FCAT Crypto Brief™

Pay it Forward: The Rise of Agentic Payments On-Chain

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:30:00 +0000

For much of the internet’s history, technology has supported human transactions. Increasingly, it’s executing them directly.

On this episode of the Crypto Brief, our hosts examine agentic payments: transactions executed by autonomous AI systems. Based on pre-programmed directives, these agents discover services, access resources, and settle payments without hands-on human involvement.

This discussion uncovers what becomes possible when technology participates in the economy as an actor, and what new obligations emerge for the people designing—and overseeing—those systems.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[1:22] Defining AI Agents

[2:14] Trends in Agentic Payments

[11:15] Products, Protocols & Partnerships

[14:41] An Overview of the Machine Payment Protocol

[16:26] Risks & Considerations

[23:27] Where Stablecoins Fit in

[29:02] Final Thoughts & Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2026 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:22) - Defining AI Agents
(00:02:14) - Trends in Agentic Payments
(00:11:15) - Products, Protocols & Partnerships
(00:14:41) - An Overview of the Machine Payment Protocol
(00:16:26) - Risks & Considerations
(00:23:27) - Where Stablecoins Fit in
(00:29:02) - Final Thoughts & Outro

What’s Next for OPNEXT? A Conversation with Charlie Spears

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 06:30:00 +0000

In this episode of the FCAT CryptoBrief, Blockspace Media Co‑founder Charlie Spears joins the team to unpack how Bitcoin’s most influential debates are evolving as the ecosystem becomes increasingly sophisticated and operationally fragmented. Charting the rise of OPNEXT as a convergence point for developers, miners, investors, and researchers alike, Spears highlights why connecting disparate stakeholders is critical to understanding the network’s trajectory.

The conversation also addresses quantum computing as it gains traction across crypto circles. We’ll explore how accelerating quantum timelines, shifting market sentiment, and emerging governance constraints intersect, potentially setting the stage for Bitcoin’s next major upgrade battle.

Join us for closer look at how high‑stakes technical discourse, evolving narratives, and cross‑domain collaboration could shape Bitcoin’s future.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[1:27] An Introduction to Charlie

[2:44] What’s Next for OPNEXT

[4:40] Bitcoin: Then & Now

[7:52] Exploring the Quantum Threat

[24:10] Final Thoughts & Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:27) - An Introduction to Charlie
(00:02:44) - What's Next for OPNEXT
(00:04:40) - Bitcoin: Then & Now
(00:07:52) - Exploring the Quantum Threat
(00:24:10) - Final Thoughts & Outro

SOL of the Network: Speed, Scale & Validation on Solana

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:30:00 +0000

Listen in as Weston Jones, a Digital Asset Engineer from FCAT’s Blockchain Incubator, joins our hosts to break down recent developments on Solana and beyond. Together, they explore the forces driving infrastructure and innovation—from design philosophy and validator operations to community‑driven security, trade‑offs, and how Solana compares with other major networks as the broader ecosystem continues to evolve.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[1:28] News Rundown

[6:57] Weston’s Story

[10:03] Lens on the Larger Ecosystem

[13:52] Running a Validator

[15:05] Cross-chain Activities & Infrastructure

[27:39] Final Thoughts & Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:28) - News Rundown
(00:06:57) - Weston’s Story
(00:10:03) - Lens on the Larger Ecosystem
(00:13:52) - Running a Valdator
(00:15:05) - Cross-chain Activities & Infrastructure
(00:27:39) - Final Thoughts & Outro

Linking Up: How Institutions Are Reshaping Blockchain

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 06:30:00 +0000

As crypto continues to evolve, institutions are entering the fold. In this episode of the FCAT Crypto Brief, the team breaks down why TradFi players—including banks, asset managers, and infrastructure providers—are moving into DeFi, as well as key considerations surrounding the adoption of real‑world assets, on-chain lending, and settlement at an institutional scale.

Listen in as our hosts explore recent developments across DeFi and TradFi, unpacking the forces driving strategy and adoption across the financial world.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[1:23] News Rundown

[6:07] Banks & Lending

[9:00] Infrastructure Providers

[11:13] TradFi Adoption

[14:36] Application vs. Protocol

[18:25] On-Chain Lending

[24:17] Regulatory Shifts

[27:52] Final Thoughts & Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:23) - News Rundown
(00:06:07) - Banks & Lending
(00:09:00) - Infrastructure Providers
(00:11:13) - TradFi Adoption
(00:14:36) - Application vs. Protocol
(00:18:25) - On-chain Lending
(00:24:17) - Regulatory Shifts
(00:27:52) - Final Thoughts & Outro

The Road Not Taken: An Ethereum Strategy Deep Dive

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 06:30:00 +0000

Join us as we take a look at recent conversations within the Ethereum ecosystem, including Vitalik Buterin’s updated perspective on the “roll‑up centric roadmap” and how the community is approaching L1 and L2 development.

Our hosts walk through the broader context, covering stakeholder incentives, validator dynamics, the pace of L2 progress, and Ethereum’s evolving upgrade priorities.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[1:24] News Rundown

[6:00] Reviewing the “Roll-up Centric Roadmap”

[9:48] Ecosystem Response

[14:04] L2 Changes

[16:05] Modular vs. Monolithic Debate

[17:38] Key Tradeoffs & Pivot Points

[20:56] Considerations for Institutional Allocators

[22:05] Potential Roadmap Shifts

[24:43] L2 Use Cases

[28:22] Final Thoughts & Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:24) - News Rundown
(00:06:00) - Reviewing “Roll-up Centric Roadmap”
(00:09:48) - Ecosystem Response
(00:14:04) - L2 Changes
(00:16:05) - Modular vs. Monolithic Debate
(00:17:38) - Key Tradeoffs & Pivot Points
(00:20:56) - Considerations for Institutional Allocators
(00:22:05) - Potential Roadmap Shifts
(00:24:43) - L2 Use Cases
(00:28:22) - Final Thoughts & Outro

Overdue Process: The Future of Finance with Amanda Wick

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 20:47:11 +0000

As crypto matures, what will the future of enforcement, compliance, and accountability look like? Listen in as Amanda Wick, a former federal prosecutor and longtime leader in financial crime prevention, joins the Brief to give her take and examine how innovation and integrity can evolve together.

From sanctions to travel rule implementation, this episode offers a front‑row seat to see key shifts already reshaping the ecosystem.

Want to learn more? Check out Amanda’s book The Catalysts.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:18] News Rundown

[7:09] Background on the Travel Rule

[11:39] Privacy vs. Anonymity

[15:09] Market Maturity & Crypto Compliance

[18:46] International Trends & Convergence

[23:04] Time at the DOJ

[29:49] Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:02:18) - News Rundown
(00:07:09) - Background on the Travel Rule
(00:11:39) - Privacy vs. Anonymity
(00:15:09) - Market Maturity & Crypto Compliance
(00:18:46) - International Trends & Convergence
(00:23:04) - Time at the DOJ
(00:29:49) - Outro

2026 Look Ahead: A Conversation with Chris Kuiper

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:30:00 +0000

Curious about what’s next for crypto in 2026? Chris Kuiper, Vice President of Research at Fidelity Digital Assets®, joins our hosts to unpack the trends shaping the digital asset landscape in the year ahead.

Tune in for insights on emerging developments, potential market shifts, and what these changes could mean for the industry at large.

Read the full report here: https://www.fidelitydigitalassets.com/research-and-insights/2026-look-ahead

Episode Topics

[0:00] Intro

[1:49] News Rundown

[2:43] Introduction to Chris & FDA’s 2026 Look Ahead Report

[4:19] How Shipping Containers Redefined Global Economics & What it Means for Crypto

[11:11] A Deep Dive on Token-holder Rights

[18:35] Other Key Topics for the Year to Come

[20:43] Macroeconomic Factors

[23:06] Bitcoin Mining & AI

[27:20] Additional Thoughts Heading into 2026

[33:08] Final Thoughts & Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. 

