

CoinDesk Podcast Network
CoinDesk
The top stories and best shows in the blockchain world, delivered daily from the team at CoinDesk.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 14, 2023 • 26min
THE PROTOCOL: Crypto Points: Off-Chain Derivatives That Everyone is Talking About
Debating also the integration of Layer 2 functions on Ethereum's main chain, the unexplored territory of Blockchains’ identity and personal data storage; and Vitalik's deeply technical essay.This episode is sponsored by the Stellar Community FundFollow the show here for more.In this installment of "The Protocol," hosts Brad Keoun, the founding editor of The Protocol Newsletter, and tech journalists Sam Kessler and Margaux Nijkerk, explore the following stories: Polygon and CelestiaCelestia's "data availability" solution – pitched as a cheaper alternative to storing data on Ethereum – will become an option for builders who are using Polygon’s customizable software stack to spin up new layer-2 networks.CRYPTO POINTS Points rely on highly performant off-chain database systems called Servers to store and verify individual point balances.Sam Altman and WorldCoinWorld ID has added integrations with Shopify, Minecraft, and Reddit alongside a slew of developer-focused updates that could expand the OpenAI founder's blockchain-based "proof-of-personhood" service to more users.Cronos -Crypto.com PartnerThe new "Cronos zkEVM chain" is launching initially as a test network, based on Matter Labs’ software tools, which can be used to spin up new layer 2 and layer 3 “hyperchains” atop Ethereum.PROTOCOL VILLAGE SEGMENT - An Essay by Vitalik Ethereum's Buterin Floats Prospect of Taking Some Layer-2 Functions Back on Main ChainVitalik Buterin, a member of the Ethereum Foundation's executive board, once pushed "layer-2" networks as a way to provide faster and cheaper transactions. Now he's got ideas for "enshrining" some of those functions on the main chain.EPISODE LINKS | Polygon to Offer Data Solution Celestia as Option for New Layer-2 DevelopersCelestia, Blockchain Data Solution, Sees TIA Token Surge as Polygon Plan Announcedhttps://x.com/jonwu_/status/1735059813087015384?s=20https://x.com/sassal0x/status/1734787782940168569?s=20https://x.com/CoinDesk/status/1732889600425644235?s=20https://x.com/gabrielhaines/status/1734911303980917048?s=20 https://twitter.com/puntium/status/1734722454566887843Sam's WorldcoinCronos, Partner of Crypto.com, to Start Layer 2 Network With Matter Labs Sign Up for THE PROTOCOL NEWSLETTER From Our Sponsor: The Stellar Community Fund (SCF) is an open-application awards program that draws on community input to support developers and startups building on Stellar and Soroban. Accelerate your web3 project today.Apply for Funding at communityfund.stellar.org-The Protocol has been produced and edited by senior producer Michele Musso and our executive producer is Jared Schwartz. Our theme song is “Take Me Back” by Strength To Last.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 14, 2023 • 10min
MARKETS DAILY: Crypto Update | The Accounting Rule Change That Might Trigger a New Wave of Corporate Demand for Crypto
Noelle Acheson, the mind behind the Crypto Is Macro Now newsletter, explores rates euphoria, a market correction, a meaningful rule change and more.Today's episode is sponsored by CME Group.To get the show every day, follow the podcast here.FASB Mulls Fair-Value Accounting for Crypto Holdings: Report MicroStrategy Buys $250M in Bitcoin, Calling the Crypto 'Superior to Cash' - CoinDesk Bitcoin CEO: MicroStrategy's Michael Saylor Explains His $425M Bet on BTC -From our sponsors:CME Group Cryptocurrency futures and options provide market-leading liquidity for bitcoin and ether trading. These cash-settled contracts give full exposure to crypto performance without the hassle of holding the physical position. No digital wallet? No problem. Trade nearly 24/7 in a transparent, CFTC-regulated market. Visit cmegroup.com/crypto to learn more.Disclaimer:This communication is not directed to investors located in any particular jurisdiction and is not intended to be accessed by recipients based in jurisdictions in which distribution is not permitted. The information herein should not be considered investment advice or the results of actual market experience. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Trading derivatives products involves the risk of loss. Please consider carefully whether futures or options are appropriate to your financial situation.-This episode was hosted by Noelle Acheson. “Markets Daily” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl. All original music by Doc Blust and Colin Mealey.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 13, 2023 • 9min
MARKETS DAILY: Crypto Update | El Salvador's Bitcoin Bonds Are One Step Closer to Issuance
