Explore every episode of the podcast The World Crypto Report
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crypto, Spies, and Stablecoins: Shopify’s USDC Push, FSB Bitcoin Payouts, and Coinbase’s High-Profile Hire | June 13, 2025 | 13 Jun 2025 | 00:08:12 | |
A teenage Canadian recruited by Russia’s FSB and paid in bitcoin (0:55). Shopify flips the switch on auto-enabled USDC payments (2:30). Coinbase adds Obama’s former campaign chief as crypto legislation gains steam (3:50). And Hong Kong tracks $1.1 billion in alleged laundering tied to crypto wallets (5:22). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Russia Recruited a Teenage Spy. His Arrest Led to a Crypto Money Trail. Mari Saito, Anna Koper, Anton Zverev, Filipp Lebedev, and Polina Nikolskaya. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/europe-espionage-teen-spy/ Shopify Partners with Coinbase and Stripe in Landmark Stablecoin Deal. Ben Weiss. Fortune. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/shopify-partners-coinbase-stripe-landmark-182707374.html Coinbase Adds Former Top Obama and Harris Adviser Plouffe as It Broadens Its Political Reach. Joey Cappelletti. Associated Press. Customs works with University of Hong Kong to develop crypto transaction tracer. Jess Ma. South China Morning Post. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| CLARITY and GENIUS Bills Advance in Congress, Stripe Acquires Privy, and Connecticut Kills Crypto Reserve | June 12, 2025 | 12 Jun 2025 | 00:08:21 | |
Congress inches closer to a crypto regulatory breakthrough, with new momentum behind the GENIUS and CLARITY Acts (1:02). We also have updates on a harrowing Bitcoin-related kidnapping in Manhattan (2:37), Stripe’s latest crypto acquisition (4:03), and Connecticut’s move to ban government involvement in digital assets (5:35). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Landmark Crypto Bill Moves Closer to Passage in Senate. Jasper Goodman. Politico. 2 House Panels Advance Crypto Market Structure Bill. Julia Shapero. The Hill. https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5344328-house-panel-advances-crypto-oversight/ Photos Show Accuser in NYC Crypto Kidnapping Leaving House Freely, Defense Lawyers Say. Philip Marcelo. Associated Press. Stripe Acquires Crypto Wallet Infrastructure Provider Privy. Duncan Riley. SiliconANGLE. https://siliconangle.com/2025/06/11/stripe-acquires-crypto-wallet-infrastructure-provider-privy/ Connecticut Enacts Law Banning State Crypto Reserves, Investments. Timmy Shen. The Block. https://www.theblock.co/post/357704/connecticut-bans-state-crypto-investments The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| SEC Ends Binance Case, Clarifies Staking Rules, Targets $200M Pig Butchering Scam | May 30, 2025 | 30 May 2025 | 00:08:43 | |
The SEC ends its high-profile lawsuit against Binance (1:04), clarifies its stance on staking (2:20), and signals a broader shift in regulatory strategy. Meanwhile, U.S. agencies take aim at the infrastructure behind crypto investment scams, targeting a sanctioned Philippine firm (3:50) and a multimillion-dollar pig butchering ring linked to two Chinese nationals (5:41). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: SEC Drops Binance Lawsuit, Ending One of Last Remaining Crypto Enforcement Actions. MacKenzie Sigalos. CNBC. Statement on Certain Protocol Staking Activities. Division of Corporate Finance. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. OFAC Sanctions Funnull Technology Inc. for Supporting Pig Butchering Scams. Chainalysis. https://www.chainalysis.com/blog/ofac-sanctions-funnull-technology-pig-butchering-scams-may-2025/ Targeting a Major Backer of Virtual Currency Investment Scams. Tammy Bruce, Department Spokesperson. U.S. Department of State. https://www.state.gov/targeting-a-major-backer-of-virtual-currency-investment-scams/ Treasury Takes Action Against Major Cyber Scam Facilitator. U.S. Department of the Treasury. https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0149 Feds Target Chinese Couple Accused in $9 Million Crypto ‘Pig Butchering’ Scam. Trevor Hughes. USA Today. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| JD Vance Backs Bitcoin, U.S. Labor Department Revokes Crypto Limits, Michigan Eyes Mining Boom | May 29, 2025 | 29 May 2025 | 00:08:30 | |
Vice President JD Vance speaks at Bitcoin 2025 (1:03), and the Trump administration revokes Biden-era restrictions on digital assets in retirement accounts (2:22). Also: new malware is turning Docker containers into Dero miners (4:09), and we look at Michigan’s audacious new crypto legislation, which, if enacted, would do everything from creating a state-backed Bitcoin investment strategy to using abandoned oil wells for mining (5:36). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: At Las Vegas Bitcoin Event, VP Vance Urges Crypto Owners to Be Politically Active. Matthew Seeman. News 3, Las Vegas. Trump Withdraws Warning Against Cryptocurrency 401(k) Retirement Investing. Chris Benson. United Press International. New Self-Spreading Malware Infects Docker Containers to Mine Dero Cryptocurrency. Ravie Lakshmanan. The Hacker News. https://thehackernews.com/2025/05/new-self-spreading-malware-infects.html Michigan Lawmakers Introduce Cryptocurrency Legislation. Trevor King. WLNS 6 News. https://www.wlns.com/news/michigan-lawmakers-introduce-cryptocurrency-legislation/amp/ The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Circle’s IPO, Crypto Crime Arrests in France, and North Carolina’s Bitcoin Bill | May 28, 2025 | 28 May 2025 | 00:08:18 | |
Circle goes public (0:56). France arrests suspects behind a string of crypto kidnappings (2:38). North Carolina’s pension fund inches toward Bitcoin (3:56). And Thailand pushes to integrate crypto with tourist spending and capital markets (5:45). From Wall Street to Bangkok, this is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Stablecoin Issuer Circle Files to Go Public. Anand Singha. The Street. https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/markets/stablecoin-issuer-circle-files-to-go-public French Police Detain Twenty Suspects Over Cryptocurrency Kidnappings. Estelle Nilsson-Julien. Euro News. North Carolina Considers Dipping a Toe into Cryptocurrency. Katelyn Cai. The Assembly. https://www.theassemblync.com/business/cryptocurrency-north-carolina-state-pension/ Thailand Explores Crypto-Linked Credit Cards for Tourists. The Nation (Thailand). https://www.nationthailand.com/business/digital-assets/40050484 The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Swiss Crypto Investor to Surrender in Manhattan Torture Case | $300M Scam Fugitive Nabbed | BBVA, Cecabank Expand into Crypto| May 27, 2025 | 27 May 2025 | 00:08:10 | |
A second suspect emerges in the shocking Manhattan crypto kidnapping case (0:57), while Thai police arrest a fugitive tied to a $300 million digital asset scam (2:27). Spain’s top banks move deeper into crypto under the EU’s MiCA rules (4:01), and Air Arabia embraces stablecoins for flight payments (5:31). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: 2nd crypto suspect wanted in torture of Italian man expected to surrender to police. Eyewitness News ABC 7, New York. Vietnamese woman wanted by Interpol for massive cryptocurrency scam arrested in Bangkok. Việt Nam News. Spanish Banks Embrace Cryptocurrency Following Change in EU Regulation. Anindya Paul. Tech Story. https://techstory.in/spanish-banks-embrace-cryptocurrency-following-change-in-eu-regulation/ Air Arabia becomes region’s first airline to accept crypto payments with AE Coin. Yara Abi Farraj. Economy Middle East. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| A Crypto Kidnapping Hits Manhattan | A $223MM Hack Hits Cetus | A Legal Earthquake Hits South Africa | May 26, 2025 | 26 May 2025 | 00:08:27 | |
Yet another crypto kidnapping – this time in Manhattan (1:02), a landmark court decision in South Africa that could open the floodgates for digital finance (2:36), and a cyberattack that drained $223 million from a major DeFi platform (3:56). Also: rural America goes to war with crypto miners over noise, power, and policy (5:15). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Crypto Investor Charged with Kidnapping and Torturing Man for Weeks. Maia Coleman and Chelsia Rose Marcius. New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/24/nyregion/crypto-investor-torture-italian-tourist.html Wealthy ‘Crypto King' Turned NYC Townhouse into Torture Chamber to Gain Partner's Bitcoin, Sources Say. Marc Santia and Jonathan Dienst. NBC New York. South African High Court Rules Cryptocurrency Not Subject to Capital Controls. Ledger Insights. Hacker Steals $223 million in Cetus Protocol Cryptocurrency Heist. Bill Toulas. Bleeping Computer. The Bitcoin Hum That Is unsettling Trump's MAGA Heartlands. Mike Wendling. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2qg6e03l2o The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Trump’s Meme Coin Party, Wall Street’s Stablecoin Gambit & Kraken’s Tokenized Stock Play | May 23, 2025 | 23 May 2025 | 00:07:35 | |
