Because of Bitcoin

In this episode of Because of Bitcoin, Mauricio Di Bartolomeo dives into the world of data-driven decision-making and risk analysis with Henry Stott. Henry’s career includes helping Tottenham Spurs with data-driven player selection, pioneering risk analysis models, and flagging FTX as a high-risk exchange months before its collapse. Learn how data transparency in digital assets can revolutionize risk management and why algorithms consistently outperform human experts in decision-making.

• Henry’s Career Journey: From a dairy farm in Cheshire to data-driven innovations in finance, sports, and crypto.
• Algorithms vs. Experts: Why machines are increasingly surpassing humans in complex decision-making.
• Transparency in Blockchain: How on-chain data enhances risk assessment compared to traditional finance.
• Spotting FTX’s Risk: Agio Ratings’ innovative approach to identifying high-risk digital asset exchanges.
• Ledn’s A- Rating: What this top-tier credit rating means for the company and its clients.

• "Algorithms beat experts by being consistent, data-driven, and free of emotional biases." — Henry Stott
• "Transparency in digital assets opens doors for data integration that traditional finance lacks." — Henry Stott
• "Risk ratings may not make headlines, but they protect participants from pitfalls." — Mauricio Di Bartolomeo

• Agio Ratings Evolution of Counterparty Risk
• Ledn’s A- Risk Rating Announcement
• Follow Henry Stott on LinkedIn
• Subscribe to Because of Bitcoin at Ledn.io

Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review and subscribe to Because of Bitcoin on your favorite podcast platform. Stay informed with our weekly newsletter at ledn.io.

In this episode of Because of Bitcoin, Mauricio Di Bartolomeo sits down with expert macroeconomic investor Raoul Pal to discuss his illustrious career, Bitcoin’s role in global finance, and why liquidity cycles dictate market behavior. From Raoul's early career at Goldman Sachs to his groundbreaking work in educating the masses about macroeconomics and crypto through Real Vision, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Raoul explains his journey from discovering Bitcoin in 2013 to his current investments in altcoins like Solana and SUI. He also shares actionable frameworks for navigating the complexities of global markets, highlights the importance of liquidity cycles, and explains his famous "Banana Zone" thesis for exponential gains in crypto.

Key Topics Covered:

• Raoul’s Career Journey: Growing up in a business-oriented family, working at Goldman Sachs, and founding Real Vision.
• Spotting Systemic Risks: Parallels between long-term capital management and today’s crypto market dynamics.
• The Case for Bitcoin: How Bitcoin’s global accessibility and fractional nature make it the ultimate asset for financial inclusion.
• Banana Zone Thesis: The factors that drive exponential market gains during liquidity cycles.
• Bitcoin vs. Altcoins: Raoul’s shift in focus from Bitcoin to Solana, SUI, and other altcoins for higher growth potential.

Links and Resources:

● Explore Real Vision

● Follow Raoul Pal on Twitter

● Learn About Bitcoin-Backed Loans at Ledn

Thank You for Listening!

Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review and subscribe to Because of Bitcoin on your favorite

podcast platform. Stay informed with our weekly newsletter at ledn.io.

Mauricio Di Bartolomeo sits down with Dan Tapiero, the founder of 1 Roundtable Partners, to discuss his journey into digital assets, the importance of Bitcoin, and his unique approach to macro investing. Starting with Dan’s early exposure to currencies and commerce, the conversation traces his evolution from studying history to navigating global markets and investing in new asset classes. Dan shares how the 2008 financial crisis led him to gold as a hedge, which ultimately led to his deeper interest in Bitcoin as "digital gold."

The discussion covers Bitcoin’s potential as a hedge against fiat currency devaluation, 1 Roundtable’s investment strategy, and Dan’s vision for the crypto space, especially in light of evolving US regulations. He outlines why he believes Ledn is positioned to lead in the Bitcoin-backed lending market and explains his forecast for crypto IPOs, emerging asset valuation models, and the role Bitcoin will play in the future of finance.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Dan’s Early Influences and Journey to Finance  

   - Dan shares how growing up in a family familiar with banking and commerce influenced his early awareness of currency and finance.

   - His studies in history provided a foundation for analyzing macro trends and global events, which became essential in his approach to investing.