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:49) - News Rundown
(00:02:43) - Introduction to Chris & FDA’s 2026 Look Ahead Report
(00:04:19) - How Shipping Containers Redefined Global Economics & What it Means for Crypto
(00:11:11) - A Deep Dive on Token-holder Rights
(00:18:35) - Other Key Topics for the Year to Come
(00:20:43) - Macroeconomic Factors
(00:23:06) - Bitcoin Mining & AI
(00:27:20) - Additional Thoughts Heading into 2026
(00:33:08) - Final Thoughts & Outro

Block by Block: Building a Crypto Community with Doug Mehne

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:50:08 +0000

In this episode of FCAT Crypto Brief™, we sit down with Doug Mehne, Chair of the Boston Blockchain Association, to explore what it really takes to build strong blockchain communities—both locally and globally. From fostering collaboration across traditional finance and digital assets to creating spaces for candid conversations, Doug shares how intentional programming, education, and advocacy are driving adoption and innovation.

We discuss the pillars of community building, the roles played by universities and industry collaborators, and why shared experiences in a sometimes unpredictable ecosystem create a unique culture of support. Whether you’re crypto-curious or a seasoned builder, this conversation offers insights into how networks grow, scale, and thrive—on-chain and IRL.

Episode Topics: 

[0:00] Intro

[1:30] News Rundown

[5:56] About Doug & the BBA

[10:14] Building Community on-Chain

[13:07] Programming Overview

[17:47] Getting Involved

[20:24] Why Boston?

[28:39] Final Thoughts & Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. 

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:30) - News Rundown
(00:05:56) - About Doug & the BBA
(00:10:14) - Building Community on-Chain
(00:13:07) - Programming Overview
(00:17:47) - Getting Involved
(00:20:24) - Why Boston?
(00:28:39) - Final Thoughts & Outro

Fueling Bitcoin's Future: A Conversation with Alexander Neumüller

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 06:30:00 +0000

Listen in as we catch up with researcher Alexander Neumüller from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) to discuss their latest report exploring the critical role energy plays in sustaining Bitcoin’s decentralized network.

From mining operations and miner sentiment to the potential of renewable solutions, we unpack how power shapes the future of digital currency—and why it matters for sustained innovation, network operations, and global finance.

Read the full report here: https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/faculty-research/centres/alternative-finance/publications/cambridge-digital-mining-industry-report/

Episode Topics: 

[0:00] Intro

[1:48] News Rundown

[7:32] Alexander's Story

[11:47] Digging into the Digital Mining Industry Report

[19:25] Gauging Miner Sentiment

[22:21] Participation & Impact

[27:02] On-chain Economics

[30:13] Final Thoughts & Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. 

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:48) - News Rundown
(00:07:32) - Alexander's Story
(00:11:47) - Digging into the Digital Mining Industry Report
(00:19:25) - Gauging Miner Sentiment
(00:22:21) - Participation & Impact
(00:27:02) - On-chain Economics
(00:30:13) - Final Thoughts & Outro

Interoperability at Scale: A Conversation with Bryan Pellegrino

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 06:30:00 +0000

Listen in as our hosts are joined by Bryan Pellegrino, CEO and Co-founder of LayerZero Labs, to explore the evolving infrastructure powering blockchain interoperability.

From his unconventional journey—from poker pro to protocol architect—to the technical and economic implications of unified liquidity, Bryan shares his insights on tokenization, governance, and the future of agentic AI on-chain.

Whether you're crypto-native or crypto-curious, this episode offers a compelling look at how organizations like LayerZero are reshaping cross-chain communication and user experience.

Episode Topics: 

[0:00] Intro

[1:26] News Rundown

[2:55] Bryan’s Story

[4:58] An Introduction to Interoperability

[9:29] Innovations in Tokenization

[12:20] Governance Deep-dive

[17:01] Considerations for Unified Liquidity

[20:43] Facilitating Currency Exchange

[24:07] Exploring the Stargate Acquisition

[27:09] Opportunities for Agentic AI on-Chain

[30:22] Final Thoughts & Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. 

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:26) - News Rundown
(00:02:55) - Bryan’s Story
(00:04:58) - An Introduction to Interoperability
(00:09:29) - Innovations in Tokenization
(00:12:20) - Governance Deep-dive
(00:17:01) - Considerations for Unified Liquidity
(00:20:43) - Facilitating Currency Exchange
(00:24:07) - Exploring the Stargate Acquisition
(00:27:09) - Opportunities for Agentic AI on-Chain
(00:30:22) - Final Thoughts & Outro

From White Paper to Wall Street: Crypto’s Maturity Moment?

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 01:53:39 +0000

Last episode, we asked if crypto is mainstream. Now, with adoption surging and regulation taking shape, the focus shifts: how is crypto reshaping finance, policy, and global markets inside and out?

Tune in as our hosts break down what “maturity” means in 2025, tracing crypto’s early roots in the late-augts, highlight insititutional and governmental initiatives, and why it could matter for everyone: crypto natives, tradfi leaders, and everyday users alike.

Episode Topics: 

[0:00] Intro

[03:20] Evolution of Prediction Markets

[13:33] Luxembourg’s Sovereign Wealth Fund

[21:50] Reflections on Crypto’s Evolution

[28:55] Final Thoughts & Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. 

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:03:20) - Evolution of Prediction Markets
(00:13:33) - Luxembourg’s Sovereign Wealth Fund
(00:21:50) - Reflections on Crypto’s Evolution
(00:28:55) - Final Thoughts & Outro

Are We There Yet? The Mainstreaming of Crypto

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

From end-user innovations to new legislation, crypto and the larger blockchain ecosystem have recently headlined numerous stories worldwide. However, as the industry wrestles with topics like utility, clarity, and untapped economic opportunities, the question still remains: is crypto mainstream?

In this episode, our hosts delve into crypto acceptance, adoption, and education — exploring what “mainstream” actually means and the extent to which this all matters for various cross-industry stakeholders.

Episode Topics: 

[0:00] Intro

[02:15] Biweekly News Roundup

[10:55] Defining “Mainstream”

[22:37] Key Crypto Signals & Milestones

[28:27] Final Thoughts & Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. 

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:02:15) - Biweekly News Roundup
(00:10:55) - Defining “Mainstream”
(00:22:37) - Key Crypto Signals & Milestones
(00:28:27) - Final Thoughts & Outro

Live at ETH Boston: Trends in Tokenization

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 18:39:16 +0000

In this special live edition — recorded during this year’s ETH Boston — our hosts unpack the latest developments in tokenization and the evolving role of real-world assets (RWAs) across crypto.

From reflections on the event to deep-dives into key technical, economic, and end user implications, get a comprehensive look at how tokenization could impact financial markets and user experience into the future.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:06] Reflections on ETH Boston

[4:12] Background & Considerations Surrounding Tokenization

[14:47] An Exploration of Real World Assets

[24:21] Private Credit Deep-dive

[28:09] Implications for Users & Underlying Networks

[36:32] Final Thoughts & Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:02:06) - Reflections on ETH Boston
(00:04:12) - Background & Considerations Surrounding Tokenization
(00:14:47) - An Exploration of Real World Assets
(00:24:21) - Private Credit Deep-dive
(00:28:09) - Implications for Users & Underlying Networks
(00:36:32) - Final Thoughts & Outro

The Bitcoin Renaissance: A Technical Deep Dive

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 06:30:00 +0000

As an asset, bitcoin has reached global recognition and widespread adoption — however, as a technology, it’s still often misunderstood. Listen in as our hosts are joined by Jack Blatchford of FCAT’s Blockchain Incubator to explore how the network has quietly progressed, utility has expanded, and development has flourished.

