. They discuss the realities of crypto crime, the evolution of investigations, and the importance of understanding cryptocurrency for law enforcement. Nick literally wrote the book on investigating cryptocurrencies (like, literally, his first book is called “Investigating Cryptocurrencies’) - and just released his second book, ‘There is No Such Thing as Crypto Crime’ - with a foreword written by Beyond the Code podcast alum, Erin West. In this episode, Nick shares insights from his books, including the misconceptions surrounding crypto crime and the need for education in the field. They also explore real-life case studies and the future of crypto investigations, emphasizing the importance of victim support and the challenges faced by investigators.