Navigating Frontier Tech – Episode 13 | BlackRock Spot BTC #ETF | MasterCard’s Web3 Collabs

In this episode

delve into BlackRock's recent ETF filing and the potential "seeding" of the ETF, indicating a promising outlook for a spot Bitcoin ETF. Our host Jay Steinback, yWhales CEO & Founder, engages in a thrilling conversation with Adam Jones, CEO & Founder of Token Events, and Josh Cowell, Head of Product at XGo.
Together, they dive deep into the world of Web3 and emerging tech, offering insights that resonate with executives, professionals, and entrepreneurs interested in building, investing, and learning about the latest in technology and Web3 advancements.

Their discussion kicks off with a focus on BlackRock's recent ETF filing, which has sparked considerable interest due to its securing of a CUSIP number, making tracking more efficient. What's more, they explore the possibility of "seeding" the ETF, hinting at the potential arrival of a spot Bitcoin ETF sooner than expected. This development showcases the rapid evolution of the crypto landscape, especially in the context of traditional financial institutions like BlackRock.

The conversation takes an intriguing turn as they delve into the U.S. Court of Appeals' mandate, allowing the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to review Grayscale Investments' application for a spot Bitcoin ETF. This legal battle and regulatory review are pivotal moments in the journey toward greater crypto accessibility and innovation.

Shifting gears, they provide insights into BlockFi's recent emergence from bankruptcy and what this means for creditors and customers. Understanding the recovery process and the timeline for accessing funds is vital for anyone with a stake in BlockFi.

Jay, Adam, and Josh unravel the strategic collaborations that Mastercard is exploring with self-custody wallet firms like MetaMask and Ledger. These partnerships aim to enhance user engagement and crypto spending, potentially opening up new regions to digital assets. Mastercard's commitment to transparency and their focus on consumer protection and transaction monitoring sets the stage for a new era in digital payments.

Lastly, they touch upon Mastercard's partnership with MoonPay, a cryptocurrency and NFT payments app. By utilizing Mastercard's Crypto Credential system and integrating services like Mastercard Send and Click to Pay, they aim to redefine customer loyalty and engagement in the digital economy, bringing a fresh perspective to consumer interactions in the Web3 era.

In this episode, you'll gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of Web3 and emerging technologies, presented in a professional yet approachable manner. It's a must-listen for business leaders and tech enthusiasts looking to navigate the forefront of innovation in the digital age.

About Guests

Adam Jones is a distinguished tech leader with a wealth of experience in the dynamic realms of Web3, digital transformation, and management consulting. Currently serving as the CEO of Token Fan Commerce, he brings a profound understanding of the digital landscape to the table. Adam's journey to this leadership role has been nothing short of remarkable. Prior to his current position, he held pivotal senior tech roles at renowned organizations such as R/GA and Crispin Porter + Bogusky.

With an impressive career spanning over 21 years, Adam has not only honed his expertise but also garnered global exposure while working with esteemed brands like Domino’s and JP Morgan Chase. His unique blend of experience is further enriched by his educational background, holding a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Management Information Systems from Southern Illinois University."

Josh Cowell is a multifaceted individual who wears many hats in the world of blockchain technology and crypto. His journey as a builder, spokesperson, researcher, and advocate for these cutting-edge technologies began in 2010. This extensive experience runs in parallel to his decade-long involvement in traditional finance (TradFi) risk management.

Currently, Josh holds the prestigious position of Head of Product at XGo.id ('XGo ID'). Here, he is passionately driving the mass adoption of crypto by leveraging his deep understanding of the blockchain space. His dynamic career showcases his dedication to both pioneering and integrating emerging technologies into the financial landscape, making him a significant figure in the industry."

Guest Social Links

Adam Jones’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-j-9802b88

Token Events’ Website: https://tknevents.com/ 

Josh Cowell’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcowell/

XGo’s Twitter: @XGo_official

XGo’s Website: https://xgo.id/

Timestamps

2:42 Jay’s intro

3:41 Guests intro

8:58  The state of crypto: The cycles and what they mean for entrepreneurs

17:25 BlackRock Spot Bitcoin ETF Gets Ticker; Crypto Funds Jump

10:50 US court issues mandate for Grayscale ruling, paving way for SEC to review spot Bitcoin ETF

14:03 BlockFi Emerges from Bankruptcy

21:00 The conference landscape

29:00 Mastercard Plans Web3 Collaborations With Self-Custody Wallet Firms & 

Mastercard Teams Up With MoonPay for Web3 Push

36:40 Closing thoughts

39:40 How to get in touch

Watch more: https://www.ywhales.com/podcasts/

DISCLAIMER: yWhales is not affiliated with YPO. Support and production for today’s episode was done by Truth Work Media. Nothing in the podcast constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information on the podcast constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto.