Explore every episode of the podcast The World Crypto Report
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| China and Brazil Target Stablecoins, Signs Point to Lazarus in Upbit Heist, and CoinShares Pulls Back ETF | December 1, 2025 | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:11:46 | |
This is the final episode of The World Crypto Report. Thank you for listening! The People's Bank of China reiterates that crypto is not legal money, dashing hopes for a policy reversal while launching a new crackdown on speculative trading (1:34). South Korean firm AhnLab attributes the Upbit hack to North Korean operatives, highlighting a sophisticated campaign targeting exchange infrastructure (4:09). Facing a saturated market, CoinShares withdraws its U.S. applications for XRP, Litecoin, and Solana ETFs ahead of its Nasdaq listing (6:29). And we look at Brazil's central bank new strict anti-money laundering compliance measures for stablecoins, set to take effect in February (8:26). More on stories and articles discussed or referenced in this episode: Abrams, Zack. "China's Central Bank Reaffirms Crypto Ban, Flags Stablecoin Risks Following Multi-Agency Meeting." The Block, 29 November 2025, https://www.theblock.co/post/380811/chinas-central-bank-reaffirms-crypto-ban-flags-stablecoin-risks-following-multi-agency-meeting. Alper, Tim. "Chinese Central Bank Doubles Down on Crypto Crackdown as Speculation Resurfaces." DL News, 30 November 2025, https://www.dlnews.com/articles/regulation/chinese-central-bank-to-continue-crypto-crackdown/. Ka-Young, Lee. "Lazarus, Kimsuky Behind 58 Attacks Targeting South Korea." The Chosun Daily, 30 November 2025, https://www.chosun.com/english/north-korea-en/2025/11/30/FZDOLNX2BNHWZIPTMWPQNEBKAA/. Ruvic, Dado. "CoinShares Pulls Plug on Select Crypto ETFs Ahead of US Listing." Reuters, 30 November 2025, https://www.reuters.com/business/coinshares-pulls-plug-select-crypto-etfs-ahead-us-listing-2025-11-28/. Thomas, Nick. "Brazil Just Closed a Major Crypto Loophole—and Stablecoin Users Should Pay Attention." Benzinga, 29 November 2025, https://finance.yahoo.com/news/brazil-just-closed-major-crypto-020104598.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. | |||
| Upbit Breach Fallout, Alt5 Leadership Whiplash, Venezuela's USDT Oil Trail, and China's Bitcoin Mining Comeback | November 28, 2025 | 28 Nov 2025 | 00:12:31 | |
A security incident at South Korea's biggest crypto exchange triggers emergency safeguards and ripples across Solana-linked assets (1:15). Alt5 Sigma faces a flurry of executive turnover as it deepens ties to a headline-grabbing token project (3:56). Plus: signs that Venezuela's oil trade is leaning more heavily on dollar-pegged stablecoins, pushing sanctions policy into a new era (5:56). And new data points to a stealth revival of Bitcoin mining inside China, even as miner revenues remain under pressure and companies shift compute toward AI and high-performance workloads (8:42). More on stories and articles discussed or referenced in this episode: Abdullahi, Aminu. "Crypto Exchange Upbit Suffers Security Breach After $10B Deal." Tech Republic, 27 November 2025, https://www.techrepublic.com/article/news-upbit-security-breach/. Cuthbertson, Anthony. "China's Bitcoin Mining Industry Sees Massive Growth Despite Crypto Ban." Datacenter Dynamics, 27 November 2025, https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/chinas-bitcoin-mining-industry-sees-massive-growth-despite-crypto-ban/. Mutuma, Maxwell. "Alt5 Sigma Fires CEO, COO Amid Legal Woes Tied to Trump Crypto Deal." CoinCentral, 27 November 2025, https://coincentral.com/alt5-sigma-fires-ceo-coo-amid-legal-woes-tied-to-trump-crypto-deal/. Nikoladze, Maia. "How Venezuela Uses Crypto to Cell Oil—and What the US Should Do About It." The New Atlanticist, 25 November 2025, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/how-venezuela-uses-crypto-to-sell-oil-and-what-the-us-should-do-about-it/. Rodrigues, Francisco. "Trump Family-Linked Alt5 Sigma Ousts Top Execs After CEO Suspension Shakes Up Leadership." CoinDesk, 27 November 2025, https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/11/27/trump-family-linked-alt5-sigma-ousts-top-execs-after-ceo-suspension-shakes-up-leadership. Sinha, Anand. "Popular Crypto Company Hit by Another Major Hack Exactly Six Years Later." The Street, 27 November 2025, https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/markets/popular-crypto-company-loses-millions-in-hack-after-10b-deal. 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. | |||
| China's Crypto Laundering Web, Enforcement Actions Against North Korea and in Thailand, Japan's Tax Shake-Up & a Bitcoin Miner's AI Gamble | November 17, 2025 | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:09:48 | |
China's shadow finance brokers are quietly becoming some of the most important players in crypto-powered crime: moving cartel proceeds, fentanyl-related payments, and offshored wealth through a mix of cash, coins, and capital controls arbitrage (1:23). From there, we turn to a growing law-enforcement response (3:31). In the United States, prosecutors are exposing North Korean IT workers hiding inside remote tech jobs and routing salaries back to a sanctioned regime, while seizing tens of millions of dollars' worth of stablecoins tied to hacks and fraud. In Southeast Asia, Thai authorities, working with the U.S. Secret Service and Tether, smash a cross-border scam ring and lock up millions in digital assets. We also break down Japan's potential tax and regulatory overhaul, which could reclassify over a hundred crypto assets as financial products (5:12). And we close with Bitcoin miner Bitfarm's big strategic pivot: a plan to transform its energy infrastructure into AI data centers hosting high-end Nvidia hardware (6:51). More on stories and articles discussed or referenced in this episode: Alper, Tim. "Japanese Crypto Tax Relief in Sight as Regulator Set to Classify Bitcoin as 'Financial Product'." DL News, 16 November 2025, https://www.dlnews.com/articles/regulation/japanese-crypto-tax-relief-in-sight-as-regulator-set-to-classify-bitcoin-as-financial-product/. Ayan, Amin. "Crypto Emerges as Key Tool in China's Money Laundering Networks: Report." Cryptonews, 16 November 