In this episode of Talking Tokens, Jacquelyn Melinek speaks with Shane Molidor, founder and CEO of Forgd, an investment banking and advisory platform that helps blockchain projects design sustainable token economies and improve market transparency.
The discussion covers why crypto still struggles with low liquidity and poor disclosure standards, how market makers shape price discovery, and what it really takes to build a fair and efficient token launches. Shane explains why many founders misunderstand market-making agreements, what “predatory engagements” look like, and how Forgd is working to introduce transparency and data-driven decision-making across the industry.
They also explore how Forgd’s platform tracks market maker performance, why most projects over-index on hype instead of fundamentals, and what’s needed for crypto to mature from its “teenage years” into a regulated, professional market.
This episode is sponsored by Forgd. Thousands of Web3 projects leverage Forgd’s free tools to design smarter tokenomics, engage market makers on fair terms, plan listings strategically, and monitor liquidity after launch. Start using the Forgd platform for free, or sign up for white-glove advisory services, at Forgd.com
Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro
(01:10) - What Forgd is and why Shane founded it
(02:35) - Problems with token launches and market manipulation
(04:10) - The “signal vs noise” problem in today’s crypto cycle
(06:06) - Comparing crypto’s maturity to its “teenage years”
(07:52) - How institutions are approaching token liquidity
(09:40) - Why regulatory ambiguity created poor market hygiene
(11:06) - The challenge of offshore foundations & token issuance
(13:24) - Why teams avoid U.S. entities and what that costs the industry
(15:00) - Price vs value: how momentum often replaces fundamentals
(17:25) - How illiquidity distorts fair value in thinly traded markets
(19:22) - Why token standards and disclosures are critical for investors
(21:42) - Market structure, transparency, and efficient price discovery
(23:30) - Liquidity depth, tight spreads, and capital efficiency explained
(25:55) - Why most founders shouldn’t need to master capital markets
(27:50) - The real role of market makers
(30:40) - Common market-making contracts and their trade-offs
(32:06) - How “loan plus call option” deals can harm token projects
(35:10) - Forgd’s market maker leaderboard and how it works
(37:20) - Bringing data-driven transparency to token launches
(40:00) - Why full disclosure should become an industry standard
(42:35) - The cultural resistance to transparency
(45:23) - How Forgd plans to automate advisory work with AI
(47:12) - Lessons from 10 years in crypto & building with integrity
(49:11) - Closing thoughts and final advice
You can subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, please let us know by leaving a review!
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Note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.
In this episode of Talking Tokens, Jacquelyn Melinek interviews Qiao Wang, founding partner at Alliance DAO, to explore the current state of crypto startups and the broader market landscape.
The conversation covers how early-stage builders are approaching stablecoins, payments, and AI-driven tools, and why the next wave of development is shifting toward real-world utility. Qiao discusses its latest ALL15 demo day, the return of U.S. based crypto founders, developers building on Solana and Base, and how macro conditions are shaping startup funding and investor sentiment.
They also examine how AI is influencing both market behavior and product design, what past cycles reveal about founder discipline, and why long-term focus remains critical for builders navigating a volatile industry.Sponsored by Fireblocks, the trusted stablecoin infrastructure for global enterprises. Learn more at fireblocks.com.
Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro
(01:27) - Stablecoins and onchain consumer products leading growth
(02:27) - What makes a good stablecoin startup vs. hype-driven ideas
(04:00) - Breaking down the stablecoin stack
(05:35) - Rain cards and B2B stablecoin payments in Nigeria
(06:55) - Why the best startups start niche before going global
(07:46) - Are there too many stablecoin startups?
(09:00) - Alliance ALL15 Demo Day
(11:09) - More founders building in U.S. again
(12:46) - Lessons from past startups and how AI helps solve moderation
(14:10) - Daily micropayments and real-time creator rewards
(15:56) - Balancing crypto-native vs mainstream user adoption
(17:18) - What makes a great founder & why technical teams matter
(19:56) - When to pivot: signs a startup should change direction
(22:19) - How Alliance DAO evaluates founders and admits <1% of applicants
(25:22) - Partner growth, alumni mentors & scaling the accelerator
(27:46) - Solana vs Ethereum vs Base
(30:35) - The rise of Hyperliquid and other underdog ecosystems
(33:20) - The AI bubble: why it’s propping up U.S. GDP (for now)
(36:00) - Risks of overvaluation and lessons from past market cycles
(39:37) - How macro markets affect crypto liquidity
(42:00) - Why disciplined investing beats chasing short-term rallies
(44:00) - Managing FOMO & lessons from Warren Buffett’s patience
(47:00) - Advice to founders: stay long-term, ignore noise, and keep building
You can subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, please let us know by leaving a review!
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141
Follow us on X Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens
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Note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.
In this episode of Talking Tokenization, Jacquelyn Melinek speaks with Carlos Domingo, Co-Founder and CEO of Securitize, following the company’s announcement that it will go public through a SPAC merger valuing it at $1.25 billion and the launch of a tokenized fund with BNY.
The conversation explores why Securitize chose to go public now, how the move fits into its broader mission of bringing real-world assets onchain, and what it means for the growing tokenization market. Carlos discusses the regulatory process behind going public, the importance of transparency and governance for institutional partners, and why he believes tokenization is entering a period of real adoption after years of experimentation.
