WBTC, Custodia's Fight, Harris’ ‘Crypto Reset,' and More!
This week on Unchained: Don't miss the interviews with Caitlin Long and Michelle Kallen, and Aki Balogh of dlcBTC. Plus, new episodes of Bits + Bips & TCB.
Could dlcBTC Resolve the Issues With Wrapped Bitcoin?
With everyone talking about the risks of wrapped bitcoin (WBTC), can this project emerge as a new alternative?
In this episode, Aki Balogh, CEO of dlcBTC, explores how Discreet Log Contracts (DLC) can change how Bitcoin works in DeFi by creating a self-sovereign wrapped Bitcoin. He delves into the mechanics of dlcBTC, its security features, and how it aims to be more decentralized than existing wrapped Bitcoin solutions like WBTC. Aki also shares future plans for dlcBTC, including integration with Bitcoin Layer 2 solutions and expansion to various blockchain ecosystems.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pods, Fountain, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Bits + Bips: Market Chaos, Fed Missteps & Harris’ ‘Crypto Reset’
Asymmetric’s Chris Cecere joins the podcast to break down last week’s sell-off in the crypto markets, where things might be headed now, and whether the Biden-Harris administration is sincere about plans to remake its crypto policies.
In this episode of Bits + Bips, hosts James Seyffart, Alex Kruger, and Joe McCann sit down with Chris Cecere of crypto investment firm Asymmetric to make sense of the latest market volatility and the factors driving it.
From the impact of the yen carry trade and the Fed’s controversial decisions on interest rates, to the potential signals coming out of Jackson Hole, the discussion cuts to the heart of what’s moving the markets. The group also dives into the SEC’s crackdown on Ripple, the ongoing drama surrounding wrapped bitcoin (WBTC) custody, and whether the Biden-Harris administration is genuinely considering a “crypto reset” or if it’s just political posturing.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pods, Fountain, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Caitlin Long on Why the Fed’s Rejections of Custodia Bank Seem Politically Motivated
Caitlin Long and lawyer Michelle Kallen explain why Custodia Bank felt compelled to sue the Fed.
Custodia, established as a special purpose depository institution in Wyoming, aimed to offer secure banking services for the crypto sector. Despite meeting state requirements and taking extra steps to demonstrate its commitment to safety, Custodia’s application for a Fed master account was met with delays and ultimately denied in an unprecedented 86-page report.
In this episode, Caitlin Long and Michelle Kallen explain why they believe the Fed’s rejection was politically motivated, how this relates to Operation Choke Point 2.0, the appallingly small number of American banks owned by women, where they are in their lawsuit against the Fed, and what this case means for the future of crypto banking in the US.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pods, Fountain, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.
The Chopping Block: WBTC Drama, Decentralized AI & SEC Subpoenas
Brother Bing joins the show to unpack WBTC’s custody turmoil, the AI x crypto debate, and the SEC’s rumored subpoenas. Also, what’s missing in this crypto cycle?
This week, the gang is joined by Shuyao, cofounder of MegaETH Labs and founder of hotpot DAO.
They dive into the unfolding drama surrounding WBTC and BitGo’s strategic shift towards multi-jurisdictional custody in Hong Kong. They also explore the growing buzz around decentralized AI, sparked by Haseeb’s newfound role as an “influencer” in the space, and debate whether these projects can truly succeed.
Moreover, with the SEC reportedly issuing subpoenas to crypto VCs, the discussion turns to the potential implications for token investments and regulatory scrutiny.
Lastly, is this cycle lacking a zero-to-one innovation?
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pods, Fountain, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.
In Case You Missed It 👀
Here are some articles you will probably want to read:
Lending Protocol Aave to Propose Onboarding TBTC in Response to Concerns About Latest WBTC Custodial Changes
Meanwhile, Maker has taken a more aggressive response to the changes by preventing any new borrowing from WBTC vaults.
Why Ethena Has Been One of the Biggest Losers In the Recent Market Correction
Ethena faces challenges as negative funding rates slash yields, contributing to a $500 million drop in the supply of USDe amid broader market turmoil.
Crypto4Harris: Democrats Pledge ‘Sensible’ Crypto Laws as Self-Custody, Operation Choke Point 2.0 Go Unmentioned
Sen. Schumer said he wants to create bipartisan support for a “sensible” crypto bill at the Crypto4Harris event.
BitGo Abruptly Pivots on Holders of WBTC Multi-Sig Keys Following Community Outcry
The digital asset custodian said the three keys for the WBTC multi-signature wallet will now be held by three different institutions.
Bitcoin Hashrate Hits Record High as Miner Reserves Drop to 3-Year Low
Bitcoin miner reserves have dropped to a level last seen in January 2021, as network hashrate sits at 627 EH/s.
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