Donald Trump’s headline-grabbing crypto gala—and the nearly $400 million fueling his digital currency empire. Is it innovation or influence-peddling (0:54)? Plus, America’s biggest banks eye a joint stablecoin project (2:13), Kraken tokenizes US stocks for global users (3:38), and Australian retirees start to go big on Bitcoin (4:37). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Trump's Crypto Dinner: Black Ties, a Chinese Billionaire and Ethics Questions. Zac Anderson. USA Today. Big Banks Explore Venturing into Crypto World Together with Joint Stablecoin. Gina Heeb and Justin Baer. Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/finance/banking/crypto-stablecoin-big-banks-a841059e Kraken to Offer Tokenized Securities, including Apple, Tesla, and Nvidia, to Customers outside the U.S. Kevin Williams. Quartz. https://qz.com/kraken-backed-solana-tokenized-us-securities-1851782038 Research Reveals Baby Boomers, Retirees Invest in Cryptocurrency. Mackenzie Colohan. ABC News (Australia). The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Crypto Justice: SafeMoon CEO Guilty, SEC Hits Unicoin, Hong Kong Regulates | May 22, 2025 | 22 May 2025 | 00:08:44 | |
A Brooklyn jury convicts SafeMoon’s ex-CEO Braden Karony in a $40M fraud case that could set a new precedent for crypto crime enforcement (0:52), and the SEC targets Unicoin, a high-flying startup that claimed Caribbean real estate would back its future token (2:22). In Asia, Hong Kong greenlights a new licensing regime for stablecoins (4:17), and back in the U.S., NYC launches its own digital asset advisory council to bring crypto deeper into the city’s infrastructure (5:59). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: SafeMoon CEO Convicted of Looting Crypto Company. Pete Brush. Law 360 (free registration required). https://www.law360.com/articles/2343312 SEC Sues Crypto Startup Unicoin and Its Executives for Fraud. Caitlin Ostroff and Alexander Osipovich. Wall Street Journal (paid subscription required). Hong Kong Passes Stablecoin Law, Clearing Way for Licensed Issuers to Sell to Public. Enoch Yiu. South China Morning Post. NYC Mayor Spells Out Big Plans for Crypto and Blockchain. Government Technology. https://www.govtech.com/gov-experience/nyc-mayor-spells-out-big-plans-for-crypto-and-blockchain The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Texas Seeks Crypto Reserve, Milei Sacks Crypto Task Force, McCormick Socks Away Crypto Profits | May 21, 2025 | 21 May 2025 | 00:08:48 | |
Texas advances a groundbreaking bill to build a state-managed bitcoin reserve (0:54). Argentina’s President Javier Milei dissolves a crypto task force investigating his ties to the failed $LIBRA token, amid mounting legal pressure (2:27). India’s Supreme Court demands a regulatory framework for digital assets (4:05). And in the U.S., a senator’s bitcoin investments spark ethics questions as new crypto legislation gains steam (5:50). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Texas Passes Measure to create a state crypto reserve as Bitcoin tops $105K. Trevor Bach. Dallas Morning News. Milei shutters office investigating ‘cryptogate’ $LIBRA scandal. Buenos Aires Times. Supreme Court says cryptocurrency needs to be regulated, banning not an option. Ummar Jamal. Bar and Bench. Sen. Dave McCormick Is Legislating Crypto — And Making Money Off It. Samuel Larreal and Claire Heddles. NOTUS. https://www.notus.org/senate/cryptocurrency-dave-mccormick-investments The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Senate Advances GENIUS Act | Trump-Linked Crypto Scandal | $260MM Theft Indictment | May 20, 2025 | 20 May 2025 | 00:08:51 | |
A sweeping crypto regulation bill clears a major hurdle in the US Senate, with new ethics rules and consumer protections aimed at reining in stablecoins (1:07). Digital Currency Group founder Barry Silbert is under legal fire as court filings accuse him of quietly pulling out hundreds of millions before Genesis Capital collapsed (2:52). We also look at a new fraud suit tying President Trump’s family to a failed crypto startup (4:26), and we detail the arrest of a 20-year-old Singaporean accused of leading a $260 million theft operation (6:09). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Senate Advances a Major Crypto Regulation Bill on a Bipartisan Vote. Kate Santaliz and Julie Tsirkin. NBC News. How Trump’s Crypto Business Partners Left Their Old Clients in the Lurch. Lawrence Delevingne. Reuters. Crypto Billionaire Accused of Defrauding Creditors, Propelling Industry’s 2022 Collapse. Kevin T. Dugan. Wall Street Journal. Singaporean Malone Lam charged in US with heading up cryptocurrency crime ring that stole millions. Nick Harper. Channel News Asia. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Crypto Crime in Hong Kong, Trump-Linked Deal in Pakistan Irks India, Meme Coin Chaos, and Canada’s Quiet Crypto Rise | 19 May 2025 | 00:09:09 | |
Police in Hong Kong dismantle a crypto-fueled laundering ring tied to $15 million in fraud (1:02). A blockchain deal involving a Trump-connected firm and Pakistan sets off geopolitical alarms in India (2:36). Meme coin mania reaches new lows, with rug pulls becoming the norm (4:11). And while the US fights over rules, Canada becomes a surprise leader in crypto innovation (6:00). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Hong Kong Police Dismantle Money Laundering Syndicate Using Cryptocurrency. Mikhail Vnuchkov. Traders Union. https://tradersunion.com/news/cryptocurrency-news/show/267357-hong-kong-police-dismantle-money/ Secret Crypto Deal with Links to Trump, Asim Munir in Pakistan Under Scrutiny, Claims Report. Anurag Roushan (editor). India TV News. Get Rich Quick Crypto ‘Gurus’ Are Targeting Teens and Fleecing Them through ‘Rug Pulling’. Michael Kaplan. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2025/05/17/world-news/get-rich-quick-crypto-gurus-are-targeting-teens/ The U.S. Has Struggled for Crypto Clarity. Canada May Have the Answer. MacKenzie Sigalos and Jordan Smith. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2025/05/15/us-crypto-regulation-canada.html The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Société Générale Bets on Stablecoins. Bullish Files for IPO. Trump Sells Crypto Stake? | June 11, 2025 | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:08:10 | |
Société Générale is preparing to launch a US dollar-backed stablecoin (0:57), Bullish is heading for a U.S. IPO (2:26), and a new court filing reveals Donald Trump offloaded part of his stake in a DeFi venture (3:55). Plus, former La Liga stars face fraud allegations over a defunct NFT platform (5:29). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: France’s Société Générale Launches USD Stablecoin. Wesley Grant. Payments Journal. https://www.paymentsjournal.com/frances-societe-generale-launches-usd-stablecoin Peter Thiel-Backed Crypto Group Bullish Files for Wall Street IPO. Antoine Gara, Oliver Barnes, and George Steer. Financial Times (subscription required). https://www.ft.com/content/1f0442f9-48f5-4fe3-890b-9acbb7057d2f Trump Secretly Sold Stake in Crypto Venture, Document Suggests. Dan Alexander. Forbes. Two Ex-Barcelona Stars Amongst Players Accused of Fraud in Cryptocurrency Case. Ruairidh Barlow. Football España. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Coinbase Breach Fallout, SEC Probe Resurfaces, Mastercard Bets on Stablecoins | May 16, 2025 | 16 May 2025 | 00:08:10 | |