They also cover Securitize’s new tokenized collateralized loan obligation (CLO) fund, the company’s partnership with BNY and Grove, and how these collaborations are paving the way for more yield-bearing products to come onchain.Sponsored by Securitize, the proven leader in tokenized funds, equities, and private markets. Discover more at securitize.io.This episode is sponsored by Fireblocks, the stablecoin infrastructure of choice for top global businesses, from Visa and Worldpay to Bridge and Revolut. Learn more at fireblocks.com.
Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro (01:00) - Why going public strengthens governance, transparency, and trust (02:10) - How Securitize’s decision came together after Circle’s successful IPO (03:30) - The regulatory process behind the SPAC merger and SEC approval timeline (05:19) - The return of the IPO market and why crypto companies are leading it (06:36) - Why early public listings can instill discipline in growing companies (07:57) - How Securitize’s IPO may accelerate partnerships with major institutions (08:48) - Expanding internationally and building a stronger balance sheet (09:26) - Focus regions: U.S., Europe, Japan, Singapore, and the Middle East (10:13) - Lessons from the process: internal alignment and preparation (11:06) - Launching a tokenized fund with BNY and Grove’s $100M investment (12:23) - Why CLOs and yield-bearing assets are the next phase of tokenization (13:05) - How Grove integrates the tokenized CLO into its ecosystem (14:21) - The structure of the partnership between Securitize, BNY, and Grove (15:35) - Stable yields, risk management, and diversification opportunities (16:01) - Why 2025 could mark a tipping point for large-scale tokenization (16:50) - Industry outlook about competition, collaboration, and exponential growth (17:17) - Final thoughts: building credibility and tokenizing traditional finance
You can subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, please let us know by leaving a review!
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141
Follow us on X Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens
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Note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.
On today’s Talking Tokens episode, Jacquelyn sits down with Joseph Chalom, CEO of SharpLink and former Head of Digital Assets at BlackRock.Joseph shares how he went from leading BlackRock’s digital asset strategy to running one of the first publicly listed digital asset treasuries on Nasdaq. He explains what inspired him to leave BlackRock after 20 years, how institutional demand for Bitcoin and Ethereum has evolved and what makes a good DAT.
They dive deep into Ethereum’s role as the global settlement layer for finance, why tokenization is the next major market structure shift, and how SharpLink’s treasury model creates exposure to Ethereum, while actively managing yield through staking and DeFi.
Joseph also discusses regulation, market cycles, tokenized equities, and the growing interest from Asia-based institutions.
Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro
(01:06) - Life after 20 years at BlackRock & how his role at SharpLink began
(02:47) - Building BlackRock’s digital asset division and early learnings
(04:28) - Why institutional adoption took time: regulation & infrastructure gaps
(05:53) - ETF demand, client-first strategy & product-market fit for crypto
(07:55) - Who’s really driving today’s crypto markets: investors vs traders
(09:11) - Why Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins dominate institutional portfolios
(10:39) - Ethereum as the programmable settlement layer for global finance
(12:19) - Stablecoins, tokenization & the trillion-dollar opportunity ahead
(13:24) - Institutions entering DeFi and why the rails are shifting fast
(14:09) - What Ethereum’s consistency, security & liquidity mean for investors
(15:25) - Tokenization: which assets should actually move onchain
(17:00) - How stablecoins threaten bank margins but benefit the U.S. economy
(18:34) - Treasury management & the opportunity for onchain balance sheets
(19:34) - SharpLink’s mission: institutional access to Ethereum exposure
(21:12) - Turning ETH into a productive asset through staking and DeFi
(23:03) - Building an institutional team with trust & long-term credibility
(25:22) - Market cycles, ETH accumulation & thesis-driven treasury strategy
(27:48) - Managing a Nasdaq-listed crypto company responsibly
(30:12) - Lessons from BlackRock: transparency, controls & investor trust
(32:58) - The rise of other digital asset treasuries & what sets SharpLink apart
(35:03) - Global expansion: insights from Korea, Singapore & Hong Kong
(38:15) - How Asia’s retail energy outpaces Europe’s institutional caution
(41:10) - What he learned from 70+ investor meetings across four continents
(43:03) - Why DeFi collaboration matters more than competition
(45:09) - Final advice: play the long game, manage risk, and lead with integrity
You can subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, please let us know by leaving a review!
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141Follow us on X Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokensFollow us on Instagram Talking Tokens: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/
Note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.
On today’s Talking Tokens episode, Jacquelyn sits down with Diogo Mónica, general partner at Haun Ventures, executive chairman and co-founder of Anchorage Digital, and chairman of the NEAR Foundation.Diogo shares how these roles intersect from managing billions in digital assets at Anchorage to backing early-stage founders at Haun Ventures and helping NEAR drive developer adoption.They discuss the next era of crypto use cases beyond trading, including stablecoins, tokenized equities, and “generative finance,” where AI creates tailored financial products in seconds.He explains how stablecoins reached global product-market fit in the Global South, why the Genius Act mattered, and how tokenization can reshape capital markets through onchain IPOs. Diogo also shares his view on regulation, crypto neobanks, and the intersection of AI and DeFi.Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro
(01:09) - Why crypto still searches for new product-market fit beyond trading
(01:35) - Stablecoins as the most proven use case in crypto today
(02:16) - Tokenization’s rise and Tether’s reported $500 billion valuation
(03:24) - Global adoption: why stablecoins thrive in Argentina and the Global South
(05:09) - Enterprise use cases: cross-border payments, remittances & treasury flows
(05:52) - The Genius Act and why clarity laws must follow infrastructure first
(07:05) - Onchain IPOs and tokenized equities as capital-market entry points
(09:10) - Examples like Galaxy stock trading onchain & Robert Leshner’s Superstate
(10:35) - Crypto neobanks & how self-custody speeds innovation
(12:10) - Programmable dollars and why stablecoins let developers ship in minutes
(13:19) - AI + DeFi = tailored financial products
(15:17) - Why this model could democratize custom investing for everyone
(16:46) - Regulatory impact & how to govern millions of AI-generated financial products
(17:57) - Anchorage’s federal bank charter & the “permission not forgiveness” approach
(19:02) - What founders should build next & why stablecoins lead the next cycle
(20:03) - Closing thoughts: from tokenizing dollars to AI-driven finance
EssentialsYou can subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, please let us know by leaving a review!Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141Follow us on X Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokensFollow us on Instagram Talking Tokens: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.
