Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll

Balancing financial sovereignty with innovation - and how to navigate the future of public and private digital money with Ulrich Bindseil (ex-ECB) 🎙 BFRR – Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock’n’Roll is back with a timely deep dive into the evolving landscape of digital money. In this episode, co-host Jonas is joined by Ulrich Bindseil, Director General of Market Infrastructure and Payments at the European Central Bank (ECB), for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation on CBDCs, stablecoins, and the future of payments in Europe. Ulrich, who has been shaping ECB policy for over two decades, shares his unique perspective on the digital euro project, offering behind-the-scenes insights on its progress, challenges, and ambitions. From strategic decisions to technical architecture and privacy considerations, this episode covers the most important developments in the preparation phase—and what lies ahead beyond 2025. We also take a critical look at stablecoins, including their potential benefits, regulatory considerations under MiCA, and the ECB’s cautious but evolving stance on their role within the European financial ecosystem. Can euro-denominated stablecoins support the international role of the euro? Should the ECB allow them access to its balance sheet? And what role could public blockchains play in the future of wholesale finance? The episode closes on a personal note as Ulrich reflects on his 28-year journey at the ECB and hints at what's next. If you're curious about how digital public money, blockchain, and monetary sovereignty intersect, this episode is a must-listen. 🧠 Topics: ECB’s digital euro strategy & timeline Stablecoins & e-money tokens under MiCA Permissionless DLTs vs. permissioned infrastructure Interoperability, privacy & market share goals The ECB’s pre-funding policy & wholesale payments innovation International competition, strategic autonomy & future challenges 📡 Stay informed. Stay curious. Subscribe now and join us at the frontier of digital finance. Note that the episode was recorded on June 25, 2025. On this date, Ulrich was still in his role at the European Central Bank, which he left on June 30. Paper on digital money taxonomy [https://www.ecb.europa.eu/pub/pdf/scpwps/ecb.wp3022~67ea842a2a.en.pdf] Paper on digital money infrastructure [https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5138052] LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ulrich-bindseil-764b4015/] SSRN Account Ulrich Bindseil [https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=327704] Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll Website [https://www.bfrr.de/] Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll Telegram Channel [https://t.me/+jA3nMkERPtc5YjQ0] ---------------------------------------- Relai*: Buy Bitcoin with Relai – you can do a one-time purchase or savings plan: Click here [https://relai.ch/rock/]. Use the referral code "ROCK" to reduce transaction fees by 0.1% while supporting Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll. Value4Value Podcast Streaming: Support our podcast by listening to our episodes on the Fountain Podcast App. This way, if you wish, you can support us "Value4Value" while listening to the podcast. You can find us on the Fountain Podcast App here: Click here [https://fountain.fm/show/wNv0vSPWzu8Gh7bZTorB] Disclaimer: The content of this podcast reflects the private opinions of the hosts, serves exclusively for general information purposes and does not constitute investment advice. Always remember: Do your own research - inform yourself before making any investment decisions, such as buying Bitcoin. First try to understand what Bitcoin is and how to store it. This podcast does not provide financial advice. Note that the co-hosts might be invested in crypto assets. Read more on our website: Click here [https://www.bfrr.de/disclaimer/] ---------------------------------------- All links marked with "*" are affiliate links. If you use these links for purchase, the podcast receives a small share of the revenue without any additional costs to you. On the contrary, affiliate links often include discount promotions, so you can even save money. We would appreciate it if you use these links to support us. Thank you very much!