Coinbase confirms a major data breach affecting sensitive user information—and reveals it refused a $20 million ransom (0:57). We also break down a renewed SEC investigation into its past user metrics (2:36). Plus: New Hampshire delays a bill to shield crypto miners from regulation (3:58), and Mastercard pushes deeper into stablecoin payments through a new partnership with MoonPay (5:28). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Coinbase says customers’ personal information stolen in data breach. Zach Whittaker. Tech Crunch. Item 1.05 Material Cybersecurity Incident. Form 8-K. Coinbase Global, Inc. U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. S.E.C. Investigating Whether Coinbase Misstated Its User Numbers. David Yaffe-Bellany and Matthew Goldstein. New York Times (soft paywall, free registration required). https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/15/technology/coinbase-sec-investigation.html New Hampshire Senate Halts Cryptocurrency Deregulation Bill, Hoping to Return to It Next Year. William Skipworth. New Hampshire Bulletin. New Hampshire House Bill 639: https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2025&id=722&txtFormat=html Mastercard Taps Into 100 million Crypto Users with MoonPay Partnership. Nabaparna Bhattacharya. Benzinga. Mastercard and MoonPay Team Up to Mainstream Stablecoin Payments. Press Release. Mastercard. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| France Boosts Crypto Security, JPMorgan Hits Blockchain Milestone, and Trump’s $TRUMP Coin Gets a Surprising Buyer | May 15, 2025 | 15 May 2025 | 00:08:06 | |
France moves to protect crypto executives after another violent incident in Paris (0:53). JPMorgan pushes beyond its private blockchain with a public settlement involving Chainlink and Ondo (2:10). A tiny AI avatar company with ties to China and TikTok unveils a bold plan to buy Trump-themed crypto (3:47). And Howard Lutnick’s deep ties to Tether and Rumble raise new conflict-of-interest questions as he performs his duties in the Trump cabinet (5:13). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: France Summons Cryptocurrency Businesses after Kidnappings. Agence France-Presse. https://www.courthousenews.com/france-summons-cryptocurrency-businesses-after-kidnappings/ JPMorgan Chase steps beyond ‘walled garden’ to settle transaction on public blockchain. Ben Weiss. Fortune. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/jpmorgan-chase-steps-beyond-walled-130000080.html Small China-Linked Firm Plans to Snap Up Trump’s Crypto Token. Patricia Kowsmann and Angus Berwick. Wall Street Journal (paid subscription required). Trump cabinet member’s links to El Salvador crypto firm under scrutiny. Jason Wilson. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/14/lutnick-el-salvador-crypto-immigration The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Crypto in the Crosshairs: Another Paris Kidnapping, AI Exploit, UK Derivatives Debut, and Robinhood's Canada Push | May 14, 2025 | 14 May 2025 | 00:08:41 | |
A botched kidnapping in Paris highlights the rising physical risks facing crypto executives and their families (0:50). We cover what happened—and how it fits into a troubling trend. Also in this episode: Princeton researchers reveal a major flaw in AI-based crypto agents (2:26), London opens its first regulated crypto derivatives venue (4:12), and Robinhood spends $250 million to buy its way into the Canadian crypto market (5:35). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Cryptocurrency Boss's Daughter Escapes Kidnap Gang in Paris Street. Paul Kirby and Ruth Comerford. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20qee5030do.amp Crypto CEO’s daughter, toddler horrifically assaulted in kidnap attempt on Paris streets — just steps away from Kim Kardashian. Ronny Reyes. New York Post. New attack can steal cryptocurrency by planting false memories in AI chatbots. Dan Goodin. Ars Technica. Cryptocurrency to get first derivative trading platform in London. Ben Martin. The Times. Robinhood to buy Canadian cryptocurrency company WonderFi. Paige Smith. Bloomberg News. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Coinbase Enters the S&P 500, Trump’s Bitcoin Firm Targets Nasdaq Listing | May 13, 2025 | 13 May 2025 | 00:07:22 | |
Coinbase joins the S&P 500 (0:48), Trump’s sons launch a bitcoin miner onto Nasdaq (2:03), and the new SEC Chair lays out a roadmap for U.S. crypto regulation (3:29). Plus: Dubai makes crypto payments for public services a reality (4:41). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Coinbase Global Set to Join S&P 500. S&P Dow Jones Indices (PDF). Coinbase’s Stock Pops as the Crypto Exchange Will Join the S&P 500 Index Next Monday. Claudia Assis. MarketWatch (paid subscription required). Eric Trump’s American Bitcoin Going Public in Latest Crypto Move by President’s Family. MacKenzie Sigalos. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/12/eric-trump-american-bitcoin-public.html Eric Trump-Backed American Bitcoin to Go Public through All-Stock Merger. Ateev Bhandari. Reuters. SEC Chair Outlines Plans for Cryptocurrency Policy Overhaul. Louis Juricic (editor). Investing.com. SEC Chair Paul Atkins Reaffirms Crypto as Top Priority Under His Administration. Michael Ebiekutan. FXStreet. Keynote Address at the Crypto Task Force Roundtable on Tokenization. Paul S. Atkins, Chairman, SEC. Dubai Finance Signs MoU with Crypto.com. Government of Dubai Media Office. https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2025/may/12-05/dubai-finance-signs-mou-with-cryptocom The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| JD Vance to Speak at Bitcoin 2025 | Kids Steal $4 Million | Whale Wakes Up with $207 Million | Germany Shuts Down eXch | 12 May 2025 | 00:07:47 | |
Vice President JD Vance is set to make crypto history with a keynote at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas — the first time a sitting VP has spoken at a major Bitcoin event (0:44). Also in today’s episode: a disturbing crypto kidnapping in Nevada (2:08), a dormant Bitcoin whale resurfaces after more than a decade (3:33), and Germany shutters a shady exchange tied to international cybercrime (4:53). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: VP Vance Set to Speak at Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas. Jenelle Vannoy. News 3 Las Vegas. https://news3lv.com/news/local/vp-vance-set-to-speak-at-bitcoin-2025-conference US VP JD Vance to Speak at Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas. Tech Observer. Florida Teens Kidnap Las Vegas Man, Drive Him to Arizona Desert, Steal $4M in Cryptocurrency: Police. David Charns. 8 News Now. Decade-Old Bitcoin Whale Emerges, Transfers $207.51 Million BTC With Nearly 112,000% Profit. Bibhu Pattnaik. Benzinga. Germany Shuts Down eXch Over $1.9B Laundering, Seizes €34M in Crypto and 8TB of Data. Ravie Lakshmanan The Hacker News. https://thehackernews.com/2025/05/germany-shuts-down-exch-over-19b.html The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Stablecoin Bill Fails, Coinbase Buys Deribit, Meta Reenters Crypto | May 9, 2025 | 09 May 2025 | 00:08:13 | |
The U.S. Senate stalls stablecoin regulation (0:56), Coinbase snaps up Deribit for nearly $3 billion (2:28), Celsius founder Alex Mashinsky is sentenced for fraud (3:59), and Meta cautiously re-enters the crypto space (5:39). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Stablecoin Bill Fails to Clear Key Hurdle in U.S. Senate. Hannah Lang, Reuters. Coinbase Strikes $2.9 Billion Deal for Major Crypto Options Platform. Lauren Thomas, Wall Street Journal (paid subscription required). Coinbase to Acquire Deribit: Becoming the Most Comprehensive Global Crypto Derivatives Platform. Greg Tusar, Coinbase. Founder of Celsius Sentenced to 12 Years for Fraud and Market Manipulation. U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York. Alex Mashinsky of Cryptocurrency Firm Celsius Network Sentenced to 12 Years. The Guardian. Exclusive: Meta in talks to deploy stablecoins three years after giving up on landmark crypto project. Leo Schwartz, Ben Weiss, Fortune. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/exclusive-meta-talks-deploy-stablecoins-190632676.html The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| $243M Bitcoin Kidnapping | Melania Meme Coin Manipulation? | Stripe and Revolut Bet on a Crypto-Powered Future | May 8, 2025 | 08 May 2025 | 00:08:50 | |
A violent twist in a $243 million Bitcoin theft puts a spotlight on cybercriminal gangs that blur the line between virtual and real-world crime (1:01). On another front, Melania Trump’s meme coin triggers a frenzy — and a near $100 million payday for some lucky traders (2:55). Plus: Stripe makes its biggest crypto play yet, unveiling stablecoin accounts and AI-powered payments (4:24), while Revolut joins the Lightning Network to speed up Bitcoin transactions (5:51). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: New and Youthful Criminal Organizations Sprout Around Cryptocurrency. Kit Yona, reviewed by Joseph Fawbush, FindLaw. A Group of Anonymous Traders Scored a $100 Million Payday by Buying Melania Trump’s Memecoin Just Before It Launched Publicly. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune (soft paywall). https://fortune.com/2025/05/07/melania-trump-memecoin-anonymous-traders-100-million-payday/ Stripe Unveils AI Foundation Model for Payments. Maria Nikolova, FX News Group. https://fxnewsgroup.com/forex-news/payments/stripe-unveils-ai-foundation-model-for-payments/ Revolut to Enable Bitcoin Lightning Payments in Europe in Collaboration with Lightspark. Jared Kirui, Finance Magnates. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Crypto Crossroads: US States Diverge, UK and DC Draw Their Lines | May 7, 2025 | 07 May 2025 | 00:09:25 | |