On this episode of Talking Tokens, host Jacquelyn Melinek sits down with Alexander Cutler, CEO of Dromos Labs and core contributor to Aerodrome, the largest decentralized exchange on Base. Alexander breaks down how Aerodrome launched with zero VC funding and no token sale, with a focus on rewarding users directly by reshaping DeFi incentives and becoming the number one DEX by volume and fees on Base. The episode explores why the team focused on value redistribution and public goods, the hurdles of building for open participation, their unique community launch mechanics, and what it takes to maintain dominance as Base and Coinbase’s on-chain ecosystem grows. Alexander offers insights on how the Aerodrome model contrasts with extractive DeFi projects, the long-term role of infrastructure, and what’s next for the protocol amid rapid ecosystem changes.
Sponsored by Fireblocks, infrastructure for secure tokenized assets. Learn more at fireblocks.com.
Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro
(01:02) - What tokenization really means and how it works in practice
(02:16) - Inside FG Nexus and Securitize’s partnership to tokenize equity
(03:54) - The significance of being a Nasdaq-listed firm with onchain shares
(05:21) - What “natively tokenized” means vs wrapped or synthetic assets
(07:11) - Why corporate participation matters for legitimacy and adoption
(09:45) - How tokenization can expand liquidity, transparency, and access
(11:17) - How Wall Street and major banks are now exploring stablecoins
(12:46) - The path to adoption: regulation, revenue models, and marketplaces
(14:32) - “Not all tokenization is created equal:” structural vs surface innovation
(16:40) - Removing intermediaries: why smart contracts shift cost and trust
(18:22) - The future of how AI and blockchain change corporate roles
(20:59) - Why tokenized equities are the next evolution of capital markets
(22:21) - Why FG Nexus chose Ethereum over other L1s
(24:45) - Neutrality, decentralization, and Ethereum’s institutional alignment
(26:09) - How FG Nexus fits into Ethereum’s ecosystem and future plans
(27:46) - The Clarity Act and what it means for DeFi participation
(29:57) - Challenges in tokenization: liquidity, interoperability & accounting gaps
(31:48) - How blockchain will reshape corporate finance in 5–10 years
(33:45) - “Rewriting Wall Street:” programmable finance for global markets
(35:02) - The funniest and most interesting tokenization requests she’s received
(36:57) - Closing thoughts: improving, not replacing, the existing financial system
Subscribe & Follow
Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Support the show by leaving a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Twitter: Jacquelyn Melinek https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Podcast https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/
Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have a financial interest in discussed entities or assets. Not investment advice.
On this episode of Talking Tokens, host Jacquelyn Melinek sits down with Eddie Zhang, President of dYdX. Eddie shares his journey from product building at Meta (Facebook) and founding a Y Combinator-backed social startup to leading at dYdX, one of the world’s largest decentralized perpetuals exchanges. They break down how dYdX integrates social trading and community tools, the launch of Telegram trading bots, and an ambitious roadmap that brings real-world assets and new on-chain products to DeFi. Eddie discusses how smaller group chats drive trust and engagement, why UI/UX is critical for retail growth, and dYdX’s approach to competing in a crowded derivatives market. The episode explores the unique challenges and opportunities for consumer crypto adoption, product defenseability, and how dYdX is positioning to scale with both institutional market makers and everyday traders.
Sponsored by Fireblocks, the secure engine behind leading tokenized asset infrastructure. Learn more at fireblocks.com.
⏱️ Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro
(00:34) - Eddie’s background: Facebook, startups, and the path to crypto
(02:07) - From social apps to decentralized trading
(03:02) - Integrating social trading into Telegram & dYdX
(04:06) - Building trust through small group trading communities
(05:52) - How crypto trading behavior evolved since 2021
(07:39) - The rise of real-world assets and pre-IPO markets
(09:14) - Tokenized stocks and new listing mechanics
(10:31) - dYdX’s next phase: infrastructure, speed & order gateways
(12:13) - Network effects, defense strategies & user retention
(14:09) - Consumer product focus and unified trading interfaces
(16:25) - What makes a great trading experience
(19:16) - Memecoins, risk appetite & retail speculation cycles
(22:54) - Institutions, market makers & the path to scaling
(26:41) - dYdX’s roadmap for 2025
(29:36) - Final advice: stay long-term minded and compound wins
📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Support the show by leaving a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on X: Host Jacquelyn Melinek https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Podcast https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/
Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have financial interests in discussed entities or assets. Not investment advice.
In this episode of Talking Tokens, host Jacquelyn Melinek sits down with Hong Kim, co-founder and CTO of Bitwise Asset Management, recorded live at Token2049 in Singapore. Hong shares his journey from an early interest in Ethereum and product development to building one of the first institutional crypto asset management firms. The conversation covers the evolution of crypto asset management from niche and speculative to a maturing industry gaining recognition among major institutions. Hong explains Bitwise’s product strategy focusing on ETFs, staking, and innovative yield strategies aimed at mainstream adoption. He sheds light on reaching global markets, evolving regulatory dynamics, and the vision for tokenized securities and on-chain asset management. Hong closes with timeless advice on maintaining perspective amidst crypto’s cycles and the profound growth still ahead.
