Does Crypto Need Wall Street, or Does Wall Street Need Crypto? | Adam Back & Jenny Johnson

Does Crypto Need Wall Street, or Does Wall Street Need Crypto? | Adam Back & Jenny Johnson

Adam Back is the co-founder of Blockstream, the Bitcoin infrastructure company behind the Liquid Network, and one of the original figures in the cypherpunk movement. Jenny Johnson is the CEO of Franklin Templeton, the $1.8 trillion asset manager that was the first traditional finance firm to tokenize a money market fund. In this episode, recorded live at the 2026 Proof of Talk Conference, Eleanor sits down with both guests to discuss the convergence of Wall Street and crypto, what institutional adoption means for Bitcoin’s original vision, why tokenization is gaining momentum, the future of wallet-native finance, and where the debate over stablecoin yield is headed. TIMESTAMPS: 0:07 The Convergence Of Wall Street And Crypto 1:01 Cypherpunk Movement And Institutional Adoption 4:34 Efficiency In Financial Services Through Blockchain 8:04 Impact Of Regulation On Crypto And Financial Services 15:20 Wallet-Native Infrastructure Vs. Traditional Intermediaries 24:32 Bitcoin's Evolution 42:03 The Relationship Between Wall Street And Crypto Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEtGQ2xhVWpaWUFXM3hsb2VZTTFMWndYWWQ3Z3xBQ3Jtc0trR0t1WWQxOEhkeVBQY2FrNF9VWERtc0xzOVVycE9IT2xkUEtMeGJXY0U5VExBZDc4RVAyRDZWNUhxb293SnRBcFhacEpTVjNxUlRFbExNcXAwSUtCM3h4NGtKbncxZkM1ZnZoRlJlcFVUNVgwUFVWUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F2Y3bQRjEQtdlNx1fxmS8hB%3Fsi%3D813495451b9f4e4e&v=wdm8S4sb5KEhttps://open.spotify.com/show/2Y3bQRjEQtdlNx1fxmS8hB [https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y3bQRjEQtdlNx1fxmS8hB]  Subscribe to the podcast on Apple: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTMwbng5NW5ieHhfcnE5Q1ZpMUc5amJ2VGhLQXxBQ3Jtc0tsYVFVNmMtLUNrd0lMTjF3MmQxbXlkZ2ZlUmNJaExucUFYVS1LSEdseTJXYlhVYTA5MFJBd1JfcDg3LVNvdlA0MkhpOXlZVkdDQXlVcWFEZ2ZJMzEtQ0xSZ0I2T1JtODkyR0p6bWtVR0xESTRGbHBMQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fcrypto-in-america%2Fid1799000155&v=wdm8S4sb5KE https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crypto-in-america/id1799000155 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crypto-in-america/id1799000155]  Please note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode. This show is sponsored by Sei.  Learn more about Sei: https://www.sei.io/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHBVU3dCa0xDaURKWHVsM3VjcTl3ME4wY294Z3xBQ3Jtc0trWk5XX09qNUhsa2JDRmVMemJITWFnck5TaEdtSUp0R0xNX3Foanppa3ZDeENMSUp0ZVczNnM3bVpYa01SSkROSEVnbXVCX2NmSElBYkRxWTFBSm4xQUlzZ09OVFBRSlluakpoVVFkYUF6Y05nV0Y0UQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sei.io%2F&v=wdm8S4sb5KE] Follow Crypto in America: https://x.com/CryptoAmerica_ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmFheFZ5cXNxb0FIZlpnVUhoOFQxYTAxTWtaQXxBQ3Jtc0ttcWZmMy1BbG1pX3RfNWpHUExTVkdQVUViOHBiNkM4VFNnTWU5RnVtSTdjQVRBTkMzWHpYei02VEVSZk1JM3NOOFFuTnQ3WVY3R3pxd0ZHR1FRYmhHVE9vZDRyTnVrVVZ4M2tFWFVYLXJKOGcwNVFYZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FCryptoAmerica_&v=wdm8S4sb5KE] Follow our hosts Jacquelyn: https://x.com/jacqmelinek [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUFtTVlQbXJHWnVDTU51ODR0aEdVUkQ5ZlE2QXxBQ3Jtc0tuTExUZjFoUDBxUWFQaDdYallYbG5NbEpkdEZOVmd4U3pCZXd0ZEtjaUhQaWpETGZteGN2d2N4aVNmYXVPMldWa25PRWxyaFJKNHBKQWw5S3dRdHZnRnIwc0VBcVRXSjZUTnk4cHIwemZSM2U5dFdZWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fjacqmelinek&v=wdm8S4sb5KE] Gerald: https://x.com/thatgerald [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbm9jNnN1aTN1M1lwX0JNS2xyTlBfTTc5ek8yQXxBQ3Jtc0trc2kwbzRDRXFBTjVIYkx5eDFxd180QzQ4VHZTaENlcnUtSDJtSDdGOXI2V1R5eEZzZEZRdnVfdnpWZHVpamNpNEM2VlU0c0Q0a3U2SzZHaWFCUzlsc1ZteEFHNnFjelBkQ25VRnQzcFdzazh3V1FQOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fthatgerald&v=wdm8S4sb5KE] Eleanor: https://x.com/EleanorTerrett [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGpTRENXRnY5Xzd1QnhKM3p3a05XZm5CMGtPQXxBQ3Jtc0ttX2x3NWlRNjE4ZUoyMlFaQWdJSVp2UDJkclFIS1BwY0tnNTNEQTZXQXhnMjFXbTRFdWR3OC1JUEVWY0lrTjk1RmgyZ3Y3c0gzbDlfa3FYYko2SFkyQi13cXcyOW1Demx1OWtldG9DaHJZN3BvanV6UQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FEleanorTerrett&v=wdm8S4sb5KE]