New Hampshire takes the lead with America’s first Bitcoin Reserve Fund (1:07), while Florida shelves its crypto investment plans (2:34). Across the pond, the UK says no to holding Bitcoin but eyes blockchain for government bonds (4:08). And in Washington, Senator Chris Murphy targets meme coins with legislation aimed at blocking politicians from profiting off crypto (5:56). From state innovations to global policy shifts, we break it all down — fast, clear, and right to the point. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: New Hampshire Becomes First State in the U.S. to Pass “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” Legislation, PANews. https://www.panewslab.com/en/sqarticledetails/rs8m4hbi.html Florida Legislature Shelves Bitcoin Investment Proposals Amid Mounting Concerns, Arabian Post. UK Has a Shocking Response to Bitcoin Reserves, by Anushka Basu, The Street. https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/markets/uk-has-a-shocking-response-to-bitcoin-reserves Sens. Murphy, Blumenthal launch legislation and inquiries into Trump 'meme coin', by Jennifer Glatz, Fox 61. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Trump’s Crypto Deal Under Fire | Texas Bitcoin Mine Sparks Backlash | Haliey Welch’s Meme Coin Mess | May 6, 2025 | 06 May 2025 | 00:09:05 | |
Trump’s $2B crypto deal draws Senate scrutiny amid ethics and foreign influence concerns (1:29). House Democrats revolt over Trump-linked crypto policy talks (2:54). Meme coin misfire: viral star Haliey Welch opens up but leaves lingering doubts(4:32). Texas towns push back as the world’s biggest Bitcoin mine sparks noise, drought fears, and lawsuits (5:57). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Democrats Call for Investigation into Trump Family Crypto Deal over Potential Foreign Influence, by Julia Shapero, The Hill. Waters Plans to Block House GOP Crypto Hearing, by Jasper Goodman, Politico. https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/05/05/congress/waters-house-gop-crypto-hearing-00327722 Haliey Welch, a.k.a. Hawk Tuah, Tries to Explain Herself, by Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair. https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/haliey-welch-aka-hawk-tuah-tries-to-explain-herself The Crypto Racket, by Candice Bernd, Texas Observer. https://www.texasobserver.org/the-crypto-racket/ The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Crypto Kidnapping in Paris, Stablecoin Bill Stalls, Arizona Vetoes Bitcoin, SEC Ends PayPal PYUSD Probe | May 5, 2025 | 05 May 2025 | 00:08:23 | |
A kidnapping in Paris highlights the physical dangers tied to crypto fortunes (1:14). In Washington, stablecoin legislation hits a wall as bipartisan negotiations break down (2:45). Arizona shuts the door on holding bitcoin as a reserve asset (4:03), while PayPal celebrates as the SEC closes its investigation into PYUSD — a move that could reshape the stablecoin landscape (5:13). Crypto Kidnapping in Paris, Stablecoin Bill Stalls, Arizona Vetoes Bitcoin, SEC Ends PayPal PYUSD Probe - This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Kidnapped Father of French Crypto-Millionaire Rescued, Henri Astier, BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2ew98rllxyo Democrats Reverse Course to Oppose Senate Crypto Bill, by Jasper Goodman, Politico. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/03/crypto-democrats-senate-stablecoin-00325255 Arizona Governor Calls Crypto an ‘Untested Investment,’ Vetoes Bitcoin Reserve Bill, by Francisco Rodrigues and edited Aoyon Ashraf, CoinDesk. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs Informs the Arizona Legislature of Her Veto of Senate Bill 1025 (PDF): https://www.azleg.gov/govlettr/57leg/1r/sb1025.pdf SEC Closes PayPal PYUSD Probe as Rollback of Gensler-Era Crypto Enforcement Barrage Continues, by David Okoya, Benzinga. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sec-closes-paypal-pyusd-probe-141654440.html The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Chinese Crypto in the White House, Russian Money Laundering in NYC, and the Network State on Tribal Lands | June 10, 2025 | 10 Jun 2025 | 00:08:57 | |
A top Chinese political adviser spends millions on Trump’s meme coin and gains access to a private dinner with the president (0:59). A Russian national is charged with laundering $530 million for sanctioned banks using stablecoins (2:32). Tech libertarians are building crypto-friendly jurisdictions on tribal and offshore lands (4:03). And in Nairobi’s Kibera neighborhood, Bitcoin is becoming a grassroots alternative to mobile money (6:03). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Buyer With Ties to Chinese Communist Party Got V.I.P. Treatment at Trump Crypto Dinner. Eric Lipton, David Yaffe-Bellany, Michael Forsythe, Devon Lum, and Jiawei Wang. New York Times (free registration required, soft paywall). https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/06/us/politics/trump-crypto-dinner-china-he-tianying.html Crypto CEO Accused of Laundering $500 Million Linked to Sanctioned Russian Banks. MacKenzie Sigalos. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/09/crypto-russia-laundering.html Tech Moguls Want to Build a Crypto Paradise on a Native American Reservation. Kiera Butler. Mother Jones. https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/06/tech-crypto-native-american-musk-balaji-network-state/ Bitcoin Is Introduced into Africa's Largest Slum, with Risks and Rewards. Jack Denton and Moses Ndungu. Associated Press. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Trump’s Stablecoin Stirs Controversy, Morgan Stanley Sets Up Crypto, James Howells’ Bitcoin Treasure Hunt Goes Hollywood, and Mesh Integrates Apple Pay | May 2, 2025 | 02 May 2025 | 00:08:25 | |
Trump’s Stablecoin Stirs Controversy, Morgan Stanley Sets Up Crypto, James Howells’ Bitcoin Treasure Hunt Goes Hollywood, and Mesh Integrates Apple Pay Trump’s new stablecoin makes waves in a $2 billion Binance deal — and draws sharp criticism in Washington (0:58). Morgan Stanley eyes crypto trading for millions of E*TRADE customers (2:36). The search for a lost bitcoin fortune heads to Hollywood as James Howells' story gets the documentary treatment (3:38). And Mesh takes crypto payments a step closer to the mainstream with its Apple Pay integration (5:25). It’s Friday, May 2, 2025 — and this is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Trump's Stablecoin Chosen for $2 billion Abu Dhabi Investment in Binance, Co-Founder says, by Federico Maccioni, Reuters. Morgan Stanley Planning to Add Crypto Trading to E*Trade Platform, Report Says by Aaron McDade, Investopedia. Film to Be Made About Man Who Lost £570m of Bitcoin, by Eleri Griffiths, BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74zel3ng1vo Stablecoin Payments Are Now Available on Apple Pay Through Mesh, PR Newswire. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Sam Altman’s Worldcoin Comes to America, Visa Pushes Stablecoin Cards, North Carolina Bets on Crypto, and Kraken Powers Up | 01 May 2025 | 00:08:33 | |
Sam Altman’s Worldcoin Comes to America, Visa Pushes Stablecoin Cards, North Carolina Bets on Crypto, and Kraken Powers Up. Full crypto update for May 1, 2025. Sam Altman’s biometric crypto project “World” is now live in the U.S., bringing iris-scanning orbs to six major cities (0:48). Visa teams up with Bridge to introduce stablecoin-linked payment cards across Latin America (2:21). North Carolina lawmakers pass a bill to allow crypto investments in public funds — a move that could reshape pension and reserve strategies (3:59), and Kraken launches "Embed," helping banks and fintechs offer crypto trading directly to their users (5:53). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Americans can finally scan their eyeballs for crypto in return after Sam Altman-backed World launches in U.S., by Ben Weiss, Fortune. https://fortune.com/crypto/2025/04/30/worldcoin-world-sam-altman-united-states-launch/ Visa and Bridge Partner to Make Stablecoins Accessible for Everyday Purchases, Visa and Stripe/Bridge joint press release. https://usa.visa.com/about-visa/newsroom/press-releases.releaseId.21371.html NC House passes state cryptocurrency investment bill over Democrats’ objections, by Brian Gordon and Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi, The News and Observer. https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article305329556.html Kraken Launches Embed, a Crypto-as-a-Service Enabling Banks and Fintechs to Provide Clients Seamless Access to Crypto, Business Wire. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| The UK Proposes New Crypto Rules, The US Endures Bitcoin Mining Costs, and SoFi Makes a Digital Asset Trading Comeback | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:08:11 | |
