CoinDesk Podcast Network

Ari Redbord, Global Head of Policy at TRM Labs and former prosecutor, explores the tumultuous landscape of crypto security in 2025. He highlights the staggering $53 billion in scams while also celebrating unprecedented asset recovery successes. Ari calls blockchains the "ultimate crime scene," showcasing how they're leveraged to reclaim stolen funds. The rise of AI-driven scams, escalating by 500%, poses new challenges, yet there's optimism as policymakers engage with the technology. Predictions for 2026 emphasize action and practical deployment of solutions.

The podcast dives into the current state of U.S. crypto market structure legislation, highlighting essential wins in 2025 but noting a crucial missing bill. It investigates the House's passage of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act while the Senate drafts its version. The discussion also covers debates on anti-money laundering regulations for DeFi and the impact of political factors like shutdown risks and midterm elections on legislative progress. Finally, listeners learn about potential consequences if this critical legislation fails to pass.

Explore the wildest Bitcoin stories from 2025, including a dramatic ICE raid on a Texas mine and the end of Operation Chokepoint 2.0, reshaping crypto banking. Discover how miners adapted to AI workloads amidst panic over Trump’s tariffs and soaring ASIC imports. Dive into the mystery of the $8 billion OG whale sale and the amusing saga of a Bitcoin Puppets-branded race car. This is a rollercoaster of thrilling narratives that speak volumes about the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency.

The latest high-profile moves in D.C. highlight the revolving door between government and the crypto sector. Outgoing CFTC Chair Caroline Pham joins MoonPay, while Trump's administration fills roles with private-sector veterans. Concerns about conflicts of interest arise, but some argue this shift modernizes governance. The discussion also covers significant transitions within other regulatory bodies. Tune in for insights on how these changes may shape the future of cryptocurrency.

Arthur Hayes, Co-founder of BitMEX and Maelstrom CIO, shares his bold predictions for Bitcoin, forecasting it to reach $250,000 by 2026 and even $750,000 by 2027. He delves into the macroeconomic forces behind these predictions, highlighting the impact of U.S. politics and money printing. Hayes also discusses his top three investments for 2025, including Zcash, and explains why it's gaining traction. He emphasizes the importance of self-custody for privacy and offers insights on the future of stablecoins and DeFi.

Join Jean-Marie Mognetti, CEO of CoinShares, as he unpacks the transformative impact of Bitcoin ETFs on the crypto landscape. He reveals how the financialization of Bitcoin through derivatives is compressing volatility and changing trading dynamics. Mognetti discusses the stark contrast in ETF adoption between Europe and the U.S., attributing European lag to cultural and regulatory hurdles. He also paints a thought-provoking picture of Bitcoin as a 'bittersweet' response to global debt crises, highlighting its potential role amidst economic turmoil.

Adam Hollander, CMO of OpenSea and a seasoned expert in crypto and NFTs, discusses the platform's transformative journey. He envisions OpenSea evolving from a simple NFT marketplace to a comprehensive on-chain hub for all digital assets. Adam details the challenges of competition and the need for a robust platform rebuild. He also highlights plans for user engagement, multi-chain wallet integration, and adapting to market dynamics. With a focus on scalability, his goal is to see OpenSea become a vital resource for millions in the digital economy.

Mike Selig's confirmation as the new CFTC chairman marks a significant shift towards a crypto-first regulatory landscape. He plans to replace enforcement-driven rules with clarity and principles-based guidelines. The podcast delves into Selig's career trajectory and critiques the traditional regulatory approach. Concerns are raised about leadership vacancies as Selig stands as the sole commissioner. His agenda emphasizes tougher enforcement and ending reliance on opaque regulations, signaling a new path for cryptocurrency oversight.

Jesse Pollak, a prominent blockchain builder and creator of Base, joins the conversation about his role in driving growth for this Ethereum Layer 2 solution. He discusses Base's explosive expansion and the increasing interest from institutions like JPMorgan and Shopify. Pollak delves into progressive decentralization, emphasizing the importance of community governance and the risks of centralization. Plus, he shares rapid-fire predictions for the crypto landscape in 2026, touching on market trends and opportunities for innovation.

Dive into the high-stakes showdown between quantum computing and Bitcoin. Explore whether quantum threats are real or just hype, as experts discuss the risk to 1-2 million vulnerable BTC. Unpack Nick Carter's thesis on impending cryptographic challenges by 2028-2033. Debate the ethics of 'burning' Satoshi's coins to protect the network from a potential $100 billion hack. Discover the technologies that could future-proof Bitcoin, alongside the philosophical implications of a possible civil conflict within the crypto community.