2. From Gold to Bitcoin as a Hedge Against Fiat Devaluation  

   - After the 2008 financial crisis, Dan shifted focus to gold due to concerns over negative real interest rates, a shift that laid the groundwork for his interest in Bitcoin.

   - He explains why Bitcoin, like gold, serves as a hedge in times of economic instability, but with the added advantage of being digital and scarce.

3. 1 Roundtable Partners and Macro Investment Strategy  

   - Dan outlines his growth equity strategy for investing in digital assets through 1 Roundtable Partners, which has committed over $1 billion to companies like Ledn.

   - His view on Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other assets achieving network effects underpins his investment thesis in the digital asset ecosystem.

4. Bitcoin’s Market Cap Potential and the Future of Crypto IPOs  

   - The conversation turns to Bitcoin’s projected market cap, which Dan believes could rival that of gold as institutions adopt it.

   - He predicts an uptick in crypto IPOs in the coming years, emphasizing that more public crypto companies will offer new opportunities for institutional investors to participate in the space.

5. Regulatory Optimism in the US and What It Means for Digital Assets  

   - Dan shares his optimistic view on the changing regulatory landscape, with the US poised to support digital asset innovation. He suggests that policies encouraging crypto growth will catalyze the market, positioning the US as a leader in the industry.

6. The Role of Ledn in Bitcoin Lending  

   - Dan highlights Ledn’s unique market position, noting that its Bitcoin-backed lending service provides users a way to leverage their Bitcoin holdings without selling.

   - He praises Ledn’s resilience through industry upheavals and its potential to become a leading Bitcoin-backed lending provider.

 Resources Mentioned:

- [1 Roundtable Partners](https://1roundtable.com) – Learn more about Dan’s investment approach to digital assets.

- Ledn’s Bitcoin-Backed Lending Services – Learn how you can borrow against your Bitcoin holdings.

- Related Blog Post on Bitcoin’s Role as Digital Gold – Coming Soon

 Connect with Dan Tapiero:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-tapiero

- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DTapiero

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and subscribe to the *Because of Bitcoin* podcast for more in-depth conversations on Bitcoin, digital assets, and the future of decentralized finance.

Episode Summary:  

In this episode of Because of Bitcoin, host Mauricio Di Bartolomeo sits down with John Glover, Chief Investment Officer of Ledn, to discuss the groundbreaking transformations Bitcoin is sparking in financial markets and lending. With over 25 years in traditional finance, John sheds light on how Bitcoin’s transparency and decentralized nature present an antidote to legacy banking flaws. From defining rigorous risk management policies to breaking down what sets Bitcoin-backed loans apart, this episode provides a comprehensive view of the journey from TradFi to the innovative frontier of digital assets.

 Key Topics Discussed:

1. John Glover’s Financial Background:

• John’s journey from studying quantum chemistry to leading roles in Canadian banks, including TD Securities and Barclays.
• His transition from traditional finance to Ledn, where he applied traditional risk management to the digital asset space.

2. Bitcoin as Pristine Collateral:

• Why Bitcoin’s 24/7 trading availability and transparent, non-gap-risk profile make it a robust form of collateral.
• John explains how Ledn capitalizes on Bitcoin’s unique qualities for over-collateralized, lower-risk loans.

3. Risk Management at Ledn:

• Insights into Ledn’s rigorous risk management policies, including transparency, in-house technology, and client protections.
• Examples of policies that kept Ledn stable during the 2022 crypto lending crisis, as opposed to peers like BlockFi, Celsius, and Voyager.

4. Institutional Involvement in Bitcoin:

• How Ledn’s recent $50 million Bitcoin-backed loan with Signum Bank marks a milestone for institutional-grade digital asset lending.
• John discusses the growing interest from traditional financial players and what it means for Ledn’s cost of capital and loan offerings.

5. Transparency and Client Assurance:

• How Ledn’s Open Book Reports give clients insight into how their assets are used, boosting client confidence and trust.
• John’s perspective on Ledn’s dedication to transparency as a differentiator in the Bitcoin lending space.

6. Future of Bitcoin-backed Loans and Yield Products:

• John’s projections on the growth of Bitcoin-backed lending, upcoming challenges, and potential yield compression due to institutional demand.
• Insights on new products like custody loans and the impact of traditional financial entities entering the space.