Want to learn more? Check out the full report to help stay ahead of the curve and dive into the latest developments, expert insights, and in depth analysis of the technology driving the future of Bitcoin: https://fcatalyst.com/blog/aug2025/the-bitcoin-renaissance-part-two-a-technical-deep-dive

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[1:10] Biweekly News Roundup

[11:55] The Bitcoin Renaissance

[15:50] SegWit & the Blocksize Wars

[17:47] Soft Forks, Hard Forks, & The Bitcoin Community

[24:51] About Covenants

[28:40] What (Might) Be Next for Bitcoin

[33:30] Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:10) - Biweekly News Roundup
(00:11:55) - The Bitcoin Renaissance
(00:15:50) - SegWit & the Blocksize Wars
(00:17:47) - Soft Forks, Hard Forks, & The Bitcoin Community
(00:24:51) - About Covenants
(00:28:40) - What (Might) Be Next for Bitcoin
(00:33:30) - Outro

Into the Vault: A Crypto Treasury Company Deep-dive

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 06:30:00 +0000

Join our hosts as they dive into the world of crypto treasury companies—exploring how they work, their impact across both DeFi and traditional finance, and key considerations around emergent models.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[1:30] News Rundown

[4:42] Key Concepts & Definitions

[7:54] Transaction Structures Overview

[22:55] Risks & Considerations

[29:02] Key Takeaways & Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:30) - News Rundown
(00:04:42) - Key Concepts & Definitions
(00:07:54) - Transaction Structures Overview
(00:22:55) - Risks & Considerations
(00:29:02) - Key Takeaways & Outro

Capitol Gains: Regulation, Innovation & the Road Ahead

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 06:30:00 +0000

Join our hosts as they sit down with Stephen Patane, Vice President of Crypto and Digital Assets Policy at Fidelity Investments, to unpack the evolving landscape of U.S. crypto regulation. We’ll explore key provisions of recent legislation, how federal agencies are responding to these changes, and key takeaways for stakeholders across the DeFi landscape.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:00] Ethereum Turns Ten

[4:45] Welcome to Stephen Patane

[6:34] A Deep-dive into Recent Legislation

[24:08] Updates from the President's Working Group

[29:58] Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:02:00) - Ethereum Turns Ten
(00:04:45) - Welcome to Stephen Patane
(00:06:34) - A Deep-dive into Recent Legislation
(00:24:08) - Updates from the President's Working Group
(00:29:58) - Outro

Crypto Rewind: A Three-year Lookback

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 06:30:00 +0000

We’re celebrating 100 episodes of the Crypto Brief! Join our hosts as we take a look back at three years of headlines, innovations, and evolution on-chain—addressing some of the top trends and market factors that have emerged since we started back in 2022.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:17] News Roundup

[8:01] New Approaches to Tokenization

[15:02] The Evolution of Chains

[20:00] Powering the Future of Blockchain

[28:40] Revisiting Tokenization Complexities

[30:47] Key Takeaways

[34:35] Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:02:17) - News Roundup
(00:08:01) - New Approaches to Tokenization
(00:15:02) - The Evolution of Chains
(00:20:00) - Powering the Future of Blockchain
(00:28:40) - Revisiting Tokenization Complexities
(00:30:47) - Key Takeaways
(00:34:35) - Outro

Linking TradFi & DeFi: a Conversation with Sergey Nazarov

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Historically, traditional and decentralized finance have remained fairly separate, but as these two worlds continue to converge, what are builders prioritizing across the financial landscape and what value might be unlocked by strategic integration?

Listen in as the hosts are joined by Sergey Nazarov, co-founder of Chainlink, to discuss his work and vision for the future of blockchain.

Learn about on-chain security, permissionless innovation, the role of oracles, and how TradFi and DeFi stakeholders can work together to build better networks.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[01:14] GENIUS Act Update

[06:52] About Chainlink

[13:48] Security On-chain

[21:22] Integrating with Solana

[26:29] Linking TradFi & DeFi

[30:12] Permissionless Innovation

[32:16] The Role of the Oracle

[46:48] Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:14) - GENIUS Act Update
(00:06:52) - About Chainlink
(00:13:48) - Security On-chain
(00:21:22) - Integrating with Solana
(00:26:29) - Linking TradFi & DeFi
(00:30:12) - Permissionless Innovation
(00:32:16) - The Role of the Oracle
(00:46:48) - Outro

Building Blockchain’s Future: A Crypto Research Deep-dive

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:46:40 +0000

What’s next for crypto? How do experts track signals and develop new solutions? How do we drive innovation on-chain?

The hosts are joined by Ari Juels, a Professor at Cornell Tech, Co-founder and Co-director of the Initiative for CryptoCurrencies and Contracts (IC3), and Chief Scientist at Chainlink Labs — as well as FCAT researcher and Principal Blockchain Engineer Developer Kosala Yapa Mudiyanselage — to discuss how academia and industry are teaming up to solve some of blockchain’s greatest challenges and unlock new opportunities across the ecosystem.

Learn about the origins of maximal extractable value (MEV), how collaboration between FCAT and our academic partners has developed a potential solution to improve fairness on-chain (PROF), and how research sparks innovation for users across networks.

For a closer look at the PROF project, check out https://prof-project.github.io/.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[3:28] Biweekly News Roundup

[7:20] An Intro to IC3 & Exploration of MEV

[11:55] Exploring Protected Order Flow (PROF)

[14:52] On Fairness

[19:06] Economic & Regulatory Factors

[23:43] How Research Sparks Innovation On-chain

[31:21] Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:03:28) - Biweekly News Roundup
(00:07:20) - An Intro to IC3 & Exploration of MEV
(00:11:55) - Exploring Protected Order Flow (PROF)
(00:14:52) - On Fairness
(00:19:06) - Economic & Regulatory Factors
(00:23:43) - How Research Sparks Innovation On-chain
(00:31:21) - Outro

Headwinds & Tailwinds: A Crypto Q&A

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 28 May 2025 20:15:02 +0000

Got questions? We’ve got answers. Join us on this special Q&A episode of the Crypto Brief as hosts Matt Allen and Jack Neureuter address the future of mining and the current state of crypto venture.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[1:10] Biweekly News Roundup

[10:46] Proof of Work & the Evolving Role of Mining

[18:43] The Current State of Crypto Venture

[24:42] Recent Trends in Fundraising

[32:04] Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:10) - Biweekly News Roundup
(00:10:46) - Proof of Work & the Evolving Role of Mining
(00:18:43) - The Current State of Crypto Venture
(00:24:42) - Recent Trends in Fundraising
(00:32:04) - Outro

A Tale of Two Networks: Ethereum vs. Solana

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 13 May 2025 17:30:00 +0000

Imagine a world where blockchain platforms can be fast, secure, and scalable all at once. Sounds too good to be true? Welcome to the Blockchain Trilemma, the ultimate tradeoff that’s long challenged developers and users alike. In this episode, we’re diving straight into the strategic drivers and decisions that have shaped two of the most popular blockchain networks: Ethereum and Solana.

Join us as we weigh the pros and cons of each network, explore the underlying strategies and communities, and discuss the wins, frustrations, and recent developments that continue to shape the future of blockchain.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[1:36] Biweekly News Roundup

[8:50] The Blockchain Trilemma

[11:20] Pros, Cons & Everything In-between

[20:58 Network Strategies & Culture

[28:24] What’s on the Horizon?

[30:16] Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:36) - Biweekly News Roundup
(00:08:50) - The Blockchain Trilemma
(00:11:20) - Pros, Cons & Everything In-between
(00:20:58) - Network Strategies & Culture
(00:28:24) - What’s on the Horizon?
(00:30:16) - Outro

Evolution or Identity Crisis? Breaking Down Ethereum’s Next Upgrade

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 18:54:38 +0000

Listen in as our hosts dive into another big week in crypto. On this episode of the Crypto Brief, the team is joined by Senior Manager of Bitcoin Mining at FCAT, Kevin Kelly, to discuss Ethereum’s upcoming Pectra upgrade and what it might mean for users.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[1:46] Biweekly News Roundup

[4:23] Pectra Upgrade: Features Deepdive

[22:14] About Blobs

[26:26] Ethereum at a Crossroads

[30:42] Key Takeaways

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:46) - Biweekly News Roundup
(00:04:23) - Pectra Upgrade: Features Deepdive
(00:22:14) - About Blobs
(00:26:26) - Ethereum at a Crossroads
(00:30:42) - Key Takeaways

Buy vs. Build? Exploring Growth On-Chain

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 22:49:22 +0000

Listen in as our hosts address the question of business expansion in crypto. On this episode, the team discusses recent M&A activity, strategic investments, and what organizations might consider as they seek to expand their offerings and market share. Tune in to learn how these moves will impact the future of DeFi.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[01:22] Crypto Brief news update

[07:02] Recent M&A activity

[14:52] The impact of strategic investments on customer experience

[26:50] Outro

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Linking the Chain: Updates on Crypto Funding & M&A

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 20:28:28 +0000

Listen in as our hosts dive into another big week in crypto. On this episode of the Crypto Brief, the team discusses recent crypto M&A events and how companies are approaching questions around IPO and funding.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[1:48] Recent M&A Events

[8:36] Updates on Tether

A quick note to our audience: starting today, the Crypto Brief will be moving to a biweekly cadence.