The UK Proposes Crypto Rules, The US Endures Bitcoin Mining Costs, and SoFi Makes a Digital Asset Trading Comeback. Full crypto update for April 30, 2025. The UK proposes a new crypto regulation framework (0:40), the US solidifies its position as the world’s capital of bitcoin mining (2:03), but do the economics of bitcoin mining still make sense (3:45)? Plus, after some time away, SoFi makes a bold return to the digital asset space (5:15). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: UK Drops an Astounding Crypto Regulation Draft in Parliament, by Anushka Basu, The Street. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/uk-drops-astounding-crypto-regulation-150222556.html New Cryptoasset Rules to Drive Growth and Protect Consumers, Press Release from His Majesty’s (HM) Treasury and The Right Honorable Rachel Reeves, Member of Parliament. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-cryptoasset-rules-to-drive-growth-and-protect-consumers Regulatory Regime for Cryptoassets (Regulated Activities) – Draft SI and Policy Note, HM Treasury (PDF). US Solidifying Itself as Bitcoin Mining Hub, by Suzanne O'Halloran, Fox Business. https://www.foxbusiness.com/energy/u-s-solidifying-itself-bitcoin-mining-hub Bitcoin mining now just totes unprofitable, costing over $137,000 to mine just one BTC in the US and near $200,000 per coin in Germany, by Hope Corrigan, PC Gamer. SoFi CEO says fintech bank is bringing back crypto investing, by Hugh Son, CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/29/sofi-crypto-investing.html The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Arizona Approves Bitcoin Investment Bills | UAE’s New Stablecoin | Asia’s Crypto Growth | Mastercard News | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:08:29 | |
Arizona Approves Bitcoin Investment Bills | UAE’s New Stablecoin | Asia’s Crypto Growth | Mastercard News. Full crypto update for April 29, 2025. Arizona inches closer to Bitcoin-backed public reserves (0:42), Abu Dhabi sets the stage for a dirham-backed stablecoin (1:59), and Asia’s crypto markets show signs of maturity (3:57). Plus, Mastercard expands its stablecoin payments network (5:26). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Arizona Approves First Ever US Bitcoin Reserve, Set to Invest 10% of $31.5B State Assets, by Ibrahim Ajibade, FX Street. Abu Dhabi's IHC, ADQ and FAB to Launch Dirham-backed Stablecoin, by Aarti Nagraj, The National (free registration required). South Asian Crypto Investors are Cautious, Demand Advanced Crypto Awareness, Survey Shows, by Radhika Parashar and edited by David Delima, Gadgets 360. Mastercard Unveils End-to-End Capabilities to Power Stablecoin Transactions – from Wallets to Checkouts, Mastercard official statement. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Pakistan’s Big Blockchain Ambitions, The SEC’s Big Crypto Shakeup, Switzerland’s Big Bitcoin Snub, and Nike’s Big NFT Fallout | 28 Apr 2025 | 00:08:02 | |
Pakistan signs groundbreaking crypto agreements with World Liberty Financial (0:38). The SEC’s new Crypto Task Force signals a major regulatory shift (2:12). Switzerland’s central bank pushes back against Bitcoin reserves (3:46). And Nike faces a class action lawsuit over its now-defunct NFT unit (5:18). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Pakistan Crypto Council and World Liberty Financial Sign Landmark Agreements, Express Tribune. Trump-backed crypto firm joins hands with Pakistan Crypto Council to boost blockchain innovation, Hindustan Times. SEC Chair Atkins says crypto innovation ‘has been stifled’ as regulators push for change, MacKenzie Sigalos, CNBC. Remarks at the Crypto Task Force Roundtable, Paul S. Atkins, Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission. https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/atkins-remarks-crypto-task-force-roundtable-042525 Swiss central bank chief rejects holding bitcoin in reserves, Swiss Info. Nike sued over closure of crypto business, by Jonathan Stempel and edited by Cynthia Osterman, Reuters. https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/nike-sued-over-closure-crypto-210318294.html The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Crypto Crime Hits Record High, the Fed Relaxes Its Rules, Ohio Eyes Crypto Bucks, and Russia Plans an Oligarch On-Ramp | 25 Apr 2025 | 00:08:16 | |
Crypto crime surged to new highs in 2024, with seniors hit hardest — that’s according to the FBI’s latest internet fraud report (0:37). Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve is rolling back crypto oversight (2:25), Ohio is pushing to accept Bitcoin for government services (3:54), and Russia is launching a tightly regulated crypto exchange for the elite (5:16). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: FBI Releases Annual Internet Crime Report, Federal Bureau of Investigation. Link to the full FBI Report (PDF): https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2024_IC3Report.pdf Federal Reserve Board announces the withdrawal of guidance for banks related to their crypto-asset and dollar token activities and related changes to its expectations for these activities, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/bcreg20250424a.htm Paying with cryptocurrency? Ohio takes step toward accepting Bitcoin for state fees, by Jessie Balmert, Cincinnati Enquirer. https://www.yahoo.com/news/paying-cryptocurrency-ohio-takes-step-193438468.html Ohio House Bill 116: https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb116 Ohio Senate Bill 57: https://ohiosenate.gov/legislation/136/sb57 Russia Developing Cryptocurrency Exchange Limited to High-Net-Worth Investors, by Maisie Morrison, MoneyCheck. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Power Players Bet Big on Bitcoin, Power Outages Cause Crackdowns in Kuwait, and Power Moves Get Going in Ghana | 24 Apr 2025 | 00:08:06 | |
Brandon Lutnick of Cantor Fitzgerald, and son of the U.S. Commerce Secretary, is leading a $3 billion crypto investment push with Tether, SoftBank, and Bitfinex (0:54). Meanwhile, Ripple's JavaScript toolkit gets hijacked (2:23), Kuwait bans crypto mining (3:40), and Ghana unveils sweeping new regulations (5:30). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Cantor strikes $3.6bn crypto venture deal with SoftBank and Tether, Financial Times (paid subscription required). https://www.ft.com/content/501210ad-d39b-4d7b-b649-bbd08ceffe6f Brandon Lutnick, Tether, SoftBank Back $3 Billion Bitcoin Venture, by Murtuza J. Merchant, Benzinga. Ripple cryptocurrency software library hit by major security issue, wallets under threat, by Sead Fadilpašić, Tech Radar. Kuwait Bans Bitcoin Mining Citing Energy Strain and Legal Violations, by Karthik Subramanian, Finance Feeds. https://financefeeds.com/kuwait-bans-bitcoin-mining-citing-energy-strain-and-legal-violations/ Bank of Ghana to Implement Cryptocurrency Regulations by September 2025, News Ghana. https://newsghana.com.gh/bank-of-ghana-to-implement-cryptocurrency-regulations-by-september-2025/ The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Crime Coins, Trump Tokens, and Passport Profits | 23 Apr 2025 | 00:08:25 | |