Noelle Acheson, the mind behind the Crypto Is Macro Now newsletter, explores market moves, inflation, El Salvador and more.Today's episode is sponsored by CME Group.To get the show every day, follow the podcast here.World's First Bitcoin Bonds Receive Regulatory Approval in El Salvador -From our sponsors:CME Group Cryptocurrency futures and options provide market-leading liquidity for bitcoin and ether trading. These cash-settled contracts give full exposure to crypto performance without the hassle of holding the physical position. No digital wallet? No problem. Trade nearly 24/7 in a transparent, CFTC-regulated market. Visit cmegroup.com/crypto to learn more.Disclaimer:This communication is not directed to investors located in any particular jurisdiction and is not intended to be accessed by recipients based in jurisdictions in which distribution is not permitted. The information herein should not be considered investment advice or the results of actual market experience. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Trading derivatives products involves the risk of loss. Please consider carefully whether futures or options are appropriate to your financial situation.-This episode was hosted by Noelle Acheson. “Markets Daily” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl. All original music by Doc Blust and Colin Mealey.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 13, 2023 • 1h 10min
UNCHAINED: How Binance Will Open All Its Activity to the U.S. Government
Experts Dorothy DeWitt and Michael Dawson discuss the implications, challenges, and potential outcomes of Binance's compliance monitorship. The record $4.3 billion settlement reached between Binance and the U.S. government over charges of money laundering and sanctions violations calls for the world's largest crypto exchange to maintain an independent compliance monitor for the next five years. Michael Dawson, a partner at WilmerHale, and Dorothy DeWitt, founder and CEO of Tolt Strategies, a former director at the CFTC and former general counsel at Coinbase, dissect the intricacies of this arrangement, delving into the roles and responsibilities of the compliance monitor, the potential impact on Binance's operations and the broader implications for the crypto industry.Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Pandora, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.Show highlights:
What exactly is a compliance monitor, and why it's essential in the Binance settlement
Which regulatory agencies do the monitors report to and their significance
Why the DOJ insisted on including a compliance monitor in its settlement with Binance
how Binance’s compliance monitor is expected to create a “ripple effect across the industry,” according to Michael
Why Binance, despite being a non-U.S. entity, is subject to a U.S.-appointed monitor
Dorothy's perspective on why more monitorships might be appointed in the crypto industry going forward
How much the monitorship will cost Binance and the factors influencing their choice of monitor
Whether the government will be able to discover other crimes with all this new information, which will be used by other agencies such as the IRS and the FBI
Who might be appointed as the compliance monitor for Binance and why Michael favors Patrick McHenry
What constitutes the SAR lookback and AML program consultancy
What could happen when the government gets to look at all past transactions
What happens if the monitor discovers any wrongdoing within Binance
Whether the monitorship is likely to impact Binance's business operations
Advice from Dorothy and Michael for Binance's new CEO on navigating these challenges
Why predicting the future of Changpeng Zhao, Binance's ex-CEO, is complex, according to Dorothy
Thank you to our sponsors! LayerZero | Popcorn Network | Arbitrum FoundationGuests | Michael Dawson, partner, Financial Institutions Group at WilmerHaleDorothy DeWitt, founder and CEO of Tolt Strategies and former Director of the Division of Market Oversight at the CFTCLinks |SettlementDOJ Settlement TextFINCEN Settlement TextCFTC Settlement TextOFAC Settlement TextWSJ: Binance Penalties Include a Number of Crypto Industry Firsts: The Treasury Department’s FinCEN is imposing its first-ever monitorship on the cryptocurrency exchangeCoinDesk: Binance's Future and Other Questions Post-Settlement Unchained: Binance to Pay $4.3 Billion to Settle U.S. DOJ Criminal Probe; CEO Changpeng Zhao Pleads Guilty for Violating Bank Secrecy Act Law360: Binance's Compliance Chief Is Optimistic About MonitorshipThe C FTC's guidance on monitorship:CFTC Releases Enforcement Advisory on Penalties, Monitors and AdmissionsOther monitors at crypto companies:Coinbase (independent monitor): Press Release- January 3, 2023: Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris Announces $100 Million Settlement with Coinbase, Inc. after DFS Investigation Finds Significant Failings in the Company’s Compliance Program | Department of Financial ServicesRobinhood Crypto (independent compliance consultant): Press Release- August 2, 2022: DFS Superintendent Harris Announces $30 Million Penalty on Robinhood Crypto for Significant Anti- Money Laundering, Cybersecurity & Consumer Protection Violations | Department of Financial Services (ny.gov)-Unchained Podcast is Produced by Laura Shin Media, LLC. Distributed by CoinDesk. Senior Producer is Michele Musso and Executive Producer is Jared Schwartz. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 12, 2023 • 9min