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Converging Forces: New Liquidity Pools, Networks & Acquisitions

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 21:13:00 +0000

Listen in as our hosts dive into another big week in crypto. On this episode of the Crypto Brief, the team discusses new verified pools, the launch of a new EVM-compatible network, and acquisitions that could help converge DeFi with TradFi.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[1:45] The Recent Development of New Verified Pools

[15:23] The Launch of a New EVM-compatible Network

[27:00] An Acquisition That Could Help Converge DeFi with TradFi

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Regulatory Shifts & Market Movement: What's Next for DeFi?

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Listen in as our hosts dive into another big week in crypto. On this episode of the Crypto Brief, the team discusses a reversal of the IRS’s DeFi broker rule, Mesh’s Series B funding, a perpetual futures liquidation event, and a recent sandwich attack.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[1:30 ] IRS DeFi Broker Rule Overturned

[5:16] Mesh Secures Series B Funding

[10:30] Hyperliquid Liquidation Event

[18:10] Crypto Trader Sandwich Attack

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Digital Gold? Governments Consider Crypto Reserve Strategies

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:24:49 +0000

Listen in as our hosts dive into another big week in crypto. On this episode of the Crypto Brief, the team discusses recent updates on DeFi governance and crypto reserve strategies in the U.S. and El Salvador.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[01:50] Executive Order to create a strategic bitcoin reserve and digital asset stockpile

[15:12] The Future of Bitcoin Reserves in El Salvador

[25:07] Updates on DeFi governance

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

A Historic Hack: How Did It Happen & What Comes Next?

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 22:17:42 +0000

Listen in as we explore another big week in crypto. On this episode, our hosts dive into the Bybit hack — what happened, how the company has reacted, and what this means for the broader industry.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[3:05] Background on the Bybit hack

[14:46] How Bybit is responding

[19:22] Broader crypto industry implications

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Innovation & Regulation: A Look at the New Crypto Landscape

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 23:53:00 +0000

Listen in as our hosts dive into another big week in crypto. On this episode of the Crypto Brief, the team discusses the first SEC-registered interest-bearing stablecoin, a new public testnet, and how regulators are refocusing their efforts to protect investors.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[0:57] The first SEC-registered, interest-bearing stablecoin

[11:12] New public testnet launch

[22:52] Regulators refocus on consumer protection

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Updates & Upgrades: A New Chapter for Crypto

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 22:09:40 +0000

Listen in as our hosts dive into another big week in crypto. On this week’s Crypto Brief, the team discusses recent SEC filings, Uniswap’s Unichain release, and an update on the recent Ethereum Pectra upgrade.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[4:10] New product filings

[12:47] Pectra upgrade

[24:10] Unichain debut

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Foot on the Gas: Exploring New Offerings & Efficiencies

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 23:19:00 +0000

Listen in as our hosts dive into another big week in crypto. On this week’s Crypto Brief, the team explores recent boosts to gas limits, new products enabling the tokenization of traditional asset types, and how scaling innovations are driving a potential “Bitcoin renaissance.”

Episode Topics: 

[0:00] Intro

[2:52] Increased Gas Limit & Implications

[7:15] Tokenization of Traditional Assets

[23:02] Revisiting the Bitcoin Renaissance

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Riding the DeFi Wave: Staking, Scaling & Shifting Trends

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 22:23:49 +0000

Listen in as our hosts dive into another big week in crypto. On this week’s Crypto Brief, the team explores recent regulatory shifts, new staking offerings, international interest in crypto reserves, and how user experience improvements — augmented by meme coins — are ushering in new user activity.

Episode Topics: 

[0:00] Intro

[3:23] A Discussion of SAB 121

[9:55] New Staking Offerings

[13:31] Possibilities for a Czech crypto reserve

[19:33] Raising Capital & Meme Coins

[28:06] Upcoming Congressional Hearings

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

What’s Next Post-OP_NEXT? A Conversation with Blockspace Media

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:25:12 +0000

Listen in as our hosts dive into the latest crypto developments with Charlie Spears and Will Foxley from Blockspace Media. Hear key takeaways from this year's OP_NEXT conference and get expert insights into regulatory updates, community trends, and the future of AI in crypto.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:32] Blockspace Media

[4:00] Revisiting OP_Next

[8:45] What’s Next for OP_Next?

[12:17] Major Industry Developments

[20:31] Mining Deep-dive

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Rise of the Machines: An Exploration of Agentic AI in Crypto

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 15:56:37 +0000

Listen in as hosts Jason Ward and Parth Gargava explore emerging trends at the intersection of cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence. Joined by Max Wadington and David Shapiro, they cover critical regulatory updates, personal experience leveraging AI agents in the crypto space, opportunities for agentic AI to improve user experience, and what the industry may need to watch out for to avoid exploitation by bad actors.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:35] Regulatory Updates

[8:42] An Exploration of AI Agents

[13:20] Parth’s Personal Case Study

[25:31] Potential Risks & Opportunities

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

State of the Market: A Look at the Year Ahead

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 00:03:19 +0000

Join us as we kick off the new year with a special episode of the FCAT Crypto Brief. Host Jack Neureuter is joined by Chris Kuiper and Max Wadington from Fidelity Digital Assets® to discuss this year’s Research Report and the what the year ahead could hold for crypto.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[1:55] A Look Back at Last Year

[5:09] The Bigger Picture: Macroeconomic Factors

[10:14] Bitcoin Trends

[22:32] The Current State of Ethereum

[29:18] Are You Too Late?

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Fidelity Digital Assets® is a registered service mark of FMR LLC.

Regulatory Shifts & Banking Bottlenecks

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 22:19:57 +0000

Join us for this week’s Crypto Brief as our hosts cover the current state of the crypto industry, including the potential regulatory implications of new leadership at the SEC, convertible debt products, and banking challenges for crypto companies.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[3:14] Jack is back: reflections on recent developments

[6:25] Insights and implications surrounding Atkins’s nomination as SEC Chair

[15:10] Increase in crypto-linked convertible debt financing

[24:45] Banking challenges & Operation Choke Point 2.0

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Options & Oversight

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 23:10:20 +0000

Join us for this week’s Crypto Brief as our hosts cover the introduction of options trading for Bitcoin ETPs, movement among the top ranks at the SEC, and the recent delisting of wrapped products.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:44] Options Trading for Bitcoin ETP Products

[10:59] SEC Leadership Transitions

[18:44] Wrapped Product Delisting

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Building Consensus (Again)

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 21:21:11 +0000

Join our hosts as they uncover updates to Ethereum’s consensus layer, as well as new insights and actions stemming from the recent U.S. election.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:56] How We Got Here: Ethereum’s Consensus Layer

[8:01] Inside ETH Developments & Community Reaction

[16:28] Post-election Insights & Actions

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Looking Forward: Insights into Predictive Markets & Futures

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 22:25:14 +0000

Join our hosts as they explore futures and why prediction markets were a top story for this election cycle.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[3:56] Prediction markets for the 2024 election

[18:37] How prediction markets work

[25:52] Futures

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Into the Vault: TBAC Covers Tokenization

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 22:05:30 +0000

Join our hosts as they discuss the recent crypto conference circuit, emerging superchain L2s’ potential impact on the DeFi ecosystem, and takeaways from the US Treasury Borrowing Advisory Committee (TBAC’s) recent report on tokenization and stablecoins.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[1:48] Conference retrospective

[6:55] Takeaways from Uniswap’s Unichain announcement

[24:27] TBAC report overview and potential impacts

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chain Reaction: Unpacking New Blockchain Utility

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 21:22:36 +0000

Join our hosts as they explore the latest investments in stablecoin innovation, new yield-bearing wrapped Bitcoin products, emerging Layer 2 opportunities, and the rise of state-sponsored solutions that enhance user privacy and verifiability. Listen in as they cover what these advancements mean for individuals and organizations alike and how they could pave the way for a more user-centric blockchain ecosystem.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:17] Stripe and stablecoin tech

[12:11] A new yield-bearing wrapped Bitcoin product

[15:08] Yield generation

[20:08] Buenos Aires integrates ZK proofs and blockchain timestamping in city app

[27:35] New opportunities with L2

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

From the Canvas to the Chain

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 20:56:38 +0000

Digital Assets Research Analyst Max Wadington joins hosts Ryan Stuebe and Parth Gargava as they discuss the upcoming Ethereum upgrade and dig into opportunities for blockchain to transform the future of intellectual property ownership and transfer.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[4:13] Upcoming Ethereum upgrades

[6:28] Increase of max effected balance

[15:44] Execution triggerable exits

[20:52] Story: Purpose built blockchain

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Survival of the Fittest

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 23:20:38 +0000

Join our hosts as they discuss emerging products and how these new developments reflect evolving market forces and technological capabilities.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:01] Noteworthy month on the macro front

[7:09] Potential Positives for DeFi

[9:28] Ethena stablecoin launch

[18:24] Legacy payment processors exploring new tokenization

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

What’s Trending with Stablecoins?