Sponsored by Fireblocks, the leading infrastructure for secure tokenized asset custody and settlements. Learn more at fireblocks.com.
Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro: Hong Kim at Token2049 Singapore
(00:40) - Founding Bitwise in 2017 & spotting the early asset management gap
(02:01) - How crypto evolved from “meme stock” to institutional asset class
(03:13) - Why Bitcoin ETFs mirror gold’s adoption curve
(05:11) - Building credibility & product-market fit in crypto asset management
(06:32) - Inside Bitwise’s top-performing products: BTC, ETH & crypto equities
(07:33) - Circle’s IPO & why stablecoins changed investor sentiment
(09:06) - Global expansion & how Bitwise educates financial advisors
(10:46) - Consistency through bear markets: why trust is built over time
(11:52) - Hong’s perspective on Korea’s unique retail trading culture
(13:50) - Stablecoins, regulation & Asia’s growing institutional appetite
(15:25) - The future of tokenization & asset management onchain
(17:21) - Bitwise’s staking, DeFi & yield strategies for institutions
(20:01) - The SEC, tokenized equities & removing regulatory roadblocks
(22:32) - What tokenized Wall Street could look like in 3 years
(24:45) - Final advice from Hong Kim
You can subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, please let us know by leaving a review!
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Follow us on X Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens
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Note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.
On this episode of Talking Tokens, we’re sharing Jacquelyn Melinek's fireside chat from Korea Blockchain Week with Zak Folkman, co-founder of World Liberty Financial, a crypto project backed by members of the Trump family. Zak shares his journey from early Ethereum adoption to co-founding World Liberty Financial and launching the USD1 stablecoin and WLFI token. They discuss how USD1 wants to integrate transparency by adopting Chainlink’s real-time proof of reserves, set new compliance standards with KYC and AML, and build community governance unlike other stablecoins. Zak explains the company’s chain-agnostic approach and global expansion efforts, including partnerships in Asia, and previews upcoming products like their retail wallet and debit card integration. The episode explores how World Liberty Financial aims to bridge traditional finance with web3 in a compliant and user-friendly way while targeting mass adoption.
This episode is sponsored by Fireblocks, the leading stablecoin infrastructure for global enterprises. Learn more at fireblocks.com.
⏱️ Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro
(01:03) - Zak Folkman’s background and why he started World Liberty Financial
(02:00) - Early crypto journey: Ethereum, smart contracts & law school inspiration
(03:47) - The mission: merging crypto and traditional finance
(04:45) - Highlights from Mar-a-Lago Twitter Spaces with President Trump
(05:37) - Its ICO & the importance of KYC and AML compliance
(06:54) - Why regulation and guardrails are essential for mass adoption
(07:50) - USD1 becomes one of the fastest-growing stablecoins
(08:49) - WLFI governance token and community participation
(10:07) - Protecting holders during volatility: reserves & bankruptcy-remote backing
(12:55) - Proof of reserves with Chainlink and full transparency audits
(14:58) - Upcoming partnerships, debit card & retail fintech app
(17:45) - No plans for a WLFI chain
(19:50) - Global expansion: growth across Asia, Korea & Singapore
(22:02) - Governance rights, user voting & token holder influence
(24:00) - Balancing regulation, security & decentralization
(25:52) - Final thoughts: making USD1 the world’s most adopted stablecoin
📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Support the show by leaving a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on X: Host Jacquelyn Melinek https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Podcast https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/
Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have financial interests in discussed entities or assets. Not investment advice.
In this episode of Talking Tokens, Jacquelyn Melinek sits down with Mike Ho, Matt Prusak, and Donald Trump Jr. from American Bitcoin. They discuss Bitcoin as the ultimate scarce asset and compare it to gold, underlining Bitcoin’s fixed supply and growing institutional adoption. The team shares their business model behind American Bitcoin, blending mining and treasury operations to maximize Bitcoin accumulation and shareholder value. They explore how institutions are finally embracing Bitcoin amid evolving regulatory clarity and rising market maturity, including major moves in the US. Don Jr. reflects on Bitcoin’s power for financial democratization and global influence. The conversation dives into the future opportunities and long-term strategies for crypto adoption across global markets like South Korea, and how Bitcoin is poised for a financial revolution beyond simple investment.
This episode is sponsored by Fireblocks, the leading stablecoin infrastructure for global enterprises. Learn more at fireblocks.com.
⏱️ Timestamps
(00:01) - Introduction and host welcome
(01:39) - Bitcoin as the world’s one true scarce asset vs gold
(04:15) - Ownership and dormant supply insights
(05:50) - American Bitcoin’s business model: combining mining and treasury
(08:10) - Tools to increase Bitcoin ownership per share
(10:00) - Institutional adoption trends and current owners
(12:10) - Bitcoin regulatory advances and US policy impact
(14:00) - Introduction of Donald Trump Jr. joining remotely
(15:40) - Bitcoin as a global borderless value transfer and prosperity tool
(18:20) - Democratization of finance with Bitcoin and crypto
(21:30) - Bitcoin diplomacy and influence globally
(24:00) - Market differences: US, South Korea, and global opportunity
(26:00) - Future strategies for Bitcoin and crypto adoption
(28:20) - Closing reflections from all guests
📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Support the show by leaving a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on X: Host Jacquelyn Melinek https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Podcast https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/
Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have financial interests in discussed assets or companies. Not investment advice.