2025, https://cryptonews.com/news/crypto-emerges-as-key-tool-in-chinas-money-laundering-networks-report/. Hamilton, Jesse. "U.S. DOJ Pursues North Korea's Illicit Money Machine, Seizes More Crypto." CoinDesk, 14 November 2025, https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2025/11/14/u-s-doj-pursues-north-korea-s-illicit-money-machine-seizes-more-crypto. Morales, Jowi. "Major Bitcoin Mining Firm Pivoting to AI, Plans to Fully Abandon Crypto Mining by 2027 as Miners Convert to AI en Masse — Bitfarm to Leverage 341 Megawatt Capacity for AI Following $46 Million Q3 Loss." Tom's Hardware, 16 November 2025, https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/cryptomining/major-bitcoin-mining-firm-pivoting-to-ai-plans-to-fully-abandon-crypto-mining-by-2027-bitfarm-to-leverage-341-megawatt-capacity-for-ai-following-usd46-million-q3-loss. Westmore, Kathryn. "Research Paper 36: Flying Money, Hidden Threat: Understanding the Growth of Chinese Money Laundering Organisations." Serious Organised Crime & Anti Corruption Evidence Research Programme, November 2025, https://static1.squarespace.com/static/63e4aef3ae07ad445eed03b5/t/6901d732787278321638e6da/1761728306567/36RP_Westmore_Flying+Money+Hidden+Threat_Nov+2025_FINAL.pdf. Zimwara, Terence. "Tether Assists Global Law Enforcement in $12M Crypto Crime Bust." Bitcoin.com News, 17 November 2025, https://news.bitcoin.com/tether-assists-global-law-enforcement-in-12m-crypto-crime-bust/. 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 Reckoning: Ziglu Collapse, ESMA Crackdown, and the Tornado Cash Trial | July 14, 2025 | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:08:47 | |
A UK crypto startup collapses (0:51), Europe tightens its grip on crypto firms (2:26), and U.S. investors double down on digital assets (4:17). Meanwhile, the Tornado Cash trial could set a precedent for software developers everywhere (5:49). 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: Collapsed Crypto Firm Ziglu Faces $2.7M Deficit Amid Special Administration. Amin Haqshanas. CoinTelegraph. https://cointelegraph.com/news/ziglu-crypto-collapse-2-7m-shortfall-savers-risk-loss European Securities Regulator Warns About Crypto Firms Misleading Customers. Elizabeth Howcroft. Reuters. Affluent Individuals & Crypto: What Do They Really Want? CoinShares (PDF). https://coinshares.com/en/d/insights/survey/us-investors-survey-06-2025/ Tornado Cash Made Crypto Anonymous. Now One of Its Creators Faces Trial. Joel Khalili. Wired. https://www.wired.com/story/roman-storm-tornado-cash-crypto-trial/ 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 | |||
| Florida Scrutinizes Robinhood, SEC Opens Crypto ETF Pipeline, Greece Freezes Stolen Crypto, Bhutan Embraces Binance Pay | July 11, 2025 | 11 Jul 2025 | 00:08:17 | |
Robinhood faces scrutiny in Florida over whether it misled users on crypto trading costs (1:09). The SEC unlocks new ETF opportunities beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum (2:43). Greece freezes crypto tied to a North Korean-linked hack in a landmark enforcement case (4:02). And Bhutan goes all-in on digital payments, with Binance Pay accepted across more than 1,000 businesses (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: Robinhood's Crypto Trading Promotions Probed by Florida AG. Kirk Ogunrinde. Bloomberg. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/robinhood-crypto-trading-promotions-probed-223920235.html The SEC Opened the 'Floodgates' for Crypto ETFs, Experts Say, Marking a New Era for the Industry. Nino Paoli. Fortune. https://fortune.com/crypto/2025/07/10/sec-atkins-trump-gensler-etf-crypto-investing-business/ First-Ever Crypto Seizure in Greece: How Chainalysis Reactor Helped Authorities Recover Funds from the $1.5B Bybit Hack. Chainalysis Team. Chainalysis Company Blog. https://www.chainalysis.com/blog/greece-first-ever-crypto-seizure-bybit-hack-2025/ Bhutan Partners with Binance Pay to Cement Crypto-Enabled Travel. Olivia Palamountain. Globetrender. https://globetrender.com/2025/07/10/bhutan-partners-binance-pay-cement-crypto-enabled-travel/ 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 Scam Bust, Bitcoin on iOS, Ripple's New Ally, and the SEC's Token Warning | July 10, 2025 | 10 Jul 2025 | 00:08:32 | |
Two men face federal charges in a $650 million crypto scheme tied to OmegaPro (1:05). Meanwhile, SaruTobi reboots on iOS with native Bitcoin Lightning payments (2:40), Ripple teams up with BNY Mellon on stablecoin custody (4:13), and the SEC's Hester Peirce reminds the industry: tokenized stocks still count as securities (5:40). 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: Two Men Charged in $650 million OmegaPro Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme. Carlos Robles. BNO News. OmegaPro Founder and Promoter Charged for Running Global $650M Foreign Exchange and Crypto Investment Scam. Office of Public Affairs. Department of Justice. Apple Approves 'SaruTobi' Game for iOS with Cryptocurrency In-App Purchases. Andrew Orr. Apple Insider. BNY Mellon Will Have Custody of Ripple's New Stablecoin as Institutional Interest in Crypto Swells. Tanaya Macheel. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/09/bny-mellon-will-have-custody-of-ripples-new-stablecoin.html SEC's 'Crypto Mom' Says Tokenized Securities Are Still Securities. Chris Prentice. Reuters. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/secs-crypto-mom-says-tokenized-201203683.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 | |||
| Trump Files for Another Crypto ETF | Akon City Canceled | Kraken Picks Wyoming | ReserveOne's $1B SPAC | July 9, 2025 | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:08:22 | |