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 19:54:12 +0000

Join our hosts as they explore the global rise of stablecoins, international efforts to drive efficiency through tokenization, and how companies and governments alike are tapping into the promise of Web3.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:16] Ethereum Documentary

[4:54] Bank of International Settlements: Project Agora

[13:03] Stablecoin Ventures

[19:15] Sony entering USDC Stablecoin

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

More Conversions, Decentralized Identities & Special Purpose Broker Dealers

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:27:28 +0000

Join us to hear about emerging crypto broker-dealer arrangements, new opportunities for crypto spending and conversion, and how decentralized identities are changing the game.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:01]: Second special purpose broker dealer license granted

[12:10]: cbBTC has entered the chat

[23:40] : How does ENS work?

[27:40]: New strategies using ENS

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Next-Gen Solutions in Crypto

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Hosts discuss launch of Mercuryo Spend, Polygon’s new token and MakerDao’s rebrand.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:50] What Parth Tried Last Week: Inheritance planning built into a Crypto wallet

[7:32] Launch of Mercuryo Spend Card

[18:40] MakerDAO rebrand to Sky

[28:34] Polygon introduces new token

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Michael Dascal on the Future of Crypto & Quantum Computing

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 21 May 2024 19:01:20 +0000

Host, Parth Gargava is joined by special guest, Michael Dascal, Director of Quantum Product Management for the Fidelity Center for Applied Technology. Tune in as Michael simplifies quantum computing for those not in the space and dives into the biggest fears surrounding quantum computing, as well as the exciting advancements on the horizon.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[4:10] Explaining quantum computing to a third grader

[9:50] What impact will quantum advancements have on blockchain?

[14:50] Determining quantum-safe algorithms

[22:40] FCAT’s work in the quantum space

[28:10] What’s next in quantum?

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Historic or Hype: Diving into the Bitcoin Halving

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 14:22:07 +0000

Host, Ryan Stuebe is joined by special guest, Matt Allen from FCAT’s Bitcoin Mining team to discuss mining economics, economic and network impacts of the halving, data from previous halvings and live listener questions.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[4:05] Economics of Bitcoin Mining

[6:55] The Reality of the Halving Hype

[12:40] Economic Impact of the Halving

[22:00] A Wild Card in the 2024 Halving

[25:05] A Look to Past Data

[33:30] Impact of the Halving on the Bitcoin Network

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Chainlink’s Sergey Nazarov on Smart Contracts, Tokenized Assets & Cross-chain Security

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 13:46:00 +0000

Jack and Parth welcome Sergey Nazarov of Chainlink to the podcast to discuss the beginnings of Chainlink and its current place in the market, as well as Nazarov’s perspective on tokenized assets, cross-chain security and the future of smart contracts.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[1:45] Chainlink’s Role in the Crypto Space

[6:30] Chainlink’s Early Days

[11:00] Transition to Tokenized Assets

[18:35] Chainlink’s Role in Creating a Tokenized Fund

[31:30] Cross-chain security

[37:30] Sergey’s Long-Term Vision of Smart Contracts

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

A Look Ahead: Historic Milestones, Macro Trends & the Halving

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 23:21:57 +0000

Hosts welcome Chris Kuiper, Director of Research with Fidelity Digital Assets to discuss potential developments we may see in 2024 and how major milestones may impact the crypto community in the year to come.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:15] 2023 - The Calm Before the Storm?

[5:30] Macro Trends & Their Impact on Bitcoin

[11:00] Market impact from first approved spot-crypto products

[21:00] Lightening developments

[27:35] Thoughts on the Future of Ethereum, Solana and smart contract platforms

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Peaks and Valleys from 2023

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 21:28:32 +0000

Hosts take turns sharing their highs and lows from 2023 and shine light on what their hopeful for in the coming year.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[5:00] Ryan’s Low for 2023 - Collapse of SVB

[12:30] Jason’s High - The Shapella Upgrade

[19:20] Parth’s High - Solana Survived

[21:50] Ryan’s High - Interpretability & Development Growth

[23:30] Jack’s Low - Lack of Killer Use Cases

[27:00] Jason’s Low - Pace of US regulatory clarity

[30:25] Ryan & Jack’s High - Closure & Clarity with Exchanges

[35:30] Parth’s Low - Few Stablecoin Issuers

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Current State of Crypto VC

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 20:04:41 +0000

Ryan interviews Jack, now a Research Associate for Avon Ventures, about the current macro state of VC and how it relates to crypto markets, how regulatory clarity may change things and what the next 6-12 months can bring.
Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:30] Summary on sentiment

[11:30] What would increased regulatory clarity mean for VCs and the companies they're funding?

[14:05] Exiting investments

[17:30] Thoughts on the next six months
Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW.

Burning Questions Answered – Special Edition Listener Q&A

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 21:48:19 +0000

Jason, Jack and Ryan tackle answering some of the top questions submitted by listeners.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:40] How do the hosts see the role of Ethereum evolving in the coming year?

[14:50] What are the implications of major banks and institutions becoming more active in the ecosystem? What excites the hosts the most about companies building?

[28:15] Beyond ETPs, what are the hosts thoughts on other digital asset products?

[31:50] What are the implications to the ecosystem post-Binance settlement? Where do we go from here?

Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech.

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Getting Institutional Grade: Price Oracle Competition & Interoperability Attempts

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 20:20:15 +0000

Hosts dive deep into the push behind Pyth’s Token Airdrop, exploring its impact on on-chain data dynamics and the evolving landscape of decentralized finance. Additionally, the hosts delve into JPMorgan's foray into blockchain interoperability, analyzing the potential disruptions and advancements progress in this space could bring to the broader blockchain ecosystem.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:40] Pyth Token Airdrop - What does it mean for on chain data?

[13:20] JPMorgan Tackles Blockchain Interoperability

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Beyond the Blocks: Hot Takes on L2s

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 23:01:30 +0000

Parth kicks off the episode examining the Ethereum Attestation Service. Then, hosts dive into a conversation on how crypto exchanges earn revenue and how they may seek to diversify their revenue streams using L2 solutions. Finally, Jack gives us a look at the macro environment and discusses the widespread optimism around a potential Bitcoin ETP approval.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:45] What Parth Tried This Week: Ethereum Attestation Service

[9:15] Crypto Exchange Business

[14:10] Business of L2s

[21:15] Are the bulls back? Macro Update

[25:00] Inching Closer to a Bitcoin spot ETP Approval?

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A Twist of Irony: Solana Dev. Fires Up as SBF Trial Ends

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 21:51:49 +0000

Parth kicked off the conversation sharing CryptoMiso.com, a tool that rates blockchains based on developer activity. Hosts then provide a recap of Sam Bankman-Fried's trial and discuss its implications for the crypto industry. Finally, they dive into the latest developments on Solana, highlighting the significance of the Firedancer testnet launch for the blockchain's scalability, performance, and overall ecosystem.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[4:45] What Parth Tried This Week: CryptoMiso

[7:30] SBF Found Guilty, What now?