Senate passes first US stablecoin law as Circle IPOs and JPM launches tokenized deposits. 🎙️ In this end-of-month news episode of Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock’n’Roll, hosts Jonas, Alex, and Michael unpack the hottest developments in digital finance during June 2025 – and what a month it was. The stablecoin hype continues with regulatory history being made: the U.S. Senate passed the Genius Act, the first major stablecoin regulation in the U.S. This bipartisan legislation sets clear rules for reserve backing, consumer protection, and issuer licensing, marking a pivotal step toward mainstream stablecoin adoption. But will combining it with the broader Clarity Act derail its momentum? Meanwhile, Circle’s IPO hit the New York Stock Exchange – and made headlines. With a valuation nearing $50B, it surpassed even Deutsche Bank, making it one of the most successful (and underpriced) IPOs in decades. Is this sustainable or just a reflection of FOMO in the stablecoin gold rush? We also dive into JP Morgan’s bold move: launching the JPMD tokenized deposit on Coinbase’s Base – a first for a major bank on a public blockchain. What does this mean for the future of bank-issued money and the evolving lines between stablecoins and deposit tokens? On the market side, Bitcoin hovered around $107K despite geopolitical shocks, with new players like Paris Saint-Germain and Pakistan building Bitcoin reserves. ETH remained steady, and we reflect on our ETH “alpha” moment earlier this year 👀. Plus: • Why Stripe’s acquisition of wallet provider Privy shows real-world crypto payments are coming fast. • Circle vs. Tether: why Genius gives Circle the edge. • Could Europe be falling behind as the U.S. projects “crypto-mercantilism” to defend the dollar? Don’t miss our closing Knowledge Bites, including new papers on Bitcoin reserves, financial sovereignty, and a deep dive into the regulatory arms race between the U.S. and EU. 🎧 Subscribe now to Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock’n’Roll and follow us on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Telegram. Europe’s digital currency voice – straight to your ears. BITCOIN #STABLECOINS #DIGITALEURO #GENIUSACT #CRYPTONEWS #ETH #CIRCLEIPO #JPMORGAN #STRIPE #CBDC #PODCAST Knowledge Bite Jonas: Digital Euro Association: “The Role of Stablecoins in Financial Sovereignty” [https://home.digital-euro-association.de/working-groups] Knowledge Bite Alexander (German version): Börsen-Zeitung: “Bitcoin-Reserve: Genialer Schachzug oder kostspielige Fehlentscheidung?” [https://www.boersen-zeitung.de/konjunktur-politik/bitcoin-reserve-genialer-schachzug-oder-kostspielige-fehlentscheidung] Knowledge Bite Alexander (English version): Alexander Bechtel: “Bitcoin Reserve: Genius move or costly mistake?” [https://alexanderbechtel.com/bitcoin-reserve-genius-move-or-costly-mistake/] Knowledge Bite Michael: European Parliament Think Tank: “Cryptomercantilism vs. Monetary Sovereignty: Dealing with the Challenge of US Stablecoins for the EU” [https://www.europarl.europa.eu/thinktank/de/document/ECTI_STU(2025)760274] BFRR E340: US vs EU: The Stablecoin Policy Divide [https://bfrr.info/us-vs-eu-the-stablecoin-policy-divide/] BFRR E346: Scaling B2B Stablecoin Payments: SAP’s Digital Currency Hub [https://bfrr.info/scaling-b2b-stablecoin-payments-saps-digital-currency-hub/] BFRR E348: From Citi Bank to Stablecoins: Tony McLaughlin’s Bold Pivot [https://bfrr.info/from-citi-bank-to-stablecoins-tony-mclaughlins-bold-pivot/] Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll Website [https://www.bfrr.de/] Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll Telegram Channel [https://t.me/+jA3nMkERPtc5YjQ0] ---------------------------------------- Relai*: Buy Bitcoin with Relai – you can do a one-time purchase or savings plan: Click here [https://relai.ch/rock/]. Use the referral code "ROCK" to reduce transaction fees by 0.1% while supporting Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll. Value4Value Podcast Streaming: Support our podcast by listening to our episodes on the Fountain Podcast App. This way, if you wish, you can support us "Value4Value" while listening to the podcast. You can find us on the Fountain Podcast App here: Click here [https://fountain.fm/show/wNv0vSPWzu8Gh7bZTorB] Disclaimer: The content of this podcast reflects the private opinions of the hosts, serves exclusively for general information purposes and does not constitute investment advice. Always remember: Do your own research - inform yourself before making any investment decisions, such as buying Bitcoin. First try to understand what Bitcoin is and how to store it. This podcast does not provide financial advice. Note that the co-hosts might be invested in crypto assets. Read more on our website: Click here [https://www.bfrr.de/disclaimer/] ---------------------------------------- All links marked with "*" are affiliate links. If you use these links for purchase, the podcast receives a small share of the revenue without any additional costs to you. On the contrary, affiliate links often include discount promotions, so you can even save money. We would appreciate it if you use these links to support us. Thank you very much!