7. Bitcoin and the 2024 U.S. Election:

• John shares his perspective on the potential impact of the 2024 election on Bitcoin, with differing outcomes depending on the party in power.
• The broader implications for Bitcoin’s long-term trajectory, regardless of short-term market fluctuations.

8. Technical Analysis and Bitcoin Price Predictions:

• John breaks down his weekly technical analysis of Bitcoin’s price movements and offers projections for the coming year.
• Explanation of Elliott Wave Theory and how it applies to Bitcoin’s potential path to $100,000 and beyond.

About the Guest: John Glover

John Glover is Ledn’s Chief Investment Officer, bringing over 25 years of experience in traditional finance to the digital asset world. John was formerly with TD Securities, Barclays, and Validus Risk Management and has a robust background in derivatives, FX, and institutional risk. At Ledn, John applies traditional financial risk management frameworks to Bitcoin lending, ensuring a secure, transparent, and client-first approach.

 Resources and Links:

• Learn more about Ledn: https://www.ledn.io
• Follow Ledn on Twitter for John’s Weekly TA: @Ledn

Subscribe to our newsletter for more Bitcoin insights: https://www.ledn.io/newsletter  

In this insightful episode, Mauricio Di Bartolomeo sits down with Anthony Scaramucci to discuss the intersection of Bitcoin, politics, and Wall Street. Scaramucci reflects on his Bitcoin journey, how he came to embrace the asset, and why he believes Bitcoin will play a transformative role in global finance. The conversation also delves into the upcoming U.S. presidential election and the pivotal role it could play in shaping the future of digital asset regulation.

Scaramucci shares his personal experiences in politics, his transition from supporting Donald Trump to backing Kamala Harris, and how both parties are grappling with Bitcoin. This episode offers a deep dive into why bipartisan support for Bitcoin is critical and how the industry can navigate political headwinds.

Key Discussion Points:

• Anthony’s Bitcoin Journey: From skepticism in 2017 to investing in Bitcoin through SkyBridge Capital, Anthony shares his learning curve and eventual conviction in Bitcoin’s staying power.
• Bitcoin and U.S. Politics: The impact of the upcoming U.S. election on Bitcoin regulation and how both parties are positioning themselves on digital assets.
• BlackRock’s Influence: How BlackRock and other institutional players like Fidelity are legitimizing Bitcoin for traditional investors.
• Scaramucci’s Political Perspective: Insights into why Scaramucci transitioned from supporting Donald Trump to Kamala Harris and his criticism of current regulatory stances on Bitcoin.
• The Role of Meme Coins: Scaramucci shares his thoughts on meme coins, calling them “radioactive,” and highlights the crypto assets he believes have long-term value.
• Institutional Adoption: A look into how institutional interest, particularly from major asset managers, is shaping the narrative around Bitcoin and crypto investments.
• Anthony’s New Book: Scaramucci teases his upcoming book, *The Little Book of Bitcoin*, co-authored with Michael Saylor, which delves into what Wall Street has already figured out about Bitcoin.

Notable Quotes:

• “Bitcoin is one of those things that you can never predict what the hell is going to happen.” – Anthony Scaramucci
• “We need bipartisan crypto policy in the United States. We don’t want it to be one-sided.” – Anthony Scaramucci
• “If I could choose one Sherpa to guide the Democratic Party to the right policies in Bitcoin and crypto, I think you’re the man.” – Mauricio Di Bartolomeo

Resources Mentioned:

• SkyBridge Capital
• The Little Book of Bitcoin by Anthony Scaramucci (release date: December 5th)
• Tales from the Crypto podcast

Follow Anthony Scaramucci:

X: @Scaramucci

The Rest is Politics podcast

Open Book podcast

Subscribe & Review:  

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave a review and subscribe to Because of Bitcoin on your favorite podcasting platform. Stay tuned for more expert guests discussing the most important issues in Bitcoin and the global financial landscape.

This podcast episode was produced by Quill.

In this exciting episode, Mauricio speaks with David Bailey about the growing political influence of Bitcoin and how it's shaping the global economy. David shares his unique insights into Bitcoin's early days, his personal journey from a teenage investor to one of the most influential figures in the Bitcoin space, and his thoughts on the future of the industry.

The conversation delves into the intersection of Bitcoin and U.S. politics, highlighting the unprecedented presence of two U.S. presidential candidates at the 2023 Bitcoin conference. David also discusses his work with the Trump campaign, the potential of Bitcoin's role in U.S.