[17:00] Solana Testnet of Firedancer Goes Live

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What to Know About Restaking

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:58:03 +0000

Parth kicks of this episode sharing his experience with building a Compound liquidation bot. Then, the hosts dive into a conversation about restaking on EigenLayer after Ether.Fi rolled out their liquid staking token. Finally, they wrap up talking about DTCC’s recent acquisition of Securrency.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[3:10] What Parth Tried This Week - Building a Compound Liquidation Bot

[10:10] Liquid staking vs restaking – What is it? How does it work? Why would people do it?

[26:05 DTCC’s Acquisition of Securrency

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Castle Island's Nic Carter on the Resiliency and Growth of Stablecoins

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 20:56:47 +0000

This week, we welcome Nic Carter, founding partner of Castle Island Ventures and Fidelity alum to the podcast. Nic shares his story of an almost decade-long of journey in crypto, reflects what is now considered to be a prescient take on stablecoins, and shares what makes him optimistic about the future of crypto.

Nic is a general partner at Castle Island Ventures and the cofounder of blockchain data company Coin Metrics. Previously, he was a crypto-asset analyst at Fidelity. He holds an MA Finance from the University of Edinburgh and a BA in Philosophy from the University of St. Andrews.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[2:30] Catalyst to becoming a crypto enthusiast

[4:30] Nic on stablecoins: past, present & future

[19:30] Could offshore stablecoins be used to generate income?

[51:45] What excites Nic about the future of crypto

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Real World Asset Tokenization

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 20:35:22 +0000

Hosts dive into the benefits and challenges of real world asset tokenization and discuss tokenization platforms, including the recent introduction of JPMorgan’s Oynx Blockchain. Plus, hear about potential changes in demand in DeFi and new innovations out of Goldfinch.

Episode Topics:

[0:00] Intro

[3:45] What Parth Tried This Week: Soma Finance

[10:45] JPMorgan Introduces Tokenization Platform

[25:30] Demand in DeFi

[30:20] On-chain Credit History

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Deep Dive into Arbitrum & L2 Rollups with Steven Goldfeder, CEO of Offchain Labs

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 21:14:54 +0000

Steven Goldfeder, CEO and co-founder of Offchain Labs, sits down with host Parth to discuss the birth of Arbitrum and his transition from cryptographer to CEO. They take a technical deep dive into Layer 2 (L2) rollups, their importance in blockchain scaling, and the differences between optimistic and ZK rollups. Steven highlights the challenges of achieving scalability while preserving security and decentralization and offers insights for choosing the right L2 solution in the complex blockchain landscape.

About Steven:
Steven Goldfeder is the CEO and co-founder of Offchain Labs, the initial developer of Arbitrum. Steven received his doctorate from Princeton University and is a published author of multiple research papers on blockchain science, crypto technologies, smart contracts, and more. Steven co-founded Offchain Labs in 2013.

0:00 Intro

2:39 Stephen’s Crypto Catalyst

9:15 Transition from Cryptographer to CEO

13:15 Rollups and Why They Matter

22:00 Differences Between ZK and Optimistic Rollups

29:30 Considerations When Choosing an L2

35:00 Optimism for Optimistic Rollups

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Wondering about Wallets and Tether

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 19:58:30 +0000

Jack, Parth, and Ryan discuss a new open-source application that aims to turn old phones into hard wallets. They then touch on MetaMask’s new, in-beta, community feature “Snaps.” They conclude by speaking on news of Tether’s most recent financial attestation.

Episode Topics:

0:00 Intro

2:51 What Parth Tried Last Week, Air Gap

10:37 Metamask’s new capability

21:00 Tether attestation news

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Liquidations, Lightning and Future Proofing

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 20:21:47 +0000

Jack, Jason, and Ryan talk about attending the Future Proof conference. They then discuss the news of FTX gaining approval to liquidate some of their assets. The hosts then touch on the news of Deutsche Bank partnering with a crypto custodian. Finally, they speak on Coinbase integrating the Lightning Network, and share their thoughts on the Lightning Network as it stands today.

Episode Topics:

0:00 Intro

6:39 FTX’s liquidation update

15:11 Deutsche announces digital custody partnership

23:47 Coinbase’s integration of the Lightning Network

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Stablecoins Are Making A Statement

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 20:29:23 +0000

This week Ryan and Parth speak about a blockchain explorer that aims to improve the user experience when scrubbing blockchains –– and while throwing in a hint of AI. Then the two hosts touch on Visa’s announcement to start utilizing USDC to help with settling payments. Finally, the two discuss a new update to Metamask that allows for users to transition from crypto to cash easier.

0:00 Intro

5:25 What Parth tried last week: LoreScan

10:18 Visa to start leveraging stablecoin technology

18:11 The state of stablecoins

28:20 Metamask’s new sell feature

30:32 New FASB rules

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Demonstration of Decentralization

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 21:54:59 +0000

Jack, Jason, and Parth speak on a new tokenized social media platform. They then touch on the news surrounding Tornado Cash and MakerDAO –– and the technical and philosophical questions that come from it.

Topics

0:00 Intro

2:22 What we tried last week

8:29 Tornado Cash

17:30 MakerDAO’s endgame plan

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Hazy Headwinds: The Macro Environment and Crypto

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 20:12:23 +0000

Summary: This week Jack and Ryan talk about the recent price changes in the crypto market. Jack explains how macroeconomic conditions impact not only cryptocurrencies, but also traditional investments at large. They then speak on Coinbase’s approval to operate a futures commission merchant and on the first Bitcoin spot ETF launched in Europe.

Episode Topics:

0:00 Intro

3:25 Macro moves and their impact on crypto markets

17:10 Coinbase approval to operate a futures commission merchant

21:45 First Bitcoin spot ETF in Europe

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"Blockchain found me" Sterling Ingui's Crypto Journey at Fidelity

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 16:20:33 +0000

Jason and Jack interview Sterling Ingui, the Head of Next Gen Retirement Products, Workplace Investing at Fidelity. She’s worked for a diverse set of businesses ranging from universities to fine jewelry. She discusses her career evolution and how blockchain found her on the most recent episode of the Crypto Brief.

Episode Topics:

0:00 Intro

2:31 How Sterling got into the blockchain space

11:23 Sterling’s role today

14:02 Sterlings’ cybersecurity background and crypto

21:17 blockchain uses besides cryptocurrency

31:47 final questions for Sterling

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Fidelity Charitable is the brand name for the Fidelity Investments^®Charitable Gift Fund, an independent public charity with a donor-advised fund program. Various Fidelity companies provide services to Fidelity Charitable. The Fidelity Charitable name and logo, and Fidelity are registered service marks of FMR LLC, used by Fidelity Charitable under license.

Earnings and Exploits

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 20:39:32 +0000

Parth, Jason, and Ryan break down news related to Block’s bitcoin quarterly earnings and the exploit on Curve Financial. Finally, they spoke on PayPal’s stablecoin announcement.

Episode Topics:

0:00 Intro

2:35 What Parth Tried This Week: Nike Swoosh

7:59 Block Updates

18:38 Curve Financial Hack News

34:50 PayPal’s Announcement of Stablecoin Launch in Partnership with Paxos

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What in the World is Worldcoin

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 20:26:51 +0000

Summary: Parth, Jack, and Jason talk about Coinbase’s base protocol –– and the initial community reaction to it. They then touch on Worldcoin –– one of the hottest topics in not just crypto but all tech –– and talk about the pros and cons of its release. Finally, they address the fallout of the Curve Finance exploit.

Episode Topics:

0:00 Intro

2:55 What Parth Tried this week

8:32 Worldcoin news

27:50 Curve Financial Exploit News

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Keeping up with the Satoshis

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 20:56:08 +0000

The four hosts discuss the creation of FedNow and what it could mean for the future of payments. They then touch on Coinbase's messaging feature launch and Nasdaq abandoning its crypto custody offering.

Episode Topics:

0:00 Intro

1:30 Jason’s crypto meet up

4:43 What Parth Tried this week

7:43 What is FedNow?