Permissionless, programmable, and global—money has a new operating system. In this solo episode of BFRR – Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock ‘n’ Roll, Manuel dives deep into the fast-evolving world of stablecoins—their structure, use cases, and the challenges that stand between them and mass adoption in traditional finance. Manuel begins by exploring what makes stablecoins unique compared to traditional account-based money such as bank deposits or fintech balances like PayPal or Venmo. The key difference? Stablecoins are bearer instruments on public blockchains—digital cash anyone can hold and transfer without needing an account, provided they're not on a blacklist. From there, Manuel examines the regulatory developments across the globe—especially in the EU, US, and Asia—that are bringing stablecoins under the umbrella of regulated financial instruments. Manuel also touches on the debate around whether stablecoins should be yield-bearing, and how that impacts their use as a store of value versus a medium of exchange. Next, Manuel moves into the real-world use cases—from crypto trading and remittances to B2B and B2C payments, merchant ecosystems, and interbank settlement. You'll hear insights into current adoption trends, including figures from recent studies by BCG and Castle Island Ventures, which estimate payments-based stablecoin volume ranging between $6B and $100B/month. Finally, Manuel tackles the infrastructure and regulatory hurdles still holding stablecoins back: the need for efficient on/off ramps (the “stablecoin sandwich”), compliance with the travel rule, lack of bulk payment capabilities, and the risks of unintended dollarization in emerging markets. Whether you're new to digital assets or deep in the crypto weeds, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of the state of stablecoins in payments—where we are today and where we might be heading. BCG Study: Five killer tests to gauge their potential [https://media-publications.bcg.com/Stablecoins-five-killer-tests-to-gauge-their-potential.pdf] Artemis Study: Stablecoin payments from the ground up [https://reports.artemisanalytics.com/stablecoins/artemis-stablecoin-payments-from-the-ground-up-2025.pdf] BFRR E346: Scaling B2B Stablecoin Payments: SAP’s Digital Currency Hub [https://bfrr.info/scaling-b2b-stablecoin-payments-saps-digital-currency-hub/] Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll Website [https://www.bfrr.de/] Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll Telegram Channel [https://t.me/+jA3nMkERPtc5YjQ0] ---------------------------------------- Relai*: Buy Bitcoin with Relai – you can do a one-time purchase or savings plan: Click here [https://relai.ch/rock/]. Use the referral code "ROCK" to reduce transaction fees by 0.1% while supporting Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll. Value4Value Podcast Streaming: Support our podcast by listening to our episodes on the Fountain Podcast App. This way, if you wish, you can support us "Value4Value" while listening to the podcast. You can find us on the Fountain Podcast App here: Click here [https://fountain.fm/show/wNv0vSPWzu8Gh7bZTorB] Disclaimer: The content of this podcast reflects the private opinions of the hosts, serves exclusively for general information purposes and does not constitute investment advice. Always remember: Do your own research - inform yourself before making any investment decisions, such as buying Bitcoin. First try to understand what Bitcoin is and how to store it. This podcast does not provide financial advice. Note that the co-hosts might be invested in crypto assets. Read more on our website: Click here [https://www.bfrr.de/disclaimer/] ---------------------------------------- All links marked with "*" are affiliate links. If you use these links for purchase, the podcast receives a small share of the revenue without any additional costs to you. On the contrary, affiliate links often include discount promotions, so you can even save money. We would appreciate it if you use these links to support us. Thank you very much!