Trump Media is going all-in on crypto with a new ETF filing, but questions about political entanglements remain (0:52). Meanwhile, ReserveOne is preparing to go public in a billion-dollar SPAC merger, led by veterans from both Wall Street and the crypto world (2:32). We also say goodbye to Akon City, the $6 billion crypto-powered vision that never got off the ground (3:53). And Kraken cements its ties to Wyoming, naming Cheyenne as its U.S. headquarters (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: Trump Media files for 'Crypto Blue Chip ETF' with SEC. Alan Suderman. Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/trump-media-crypto-etf-bitcoin-ripple-fb17cef26a8ff211a7a410cbdb8013fe ReserveOne, Backed by Crypto Heavyweights, Set to Raise Over $1 Billion in Nasdaq Listing. Niket Nishant. Reuters. Akon's $6 Billion Crypto City in Senegal Abandoned. Wren Graves. Consequence. https://consequence.net/2025/07/akon-city-senegal-cryptocurrency-abandoned/ Wyoming landed one of crypto's biggest names. Here's what that means for the state. CJ Baker. WyoFile. https://wyofile.com/wyoming-landed-one-of-cryptos-biggest-names-heres-what-that-means-for-the-state/ 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 ETF Regs Are Coming, Brazil's Crypto Scene Gets Going, and Toncoin Doesn't Get You a Visa After All | July 8, 2025 | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:08:20 | |
The SEC is finally moving toward real crypto ETF regulation, but will the timeline get shorter—and the rules clearer (0:49)? Meanwhile, FTX creditors in restricted countries may not see their money anytime soon (2:19), and Brazil continues its strategic push to become a global crypto leader (3:43). And if you were hoping for a UAE residency visa via Toncoin staking… not so fast (5:32). 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: US SEC's Guidance Is First Step Toward Rules Governing Crypto ETFs. Suzanne McGee. Reuters. FTX's Chinese Customers in Limbo Over Local Crypto Crackdown. Becky Yerak. Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/ftxs-chinese-customers-in-limbo-over-local-crypto-crackdown-6d230a67 Brazil's Crypto Market Strengthens with Arrival of New Players. Osvaldo Silva. United Press International. TON Cryptocurrency Plunges After UAE Authorities Refute Golden Visa Claims. Arslan Butt. FX Leaders. No Golden Visa for Digital Currency Investors in UAE, Authorities Clarify. Emirates News Agency, WAM. 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 Week' Is Coming, a Bitcoin Whale Gets Going, and Toncoin Buys You a Visa | June 7, 2025 | 07 Jul 2025 | 00:08:48 | |
Congress launches "Crypto Week" with bills that could reshape U.S. digital asset regulation. We cover the legislation that aims to ban a federal CBDC, clarify crypto rules, and boost innovation (0:58). Also in the mix: a Trump-themed scam leads to a federal crypto seizure (2:32), a dormant Bitcoin whale suddenly moves $8.6 billion (3:58), and the UAE opens its doors to Toncoin holders with a new Golden Visa (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: House Announces Week of July 14th as "Crypto Week". United States House Committee on Financial Services. https://financialservices.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=410793 Trump Inaugural Impersonators Scammed Donors Out of Crypto, Feds Say. Salvador Rodriguez. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/04/trump-cryptocurrency-ethereum-tokens.html Bitcoin Investor Moves $8 Billion Worth of Crypto after 14 Years, Originally Bought for Less than $210,000 — 80,000 BTC Transferred from Dormant Satoshi-Era Wallet. Hassam Nasir. Tom's Hardware. The UAE's Golden Visa: A Passport to Crypto Freedom? OneSafe Company Blog. https://www.onesafe.io/blog/uae-golden-visa-crypto-holders 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 | |||
| Robinhood Peeves OpenAI, Ripple Pursues Bank Charter, and Lummis Proposes Crypto Tax Shakeup | July 4, 2025 | 04 Jul 2025 | 00:08:28 | |
Robinhood's new crypto offering in the EU faces backlash from OpenAI (0:58). Senator Cynthia Lummis introduces a bill to simplify crypto taxes and legitimize everyday transactions (2:31). The IMF shuts down Pakistan's plan to support crypto mining with cheap power (4:14). And Ripple applies for a U.S. banking license to bring its stablecoin under federal oversight (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: OpenAI Condemns Robinhood's 'OpenAI Tokens'. Maxwell Zeff. TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/02/openai-condemns-robinhoods-openai-tokens/ Senate Republican Unveils Digital Assets Taxation Package. Julia Shapero. The Hill. https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5384081-cynthia-lummis-crypto-tax-legislation/ IMF Rejects Pakistan's Proposal to Subsidize Electricity for Crypto Mining. Profit by Pakistan Today. Ripple Seeks a U.S. Banking License, Adding to List of Crypto Companies. Vicky Ge Huang. Wall Street Journal (subscription required). 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 | |||
| Luckey and Lonsdale Look to Lend, Deutsche Launches a Stablecoin, and Coinbase Lands Liquifi | July 3, 2025 | 03 Jul 2025 | 00:08:28 | |
Tech investors launch Erebor, a new digital-only US bank designed for crypto, AI, and defense startups (1:14). In Europe, a Deutsche Bank-backed euro stablecoin enters the scene under MiCA rules (2:36). Coinbase acquires token management platform Liquifi (4:02). And security researchers uncover a dangerous crop of fake crypto wallets in Firefox's add-on store (5:33). 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: Peter Thiel Joins Tech Billionaires Backing New Lender Erebor to Rival Silicon Valley Bank. Tabby Kinder. Financial Times (subscription required). https://www.ft.com/content/8c903f2e-42a6-496b-b098-ca733f340ffc Deutsche Bank and DWS Launch Regulated Euro Stablecoin as Europe's Crypto Rules Kick In. Annika Masrani. Tip Ranks. Exclusive: Coinbase Buys Token Manager Liquifi as Crypto M&A Heats Up. Ben Weiss. Fortune. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/exclusive-coinbase-buys-token-manager-120000424.html Dozens of Fake Wallet Add-Ons Flood Firefox Store to Drain Crypto. Bill Toulas. Bleeping Computer. 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 Tax Break Rejected, Binance Stays Put, and North Korea Strikes Again | July 2, 2025 | 02 Jul 2025 | 00:08:33 | |
The U.S. Senate passes the One Big Beautiful Act — but shuts out key crypto reforms (1:04). Arizona's governor blocks a state-run Bitcoin reserve, despite growing interest nationwide (2:34). North Korean hackers strike again, targeting an Atlanta-based blockchain startup (4:10). And in Singapore, Binance stays steady as regulatory pressure pushes others out (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: The One Big Beautiful Act Passes in the U.S. Senate — Without Bitcoin Tax Amendment. Frank Corva. Bitcoin Magazine. Arizona Governor Vetoes Bill to Stockpile Seized Crypto. Martin Young. CoinTelegraph. https://cointelegraph.com/news/arizona-governor-vetoes-seized-crypto-stockpile-bill Buckhead Business Owner Says Remote Workers He Trusted Turned Out to Be North Koreans Who Stole $1M. Justin Gray. WSB-TV Atlanta. Binance to Keep Hundreds of Staff in Singapore Despite Crypto Crackdown. Suvashree Ghosh. Bloomberg. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/07/02/tech/binance-staff-singapore-crackdown/ 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 | |||