24:17 Coinbase Wallets and messaging

31:57 Nasdaq's Crypto Offering

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Ripple Effects: What to make of crypto’s recent rulings

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 20:44:14 +0000

The four hosts discuss the results of Ripple’s legal case and the outcome of embattled crypto company, Celsius after its founder was officially charged. Finally, they talk about the controversy surrounding the exchange Prometheum.

Episode Topics:

0:00 Intro

2:49 Ripple lawsuit overview

19:25 Celsius’ legal woes

27:40 What’s the news with Prometheum?

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Decentralization of Socialization

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 21:07:38 +0000

Jack, Jason, and Parth discuss a decentralized approach to social media, the current stage of the bitcoin market, what’s going on with Ethereum staking, and recent updates done by a Circle –– and how the work that is being done now may play a role down the line.

Episode Topics:

0:00 Intro

5:14 What Parth Tried This Week: Collect on Lens

11:28 Bitcoin News/Supply

14:40 Exchanges vs Over the Counter Trading

22:03 ETH staking

27:18 Staking and Proof of Stake

29:07 Circle Updates

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Making Sense of Crypto's Market Moves

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 23:08:07 +0000

The hosts chat about a hackathon that Parth attended. They then touch on changes in market sentiment for crypto –– and various potential causes behind them. Lastly, they discuss the new and updated Uniswap Version 4–– and how the introduction of “hooks” may change DeFi’s landscape and reputation.

0:00 Intro

03:51 Parth’s Hackathon Experience

09:09 What Parth Tried this week: KZG Ceremony

11:37 ETF Filings and Refilings

26:31 Bitcoin “halving” happening soon

28:34 Uniswap V4

28:34 What are hooks –– how will they impact DeFi?

37:39 Update’s Security Concerns

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Learnin’ with Love: A conversation with Maggie Love of SheFi and W3BCLOUD

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 20:41:52 +0000

Jason, Jack, and Parth interview crypto founder Maggie Love, who created the roughly $1 billion blockchain storage company, W3BCLOUD, and female-centered crypto educational program, SheFi. They discuss how she first learned about crypto, how she founded her first crypto startup, and advice for building in bear markets.

Episode Topics:

0:00 Intro

2:00 Maggie’s Jump into Crypto

8:57 Life at Consensys

14:20 Struggles of starting the startup

19:08 Creating SheFi

25:40 Evolution of communities in web3

31:23 Has blockchain become more diverse?

39:37 What’s next for SheFi?

SEC's Regulatory Actions Against Coinbase and Binance

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 21:49:41 +0000

Jason, Jack, and Ryan talk about the recent actions by the SEC against crypto giants Coinbase and Binance. They talk about the specific charges filed at the exchanges and how the charge will impact the broader crypto system.

Episode Topics:

0:00 Intro

3:03 Regulatory action against Binance

9:41 Regulatory action against Coinbase

12:23 Ripple effects of the SEC’s actions?

15:30 Implications for Ethereum?

18:45 How will crypto companies react to the SEC?

22:40 Will crypto companies leave the US?

28:11 Housekeeping announcement (A guest speaker!)

Out of the Ordinal-ary: What’s going on with Bitcoin NFTs?

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 21:03:57 +0000

Jason, Parth, and Ryan talk about the emergence of Bitcoin NFTs, Ordinals, and BRC-20 tokens –– and how they impact the overall Bitcoin and crypto ecosystem. The hosts also touch on trending news in the world of stablecoins.

Episode Topics:

[4:10] What Parth Tried This Week: Sats Names

[8:50] Differences between Ordinals, NFTs, and BRC 20’s

[13:44] How Taproot opened the door for Bitcoin NFTs

[16:11] Why Bitcoin NFTs are different from Ethereum NFTs

[18:45] Downsides of using bitcoin NFTs?

[24:35] How will Bitcoin Ordinals/NFTs impact the bitcoin network?

[28:37] Tether Announcements

Bitcoin Mining 101

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 30 May 2023 15:36:00 +0000

Jason and Ryan speak with Kevin Kelly, who is part of FCAT’s Bitcoin mining team, about how Bitcoin is created. The three talk about their personal history with mining, and touch on the different economic, political, and technological complexities of mining.

Episode Topics:

[4:45] What is Bitcoin Mining?

[13:45] What are hashrates?

[16:45] Energy Economics

[20:05] Role of mining pools

[22:30] Geographic Shifts

[30:40] Innovation in Bitcoin mining

[32:50] Proof of Stake vs Proof of Work

[34:30] Blockchain Trilemma

[37:00] Resources

Is 2023 The Year for Web3 Gaming?

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 23 May 2023 14:41:00 +0000

In this special edition episode, crypto-native Parth gives Ryan and Jack a rundown of the current state of Web3 gaming, how it differs from traditional gaming, what challenges the industry still faces and more.

Episode Topics:

[3:25] Differences Between Web3 Gaming & Tradition Gaming

[6:30] Intersection of Gaming and Blockchain

[11:35] Challenges and evolution of web3 gaming

[20:25] Recent Wins & Next Steps

Ethereum’s Consensus Delays

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 16 May 2023 19:29:45 +0000

Jack, Jason, and Ryan discuss Ethereum’s blockchain having difficulties and delays with finalizing transactions. The guys then touch on new enterprise solutions that leverage distributed ledger technology.

Episode Topics:

[3:00] Ethereum Finality Delays

[16:25] Enterprise Distributed Ledger Technology

Meme Coins Movin’ Markets

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 09 May 2023 17:56:55 +0000

Hosts tackle the week’s hottest news: the revival of meme coins. Briefers dive into meme coin projects, including PEPE coin, fungible tokens for text on blockchain, as well as Coinbase updates and announcements.

Episode Topics:

[3:30] What Parth Tried This Week: Big Incorporation

[8:00] Meme Coin Projects

[10:00] What is Pepecoin?

[12:15] Bitcoin NFTs?

[25:00] Coinbase Sunsets Borrow Program

[30:30] Coinbase Derivatives Announcement

Findings from Consensus

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 02 May 2023 18:53:02 +0000

Jack and Ryan debrief on their trip to Consensus, describing positive vibes despite the crypto winter. Hosts discuss the announcements made over the week, including news from Binance, Circle, and Mastercard.

Episode Topics:

[2:15] What Parth Tried This Week: Push Protocol

[9:00] An Overview of Consensus

[13:15] News from Binance US

[19:45] Circle CCTP Goes Live

[24:30] Mastercard’s Announcement of Crypto Credential

Who is Extracting Value from MEV?

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 20:35:52 +0000

Ryan and Jack tackle this week’s top stories including Coinbase’s news to launch a derivatives exchange to international customers, MakerDAO’s votes to deposit $500 million in USDC to Coinbase cold storage custody, and the MEV sandwich attacks that made $1 Million in single day profit.

Episode Topics:

[3:25] Coinbase Gets Bermuda License for International Derivatives Exchange

[11:30] MakerDAO’s Governance Votes

[23:45] MEV Sandwich Attacks

Crypto Regulation Around the Globe

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 19:14:49 +0000

Briefers take on the topic of crypto regulation but this time, from a global point of view, pointing out policies and progress across Asia, Europe, Africa and the United States.

[4:00] Crypto Regulation: A Marathon, Not a Sprint

Policies and Progress in:
[7:10] Asia

[23:00] Europe

[30:10] Africa and the United States

What the Shanghai Upgrade Could Mean for the Eth Network

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 18:15:27 +0000

Briefers dive into the Shanghai-Capella upgrade, explaining what the upgrade means for users and how it can impact the ecosystem.

Episode Topics:

[1:40] What Parth Tried This Week: ShareMint

[6:45] Shanghai & Capella Upgrades: What Is It, What Does It Mean for Users & What To Expect

CFTC Sues Binance, World's Biggest Crypto Exchange

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 20:54:49 +0000

Hosts tackle the biggest news of the week: the CTFC’s claims against Binance. Plus, Parth shares how he is participating in DeFi projects that push the limits and dives into Ticketmaster’s latest NFT initiative.