In this episode of Talking Tokenization, Jacquelyn Melinek interviews Vivek Raman, CEO of Etherealize and former Wall Street high yield credit trader. Vivek shares his journey from top-tier banks to pioneering Ethereum-based tokenization solutions. He explains why tokenizing existing financial assets on public blockchains is crucial for the future of finance and how Etherealize is tackling the challenges of institutional-grade privacy, compliance, and scalability. The episode covers the shift in institutional sentiment towards blockchains, the importance of public and layer-2 Ethereum networks, and the massive opportunity tokenizing the global capital markets presents. Vivek also highlights why privacy solutions onchain are mission-critical and shares his outlook on regulatory tailwinds and the urgent need for responsible innovation today.Sponsored by Securitize, the proven leader in tokenized funds, equities, and private markets. Discover more at securitize.io.
Sponsored by Fireblocks, the trusted stablecoin infrastructure for global enterprises. Learn more at fireblocks.com.
⏱️ Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro
(01:08) - Why Vivek left banking? The lack of tech upgrades on Wall Street
(03:22) - Discovering Ethereum in 2020 and seeing product-market fit
(05:07) - Defining tokenization in simple terms
(07:11) - Why Ethereum is the best back-end for financial assets
(09:27) - Stablecoins as the first step in tokenization
(12:03) - Regulatory clarity, bipartisan support & the Clarity Act
(14:46) - Etherealize raises $40M to build tokenization infrastructure
(18:25) - Privacy as table stakes for institutional adoption
(20:11) - Future tokenized assets: treasuries, mortgages, car loans
(23:01) - Global opportunity: emerging markets & democratized access
(27:04) - The urgency of building responsibly before momentum fades
(31:00) - Tokenization makes assets programmable and globally accessible
(35:09) - Investing in private companies like OpenAI & regulatory issues
(38:06) - Scaling Ethereum for institutions & risks of fragmentation
(40:07) - Final thoughts
📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Support the show by leaving a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on X: Host Jacquelyn Melinek https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Podcast https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/
Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have financial interests in discussed entities or assets. Not investment advice.
On today’s Talking Tokens episode, Jacquelyn sits down with Matthew Tabbiner, CEO of Stable, a layer-1 blockchain purpose-built for stablecoins. Stable recently received a strategic investment from PayPal Ventures and enabled use of PayPal USD (PYUSD) on its chain, aimed at expanding the stablecoin’s distribution and utility for payments, remittances, and commerce. They discuss why Stable uses USDT as the native gas token, how that design targets fast, low-friction settlement, and what this means for institutions, B2B flows, and emerging markets. They also cover how Stable fits alongside broader moves in the sector as major issuers and payments firms push stablecoin infrastructure onchain.
This episode is sponsored by Fireblocks, the leading stablecoin infrastructure for global enterprises. Learn more at fireblocks.com.
⏱️ Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro
(01:23) - Stable’s mission for everyday utility of stablecoins
(03:14) - Why Stable is purpose-built as a payments chain
(05:25) - New PayPal partnership and support for PYUSD
(07:33) - UX/UI challenges and why PayPal is Stable’s perfect partner
(09:07) - Explosive B2B stablecoin growth in market (2,900%+ since 2023)
(12:20) - Remittances, payroll, and multinational adoption use cases
(14:17) - Launching the Stable Wallet and fee-free P2P USDC transfers
(16:28) - Stripe, Tether, and enterprise validation for stablecoin rails
(19:58) - Financial inclusion: 1.5B unbanked and mobile-first adoption
(22:12) - Emerging markets (Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia) vs. U.S. adoption
(25:09) - Institutional adoption, treasuries, and guaranteed blockspace
(29:14) - Everyday utility: from savings to paying for coffee
(32:06) - The “Summer of Stablecoins” and institutional momentum
(36:09) - Final advice: build from user needs, ground up
📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Support the show by leaving a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on Twitter: Host Jacqueline https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Podcast https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/
Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have a financial interest in discussed entities or assets. Not investment advice.
Welcome to Talking Tokenization, a new podcast series unlocking how onchain assets are transforming finance, capital markets, and the way the world trades. Award-nominated journalist Jacquelyn Melinek leads conversations with the people and projects building the real world asset ecosystem, from tokenizing treasuries and private credit to launching the next wave of onchain funds and public equities. This series is supported by Securitize, the industry’s leading platform for tokenizing investments. In the debut episode, Carlos Domingo, co-founder and CEO of Securitize, explains what it takes to move from pilot projects to institutional mainstream, why BlackRock’s onchain fund is a true turning point, and how compliance-first infrastructure is powering the rise of a new financial industry. Dive in to hear what’s next as tokenization enters a new era of scale and impact. If you want to understand how global markets are being rebuilt for the next decade and how this movement will shape investing and access around the world, this is the conversation to follow.
Sponsored by Securitize, the proven leader in tokenized funds, equities, and private markets. Discover more at securitize.io.
This episode is sponsored by Fireblocks, the stablecoin infrastructure of choice for top global businesses, from Visa and Worldpay to Bridge and Revolut. Learn more at fireblocks.com.