| Spain Busts Crypto Fraud, Robinhood Ups Its Crypto Game, Sparkassen Offers Crypto Trading, and Pennsylvania Regulates Crypto Transfers | July 1, 2025 | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:08:17 | |
Spain cracks down on a massive crypto scam (1:10), Robinhood expands its blockchain game (2:43), Germany's Sparkassen Bank prepares for Bitcoin trading (4:12), and Pennsylvania tightens its crypto rules (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 fraud ring busted in Spain after laundering $540 million, Europol says. Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta. Editing by William Maclean. Reuters. Crypto investment fraud ring dismantled in Spain after defrauding 5,000 victims worldwide. Europol. Robinhood Goes All in on Crypto with Major Product Push. Vicky Ge Huang and Hannah Erin Lang. Wall Street Journal. Germany's Largest Banking Group Sparkassen Adds Cryptocurrency Trading Services: Report. Daniel Kuhn. The Block. Changes coming to cryptocurrency in Pennsylvania. George Stockburger. ABC 27 (Harrisburg, PA). https://www.abc27.com/pennsylvania-politics/changes-coming-to-cryptocurrency-in-pennsylvania 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 | |||
| Internet Users in Asia Warm to Stablecoins, Czech National Bank Takes a Million-Dollar Test-Drive, Grayscale Prepares for IPO, and Public Gets Crypto IRAs | November 14, 2025 | 14 Nov 2025 | 00:09:12 | |
New research reveals that crypto adoption is spreading quickly across the Asia-Pacific region, driven by practical utility and stablecoin use for daily finance, rather than by market hype (1:19). The Czech National Bank has launched a pilot program to gain hands-on experience managing digital assets like Bitcoin and stablecoins (3:07). We also break down the upcoming Grayscale IPO. As the asset manager prepares to list on the NYSE, we examine the competitive pressures and fee challenges it faces despite its long-standing position in the market (4:48). And finally, we cover Public's $65 million acquisition of Alto's crypto IRA business, a strategic play to integrate tax-advantaged crypto holdings into mainstream retirement planning (6:12). More on stories and articles discussed or referenced in this episode: Bodley, Michael. "Grayscale files for an IPO, capping off big year for crypto exits." PitchBook, 13 November 2025, https://pitchbook.com/news/articles/grayscale-files-for-an-ipo-capping-off-big-year-for-crypto-exits. De, Nikhilesh. "Nearly 25% of Adults with Internet Access in Asia Might Own Crypto, Report Says." CoinDesk, 13 November 2025, https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/11/13/nearly-25-of-adults-with-internet-access-in-asia-might-own-crypto-report-says. Lopatka, Jan. "Czech Central Bank Buys $1 Million in Bitcoin, Other Crypto Assets for Testing." Reuters, 13 November 2025, https://www.reuters.com/business/czech-central-bank-buys-1-mln-bitcoin-other-crypto-assets-testing-2025-11-13/. Lutz, Sander. "Czech Republic Invests in Crypto, With Eye on Eventual Bitcoin Reserve." Decrypt, 13 November 2025, https://decrypt.co/348571/czech-republic-invests-crypto-eye-bitcoin-reserve. "Nearly One in Four Adults in Asia-Pacific - Around 535m People - Use Digital Assets, Driven by Stablecoins and Remittances, New Consensus Report Finds." Consensys by CoinDesk, 13 November 2025, https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nearly-one-in-four-adults-in-asia-pacific---around-535m-people---use-digital-assets-driven-by-stablecoins-and-remittances-new-consensus-report-finds-302615065.html. Roberts, Jeff John. "Investing App Public Acquires Crypto IRA Business for $65 Million." Fortune, 13 November 2025, https://fortune.com/2025/11/13/investing-app-public-acquires-crypto-ira-business-for-65-million/. Roy, Sumit. "Grayscale Files for IPO as Its Cash-Cow Crypto ETFs Bleed Assets." ETF.com, 13 November 2025, https://www.etf.com/sections/features/grayscale-files-ipo-its-cash-cow-crypto-etfs-bleed-assets. 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 Crypto Crackdown, California's Seizure Bill, IntelBroker Unmasked, and Corporate America Goes Big on Bitcoin | June 30, 2025 | 30 Jun 2025 | 00:08:36 | |
The IRS is sending out a wave of crypto tax warning letters (1:03), California wants to seize dormant exchange accounts (2:27), and the FBI tracks down a notorious hacker using blockchain forensics (4:07). Plus: Corporate bitcoin holdings just hit a record high, and Trump Media is buying in (5:47). 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: Bitcoin and Crypto Investors Hit with Flood of IRS letters, Say Tax Experts. Ben Weiss. Fortune. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/bitcoin-crypto-investors-hit-flood-134036966.html California Passes Bill Allowing State Agencies to Accept Cryptocurrency Payments. San Mateo Daily Journal. FBI Used Bitcoin Wallet Records to Peg Notorious IntelBroker as UK National. Jessica Lyons. The Register (UK). https://www.theregister.com/AMP/2025/06/26/fbi_used_bitcoin_wallet_id_intelbroker/ 'Forest Fire': Corporate America's Bitcoin Buying Spree Fuels Concern. Declan Harty. Politico. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/27/trump-bitcoin-treasury-wall-street-warren-00423673 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 and Conflict: Boko Haram, Bolivia's Crisis, and $100 Million for Trump-Linked DeFi | June 27, 2025 | 27 Jun 2025 | 00:08:38 | |