MARKETS DAILY: Crypto Unplugged | Bitcoin Does Have Intrinsic Value
Noelle Acheson, the mind behind the Crypto Is Macro Now newsletter, steps back from the daily markets coverage to address an often misunderstood topic: Does Bitcoin have intrinsic value?Today's episode is sponsored by CME Group.To get the show every day, follow the podcast here.On today's show, we depart from the usual format – rather than a market update, Noelle breaks down a common misconception about bitcoin.-From our sponsors:CME Group Cryptocurrency futures and options provide market-leading liquidity for bitcoin and ether trading. These cash-settled contracts give full exposure to crypto performance without the hassle of holding the physical position. No digital wallet? No problem. Trade nearly 24/7 in a transparent, CFTC-regulated market. Visit cmegroup.com/crypto to learn more.Disclaimer:This communication is not directed to investors located in any particular jurisdiction and is not intended to be accessed by recipients based in jurisdictions in which distribution is not permitted. The information herein should not be considered investment advice or the results of actual market experience. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Trading derivatives products involves the risk of loss. Please consider carefully whether futures or options are appropriate to your financial situation.-This episode was hosted by Noelle Acheson. “Markets Daily” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl. All original music by Doc Blust and Colin Mealey.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 11, 2023 • 48min
GEN C: Unpacking the Role of Digital Art in Art History With Sotheby’s Michael Bouhanna
Michael Bouhanna joins us to discuss the art world’s embrace of NFTs and the intersection between digital art and traditional auction houses.Today's episode is sponsored by Chainalysis.In this episode of "Gen C," we sit down with Michael Bouhanna, vice president, contemporary art specialista and head of digital art and NFTs at renowned auction house Sotheby’s. Michael takes us through the evolution of digital art as a movement and collectors’ growing embrace of crypto art. We discuss sales like Sotheby’s record-breaking $6 million sale of the Goose, as well as predictions for digital art's presence during Miami Art Week and beyond.Links mentioned from the podcast:
Shopify COO nods to their crypto work
Your A.I. Companion Will Support You No Matter What
Michael on Twitter
Sotheby’s Website
Follow us on Twitter:
Sam Ewen, Avery Akkineni, CoinDesk, Vayner3
-From our sponsor:Chainalysis is the blockchain data platform. We provide data, software, services, and research to government agencies, web3 companies, financial institutions, and insurance and cybersecurity companies. Our data powers investigation, compliance, and business intelligence software that has been used to solve some of the world’s most high-profile criminal cases. For more information, visit www.chainalysis.com.-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen and Avery Akkineni, with editing by Jonas Huck. Executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced by Uyen Truong. Our theme music is "1882” by omgkirby x Channel Tres with editing by Doc Blust. Artwork by Nicole Marie Rincon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 11, 2023 • 11min
MARKETS DAILY: Crypto Update | What's Behind the Weekend's Price Correction
Noelle Acheson, the mind behind the Crypto Is Macro Now newsletter, explores sharp weekend correction in crypto markets, consumer expectations, NFTs and more.Today's episode is sponsored by CME Group.To get the show every day, follow the podcast here.Today’s Stories:Bitcoin's 4% Drop Cools Overheated Funding Rates, Data Show Pudgy Penguins to Launch Webkinz-like Virtual World in 2024 It’s All a Game | Messari NFT Dashboard / CryptoSlam! NFT Price Floor -From our sponsors:CME Group Cryptocurrency futures and options provide market-leading liquidity for bitcoin and ether trading. These cash-settled contracts give full exposure to crypto performance without the hassle of holding the physical position. No digital wallet? No problem. Trade nearly 24/7 in a transparent, CFTC-regulated market. Visit cmegroup.com/crypto to learn more.Disclaimer:This communication is not directed to investors located in any particular jurisdiction and is not intended to be accessed by recipients based in jurisdictions in which distribution is not permitted. The information herein should not be considered investment advice or the results of actual market experience. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Trading derivatives products involves the risk of loss. Please consider carefully whether futures or options are appropriate to your financial situation.-This episode was hosted by Noelle Acheson. “Markets Daily” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl. All original music by Doc Blust and Colin Mealey.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 10, 2023 • 12min
MARKETS DAILY: Featured Story | Why Are People Spreading Falsehoods About Bitcoin’s Water Use?