Episode Topics:

[1:45] Ireland’s Crypto Ecosystem – Takeaways from Jason’s Trip

[8:10] What Parth Tried This Week: Degen Score

[13:45] CFTC Action Against Binance

[30:30] Ticketmaster NFT Update

AI Use Cases in Blockchain with AI researcher Sarah Hoffman

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 18:33:46 +0000

Parth and Jack welcome Sarah Hoffman, VP of AI and machine learning research for the Fidelity Center for Applied Technology for a conversation on what’s changed of the last few years with generative AI, how AI can be used as a tool for auditing code and other potential use cases for AI in the crypto ecosystem.

Episode Topics:

[3:00] Charges Against Do Kwon & Justin Sun

[5:45] Bitcoin ATM Hacks

[7:05] A New Era of AI

[17:20] Where AI Meets Blockchain

[22:50] Future of AI Models & Possible Uses Cases in Crypto

Rollups: From Nice-to-Have to Necessity

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 20:49:41 +0000

This week, Jack provides a summary of the events that unfolded over the week and how it could all impact digital assets. Then, hosts switch gears to discuss the future L2 roll-ups and budding scaling wars.

Episode Topics:

[2:25] What Parth Tried This Week – Mean Finance and Revoke.Cash

[8:50] What Bank Closures Could Mean for Digital Assets

[26:15] Arbitrum Token Drop & The TLDR on L2 roll-ups

Where Do Crypto Companies Bank Now?

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 20:53:17 +0000

Chances are you’ve already heard about the closings of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and Silvergate but what implications do these closures have on the crypto ecosystem? Briefers break down how these closures came to be and how the impact may trickle into the crypto industry.

Episode Topics:

[2:55] ETH Denver Recap

[5:20] Summary of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature & Silvergate News and Implications for the Crypto Ecosystem

[31:55] Coinbase’s New Launches

This Fad Isn't Fizzling Away

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 19:05:54 +0000

This week, briefers tackle the last news recapping updates from Silvergate, the buzz around ordinals and the Ethereum Foundation’s account abstraction announcement.

Episode Topics:

[4:15] Silvergate Updates

[16:55] What’s Been Happening with Ordinal Inscriptions

[31:40] Account Abstraction Announcement

What’s Happening & What’s Next with Enterprise Blockchain Adoption

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 20:34:23 +0000

This week, hosts welcome FCAT researcher, Vanessa Kargenian to discuss enterprise blockchain adoption. Together they break down the differences between permissioned and permissionless blockchains, dive into how companies are using blockchains and discuss what may be next for the technology.

Episode Topics:

[2:45] Permissioned vs permissionless

[7:50] How Companies Are Using Blockchain Technology

[17:40] How DTCC is using blockchain technology

[23:10] Challenges with Enterprise Blockchain Adoption

[28:00] What’s Next for Blockchain Adoption

The TLDR of Liquid Staking

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 15:56:00 +0000

In this episode, loaded with analogies, hosts break down the complex topic of liquid staking derivatives (LSDs) specifically explaining different types of staking, what LSDs are as well as the benefits, risks and challenges of liquid staking.

Episode Topics:
[2:45] What is staking?
[6:00] What is liquid staking and why would someone do it?
[9:15] Different types of staking
[14:30] Benefits of liquid staking
[22:20] Risks and challenges of LSDs
[35:45] Changes brought on by the Shanghai upgrade

Let’s Talk About the Elephant in the Room

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 22:06:00 +0000

This week, briefers focus on the latest regulatory activity including the SEC’s settlement with Kraken as well as reports of pending action against Paxos.

Episode Topics

[2:40] What Parth Tried This Week: Fire Browser Extension

[5:10] Kraken Settlement with SEC

[20:55] Regulatory Action Against Paxos

Bookmark this for 2028

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 20:14:00 +0000

There was no shortage of news this week as briefers dive into updates in the NFT ecosystem, progress regarding euro stablecoins and the recent denial of Custodia’s Fed master account application.

Episode Topics:

[3:00] What Parth Tried this Week: ZK NFTs

[9:00] Euro Stablecoin Updates

[20:15] Coinbase Pauses NFT Drops on its Platform

[22:00] NFT Royalty Debate

[30:15] Custodia Receives Denial for Fed Master Account

Wallet Wars: An Evolving Landscape

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 20:33:00 +0000

This week, briefers discuss the current landscape of wallets and how innovations are developing in the space, leading to improvements in user experience. Plus, hear about positive news regarding NFT and digital collectible initiatives.

Episode Topics:

[2:50] What Parth Tried This Week: Tribes.xyz

[7:00] What’s Next for Wallets

[17:50] Binance Management of Customer Funds

[26:10] Amazon NFT Initiative

[28:20] Ordinal Theory & Digital Collectibles

Market Disruption Continues: Genesis Files for Chapter 11

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 19:14:00 +0000

Briefers analyze this week’s crypto news including Genesis filing for Chapter 11, MakerDAO’s vote and Banco de Espana’s approval for a Euro token to be used in a regulatory sandbox.

Episode Topics:

[2:05] What Parth Tried This Week: Bubble Maps

[6:30] The Current State of Genesis

[15:04] DeFi Lending & MakerDAO

[27:40] Euro Linked Token for Sandbox Use

What Doesn’t Kill Them Makes Them Stronger

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 17:05:00 +0000

Briefers welcome Chris Kuiper from Fidelity Digital Assets to discuss possible scenarios for crypto markets this year and new trends and technologies they are following that may influence the industry in 2023 and beyond.

Episode Topics:

[2:30] Macro Environment

[11:50] Bitcoin

[18:25] Ethereum - Post-merge view; Shanghai upgrade; What’s next for blobs, sharding and more

[28:00] Stablecoins

[32:00] Trends in CeFi and DeFi

2022 Pivotal Crypto Market Trends

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 22:15:00 +0000

Briefers dive into four dominating themes we saw in crypto markets in 2022 and discuss how the trends may influence the ecosystem in 2023.

Episode Topics:

[2:30] The Impact of Global Macro Trends on Crypto Markets

[20:25] Regulatory Environment

[38:00] Bitcoin Mining

[58:30] Emerging Utility of Digital Assets

Chaos to Clarity: What’s Known About FTX & Bankman-Fried’s Downfall

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 21:06:00 +0000

As the FTX story develops, there’s more clarity about what led to the downfall of FTX. Hosts break down what is known about the current situation and what questions are still looming. Then, hosts discuss the latest Binance news and Trust Wallet’s Integration with THORChain.

Episode Topics:

[3:05] What Parth Tried This Week: Subscription-Based NFTs

[6:20] Charges Against Bankman-Fried & Current State of FTX

[13:30] Binance News: Halted Withdrawals of USDC, Potential Money Laundering Charges & Other Concerns

[25:00] Trust Wallet’s Integration with THORChain

MetaMask Policy Changes Amid Privacy Concerns

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 21:35:00 +0000

This week, Parth kicks off by sharing his experience using a website that aggregates real world asset yield opportunities through tokenization of assets. Then, briefers discuss the latest news around the target timeline for Ethereum’s Shanghai upgrade, changes to the MetaMask data tracking policy, and new guidance from the SEC.
Episode Topics
[2:22] What Parth Tried This Week: Tokenization of Real World Assets Aggregator
[7:12] Target Release Date for the Shanghai Upgrade & Staked ETH Withdrawals
[20:05] Privacy Concerns in Metamask
[27:10] SEC Issues Guidance Regarding Disclosure of Crypto Risks

The Merging of TradFi & DeFi

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 20:19:00 +0000

Hosts recap the results from DTCC’s Project Lithium Pilot and discuss the Brazilian bill aimed at legalizing crypto for payments, Stripe’s new fiat on ramp and Uniswap’s new NFT aggregator.

Findings from Fidelity’s 2022 Institutional Investor Digital Assets Study

Fidelity Center for Applied Technology — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 14:05:00 +0000

Hosts welcome special guest, Chris Kuiper of Fidelity Digital Assets to discuss results from the 2022 Institutional Investor Digital Assets Study. Chris, along with the hosts, summarize data findings that give a glimpse into the crypto ecosystem from the perspective of institutional investors. Hosts report on key data points including sentiment, geographic adoption of digital assets, appealing features and purchase preferences.

See the full summary of this survey at https://www.fidelitydigitalassets.com/research-and-insights/2022-institutional-investor-digital-assets-study

*This podcast was previously recorded on November 9, 2022.