Boko Haram is funding terror with crypto (1:09). The Trump family's DeFi venture lands a massive $100 million investment from the UAE (2:42). And Bolivians turn to Bitcoin as inflation and dollar shortages choke the economy (4:29). Plus: Kraken launches its new all-in-one app, Krak (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: Boko Haram Uses Cryptocurrency to Finance Terrorism Secretly. U.S. Africa Command. Africa Defense Forum. https://adf-magazine.com/2025/06/boko-haram-uses-cryptocurrency-to-finance-terrorism-secretly/ UAE's Aqua 1 Invests $100 Million in Trump-Linked Crypto Venture, Amid Outcry of Influence Peddling. Shrey Banerjee. Mint (India). Crypto Gains Foothold in Bolivia as Small Businesses Seek Currency Alternatives. Lucinda Elliott. Reuters. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/crypto-gains-foothold-bolivia-small-113940884.html Krak Is Here: Kraken Launches New All-in-One Global Money App. Kraken. 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 | |||
| FHFA to Bless Crypto-Backed Mortgages? | Russian Ruble Stablecoin | SoFi Reboots | Barclays Bans Crypto | June 26, 2025 | 26 Jun 2025 | 00:07:50 | |
The FHFA signals a shift in U.S. mortgage policy, directing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to start preparing for crypto asset inclusion (0:56). In Kyrgyzstan, a ruble-pegged stablecoin is fueling billions in cross-border flows that may be helping Russia evade sanctions (2:06). SoFi reenters the crypto space with onchain money transfers and fresh support for token trading (3:40). And Barclays bans crypto purchases on its credit cards, citing volatility and lack of consumer protections (4:57). 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: FHFA Chief Orders Fannie and Freddie to Prepare for Crypto in Mortgage Underwriting. National Mortgage Professional. Sanctions-Busting Kyrgyz Cryptocurrency Moves $9 Bln – FT. Moscow Times. Crypto Coin for Russian Shadow Payments Moves $9bn. Financial Times (subscription required). https://www.ft.com/content/1c71cac0-b86b-4361-8f54-ee5d3bb5a489 SoFi Plans Return to Crypto with Blockchain Initiative. Bitcoin Trading Is Coming. Mackenzie Tatananni. Barron's (subscription required). https://www.barrons.com/articles/sofi-bitcoin-crypto-blockchain-3ddc4610 Barclays to Block Cryptocurrency Transactions Due to Growing Financial Risks. Dimsum Daily Hong Kong. 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 Gives an Assist to the Secret Service | Türkiye Crypto Crackdown | Mastercard–Chainlink Deal | June 25, 2025 | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:08:46 | |
A massive crypto seizure led by the U.S. Secret Service shows how blockchain forensics—and Coinbase—are reshaping crypto crime investigations (0:57). Türkiye announces sweeping new anti-money-laundering rules for crypto platforms (2:47), Japan signals a move toward Bitcoin ETFs and tax reform (4:36), and Mastercard joins Chainlink to bring crypto to traditional payment cards (6:05). 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: Consumer Protection Tuesday: How Coinbase Helped the Secret Service Seize $225M in Stolen Crypto. Coinbase. Türkiye to Enforce Stricter Crypto Rules to Curb Illicit Transactions. Daily Sabah (Türkiye). Japan Mulls Lifting Bitcoin ETF Ban, Slashing Taxes on Crypto Gains. John Isige. FX Street. Chainlink and Mastercard Partner to Enable Over 3 billion Cardholders to Purchase Crypto Directly Onchain. Chainlink. Mastercard. 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 | |||
| Fiserv Brings Stablecoins to Small Banks | China to Test Yuan-Backed Tokens in Hong Kong? | Telegram's Trouble with Crypto Scams | June 24, 2025 | 24 Jun 2025 | 00:08:48 | |
A major shift may be coming for thousands of US banks, as Fiserv prepares to roll out a stablecoin platform linked to Solana, Circle, and Paxos (1:01), while China eyes Hong Kong as a testbed for yuan-backed digital tokens (2:40). This episode also covers Anthony Pompliano's $1 billion bitcoin treasury initiative (4:13), and new reporting on Telegram's struggle—or refusal—to crack down on crypto-enabled scams (5:44). 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 World Opens Up to Main Street Banks. Gina Heeb. Wall Street Journal (subscription required). https://www.wsj.com/finance/currencies/stablecoin-crypto-fiserv-smaller-banks-aa9049ea Beijing Could Use Hong Kong as Test Bed for Yuan-Linked Stablecoins: Morgan Stanley. Julie Zhang. South China Morning Post. US investor strikes $1 billion merger to create bitcoin treasury company. Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss. Reuters. Telegram Purged Chinese Crypto Scam Markets—Then Watched as They Rebuilt. Andy Greenberg. Wired. https://www.wired.com/story/telegram-purged-chinese-crypto-scam-markets-then-let-them-rebuild/ 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 Officially Has a Bitcoin Reserve | Norway Clamps Down on Mining | Teenage Bitcoin Hacker Pleads Guilty | June 23, 2025 | 23 Jun 2025 | 00:08:18 | |
Texas launches the first stand-alone state-run Bitcoin reserve (1:09), while Norway prepares to restrict power-hungry crypto mining (2:22). Phoenix Group eyes AI expansion and a potential U.S. stock listing (3:49). Plus: a 19-year-old hacker pleads guilty in one of the largest Bitcoin thefts ever (5:04). 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 Governor Greg Abbott Signs Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bill into Law. Zack Abrams. The Block. Norway Plans Temporary Ban on Power-Intensive Cryptocurrency Mining. Louise Breusch Rasmussen. Edited by Terje Solsvik. Reuters. https://sg.news.yahoo.com/norway-plans-temporary-ban-power-094632277.html Abu Dhabi Bitcoin Miner Considers US Listing in Pivot to AI. Mohammed Sergie. Semafor. Man Whose Parents Were Kidnapped after $245M Bitcoin Theft Has Pleaded Guilty to Federal Charges. Dave Collins. 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 | |||
| Apple Sued Over Crypto Scam | KuCoin & BitGo Boost Institutional Trust | Ohio Advances Pro-Bitcoin Law | June 20, 2025 | 20 Jun 2025 | 00:08:22 | |