A British gang launches a meme coin to clean drug money (0:55). Trump Media partners with Crypto.com to jumpstart a fintech empire (2:36). And in the Caribbean, St. Kitts and Nevis is now accepting crypto as a path to second citizenship (3:50). We also break down a key regulatory push in Illinois that could reshape how the state handles digital assets (5:34). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: UK drug dealers create their own cryptocurrency to launder dirty money: How street-level crime gang developed new coin in first case of its kind in Britain, by Rory Tingle, Daily Mail. Trump Media Enters Deal with Crypto Trading Platform, by Matthew Goldstein, New York Times (soft paywall). https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/22/business/trump-media-crypto.html St. Kitts and Nevis Embraces Cryptocurrency in CBI Program, The Street. https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/newsroom/st-kitts-and-nevis-crypto-in-cbi-program State senator: IL bill regulating cryptocurrency will put 'brick on growth', by Jim Talamonti, The Center Square. https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/article_b74375dd-0e41-4208-8200-4fe2a6cda798.html Bill Status of Senate Bill 1797, Illinois General Assembly: The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| When the Bankless Get Bank Charters, How Wisconsin Could ‘WIN’ New Businesses, and Why Virginia Might Be for Crypto Lovers | 22 Apr 2025 | 00:08:51 | |
We look at Circle and BitGo’s bank charter ambitions (0:50), the latest social engineering scam targeting crypto traders via Zoom (2:41), and Wisconsin’s proposed crypto pilot project (4:26). Plus, a look at how small businesses in Virginia are quietly experimenting with digital currency payments (5:50). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Crypto Knocks on the Door of a Banking World That Shut It Out, by Gina Heeb and Vicky Huang, Wall Street Journal (paid subscription required). https://www.wsj.com/finance/currencies/crypto-knocks-on-the-door-of-a-banking-world-that-shut-it-out North Korean Cryptocurrency Thieves Caught Hijacking Zoom ‘Remote Control’ Feature, by Ryan Naraine, Security Week. Dem bill aims to support cryptocurrency innovation, WisBusiness News. https://www.wisbusiness.com/2025/dem-bill-aims-to-support-cryptocurrency-innovation/ The Wisconsin Innovation Network Bill. Meet Richmond-area Businesses that Take Cryptocurrency, by Eric Kolenich, Richmond Times-Dispatch (soft paywall – limited number of free articles). https://richmond.com/news/local/business/article_118f9eb8-8432-4ccf-8e99-cfbfc2c9a68c.html The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Coinbase on Trial, Bitcoin at Checkout, and Slovenia’s Crypto Reset | 21 Apr 2025 | 00:07:41 | |
Oregon takes Coinbase to court (0:41), Chile gets access to a new stablecoin (2:02), and Switzerland tests Bitcoin at the supermarket (3:10). Plus: Slovenia plans a 25% tax on personal crypto gains, marking a major shift in European regulation (4:21). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Oregon sues Coinbase, seeks to fill federal ‘enforcement vacuum’, by Matthew Kish, The Oregonian/OregonLive. Oregon Is Trying to Revive Regulation by Enforcement, by Paul Grewal, Coinbase. https://www.coinbase.com/blog/oregon-is-trying-to-revive-regulation-by-enforcement LATAM crypto news: Meli Dólar debuts in Chile, and Bolivia quits its plan to buy fuel with cryptocurrency, Invezz. Spar in Zug accepts Bitcoin as a means of payment for the first time, blue News. Slovenia moves to impose 25% tax on crypto traders, by Ibrahim Ajibade, FXStreet. Taxation of crypto planned, The Slovenia Times. https://sloveniatimes.com/43215/taxation-of-crypto-planned The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Gemini Eyes IPO, Trump Meme Coin Reunites, UK Eases Crypto Rules, Milei Cleared | June 9, 2025 | 09 Jun 2025 | 00:07:36 | |
Gemini takes its first official step toward an IPO (0:50), while the Trump family reunites its crypto ventures under one meme coin banner (1:53). In the UK, the financial watchdog is rethinking its ban on retail crypto ETNs (3:39), and Argentina clears President Milei in the controversial $LIBRA case (4:49). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Crypto Exchange Gemini Files for IPO. Vicky Ge Huang. Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/finance/currencies/crypto-exchange-gemini-files-for-ipo-096f41d7 World Liberty Financial to Invest in Trump Meme Coin Following Crypto Wallet Dispute. Julia Shapero. The Hill. https://thehill.com/business/5337629-trump-meme-coin-investment-world-liberty/amp/ UK to End Ban on Retail Investors Buying Crypto Exchange-Traded Notes. Reporting by Tommy Reggiori Wilkes. Editing by Jane Merriman. Reuters. Anti-Corruption Office Clears Milei of Ethical Misconduct in $LIBRA Cryptoscandal. Buenos Aires Herald. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Panama City’s Public Services, Russia’s Potential New Policy & the Push for Practical Payments | 18 Apr 2025 | 00:08:05 | |
Panama City embraces crypto payments for public services (0:39), Russia drafts new rules to seize digital assets in criminal cases (2:08), and Alabama lawmakers take a cautious approach to blockchain and state investments (3:28). Plus, we unpack Circle’s Refund Protocol—an on-chain innovation designed to make stablecoin transactions safer and smarter (4:55). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Diving into Digital: Panama City’s Bold Leap into Cryptocurrency for Public Payments, by Kira Jantz, Coletivo Metranca. Russia plans to add cryptocurrency terms to the criminal code, Digwatch. https://dig.watch/updates/russia-plans-to-add-cryptocurrency-terms-to-the-criminal-code House committee punts on embracing cryptocurrency, by Chance Phillips, Alabama Political Reporter. https://www.alreporter.com/2025/04/17/house-committee-punts-on-embracing-cryptocurrency/ Refund Protocol: Non-Custodial Dispute Resolution for Stablecoin Payments, Circle Developer’s Blog. https://www.circle.com/blog/refund-protocol-non-custodial-dispute-resolution-for-stablecoin-payments The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Federal Reserve Softens on Crypto, While India’s Supreme Court Says ‘No’ to Regulation | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:07:52 | |
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell embraces a more open regulatory stance on crypto, signaling a shift that could open the doors for banks and stablecoins alike (0:50). India’s Supreme Court refuses to intervene in digital asset regulation, emphasizing the role of lawmakers (2:16). A cunning new scam hits the DeFi space—this time through abandoned project websites (3:16). And crypto exchange OKX steps firmly onto U.S. soil, launching services in 46 states and debuting a powerful new wallet (4:39). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Fed Chair Powell Says Crypto and Banking Rules Will 'Loosen' as Sector Matures, by Murtuza J. Merchant, Benzinga. SC says no to making rules on cryptocurrencies: 'Can't lay down the law', by Zakariya Khan, Business Standard. Abandoned DeFi websites used to host crypto wallet drainers, Protos. https://protos.com/abandoned-defi-websites-used-to-host-crypto-wallet-drainers/ Global crypto exchange OKX pushes into U.S. market with trading and wallet offering, Tanaya Macheel, CNBC. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| A Pump, a Pull, and a Polis: Crypto’s Global Reality Check | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:08:08 | |
A UK government minister gets caught in a crypto scam—sort of (0:39). Apple pulls the plug on unregistered crypto apps in South Korea (2:18). And while DeFi lending soars (3:29), Colorado’s “crypto tax” initiative flounders (5:25). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Minister's X account hacked to promote crypto scam, by Becky Morton, BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr5drp0n8zjo Apple blocks 14 cryptocurrency apps at request of Korean regulator, by Ben Lovejoy, 9to5Mac. https://9to5mac.com/2025/04/15/apple-blocks-14-cryptocurrency-apps-at-request-of-korean-regulator/ Crypto lending is growing thanks to decentralized players, by Carter Pape, American Banker (free registration required). https://www.americanbanker.com/news/crypto-lending-is-growing-thanks-to-decentralized-players Cryptocurrency tax revenue negligible since launch of Colorado program, by Quentin Young, Colorado Newsline. https://coloradonewsline.com/briefs/cryptocurrency-tax-revenue-colorado/ The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Crypto Spends Some Time in the Courtroom, in the Classroom, and in the Kingdom | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:08:11 | |