Why digital freedom and privacy matter – and why Joachim sees blockchain technologis’ breakthrough as inevitable Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll Website [https://www.bfrr.de/] Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll Telegram Channel [https://t.me/+jA3nMkERPtc5YjQ0] ---------------------------------------- Relai*: Buy Bitcoin with Relai – you can do a one-time purchase or savings plan: Click here [https://relai.ch/rock/]. Use the referral code "ROCK" to reduce transaction fees by 0.1% while supporting Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll. Value4Value Podcast Streaming: Support our podcast by listening to our episodes on the Fountain Podcast App. This way, if you wish, you can support us "Value4Value" while listening to the podcast. You can find us on the Fountain Podcast App here: Click here [https://fountain.fm/show/wNv0vSPWzu8Gh7bZTorB] Disclaimer: The content of this podcast reflects the private opinions of the hosts, serves exclusively for general information purposes and does not constitute investment advice. Always remember: Do your own research - inform yourself before making any investment decisions, such as buying Bitcoin. First try to understand what Bitcoin is and how to store it. This podcast does not provide financial advice. Note that the co-hosts might be invested in crypto assets. Read more on our website: Click here [https://www.bfrr.de/disclaimer/] ---------------------------------------- All links marked with "*" are affiliate links. If you use these links for purchase, the podcast receives a small share of the revenue without any additional costs to you. On the contrary, affiliate links often include discount promotions, so you can even save money. We would appreciate it if you use these links to support us. Thank you very much!

Obligate CEO explains how AI innovates DeFi. In this episode of Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock’n’Roll, host Michael Blaschke welcomes Matthias Wyss, CEO of Obligate—a Swiss-regulated tokenization platform that’s redefining decentralized finance (DeFi) with over $62 million in issuance volume and an astonishing 1100% YoY revenue growth since 2023. Matthias, whose background spans investment banking, fintech leadership, and spatial computing, takes us on a deep dive into the convergence of agentic AI and DeFi. Discover how hyper-customized crypto yields are revolutionizing personal finance—bringing institutional-grade strategies to everyday investors. We explore why now is the perfect time for AI-enabled DeFi: accessible AI tools, scalable blockchains like Solana, and maturing tokenization infrastructure are paving the way for personalized, automated investment products. Learn how AI is powering everything from conversational financial advice to automated yield-generating stablecoins. Together, we unpack the why, what, and how: * Why it matters: Democratizing access to sophisticated yield strategies previously reserved for the wealthy. * What it means: DeFi moving beyond one-size-fits-all to on-demand, risk-adjusted strategies powered by AI. * How it works: A full-stack tech ecosystem blending blockchain, legal tech, financial engineering, and AI service layers. From crypto newbies to seasoned professionals, this episode sheds light on the next evolution of finance—making DeFi more user-friendly, compliant, and customizable than ever before. Whether you’re curious about agentic stablecoins, AI-powered asset management, or the changing regulatory landscape, this is an essential listen. 🎧 Tune in now and step into the future of finance—where algorithms mix your crypto cocktails and DeFi finally gets personal. Matthias Wyss on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthias-wyss/] Margarita Finance [www.margarita.finance] Participate in Obligate’s current fundraise [https://europe.republic.com/obligate/coming-soon] E340 US vs EU: The Stablecoin Policy Divide [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7D5r1pOxLf31tQDocCiTQi?si=7jShEVnTQEeVeIqkfY_wwQ] Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll Website [https://www.bfrr.de/] Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll Telegram Channel [https://t.me/+jA3nMkERPtc5YjQ0] ---------------------------------------- Relai*: Buy Bitcoin with Relai – you can do a one-time purchase or savings plan: Click here [https://relai.ch/rock/]. Use the referral code "ROCK" to reduce tSransaction fees by 0.1% while supporting Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock'n'Roll. Value4Value Podcast Streaming: Support our podcast by listening to our episodes on the Fountain Podcast App. This way, if you wish, you can support us "Value4Value" while listening to the podcast. You can find us on the Fountain Podcast App here: Click here [https://fountain.fm/show/wNv0vSPWzu8Gh7bZTorB] Disclaimer: The content of this podcast reflects the private opinions of the hosts, serves exclusively for general information purposes and does not constitute investment advice. Always remember: Do your own research - inform yourself before making any investment decisions, such as buying Bitcoin. First try to understand what Bitcoin is and how to store it. This podcast does not provide financial advice. Note that the co-hosts might be invested in crypto assets. Read more on our website: Click here [https://www.bfrr.de/disclaimer/] ---------------------------------------- All links marked with "*" are affiliate links. If you use these links for purchase, the podcast receives a small share of the revenue without any additional costs to you. On the contrary, affiliate links often include discount promotions, so you can even save money. We would appreciate it if you use these links to support us. Thank you very much!