Apple faces a new class-action lawsuit over a crypto scam app that allegedly made it through App Store review. (0:54). Plus: Andreessen Horowitz and Cerebras Systems deal with high-profile social media hacks (2:23), Ohio moves toward exempting small crypto transactions from capital gains tax (3:46), and KuCoin partners with BitGo to offer off-exchange settlement for institutional clients (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: Apple Hit with Class Action Suit Over App Store Crypto Scam. Marcus Mendes. 9 to 5 Mac. https://9to5mac.com/2025/06/19/class-action-suit-app-store-crypto-scam/ Maker of World's Largest AI Chips Was Hit by a Crypto Scam. Stephen Warwick. Tom's Hardware. No, Andreessen Horowitz Didn't Post that Crypto Scam Tweet. Julie Bort. Tech Crunch https://techcrunch.com/2025/06/18/no-andreessen-horowitz-didnt-post-that-crypto-scam-tweet/ Ohio's House of Representatives Passes Crypto Bill to Allow $200 Tax Free Threshold for Crypto Transactions. TradingView. KuCoin Joins BitGo Singapore's Go Network for Off-Exchange Settlement, Reinforcing $2 Billion Trust Project. Press Release. KuCoin. 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 | |||
| Iran Loses $90M in Crypto Hack, the DOJ Seizes $225M in Crypto Bust, and BlackRock BUIDLs with Crypto.com | June 19, 2025 | 19 Jun 2025 | 00:08:16 | |
A $90 million crypto hack in Iran (1:00). A record-breaking DOJ seizure (2:27). BlackRock's tokenized fund joins Crypto.com (3:55). And GameStop, Trump Media, and others pile into digital assets (5:05). 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: Israel-Linked Group Hacks Iranian Cryptocurrency Exchange in $90M Heist. Dan Milmo. The Guardian. United States Files Civil Forfeiture Complaint Against $225M in Funds Involved in Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud Money Laundering. Office of Public Affairs. United States Department of Justice. Crypto.com Exchange to Accept BlackRock's BUIDL as Trading Collateral. Gerald Segal. FX News Group. Crypto Goes Corporate as a New Wave of Public Companies Buy Bitcoin. Nina Bambysheva. Forbes. 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 | |||
| GENIUS Act Clears U.S. Senate, JPMorgan Picks Base, and Coinbase Proposes Tokenized Stocks | June 18, 2025 | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:08:37 | |
The U.S. Senate passes the GENIUS Act, laying the groundwork for stablecoin regulation in America (1:06). Meanwhile, JPMorgan reveals that its new tokenized asset, JPMD, will run on Coinbase's Base network (2:33). Coinbase also looks to expand into tokenized stocks (4:11), and Thailand approves a five-year crypto tax exemption to attract investment (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: Senate Passes Crypto Regulations, Sends to House without Addressing Trump's Investments. Joey Cappelletti, Mary Clare Jalonick, and Alan Suderman. Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/crypto-stablecoins-trump-senate-383b502d3d80169f8f4739055dada0cb JPMorgan Moves Further into Crypto with Stablecoin-Like Token JPMD. Ryan Browne. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/17/jpmorgan-stablecoin-jpmd.html Coinbase Seeks SEC Approval to Launch Tokenized Stock Trading. Tareq Sikder. Finance Magnates. Thailand Approves Five Year Bitcoin and Crypto Tax Break. Jenna Montgomery. Bitcoin Magazine. https://bitcoinmagazine.com/news/thailand-approves-five-year-bitcoin-and-crypto-tax-break 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 | |||
| Tron Goes Public, More Crypto ETFs for Trump, and JPMorgan Readies JPMD | June 17, 2025 | 17 Jun 2025 | 00:08:31 | |
Tron goes public in a $210 million deal with ties to the Trump family (0:43), while Trump Media files for its second crypto ETF (2:20). JPMorgan drops hints about a new digital currency service (3:51), and Australian police dismantle a massive money laundering network powered by crypto (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: Crypto Firm Tron, Led By 'Top Fan' of Trump, Is Going Public. Paul R. La Monica. Barron's (subscription required). https://www.barrons.com/articles/tron-trump-reverse-merger-crypto-49a08edb Trump Media Deepens Crypto Push with Bitcoin–Ether ETF Filing. Vildana Hajric. Bloomberg. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trump-media-deepens-crypto-push-134447245.html JPMorgan Chase Files for Blockchain-Related Trademark, Triggering Speculation It Has Stablecoin Plans. Catherine McGrath. Fortune. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/jpmorgan-chase-files-blockchain-related-215005657.html $124 Million Armored Truck Crypto Money Laundering Operation Busted — Australian Perps Apprehended, Could Face Life in Prison. Mark Tyson. Tom's Hardware. 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 'Strike Force' Targets Overseas Crypto Scams, the SEC Mulls a New 'Token Taxonomy,' JPMorgan Unveils JPMD Deposit Token, and Coinbase Moves to Texas | November 13, 2025 | 13 Nov 2025 | 00:09:33 | |
Washington forms a new strike force to hunt down overseas scam hubs that have drained roughly $10 billion from Americans this year (1:20), and the SEC's new chair sketches out a fresh playbook for which tokens count as securities (3:01). Then we look at JPMorgan's new blockchain deposit coin and what sets it apart from stablecoins (4:27), before wrapping with Coinbase's decision to swap Delaware for Texas and what that says about the future of crypto regulation in the U.S. (6:37) This is your essential update on the forces shaping what's next in money. More on stories and articles discussed or referenced in this episode: "First Bank Issues USD Deposit Token on a Public Blockchain." J.P. Morgan, 12 November 2025, https://www.jpmorgan.com/payments/newsroom/jpm-coin-usd-deposit-token-institutional-clients. Godbole, Omkar. "JPMorgan Rolls Out JPM Coin Leveraging Coinbase's Base: Report." CoinDesk, 12 November 2025, https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/11/12/jpmorgan-rolls-out-jpm-coin-leveraging-coinbase-s-base-report. Greig, Jonathan. "US Announces 'Strike Force' to Counter Southeast Asian Cyber Scams, Sanctions Myanmar Armed Group." The Record from Recorded Future News, 12 November 2025, https://therecord.media/strike-force-southeast-asia-scams. Irrera, Anna. "JPMorgan Rolls Out Deposit Token JPM Coin in Digital Asset Push." Bloomberg, 11 November 2025, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-12/jpmorgan-rolls-out-deposit-token-jpm-coin-in-digital-asset-push. "New Scam Center Strike Force Battles Southeast Asian Crypto Investment Fraud Targeting Americans." United States Attorney's Office, District of Columbia, 12 November 2025, https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/new-scam-center-strike-force-battles-southeast-asian-crypto-investment-fraud-targeting. Rajkumari, Pooja. "JPMorgan Debuts New Token." The Street, 12 November 2025, https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/business/jpmorgan-launches-blockchain-based-deposit-token. Revell, Eric. "Major Crypto Exchange Picks Texas for New HQ, Citing Pro-Business Rules." Fox Business, 12 November 2025, https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/major-crypto-exchange-picks-texas-new-hq-citing-pro-business-rules. Wynn, Sarah. "SEC Chair Paul Atkins Unveils Plan for 'Token Taxonomy' to Redefine Crypto Regulation." The Block, 12 November 2025, https://www.theblock.co/post/378590/sec-chair-paul-atkins-unveils-plan-token-taxonomy-redefine-crypto-regulation. 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. | |||