No, despite what you might have heard recently, Bitcoin transactions do not consume a swimming pool of water. Noelle Acheson dives into the fallacy, and points out that poor research is not the only culprit here.Today's episode is sponsored by CME Group and Harpie.To get the show every day, follow the podcast here.For today’s featured story, Noelle Acheson reads her piece written for CoinDesk, titled: “Why Are People Spreading Falsehoods About Bitcoin’s Water Use?”-From our sponsors:CME Group Cryptocurrency futures and options provide market-leading liquidity for bitcoin and ether trading. These cash-settled contracts give full exposure to crypto performance without the hassle of holding the physical position. No digital wallet? No problem. Trade nearly 24/7 in a transparent, CFTC-regulated market. Visit cmegroup.com/crypto to learn more.Disclaimer:This communication is not directed to investors located in any particular jurisdiction and is not intended to be accessed by recipients based in jurisdictions in which distribution is not permitted. The information herein should not be considered investment advice or the results of actual market experience. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Trading derivatives products involves the risk of loss. Please consider carefully whether futures or options are appropriate to your financial situation.-Harpie is the most advanced on-chain security solution for monitoring and protecting your crypto wallet from theft in real time. Harpie helps you detect and block suspicious transactions before they execute, safeguarding your assets from malicious attacks and scams. Secure your wallet for free at harpie.io.-This episode was hosted by Noelle Acheson. “Markets Daily” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl. All original music by Doc Blust and Colin Mealey.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 9, 2023 • 6min
MARKETS DAILY: CoinDesk Market Index Week in Review
CoinDesk Indices presents six notable market movement highlights from last week.Today's episode is sponsored by CME Group and Harpie.To get the show every day, follow the podcast here.The CoinDesk Market Index (CMI) functions as a benchmark for the performance of the digital asset market, delivering institutional quality information to digital asset investors. Today’s takeaways are provided by Tracy Stephens, senior index manager of CoinDesk Indices with additional analysis from Eric Ervin, CEO of Onramp Invest. For more on the CMI you can visit: coindeskmarkets.com.-From our sponsors:CME Group Cryptocurrency futures and options provide market-leading liquidity for bitcoin and ether trading. These cash-settled contracts give full exposure to crypto performance without the hassle of holding the physical position. No digital wallet? No problem. Trade nearly 24/7 in a transparent, CFTC-regulated market. Visit cmegroup.com/crypto to learn more.Disclaimer:This communication is not directed to investors located in any particular jurisdiction and is not intended to be accessed by recipients based in jurisdictions in which distribution is not permitted. The information herein should not be considered investment advice or the results of actual market experience. Past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Trading derivatives products involves the risk of loss. Please consider carefully whether futures or options are appropriate to your financial situation.-Harpie is the most advanced on-chain security solution for monitoring and protecting your crypto wallet from theft in real time. Harpie helps you detect and block suspicious transactions before they execute, safeguarding your assets from malicious attacks and scams. Secure your wallet for free at harpie.io.-This episode was hosted by Noelle Acheson. “Markets Daily” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl. All original music by Doc Blust and Colin Mealey.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 8, 2023 • 40min
UNCHAINED: Market Forecaster Raoul Pal Says There’s a Good Chance Bitcoin Will Hit $100K-$200K in 2024
Market forecaster Raoul Pal discusses the potential price of Bitcoin in 2024, the significance of spot Bitcoin ETFs, the launch of an Ethereum ETF and its reception by institutions, the appeal of Ethereum and Solana to institutional investors, and the rise of BRC-20 tokens and Bitcoin network congestion.