Key Discussion Points:

• David's Bitcoin Journey: David recalls his fascination with money from a young age, his early success and struggles in the stock market, and how the 2008 financial crisis ultimately led him to Bitcoin.
• Bitcoin in U.S. Politics: David talks about how Bitcoin is gaining momentum in U.S. politics, specifically his work with the Trump campaign to incorporate Bitcoin-friendly policies into the 2024 platform.
• The Role of Bitcoin Magazine and Conferences: David shares the history of acquiring *Bitcoin Magazine*, his role in growing the Bitcoin conference into the largest in the world, and his experiences working with key industry figures like Vitalik Buterin.
• Bitcoin as a Unifying Force: A look at how Bitcoin transcends party lines and why both conservatives and progressives can benefit from embracing it.
• Bitcoin’s Future in U.S. Policy: David outlines exciting developments, such as Trump’s proposed "digital Fort Knox" and the idea of a U.S. Bitcoin treasury, marking a significant shift in global financial systems.
• Bridging Bitcoin and Crypto Lobbies: David discusses the necessity of collaboration between Bitcoin and crypto advocates in Washington to push for fair regulation and policies that support innovation.

Notable Quotes:

• "Trump loves ambitious ideas. Rewriting the global monetary standard is one of those things." – David Bailey
• “Bitcoin is a tool for transferring value, and once we unlock the Bitcoin capital markets, we unlock the next level of human potential.” – David Bailey

Resources Mentioned:

• Bitcoin Magazine
• Bitcoin 2023 Conference in Nashville
• The upcoming Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas

Follow David Bailey:

Twitter: @DavidBailey

Bitcoin Magazine: www.bitcoinmagazine.com

Subscribe & Review:  

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and subscribe to the Because of Bitcoin podcast for more insightful conversations with Bitcoin thought leaders.

Next Episode Teaser:  

Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll be talking with one of the top voices from the Democratic camp about Bitcoin’s place in their platform for the upcoming U.S. election.

This podcast episode was produced by Quill.

Get a sneak peek into the exciting third season of Because of Bitcoin! In this trailer, host Mauricio Di Bartolomeo shares what’s in store for listeners as he welcomes an impressive lineup of guests, from industry titans to political figures, to explore the crucial questions shaping the future of Bitcoin and the global economy. Season 3 will offer a comprehensive look at Bitcoin’s evolving role in both the financial markets and the political sphere.  

Subscribe now to make sure you don’t miss the first episode of the new season! If you enjoy the podcast, consider leaving us a review and sharing it with others who are curious about Bitcoin's impact on the world.

This podcast episode was produced by Quill.

In a sea of bitcoin content creators, few have made a first impression like Tatum Turn Up has! Starting with just a tweet, Tatum has gone on to interview some of the biggest names in Bitcoin, including Anthony Pompliano. He joins Mau to share his journey to becoming a Bitcoin comedian, the creation of his show "Between Two Asics," and why bringing more laughter into the Bitcoin world is so important.

YouTube: @TatumTurnUp

X: @tatumturnup

This podcast episode was produced by Quill

Bitcoin communities play a crucial role in fostering learning, collaboration, and empowerment, which are essential for driving widespread adoption and pushing forward the decentralized finance movement. In this episode, entrepreneur and Bitcoin Embassy Bar co-founder Lorena Ortiz takes us on a journey from her childhood experiences during Mexico's tequila crisis to her introduction to Bitcoin. Through her story, we explore the significance of cultivating a strong community around Bitcoin.

YouTube: @BitcoinEmbassyBar

Website: https://www.bitcoinemb.com/

X: @LOReBitcoin

This podcast episode was produced by Quill

Understanding the intricacies of money and its historical roots is essential for anyone navigating today's financial landscape, and if you take a close look it turns out that Bitcoiners and Pirates have a lot in common.

JP Vergne, a scholar, author, and advisor specializing in the evolution of industries within capitalist economies, joins Mau to explore the linkages between past and present financial systems. They delve into the transformative impact of blockchain technology and discuss how Bitcoin, akin to pirates, is disrupting the modern-day financial system.

JP’s Book: The Pirate Organization: Lessons from the Fringes of Capitalism

X: @PirateOrg

This podcast episode was produced by Quill