| Walmart Eyes Stablecoins, Vietnam Legalizes Crypto, Shaq Pays Up Over FTX | June 16, 2025 | 16 Jun 2025 | 00:08:22 | |
Walmart and Amazon are exploring their own stablecoins just as lawmakers debate how to regulate them; we look at how major retailers could use crypto to bypass banks and card networks (0:59). Plus: Shaq settles an FTX lawsuit (2:31), Vietnam legalizes crypto assets (4:05), and Brazil imposes a sweeping new tax on crypto profits (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: Walmart and Amazon Are Exploring Issuing Their Own Stablecoins. Gina Heeb, AnnaMaria Andriotis, and Josh Dawsey. Wall Street Journal (subscription required). https://www.wsj.com/finance/banking/walmart-amazon-stablecoin-07de2fdd Shaquille O'Neal to Pay Nearly $2 Million Settlement in FTX Lawsuit. Ryan Morik. Fox Business. https://www.foxbusiness.com/sports/shaquille-oneal-pay-nearly-2-million-settlement-ftx-lawsuit Digital Assets Legalized in Vietnam. Hac Hien and Minh Hue. The Investor (Vietnam). https://theinvestor.vn/digital-assets-legalized-in-vietnam-d16008.html Brazil Adopts Flat 17.5% Tax on Cryptocurrency Profits, Ending Exemptions. Karthik Subramanian. Finance Feeds. https://financefeeds.com/brazil-adopts-flat-17-5-tax-on-cryptocurrency-profits-ending-exemptions/ 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, 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| Morocco Makes Kidnapping Arrest | Circle Makes Its NYSE Debut | JPMorgan Makes Nice with Bitcoin | Hong Kong Makes Way for Derivatives | June 5, 2025 | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:08:51 | |
A crypto kidnapping suspect is captured in Morocco in connection with a string of brutal abductions, including a €10 million ransom case (0:45). Meanwhile, Circle, the company behind USDC, officially begins trading on the NYSE under the ticker CRCL (2:22). JPMorgan prepares to offer financing backed by Bitcoin ETFs (3:58), and Hong Kong takes a major step toward institutional crypto derivatives (5:32). 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: Suspected Crypto Kidnapping Mastermind Detained in Morocco. Joseph Ataman and Saskya Vandoorne. CNN. https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/06/04/europe/france-crypto-kidnappings-detained-intl Circle Prices IPO Above Range, Valuing It at $6.8 Billion. The Stock Starts Trading Thursday. Paul R. La Monica. Barron's (paid subscription required). https://www.barrons.com/articles/circle-crcl-ipo-stock-ticker-price-usdc-81a10761 JPMorgan to Accept Crypto-Linked ETFs as Loan Collateral. Murtuza J. Merchant. Benzinga. HK to Expand Crypto Offerings with Derivatives Trading for Investors. Li Xiaoyun. China Daily. https://www.chinadailyasia.com/hk/article/613250 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 Family Disowns "Official Wallet" | BitoPro Hack | Ripple's $9M Surveillance Gift | June 4, 2025 | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:08:45 | |
A Trump-branded crypto wallet launches—then immediately gets disowned by Trump's own sons (0:51). Meanwhile, a stealthy new cryptojacking campaign is quietly targeting the backbone of DevOps infrastructure (2:47), and Taiwanese exchange BitoPro is the latest victim in a growing wave of crypto hacks (4:23). Also: Ripple Labs makes a huge donation to expand police surveillance in San Francisco (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: Is Trump Unveiling a Crypto Wallet? His Associates Say Yes. His Sons Say No. David Yaffe-Bellany and Eric Lipton. New York Times (free registration required, soft paywall). https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/03/technology/trump-crypto-wallet-sons-rift.html Trump's Sons Distance Themselves from New Trump-Branded Crypto Venture. Lucien Bruggeman. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/US/trumps-sons-distance-new-trump-branded-crypto-venture/story?id=122470346 DevOps Tools Under Siege: New Cryptojacking Campaign Exploits Misconfigurations to Mine Cryptocurrency. Tom Smith. DevOps.com. Taiwanese Crypto Exchange BitoPro Confirms Estimated $11.5 Million Hack. Catherine McGrath. Fortune. https://www.yahoo.com/news/taiwanese-crypto-exchange-bitopro-confirms-154536634.html Crypto Billionaire's Company, Nonprofit to Give Over $9M to S.F. Police for Surveillance Unit. Eleni Balakrishnan. Mission Local. https://missionlocal.org/2025/06/sfpd-ripple-chris-larsen-donate-9m-surveillance/ 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 Knew, Robinhood Grew, Singapore's Through | June 3, 2025 | 03 Jun 2025 | 00:08:30 | |
Coinbase faces mounting questions after it reportedly sat on news of a serious data breach for months (1:12). Robinhood closes its deal to acquire Bitstamp, signaling bigger crypto ambitions (2:35). Australia targets crypto ATMs after a spike in scams (3:50), and Singapore sets a strict deadline for unlicensed firms serving foreign clients (5:37). 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: Coinbase breach linked to customer data leak in India, sources say. Raphael Satter. Reuters. https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/coinbase-breach-linked-customer-data-185752020.html Robinhood Seals Bitstamp Acquisition, Marks Entry into Crypto Trading. Tareq Sikder. Finance Magnates. Crypto ATMs Increasingly Used for Scams and Money Laundering. Rhiana Whitson. ABC News (Australia). https://amp.abc.net.au/article/105351504 Singapore Tightens Crypto Regulation with June 30 Exit Deadline. Moses K. The Market Periodical. 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 | |||
