The Scoop

JP Thieriot is the CEO of Uphold, a crypto broker that serves 184+ countries, across 30+ currencies (traditional and crypto) and commodities with frictionless foreign exchange and cross-border remittance for members around the world. In this episode we explore: Competition in the crowded landscape of crypto brokerage The key distinctions between the U.S. and South America in regards to crypto utility and speculation How Uphold is promoting utility and providing a safe haven from inflation in countries such as Venezuela and Argentina

Kristin Smith is the Executive Director of The Blockchain Association. In this episode Kristin sits down for her second time with Frank, Ryan, and Steven to discuss:  Where we stand after the Libra hearings and predictions on how this story will play out in 2020 The important differences between Republicans and Democrats in the manner they introduce crypto related legislation  The Blockchain Association's efforts in making the U.S. more appealing for blockchain businesses to operate The implications of Brad Sherman being appointed as new chair of the subcommittee of the Financial Services Committee Listen below, and subscribe to The Scoop on Apple, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Email feedback and revision requests to podcast@theblockcrypto.com.

Episode 34 of The Scoop was recorded with Frank Chaparro, Ryan Todd, and Horacio Barakat, V.P. of corporate strategy at Broadridge. Listen below, and subscribe to The Scoop on Apple, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Email feedback and revision requests to podcast@theblockcrypto.com.In this episode Horacio sits down with Frank and Ryan to discuss:  The challenges associated with implementing distributed ledger technology into the financial services industry  Broadridge's strategy to roll out a DLT-based repo platform The reasons why banks need to parter with fintech companies to innovate versus built it alone How they pitch old school broker dealers on blockchain 

Tom Jessop is the President of Fidelity Digital Assets. In this conversation Frank and Tom discuss: Fidelity's process in deciding between servicing institutions or retail The importance of custodians as a foundation for the digital assets market Why even the best technology may fail when there is no mature market structure Fidelity Digital Assets offering of execution services Why it is important to implement aspects of traditional finance into the digital assets space

Leo Zhang is Principal at Iterative Capital Management, an investment manager, cryptocurrency miner, and wholesale dealer. In this episode Leo joins Frank Chaparro and Matteo Liebowitz to discuss: The unseen impact Bitcoin miners have on the overall market The initial public offering of mining firm Canaan and new entrants to the market, like Layer1 The significance of rainy season in China and it's importance to mining ecosystem Leo's take on upcoming halvening and it's impact on the entire Bitcoin ecosystem Why Bitcoin on / off ramps are a main focus for Iterative Capital's investment strategy

Alex Gladstein is the Chief Strategy Officer of the Human Rights Foundation. Alex is a supporter of Bitcoin and it's important role in supporting human rights against oppressive regimes. In this Episode Frank and Alex discuss the important distinction between the moral and legal issues surrounding Virgil Griffith's recent arrest, Bitcoin's potential role in the modern urban protesting environment, how the IMF could, but wont, lend aid to Venezuelans in need by using Bitcoin, and the separation of money and state in a future cashless society.

Episode 30 of The Scoop was recorded on Skype with Frank Chaparro, Steven Zheng, and Andy Rachleff, Co-Founder of Wealthfront. Listen below, and subscribe to The Scoop on Apple, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Email feedback and revision requests to podcast@theblockcrypto.com.In this episode of the Scoop, Andy discusses several topics with Frank and Steven, including: How Andy saw opportunity in the crowded investment services space Why Wealthfront has developed a laser focus on millennial investors Why Wealthfront does not include cryptocurrencies in their investment services Andy's experience as a co-founder at Benchmark, including his biggest failure as an investor

Max Boonen is the Founder & Director of B2C2, one of the world's largest OTC liquidity providers. In this conversation Frank and Max discuss: Why Max encourages competition amongst OTC liquidity providers Why Max thinks the institutional investors that matter may already be in the space The importance of accounting for regulatory and customary risk when entering a new market Why the majority of B2C2 clients prefer to trade Tether How B2C2 differentiated itself as a young company

In this episode of The Scoop, Paolo Ardoino discusses several topics with Frank Chaparro and Larry Cermak, including: Bitfinex's failures in transparency and what they are doing today to be more transparent Paolo's thoughts on the research report suggesting Tether manipulated Bitcoin prices during the 2017 bull run Why Bitfinex saw success in raising capital for LEO  Plans to launch options which will be available on Bitfinex via it's company iFinex Financial Services Tether's plans to launch a gold-backed Tether Gold, with each coin directly linked to a specific gold bar Bitfinex's partnership with a well-known company to launch crypto gift cards

Bob Greifeld led Nasdaq as its CEO from 2003 to 2016, driving its evolution as a fledgling listing venue for many tiny tech companies into a diversified global financial technology company. He now sits on the board of two financial high frequency trading firms, including Virtu Financial, where he serves as Chairman. In this conversation, we discuss his new book, Market Movers, and dig into his storied career and examine some of the market structure debates shaping today's capital markets.