A national crypto bank under federal investigation (0:39). A private Scottish school starts accepting Bitcoin(2:17). Kraken dives into stock trading (3:46). And Bhutan mines its way into the global crypto spotlight — sustainably (5:24). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Crypto Bank Anchorage Probed by U.S. Homeland Security, by Rebecca Ungarino, Barron’s (paid subscription required). https://www.barrons.com/articles/homeland-security-probe-crypto-anchorage-c3c2725b Scottish private school announces parents can pay fees using Bitcoin, by Calum Ross, The Scotsman. Kraken expands beyond crypto, offers U.S. stocks and ETFs trading commission-free, by Anand Sinha, The Street. Kraken Launches U.S.-Listed Stock & ETF Trading, Expanding Beyond Crypto, Business Wire. Can Bitcoin save Bhutan’s struggling economy? by Sarah Shamim, Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2025/4/14/bitcoin-king-why-is-bhutan-betting-on-crypto The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Crypto Chaos from DC to Phuket | 14 Apr 2025 | 00:08:15 | |
We unpack Binance’s bold request to ditch its compliance monitor—and its curious ties to a Trump-backed stablecoin (0:38). We check in on Thailand’s crackdown on foreign crypto platforms (2:28), hear how a Federer fan nearly got love-scammed out of her Bitcoin (3:48), and laugh/cry at the U.S. government’s latest attempt to regulate digital assets… by disbanding its own crypto crime unit (5:16). All that, plus deepfakes, deception, and digital dollars—because the future of money is never boring. This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More from stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Binance Seeks to Curb U.S. Oversight While in Deal Talks with Trump’s Crypto Company (paid subscription required), by Angus Berwick, Patricia Kowsmann, and Rebecca Ballhaus, Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/finance/regulation/binance-world-liberty-financial-crypto-deals-70c817c3 Thailand Seeks to Regulate Foreign Cryptocurrency Platforms to Combat Online Financial Crime, by Li Zhong, Thailand Business News. Crypto scams surge in Israel as AI tech fuels sophisticated fraud, by Tal Shahaf, Ynet News. https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/s121100r00r1l Hirono, colleagues urge reinstatement of cryptocurrency prosecution team, by Michael Tsai, Spectrum News. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| IRS Rule Repealed, Blockchain for Ballots, and Feeding the World with Crypto | 11 Apr 2025 | 00:07:17 | |
President Trump just overturned an IRS rule that could’ve smothered DeFi platforms in red tape (0:49). Meanwhile, New York’s exploring blockchain-based voting (2:03), and NY Attorney General Letitia James is urging Congress to crack down on crypto fraud (3:17). Oh, and the World Food Program is now taking Bitcoin to help fight global hunger (4:43). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. Stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Trump signs resolution overturning IRS DeFi broker rule, By Vivian Nguyen, Crypto Briefing. https://cryptobriefing.com/trump-overturns-irs-defi-rule/ Text of S.J. Res. 3. https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/sjres3/BILLS-119sjres3es.pdf Carey Bill to Eliminate Burdensome IRS DeFi Crypto Broker Rule Signed into Law by President Trump, Press Release. Sen. Cruz Applauds Signing of Cryptocurrency Resolution into Law, Press Release. New York Bill Seeks Blockchain for Election Security, by Victor, Altcoin Buzz. https://www.altcoinbuzz.io/cryptocurrency-news/new-york-bill-seeks-blockchain-for-election-security/ Assembly Bill A7716, The New York State Senate. https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7716 AG James urges Congress to strengthen cryptocurrency regulation, Sun Community News. World Food Program USA Now Accepts Cryptocurrencies, World Food Programme. https://www.wfpusa.org/news-release/wfp-usa-now-accepts-cryptocurrencies/ The Giving Block website: https://thegivingblock.com To donate to World Food Program USA, please visit https://wfpusa.org The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Scandal, Spending, and State Regulation | 10 Apr 2025 | 00:07:32 | |
A political firestorm in Argentina over the failed Libra token (0:41), Kraken’s new partnership with Mastercard to make spending crypto as easy as cash (2:13), and Ukraine’s ambitious proposal to tax and regulate digital assets (3:18). Plus, we cover Binance’s latest move to simplify crypto purchases for everyday users (5:10). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. Stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Argentina Launches Congressional Investigation into $Libra Cryptocurrency Scandal, by Karthik Subramanian, Finance Feeds. Kraken and Mastercard enhance cryptocurrency payments in the UK and Europe, Arabic Trader. Kraken to Launch Cryptocurrency Debit Card with Mastercard, by Son Min, Bloomingbit. https://bloomingbit.io/en/feed/news/86299 Cryptocurrency taxation in Ukraine: what the National Securities Commission proposes, by Lilia Podolyak, UNN. https://unn.ua/en/news/taxation-of-cryptocurrency-in-ukraine-what-the-nssmc-offers Binance Adds Apple Pay and Google Pay for Easy Crypto Buys, by Victor, Altcoin Buzz. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| DOJ’s Crypto Reboot, Satoshi in the Spotlight, and Ripple’s Power Play | 09 Apr 2025 | 00:08:15 | |
The Justice Department makes a sharp pivot on crypto enforcement (0:41), an FOIA lawsuit might crack open the mystery of Satoshi Nakamoto (2:18), and Ripple announces a massive $1.25B acquisition of Hidden Road (3:44). We also unpack the upcoming leadership shift at the Financial Stability Board and what it means for global crypto regulation (5:13). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. Stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: US Justice Dept disbands cryptocurrency enforcement unit, by Sarah N. Lynch and Chris Prentice, Reuters. Trump admin tells prosecutors to ease up on crypto enforcement, by Katherine Faulders, Alexander Mallin, and Aaron Katersky, ABC News. Crypto Attorney Sues US Government To Unmask Satoshi Nakamoto, Creator Of Bitcoin, by Aniket Verma, Benzinga Crypto. Crypto firm Ripple to buy primer broker Hidden Road for $1.25 billion, by Ryan Browne, CNBC. Crypto Firm Ripple To Buy Broker Hidden Road For $1.3 Billion. What It Means For XRP, by Elsa Ohlen, Barron’s (paid subscription required). https://www.barrons.com/articles/xrp-ripple-crypto-acquisition-hidden-road-5782d1db Financial Stability Board nominates Andrew Bailey to serve as its next Chair, Financial Stability Board official statement. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Tether, Tourism, and Trouble | 08 Apr 2025 | 00:07:52 | |
We zoom in on a car rental company in Montenegro that’s now accepting Tether (USDT) for bookings, marking a regional first (0:35). We also explore Tether’s potential plans for a U.S.-only stablecoin (2:12), a dangerous new phishing campaign called PoisonSeed targeting crypto wallets (3:43), and how Kyrgyzstan is partnering with Binance to integrate digital finance into its economy (4:59). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. Stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Sitngo Becomes the First Car Rental Service in Montenegro to Accept Cryptocurrency Payments, EIN Presswire. Tether considers US-only stablecoin as Trump loosens crypto rules, Financial Times (paid subscription required). https://www.ft.com/content/1b3cccad-ad33-4dd9-b2b6-1514f80e39ad/ Tether Weighs Launching ‘Domestic Stablecoin’ in the US, PYMNTS. https://www.pymnts.com/cryptocurrency/2025/tether-weighs-launching-domestic-stablecoin-in-the-us/ PoisonSeed Exploits CRM Accounts to Launch Cryptocurrency Seed Phrase Poisoning Attacks, by Ravie Lakshmanan, The Hacker News. https://thehackernews.com/2025/04/poisonseed-exploits-crm-accounts-to.html Binance to Assist Kyrgyzstan in Developing Blockchain Infrastructure and Crypto Assets, by Sergey Kwan, Times of Central Asia. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Stablecoins Get the Green Light, Bitcoin Eyes the Quantum Threat | 07 Apr 2025 | 00:08:42 | |
In this episode, we break down four major developments shaking up the crypto landscape: 0:43 - The U.S. SEC clarifies that certain "Covered Stablecoins" aren’t securities — potentially a regulatory game-changer. 2:13 - North Dakota and Arizona crack down on crypto kiosks to fight rising scam activity. 3:47 - Brazil’s top court rules that crypto assets can be seized to repay debt, marking a big shift in legal recognition. 5:21 - A new Bitcoin proposal, Q-Ramp, aims to prepare the network for the quantum computing era. This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. Stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: SEC Division of Corporation Finance Statement on Stablecoins. https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/statement-stablecoins-040425 AARP urges North Dakota governor to sign bill regulating cryptocurrency kiosks, by Hunter Schwartz, Inforum. Arizona legislation targets cryptocurrency scams, by Alex Gonzalez, Public News Service. Brazilian court authorizes crypto seizure for debt collection — Report, by Sam Bourgi, Cointelegraph. https://cointelegraph.com/news/brazilian-court-authorizes-crypto-seizure-debt-collection-report Bitcoin Developer Proposes Hard Fork to Protect BTC From Quantum Computing Threats, by Francisco Rodrigues, edited by Aoyon Ashraf, CoinDesk. | |||