⏱️ Timestamps
(00:00) - Introducing Talking Tokenization
(01:40) - Why capital markets need tokenization
(04:15) - Launching Securitize in 2017 and early challenges
(07:20) - Why tokenization failed before and why it works now
(10:05) - Stablecoins, regulation, and adoption momentum
(13:15) - The KKR partnership: first tokenized fund
(16:40) - BlackRock’s $2B tokenized treasury fund explained
(20:30) - Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin integration
(23:50) - DeFi meets tokenization: lending, collateral & Aave
(27:40) - Native tokenization vs wrappers: what investors must know
(31:20) - Tokenized stocks and the path to mainstream adoption
(35:00) - Market structure, regulation & investor protections
(38:40) - What’s next for Securitize and RWAs
(42:20) - Final thoughts from Carlos Domingo
📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Support the show by leaving a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on X: Host Jacquelyn Melinek https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Podcast https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/
Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have a financial interest in discussed entities or assets. Not investment advice.
Today’s episode was recorded at the Real World Asset Summit, where leaders from across capital markets and crypto came together to chart the future of tokenized assets. Jacquelyn moderated a candid panel with Kaushal Sheth (Head of US Sales, Blockdaemon), Neil Chopra (Head of Strategy & Business Development, Fireblocks), and Jenn Senhaji (Head of Growth & BD, Chronicle) on what institutional demand for tokenized money market funds and stablecoins really looks like today. The guests break down the state of RWA infrastructure, the unique compliance and regulatory hurdles being tackled, why “tokenize everything” is both a meme and a mission, and what’s finally bridging DeFi with traditional finance. Learn about emerging use cases for stablecoins, tokenized collateral, cross-border settlements, the boom in onchain private assets, and the timeline for true retail access.
This episode is sponsored by Fireblocks, the leading stablecoin infrastructure for global enterprises. Learn more at fireblocks.com.
⏱️ Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro: Stablecoins and market structure today
(01:04) - Guest intros: Chronicle, Fireblocks, Blockdaemon
(02:23) - From price oracles to tokenized assets
(03:47) - Fireblocks on custody, wallets & security
(04:51) - Blockdaemon’s path: nodes, staking & DeFi infra
(05:35) - Why fragmentation is a “necessary evil”
(06:20) - Regulation, the Clarity Act & institutional readiness
(07:52) - Institutions shifting from curiosity to execution
(09:00) - Why compliance comfort has improved
(11:00) - The business case for stablecoins
(12:01) - Stablecoins as bridges between TradFi and DeFi
(13:21) - Collateral management with money market funds
(15:07) - Onchain FX as the next opportunity
(16:12) - Stablecoins as easy-to-understand consumer rails
(17:38) - Tokenized collateral and global settlement demand
(18:44) - Private credit, private equity & tokenized funds
(20:20) - Global competition & regulatory races
(22:05) - Tokenizing equities and global access
(23:07) - Should everything be tokenized? Utility vs hype
(25:08) - Trial and error: what works and what doesn’t
(27:09) - DeFi and TradFi convergence: coexistence, not replacement
(29:10) - Younger generations & the shift to digital-native finance
(30:24) - Final thoughts and closing
📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Support the show by leaving a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on Twitter: Host Jacqueline https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Podcast https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/
Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have a financial interest in discussed entities or assets. Not investment advice.
In this episode, Jacquelyn sits down with Armani Ferrante, co-founder and CEO of Backpack. Armani explains how Backpack EU became one of Europe’s first fully regulated derivatives exchanges, after acquiring and refunding FTX EU’s user base. The team also launched daily proof of reserves, verified by OtterSec, to show transparency regardless of market conditions. He highlights the massive gap left by other exchanges exiting Europe, the unique compliance culture across regions (EU, Asia, US), and what “crypto’s next-generation bank” actually means. Armani also reflects on learnings from the FTX collapse, building trust through compliance and daily transparency, and why focusing on long-term cycles is key to survival and innovation in crypto.This episode is sponsored by Fireblocks, the stablecoin infrastructure of choice for top global businesses, from Visa and Worldpay to Bridge and Revolut. Learn more at fireblocks.com.
⏱️ Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro
(01:23) - Backpack EU operating under MiFID II License
(02:08) - Refunding FTX EU users
(03:23) - Acquiring FTX EU compliance cleanup
(06:05) - Why regulated perps matter in Europe
(06:53) - Perpetual futures explained
(08:29) - Compliance first approach at Backpack
(09:00) - Exchanges exit EU, demand grows
(10:57) - Institutions already here in crypto
(12:36) - Two year journey to licenses worldwide
(13:56) - Expansion playbook US, Asia, Japan, UAE
(16:36) - Japan tax cut and market revival
(19:17) - Why Armani chose to build close to users in Japan
(21:02) - Dubai first, Asia next, US later
(24:41) - Backpack in US? Live in 17 states
(26:16) - Compliance for Backpack wallet and Mad Lads
(27:41) - Crypto bank vs traditional brokers and banks
(29:31) - Integrating fiat on/off-ramps, cross-border payments, and multichain wallet power
(31:26) - Building a new financial stack
(33:09) - Build vs buy: FTX EU case
(34:04) - Competing with major exchanges like Coinbase and Binance
(36:35) - Next-generation apps focused on transparency
(38:23) - Crypto only verifiability and security
(41:11) - Daily proof-of-reserve and OtterSec audits
(42:14) - Stripe’s Tempo blockchain and corporates in crypto
(44:02) - From speculation to real world products
(44:43) - Closing advice on long term conviction
📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Support the show by leaving a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on Twitter: Host Jacqueline https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Podcast https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/
Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have a financial interest in discussed entities or assets. Not investment advice.
In this episode, Vidor Gencel, Co-Founder of Solflare, shares the journey of building one of the most widely used crypto wallets in the Solana ecosystem.