Is AI Crashing the Crypto Market? Crypto Meltdown, Illinois' Crypto Tax, and New Software Dev PAC

Crypto is having its worst week in two years. We break down what's behind the selloff, from the AI trade to the fallout from Michael Saylor's recent bitcoin sale, with Bitwise Head of Research Ryan Rasmussen. Plus, Illinois moves to impose a new 0.2% tax on crypto transactions, and Executive Director of the Illinois Blockchain Association Olta Andoni explains why some fear it could drive users and businesses out of the state. And a new PAC launches to support pro-developer lawmakers as legal protections for software developers become one of the biggest fights in the Clarity Act. The PAC's founder, Gavin Zavatone, joins the show.

BitGo’s CEO on its IPO Journey, Regulatory Tailwinds and Bridging Finance & Crypto

Mike Belshe is the co-founder and CEO of BitGo, the digital asset infrastructure firm that custodies more than $100 billion in digital assets and handles roughly one-fifth of all bitcoin transaction value moved onchain. In this episode, Mike explains why BitGo went public in January despite a choppy market, how he thinks about the wave of digital asset treasury companies following in Michael Saylor’s footsteps, and why he believes the current regulatory tailwinds are separating real builders from those simply chasing the latest cycle. He also shares his candid views on why traditional banking models are ripe for disruption. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to Mike Belshe and BitGo 02:20 The Meaning of Crypto in America 04:48 Going Public: The IPO Experience 10:10 Market Cycles and Bitcoin's Current Environment 19:18 Custody and Security in Digital Assets 24:04 BitGo's Role as a Bridge Between Finance and Crypto 22:19 Navigating the Crypto Banking Landscape 26:50 Competition and Collaboration in the Crypto Space 28:31 Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities 30:33 The Political Landscape of Digital Assets 32:39 The Future of Banking Models 34:48 Rethinking Reserve Banking 38:57 Access to Fed Master Accounts 42:47 The Future of Stablecoins 46:48 BitGo's Vision and Future Directions 50:52 Innovations Beyond Crypto: Space and AI Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y3bQRjEQtdlNx1fxmS8hB Subscribe to the podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crypto-in-america/id1799000155 Please note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode. This show is sponsored by Sei. Learn more about Sei: https://www.sei.io/ Follow Crypto in America: https://x.com/CryptoAmerica_ Follow our hosts Jacquelyn: https://x.com/jacqmelinek Gerald: https://x.com/thatgerald Eleanor: https://x.com/EleanorTerrett

CFTC Greenlights Bitcoin Perps, DTCC Taps Stellar & Crypto's Midterm Power Play

In a move it's been teasing for months, the CFTC greenlighted bitcoin perpetual futures contracts in the U.S. Gerald walks us through what this means and how it could impact offshore crypto companies like Hyperliquid. Plus, crypto-backed candidates swept key Texas primary runoffs. We speak with former NRSC Executive Director Jason Thielman about the industry's growing political influence and strategy heading into the midterms. And Stellar Development Foundation CEO Denelle Dixon joins us to discuss a new initiative with DTCC to bring DTC-custodied assets on-chain and what it could mean for the future of tokenization.

Fractional Banking, Narrow Banking & the Adoption of Stablecoins w/ Scott Shay, Founder of N3XT