| Trump’s Bitcoin ETF, Ukraine Hack Arrest, FBI Hedera Scam Warning, Pakistan Goes BTC | June 6, 2025 | 06 Jun 2025 | 00:08:38 | |
Trump Media pushes deeper into crypto with a new Bitcoin ETF filing and plans for a $2.3 billion treasury (0:56). Ukrainian cyber police arrest a hacker behind a $4.5 million cryptojacking scheme (2:37). FBI warns of phishing scams hitting Hedera users through fake NFT drops (4:18). And Pakistan outlines an aggressive national strategy to monetize surplus electricity with a state-backed bitcoin reserve (5:38). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money. More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Donald Trump's Truth Social Officially Files for Bitcoin ETF as Company Deepens Crypto Push. Laura Bratton. Yahoo! Finance. Hacker Who Breached 5,000 Accounts to Mine Crypto Arrested — 7-Year Cryptojacking Scheme Incurs $4.5 Million in Damages. Jowi Morales. Tom’s Hardware. FBI Alert: New Crypto Trap Drains Wallets in Seconds. Kaylee Remington. Cleveland.com https://www.cleveland.com/news/2025/06/fbi-alert-new-crypto-trap-drains-wallets-in-seconds.html Cyber Criminals Defraud Hedera Hashgraph Network Non-Custodial Wallet Users through Nonfungible Token Airdrops Disguised as Free Rewards. Public Service Announcement. Federal Bureau of Investigation. https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250603 Pakistan’s Bold Bitcoin Reserve Plan Aims to Transform Energy Surplus into Tech Investment. Tom Hussain. South China Morning News. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| War Wallets, Billion-Dollar Breaches, and Bitcoin Athletes | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:08:11 | |
April 4, 2025. The U.S. Treasury just sanctioned crypto wallets tied to both a Russian exchange and the Houthi movement, signaling that crypto is officially part of the geopolitical battlefield. Meanwhile, crypto theft just hit $1.67 billion in Q1 alone, making it the worst quarter on record. We break down how it happened, what it means, and why it’s not just bad code; it's a wake-up call. Plus, college athletes are cashing in with crypto under new NIL rules, and Fidelity rolls out crypto IRAs. This is your essential update on the forces shaping the future of money. Stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: US sanctions 8 crypto wallets tied to Garantex exchange and Yemeni Houthis, by Adrian Zmudzinski, Cointelegraph. https://cointelegraph.com/news/us-sanctions-crypto-wallets-garantex-houthis Bybit Heist Fuels Record Crypto-Theft Surge, Says CertiK, by Kevin Poireault, Infosecurity Magazine. https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/record-crypto-theft-certik-bybit/ How NCAA Rules Impact the Use of Cryptocurrency in NIL Deals, Business of College Sports. Fidelity Revolutionizes Retirement Savings with Direct Crypto Investments, Blockhead. Fidelity Crypto® for IRAs product page: https://www.fidelity.com/crypto/retirement-ira The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Crypto Hits the Mainstream: 55 Million Holders and Counting | 03 Apr 2025 | 00:09:43 | |
A new national survey shows 55 million Americans now hold cryptocurrency, and a surprising number say it’s changing their lives for the better. In this episode of The World Crypto Report (April 3, 2025), we break down the key findings from the National Cryptocurrency Association’s latest State of the Crypto Holders Report. Plus: TikTok’s potential sale heats up as Zoop, a startup backed by the founder of OnlyFans, makes a bold move—with Amazon hot on their heels. Fat Brands starts accepting Bitcoin for royalty payments—will other franchises follow? Taiwan’s lawmakers introduce new licensing rules for crypto platforms. And in Wyoming, bitcoin miners feel the squeeze as tariffs hit key equipment prices. This is your essential update on the forces shaping the future of money. Stories and articles mentioned in this episode: Largest Ever Study of Crypto Holders in the U.S. Finds 21% of Adults Use Digital Assets, Business Wire. Download the National Cryptocurrency Association’s 2025 State of the Crypto Holders report (free registration required): https://nca.org/resources OnlyFans founder, crypto foundation submit late-stage bid to buy TikTok, by Anna Tong, Reuters. More information about the HBAR Foundation and Hedera: https://www.hbarfoundation.org https://hedera.com FAT Brands accepting cryptocurrency for franchisee royalty payments, Fast Casual. https://www.fastcasual.com/news/fat-brands-accepting-cryptocurrency-for-franchisee-royalty-payments/ The owner of Fazoli's will let franchisees pay royalties with crypto, by Jonathan Maze, Restaurant Business Online. Taiwan moves towards cryptocurrency regulation with proposed “Virtual Asset Service Act”, Dim Sum Daily Hong Kong. Wyoming Crypto Miner Says Tariff Threats Spiking Prices for Equipment, by Leo Wolfson, Cowboy State Daily. | |||
| Burger King's Crypto Buzz, Tuberville's Crypto Bills, and Coinbase's Crypto Blues | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:07:18 | |
In this episode of The World Crypto Report (April 2, 2025), Burger King ignites crypto curiosity by teasing “Burger Koin”, but is it a tasty move into digital currency or just flame-broiled marketing hype? Meanwhile, Senator Tommy Tuberville serves up two bold crypto bills in Congress: one empowering retirement investors and another shielding U.S. markets from foreign interference. Over in Houston, crypto graffiti tags the iconic “Be Someone” mural, while Coinbase endures its toughest financial quarter since the FTX collapse, amid volatile market swings triggered by economic uncertainty and global tensions. This is your essential update on the forces shaping the future of money. Burger King Hints at Cryptocurrency Launch with ‘Burger Koin’, by Kelly Cromley, Coin Trust. https://www.cointrust.com/market-news/burger-king-hints-at-cryptocurrency-launch-with-burger-koin Glowing eyes Tuberville pushes bills to fight a ‘Dark Brandon’ cryptocurrency policy, by Howard Koplowitz, AL.com. Houston’s ‘Be Someone’ mural painted over with graffiti promoting cryptocurrency Mog Coin, by Caroline Wilburne, Houston Chronicle. US cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase sees worst quarter since FTX collapse, Bloomberg. The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||
| Crypto Power Plays: Trump Pardons, Regulatory Shifts, and the Rise of Stablecoins | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:08:13 | |
In this episode of The World Crypto Report (April 1, 2025), we break down a seismic day in crypto and politics. Donald Trump issues quiet pardons to the founders of BitMEX, just as an explosive investigation reveals the Trump family's deep financial ties to a $550 million crypto venture. Plus, Japan proposes classifying crypto as traditional securities, signaling a major shift in global regulation. U.S. agencies like the FDIC and CFTC begin aligning crypto rules with legacy finance. In the skies, Hera Flight now accepts crypto for jet bookings. And we close with a look at stablecoins: why they're booming, and what it means for the future of global finance. This is your essential update on the forces shaping the future of money. Articles mentioned or referenced in this episode: Trump pardons four founders of BitMEX cryptocurrency exchange convicted of money laundering by Bart Jansen, USA Today. Insight: How the Trump family took over a crypto firm as it raised hundreds of millions by Tom Wilson, Tom Bergin, Lawrence Delevingne and Michelle Conlin, Reuters. Japan to ban insider trading using cryptocurrencies by Takako Gakuto, Nikkei Asia (paywalled content). Japan Reportedly Could Place Crypto Under Insider Trading Rules, PYMNTS. Hera Flight Now Accepting Cryptocurrency for Private Charter Flights, Business Wire. Stablecoin surge: Here’s why reserve-backed cryptocurrencies are on the rise, World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/03/stablecoins-cryptocurrency-on-rise-financial-systems/ The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti | |||