CoinDesk Podcast Network

A new lending product lets users borrow up to $1 million using staked ETH as collateral. Discussion covers liquidity unlocked for U.S. investors and the ongoing risks of liquidation. The show also reports on Caroline Ellison’s move to a halfway house and BitGo’s IPO valuation headlines.

Big market moves and infrastructure bets take center stage. A major crypto custody firm prices a multibillion IPO and tokenized trading on exchanges gets a spotlight. AI data center costs and grid upgrades spark debate. A Bitcoin gaming payments startup raises $40 million. A long-running Ethereum social app sees its founding team step away.

Kara Calvert, Coinbase Vice President of U.S. Policy who leads the company’s regulatory work, explains why Coinbase withdrew support for Market Structure. She points to rushed drafting and provisions that could threaten stablecoin rewards and the SEC’s exemptive authority. The conversation covers risks to consumer rewards, tokenized equities, and what fixes are needed for legislation to move forward.

At Davos, Brian Armstrong clashed with the Bank of France governor over Bitcoin's independence, advocating for a 'Bitcoin Standard.' Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate postponed discussions on crypto regulations after Coinbase withdrew support. In a twist, discussions emerged about using crypto as the currency for AI agents. BlackRock's growing interest in Bitcoin and Ethereum's potential in tokenization was also spotlighted, framing tokenization as essential infrastructure for the future of finance.

Charles Hoskinson, Founder of Input Output and creator of Cardano, shares his insights on the crypto landscape. He discusses why network growth isn't translating to token prices and highlights concerns about new U.S. legislation potentially favoring banks. Hoskinson warns of political corruption and the dangers of weaponized crypto policy. He also emphasizes the need for better user experiences in crypto, advocating for practical solutions like Lace ID for decentralized identity. His perspectives on geopolitical risks and recession further enrich the conversation.

Bitmine has received the green light to sell more shares, exciting possibilities for capital raising. However, the market reacts as stock prices dip, raising concerns over dilution among investors. The discussion highlights the growing maturity of bitcoin as a long-term asset, compared to its volatile tech counterparts. Additionally, gold is making waves by testing new highs, while Solana prepares for an intriguing mobile airdrop tied to its latest phone. A mix of caution and opportunity permeates the crypto landscape!

Tensions are rising as the EU prepares $110 billion in tariffs in response to the U.S.'s Greenland ambitions. Meanwhile, the crypto market is feeling the pinch with over $800 million liquidated and gold hitting record highs. Exciting news comes from the NYSE as it launches a blockchain trading venue for tokenized assets. Additionally, the regulatory landscape tightens as Portugal orders Polymarket to stop operations due to illegal political betting. What does all this mean for investors and the future of trading?

Craig Tindale, a macro investor and former manufacturing consultant, unpacks China's staggering control over critical mineral refining, holding 80-90% capacity. He reveals the impending 25,000-tonne silver deficit and discusses how this stranglehold impacts AI, defense, and energy sectors. Tindale contrasts Hamiltonian manufacturing principles with modern outsourcing pitfalls and highlights the urgent need for the U.S. to rebuild its industrial capabilities. He argues that understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating geopolitical tensions and restoring national resilience.

Explore the intriguing addition of the newest maintainer in Bitcoin Core, known as 'The Charlatan.' Delve into the evolution of Bitcoin’s governance, moving away from a single lead maintainer to a collaborative model with six members. Discover the ambitious 'Bitcoin kernel' project aimed at promoting client diversity and maintaining consensus compatibility. The discussion also touches on the opaque nature of governance and how this shift could impact the future of Bitcoin’s scalability and competition among clients.

Vivek Raman, co-founder of Etherealize and a former Wall Street pro, along with Danny Ryan, a former Ethereum Foundation researcher, dive into Ethereum's bright future. They discuss Ethereum's potential to surpass $15,000, driven by stablecoin growth and asset tokenization. The duo also highlights the importance of privacy for institutions and Ethereum's readiness for handling increased demand. With optimism for crypto legislation, they emphasize how institutions lean towards Ethereum due to its security and established presence.