This episode is a part of the Solana Sessions campaign that Token Relations and the Talking Tokens podcast are doing, diving into founders’ journeys and startups building on Solana.
Solflare has over 4 million users and manages billions in assets. He discusses how crypto’s cyclical nature shaped Solflare’s growth approach, emphasizing the importance to innovate even during bear markets. Vidor explains the crucial role of self-custody, how the wallet adapts to diverse user needs globally, and the importance of seamless user experience. Hear about Solflare’s integration with Solana Mobile’s Seed Vault on Seeker and its flagship Saga device, the team’s focus on security with multi-wallet support, and plans for stablecoin yield and debit cards. He also shares insights on product design, lessons from both successes and challenges, and his optimistic outlook on Solana’s technical progress. This episode is sponsored by Fireblocks, the stablecoin infrastructure of choice for top global businesses, from Visa and Worldpay to Bridge and Revolut. Learn more at fireblocks.com.
⏱️ Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro
(01:01) - Vidor's early Web3 journey and technical background
(02:24) - What inspired Solflare’s creation on Solana
(03:32) - From initial release to 4 million active users and $15B assets managed
(04:38) - Market-driven feature focus: staking, trading, and onboarding tailored to trends
(06:03) - Empowering users to own their crypto assets
(07:40) - Overcoming fear of self-custody in mainstream audiences
(09:52) - Community-driven development through user feedback
(12:36) - Adapting to diverse user roles
(14:28) - Integrating with Solana Mobile’s Seeker Seed Vault and Saga device
(17:03) - Hot wallets, hardware wallet support including Ledger, Keystone, and Saga
(20:16) - Product strategy on Solana and perspective on multichain future
(22:14) - Lessons from limit orders and cautious stance on perpetuals
(26:06) - Stablecoin management trends and rollout of self-custodial debit cards
(28:50) - Thoughts on Solana’s network upgrades
(31:52) - Vidor’s closing advice
📢 Subscribe & FollowSubscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Support the show by leaving a review!Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141Follow on Twitter: Host Jacqueline https://twitter.com/jacqmeline | Podcast https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokensInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/
Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Discussions may include perspectives of guests with financial interests. Not investment advice.
On this episode of Talking Tokens, Jacquelyn welcomes Shiv Shankar, CEO of Boundless, a protocol for verifiable compute across any chain, powered by the RISC Zero zkVM technology. From software engineering at companies like Coinbase, Lyft, Ava Labs, and Microsoft, to becoming CEO of Boundless, Shiv is pioneering blockchain research, while bringing the world of zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs to everyone. He explains how ZK unlocks privacy, app scaling, and true interoperability.
Tune in to learn why Boundless’ mainnet beta began on Base (with Ethereum Foundation support), how proof-of-verifiable-work compresses costs, and how ZK will make cross-chain apps and frictionless user experiences possible for the next billion users.This episode is sponsored by Fireblocks, the stablecoin infrastructure of choice for top global businesses, from Visa and Worldpay to Bridge and Revolut. Learn more at fireblocks.com.
⏱️ Timestamps
📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, leave us a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on X: Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/
Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have a financial interest in discussed assets or companies. Not investment advice.
On this episode of Talking Tokens, Jacquelyn interviews Michael Shaulov, CEO and co-founder of Fireblocks, the firm securing over $10 trillion in digital assets and now leading the way in global payments. Michael explains the launch of Fireblocks Network for Payments, a universal infrastructure standardizing stablecoin settlement, already connecting 2,400+ institutional participants across 60 currencies and all major stablecoins. He unpacks why “Swift for stablecoins” isn’t just about creating faster, cheaper, and transparent cross-border transactions, but building a foundation for the next generation of programmable money, real-world finance, and global innovation. Michael shares Fireblocks’ journey, stablecoin adoption across emerging markets, the core payment “sandwich” use cases, AI and trade finance possibilities, and why mass integration will shift both enterprise and consumer experience. Recorded live as regulatory clarity fuels record institutional demand, you’ll hear his candid reflections on network effects, payment security, and what comes after the next industry unlock.
This episode is sponsored by Fireblocks.
⏱️ Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro: Michael Shaulov and the new Fireblocks Network for Payments
(00:38) - What is “Swift for stablecoins”? Discovery, partner standards, global APIs
(03:59) - Why now: Stablecoin adoption, regulation, and the long strategy ahead
(05:34) - Problems solved: Network effects, on/off ramp, and real cross-border settlement
(08:19) - Stablecoins’ evolution: Safe haven to global payment rails
(09:37) - Early use cases: DeFi yields, FX markets, and stablecoin “sandwich”
(12:18) - Real-world payouts: Multinationals, contractors, and next-gen remittance
(14:01) - From $900 credit card fees to $0.25 stablecoin transfers, “the magical moment”
(16:16) - The transparency advantage: Why blockchain payment tracking sets new standards
(17:12) - What comes next? AI, trade finance, and programmable money
(19:45) - Fireblocks’ edge: Unlocking scale, security, and innovation for massive flows
(22:07) - Going mainstream: How Fireblocks bridges B2B, fintech, and bank adoption
(26:10) - Regulatory clarity: Surveying the market, shifting barriers, and new opportunities
(29:13) - Killer use cases: U.S. institutions expand global reach, lower costs, onboard new markets
(31:08) - Surprising clientele including manufacturing giants and corporates betting on stablecoins
(34:17) - The “payout unlock”: When sending stablecoins is as easy as scanning a QR code
(37:18) - Why universal crypto acceptance drives actual change
(41:21) - Risks ahead: Financial complexity, bubbles, and speculation
(45:51) - Fireblocks’ mission: A secure, open, and truly scalable global money network
📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, leave us a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on X: Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/
Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have a financial interest in discussed assets or companies. Not investment advice.