Scott Shay is the founder of N3XT and the founder and former chairman of Signature Bank. In this episode, Scott gives a masterclass on fractional reserve banking versus narrow banking and takes us behind closed doors of Signature Bank’s collapse during the 2023 regional banking crisis. He also offers a rarely heard perspective on Wall Street’s rush into crypto, explaining why he believes some of the industry may be moving too fast. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Y3bQRj... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEtGQ2xhVWpaWUFXM3hsb2VZTTFMWndYWWQ3Z3xBQ3Jtc0trR0t1WWQxOEhkeVBQY2FrNF9VWERtc0xzOVVycE9IT2xkUEtMeGJXY0U5VExBZDc4RVAyRDZWNUhxb293SnRBcFhacEpTVjNxUlRFbExNcXAwSUtCM3h4NGtKbncxZkM1ZnZoRlJlcFVUNVgwUFVWUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fshow%2F2Y3bQRjEQtdlNx1fxmS8hB%3Fsi%3D813495451b9f4e4e&v=wdm8S4sb5KE]  Subscribe to the podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTMwbng5NW5ieHhfcnE5Q1ZpMUc5amJ2VGhLQXxBQ3Jtc0tsYVFVNmMtLUNrd0lMTjF3MmQxbXlkZ2ZlUmNJaExucUFYVS1LSEdseTJXYlhVYTA5MFJBd1JfcDg3LVNvdlA0MkhpOXlZVkdDQXlVcWFEZ2ZJMzEtQ0xSZ0I2T1JtODkyR0p6bWtVR0xESTRGbHBMQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fcrypto-in-america%2Fid1799000155&v=wdm8S4sb5KE]  Please note that this podcast is for informational purposes only and any views shared by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. The host or guests may have a direct or indirect financial interest in content mentioned in this episode. This show is powered by Sei.  Learn more about Sei:  https://www.sei.io/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHBVU3dCa0xDaURKWHVsM3VjcTl3ME4wY294Z3xBQ3Jtc0trWk5XX09qNUhsa2JDRmVMemJITWFnck5TaEdtSUp0R0xNX3Foanppa3ZDeENMSUp0ZVczNnM3bVpYa01SSkROSEVnbXVCX2NmSElBYkRxWTFBSm4xQUlzZ09OVFBRSlluakpoVVFkYUF6Y05nV0Y0UQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sei.io%2F&v=wdm8S4sb5KE] Follow Crypto in America: https://x.com/CryptoAmerica_ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmFheFZ5cXNxb0FIZlpnVUhoOFQxYTAxTWtaQXxBQ3Jtc0ttcWZmMy1BbG1pX3RfNWpHUExTVkdQVUViOHBiNkM4VFNnTWU5RnVtSTdjQVRBTkMzWHpYei02VEVSZk1JM3NOOFFuTnQ3WVY3R3pxd0ZHR1FRYmhHVE9vZDRyTnVrVVZ4M2tFWFVYLXJKOGcwNVFYZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FCryptoAmerica_&v=wdm8S4sb5KE] Follow Sei: https://x.com/SeiNetwork [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnlEdmpTYWhfdzkyR0Z0UGI2SE5BYldFWnVYZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttU0d6MzE4T2VVa2Z3M2RCNkhsRTBHWEptY0thcU5kQmY0NGc4bm14NWdBM1N6YlN4TEtQdTU0a2lYdlZVdXlCVnBLNVozT2tEdHlSR2lOSTNrRzJ4RGY2eEQ5b09JaTNUVVRTdVpsMjlBM0dMUTdGUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FSeiNetwork&v=wdm8S4sb5KE] Follow our hosts Jacquelyn: https://x.com/jacqmelinek [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUFtTVlQbXJHWnVDTU51ODR0aEdVUkQ5ZlE2QXxBQ3Jtc0tuTExUZjFoUDBxUWFQaDdYallYbG5NbEpkdEZOVmd4U3pCZXd0ZEtjaUhQaWpETGZteGN2d2N4aVNmYXVPMldWa25PRWxyaFJKNHBKQWw5S3dRdHZnRnIwc0VBcVRXSjZUTnk4cHIwemZSM2U5dFdZWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fjacqmelinek&v=wdm8S4sb5KE] Gerald: https://x.com/thatgerald [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbm9jNnN1aTN1M1lwX0JNS2xyTlBfTTc5ek8yQXxBQ3Jtc0trc2kwbzRDRXFBTjVIYkx5eDFxd180QzQ4VHZTaENlcnUtSDJtSDdGOXI2V1R5eEZzZEZRdnVfdnpWZHVpamNpNEM2VlU0c0Q0a3U2SzZHaWFCUzlsc1ZteEFHNnFjelBkQ25VRnQzcFdzazh3V1FQOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fthatgerald&v=wdm8S4sb5KE] Eleanor: https://x.com/EleanorTerrett [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGpTRENXRnY5Xzd1QnhKM3p3a05XZm5CMGtPQXxBQ3Jtc0ttX2x3NWlRNjE4ZUoyMlFaQWdJSVp2UDJkclFIS1BwY0tnNTNEQTZXQXhnMjFXbTRFdWR3OC1JUEVWY0lrTjk1RmgyZ3Y3c0gzbDlfa3FYYko2SFkyQi13cXcyOW1Demx1OWtldG9DaHJZN3BvanV6UQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FEleanorTerrett&v=wdm8S4sb5KE]  TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Concerns Over the Embrace of Crypto by Trad-Fi 04:14 - Re-Litigation of Trades and Stablecoins 10:50 - N3XT's Core Operations as a Blockchain 12:20 - Narrow Banking Explained 15:28 - Glass–Steagall Legislation Ethos in Crypto 17:11 - Signature Bank Behind Closed Doors 19:45 - Adoption of Crypto Rails 22:52 - Modern Day Crypto Banking 27:53 - N3xt Bank & Access to Federal Reserve Payment Accounts 30:53 - What Else is Scott Watching?