| SoFi and Openbank Launch Trading Platforms, Coinbase Backs Away from BVNK, and China Makes a Big Accusation | November 12, 2025 | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:09:28 | |
SoFi has launched direct digital asset trading to its millions of US members, becoming the first national bank to do so (1:20). In Europe, Santander's Openbank is following a similar path in Spain, rolling out a new service that is fully compliant with the continent's new MiCA regulations (3:03). In M&A news, Coinbase has abruptly backed out of a $2 billion deal to acquire stablecoin startup BVNK, even as the race for payment infrastructure heats up with competitors like Mastercard (4:33). Finally, we cover the escalating digital tensions between China and the US, as Beijing accuses the Justice Department of unlawfully seizing $13 billion in Bitcoin, a claim American officials and blockchain analysts dispute (6:18). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what's next in money. More on stories and articles discussed or referenced in this episode: Aguado, Jesús. "Santander's Digital Lender Openbank Launches Crypto Trading in Spain." Reuters, 11 November 2025, https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/santanders-digital-lender-openbank-launches-crypto-trading-spain-2025-11-11/. Hollerith, David. "SoFi Rolls Out Crypto Trading for Retail Customers." Yahoo! Finance, 11 November 2025, https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sofi-rolls-out-crypto-trading-for-retail-customers-130019758.html. Parashar, Arjun. "China Accuses U.S. of Stealing $13 Billion in Bitcoin." The Street, 11 November 2025, https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/policy/china-accuses-u-s-of-stealing-127k-bitcoin-in-crypto-hack. "SoFi Bank Becomes the First and Only Nationally Chartered Bank to Launch Crypto Trading for Consumers." SoFi Technologies, 11 November 2025, https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251111406660/en/SoFi-Bank-Becomes-the-First-and-Only-Nationally-Chartered-Bank-to-Launch-Crypto-Trading-for-Consumers. Turakhiya, Parshwa. "China Accuses US of $13 Billion Bitcoin 'State-Backed Crypto Heist'." Benzinga, 11 November 2025, https://finance.yahoo.com/news/china-accuses-us-13-billion-193107770.html. Weiss, Ben. "Exclusive: Coinbase and Stablecoin Startup BVNK Call Off $2 Billion Acquisition." Fortune, 11 November 2025, https://fortune.com/2025/11/11/coinbase-bvnk-2-billion-deal-falls-through-stablecoins/. 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 Violence Sparks Insurance Rush, NYPD Kidnapping Connection, SEC Hits Pause on Staking ETFs | June 2, 2025 | 02 Jun 2025 | 00:08:43 | |
Why insurance companies are racing to offer kidnap and ransom coverage for high-net-worth investors (1:01), and how one alleged abduction case has rocked the NYPD (2:30). Plus, the SEC throws a wrench into the plans of two staking-linked ETFs (4:08), and South Korea completes its first legal Ethereum sale under new national rules (5:43). 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: Insurance Companies Look to Cash in on Crypto-Kidnapping Fears. Kevin Collier and David Ingram. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna209179 NYPD Probing Whether Detectives Were Inside Townhouse During Alleged Crypto Torture. Marc Santia, Melissa Russo, Jonathan Dienst, and Jake Offenhartz. Associated Press and NBC New York. https://www.nbcnewyork.com/manhattan/nypd-investigation-crypto-torture-detectives/6284057/ SEC Flags Concerns on Crypto ETFs Offering Staking Rewards. Loukia Gyftopoulou, Isabelle Lee, and Nicola M. White. Bloomberg. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sec-flags-concerns-crypto-etfs-180757218.html World Vision Becomes First Korean Entity to Trade Crypto. Jin-Seong Kim. Edited by Sookyung Seo. Korea Economic Daily. https://www.kedglobal.com/cryptocurrencies/newsView/ked202506010004 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 | |||
| US Senate Has a Draft Crypto Bill, Wall Street Gets a Staking Greenlight, Espionage Payments, and Texas Bitcoin Mining Backlash | November 11, 2025 | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:09:30 | |
A new Senate draft bill is making its way through Washington, proposing a new framework that would grant the CFTC clear authority over digital commodities (1:10). The Treasury and IRS have just released new rules allowing traditional financial products like ETPs to offer staking rewards to investors (2:47). Cryptocurrency was allegedly used to pay an Israeli citizen for espionage activities on behalf of Iran (4:34). And finally, Bitcoin mining and AI data centers in Texas are creating a massive strain on the state's energy grid and water resources during a drought (6:12). This is your essential update on the forces shaping what's next in money. More on stories and articles discussed or referenced in this episode: Bernd, Candice. "Crypto's Cryptic Texas Takeover." The Texas Observer, 10 November 2025, https://www.texasobserver.org/crypto-energy-grid-texas-bitcoin-water/. De, Nikhilesh and Jesse Hamilton. "Senate Ag Releases Long-Awaited Version of Crypto Market Structure Legislation." CoinDesk, 10 November 2025, https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2025/11/10/senate-ag-releases-long-awaited-version-of-crypto-market-structure-legislation. Goodman, Jasper and Declan Harty. "Senate Ag Releases Long-Awaited Crypto Bill Draft." Politico, 10 November 2025, https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/11/10/congress/senate-ag-releases-long-awaited-crypto-market-structure-draft-00641759. "Israel Arrests Man Allegedly Paid in Crypto to Spy for Iran – Media." Iran International, 10 November 2025, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202511100330. Lutz, Sander. "Ethereum, Solana ETFs Get Green Light for Staking via US Treasury, IRS Crypto Fund Guidance." Decrypt, 10 November 2025, https://decrypt.co/348044/ethereum-solana-etfs-green-light-staking-us-treasury-irs-guidance. Parashar, Arjun. "US Treasury, IRS Clear Crypto ETPs to Stake and Share Rewards." The Street, 10 November 2025, https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/policy/us-treasury-irs-clear-crypto-etps-to-stake-and-share-rewards. 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 | |||
| 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 | |||