On this episode of Talking Tokens, Jacquelyn sits down with Farooq Malik, co-founder and CEO of Rain, a company building the payment rails powering the next wave of stablecoins, tokenized money, and digital banking worldwide. Recorded live at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium, Farooq explains why regulatory clarity unleashed a boom in institutional stablecoin adoption and how Rain enables anyone, from fintechs to governments, to instantly spend and settle with digital dollars. The conversation covers the launch of Wyoming’s Frontier Stable Token which includes Rain’s partnership with Avalanche, and why “making payments boring again” (fast, invisible, interoperable) unlocks the real future of crypto. Farooq also shares insights from his career in traditional finance, reveals the real tech behind Rain’s APIs, and why openness, not walled gardens, will define the next era of global banking. Plus: contrarian takes, instant holiday settlements, and why believing the world can be better is his ultimate founder advice.This episode is sponsored by Across Protocol.
⏱️ Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro
(00:48) - The challenge: Why market cap isn’t enough—real usage matters
(01:09) - Farooq’s founding story: From DeFi to “tokenized money” infrastructure
(03:39) - Betting early: Why regulatory clarity transformed stablecoin adoption
(04:00) - Wyoming’s Frontier Stable Token: How Rain and Avalanche are building government-backed money
(05:02) - Real purpose of money: Making payments possible everywhere
(06:26) - Bringing stablecoins to merchants—making transactions seamless
(07:14) - How Rain cards let anyone spend stablecoins “just like dollars”
(08:15) - Removing off-ramps: True blockchain native payments
(08:47) - Lessons from TradFi: Reconciling payments, eliminating manual work
(09:43) - Making settlement instant, reducing costs and risks
(10:11) - The magic of tokenized money—using USDC for instant, holiday payments
(14:01) - Deciding what to change vs. what to keep in payment experiences
(16:35) - Distribution matters: Why Rain partners with Visa for global merchant acceptance
(17:39) - Who’s really using stablecoin payments?
(18:58) - Making money boring again: Stablecoins behind the scenes
(20:10) - Security, custody, and why Rain avoids single points of failure
(22:20) - Rain’s APIs: How banks, fintechs, and remittance platforms connect to stablecoins
(23:37) - Going global: Rain’s unified product stack for worldwide customers
(25:06) - Now that regulatory clarity is here, what comes next for banks and institutions
(26:33) - Tokenized money is inevitable—how efficiency wins over legacy infrastructure
(27:01) - Big banks, small banks: Why technology shifts create new winners
(29:13) - U.S. leads the way—surprising adoption trends and mainstream integrations
(31:16) - Interoperability unlocks value: The magic of connecting payments, apps, and platforms
(32:09) - Why retail users don’t need to “opt in” to stablecoins
(33:29) - Farooq’s contrarian view: Stablecoins are just instant, non-fungible money
(35:01) - How slowness costs—why instant settlement will replace payday lenders and legacy systems
(36:12) - Rain’s big mountain: Expanding global coverage and showing tokenized money can scale
(37:49) - Founder advice: Believe the world can be better
📢 Subscribe & Follow Subscribe on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, leave us a review! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141 Follow on X: Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek | Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/Note: This podcast is for informational purposes only. Guests may have a financial interest in discussed assets or companies. Not investment advice.
On today’s Talking Tokens episode, Jacquelyn sits down with Lorien Gabel, co-founder and CEO of Figment, a leading non-custodial staking provider supporting over a thousand institutional clients. Figment works with asset managers, custodians, exchanges, foundations, and wallets, helping institutions securely access crypto yield.Lorien shares his journey from building internet infrastructure companies to founding Figment in 2018. They discuss how staking has evolved, why distribution is Figment’s moat, what institutions want from staking, and how regulation is reshaping the industry. Lorien also breaks down misconceptions about custody, the rise of liquid staking, global adoption trends, and why staking may soon become as common as dividends or savings accounts.This episode is sponsored by Across Protocol.Timestamps(00:00) - Intro: Who is Lorien Gabel?
(00:57) - Figment overview: one of the largest non-custodial staking providers
(02:10) - Founding story: co-founders & early staking with Tezos
(03:47) - Differentiation: focusing on institutions & distribution
(05:24) - Lessons from Microsoft/Intel: distribution as a moat
(06:24) - Traits of successful founders: stoicism in volatile markets
(08:47) - Figment’s $1.4B valuation & growth journey
(10:27) - Defining staking clearly: protocol security vs DeFi rewards
(13:10) - Institutions adopting staking via ETFs and treasuries
(15:30) - Why storytelling and scale matter (Saylor effect)
(19:20) - Regulation shifts & U.S. institutions re-entering staking
(22:10) - Liquid staking: benefits, risks & institutional appetite
(24:40) - Global adoption: Europe, Asia, and emerging markets
(27:10) - Future outlook: staking as common as savings accounts
(29:00) - Final advice: treat crypto like a game, stay steady, enjoy itYou can subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. If you like the show, please let us know by leaving a review!Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LOgWxIQ0NnNUD5eXsSuoZ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-tokens/id1743669141Follow us on X Jacquelyn: https://twitter.com/jacqmelinek Talking Tokens: https://twitter.com/_TalkingTokensFollow us on Instagram Talking Tokens: https://www.instagram.com/_talkingtokens/
Note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode.