Beyond the Code

Beyond the Code

By Yitzy HammerTechnology
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Beyond the Code episodes

  • Inside the Crypto Courtroom with Jason Gottlieb

    Summary - In this episode of "Beyond the Code," Yitzy hosts Jason Gottlieb, partner and head of the digital assets department at Morrison Cohen, for an insightful discussion on the complexities and challenges of crypto regulation and litigation. They delve into Jason's unique journey from tech enthusiast to legal expert, the intricacies of the Howey Test, the impact of FTX's collapse, and the dynamic nature of crypto law. Jason shares his experiences and perspectives on advising clients, navigating regulatory gray areas, and the role of the courts in shaping the future of digital assets.

    Episode Highlights:

    • Introduction and Background (00:01:198): Yitzy welcomes Jason Gottlieb and they discuss Jason's impressive collection of swag from clients, including hats and water bottles.
    • Jason's Journey (02:17:838): Jason shares his deep roots in technology, his transition from tech nerd to securities lawyer, and his rise to head of the digital assets department at Morrison Cohen.
    • Crypto and the Law (06:21:804): Jason discusses the evolution of crypto regulation, the SEC's approach, and the complexities of applying the Howey Test to digital assets.
    • Regulatory Challenges (11:10:766): The conversation explores the inconsistency in SEC guidelines, the impact on U.S. consumers, and the international implications of crypto regulation.
    • Advising Clients (19:04:174): Jason explains his practice areas, the importance of pre-enforcement advisory work, and the gray areas in crypto regulation.
    • War Stories and Personal Insights (48:57:870): Jason shares a memorable experience during the collapse of FTX and his passion for music, revealing a different side of his personality.
    • Closing Remarks (56:32:076): Yitzy and Jason wrap up the episode with reflections on the future of crypto law and the importance of clarity and consistency in regulation.

      • Additional Resources:

      • Jason Gottlieb's Twitter:
      • Morrison Cohen's Crypto Litigation Tracker: https://www.morrisoncohen.com/insights/the-morrison-cohen-cryptocurrency-litigation-tracker
      • SoundCloud: Check out Jason's music on SoundCloud for a unique glimpse into his creative side.

        • Contact Information:

        • Jason Gottlieb: [email protected] and @Ohioha⁠ on Twitter/X.
        • Beyond the Code Podcast: Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and future episodes.

          • Guest Bio:

          Jason Gottlieb is a partner at Morrison Cohen, where he leads the digital assets department and the white-collar and regulatory enforcement group. With a background in technology and extensive experience in securities law, Jason is a leading expert in crypto regulation and litigation. He is passionate about protecting clients in the digital assets space and navigating the complex regulatory landscape.

          59 min
        • Unlocking Real World Assets: A Deep Dive with Alex Davis of Mavryk

          In this episode of Beyond the Code, host Yitzy Hammer engages in an enlightening conversation with Alex Davis, founder of Mavryk Dynamics, about the fascinating world of Real World Assets (RWAs) and their tokenization. This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of how blockchain technology is revolutionizing asset ownership and investment.

          Key Topics Discussed:

          • Introduction and Pleasantries:

            • Yitzy and Alex share a casual start, discussing the awkwardness of recording without a waiting room.
            • A brief recap of the Consensus conference and Alex's experience there.

            • Journey of Alex Davis:

              • Alex's background, from his early days at Tezos to founding Mavryk.
              • The evolution of his career and the founding story of Mavryk.

              • Understanding RWAs:

                • Definition and significance of Real World Assets.
                • Challenges faced by RWAs, including market immaturity and regulatory complexities.

                • Innovations by Maverick Network:

                  • Mavryk's approach to tokenizing assets and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
                  • Introduction of RWA token standards and the development of various decentralized exchanges (DEXs).
                  • The role of the Mavryk wallet in enabling secure, KYC-compliant transactions.

                  • Practical Application and Future Vision:

                    • Detailed walkthrough of the tokenization process using a hypothetical example of a Cayman company owning a hotel in New York City.
                    • Mavryk's approach to building an ecosystem that supports secondary markets and lending for RWAs.
                    • The vision for creating a digital Commonwealth where users can manage diversified portfolios and earn revenue from tokenized assets.

                    • Economic Insights and Financial Advice:

                      • Discussion on the broader economic implications of tokenization and the impact of fiscal policies.
                      • Alex's insights on wealth preservation and the importance of investing in assets over holding cash.

                        • Special Highlights:

                        • Alex's unique perspective on the future of blockchain and its potential to democratize investment opportunities.
                        • Mavryk Network's commitment to transparency and building a robust, interoperable ecosystem for RWAs.
                        • An exciting sneak peek into the upcoming features of Mavryk Network and Maven Finance on Testnet.

                          • How to Connect:

                          • Follow Mavryk Network on Twitter: @MavrykNetwork
                          • Explore Mavryk Dynamics and Maven Finance.
                          • Engage with the team and stay updated on their latest developments.

                            • Join Yitzy and Alex as they uncover the transformative potential of RWAs and provide valuable insights into the future of blockchain technology. Don't miss this informative and inspiring episode!

                            53 min
                          • Arye Schreiber: Revolutionizing Data Privacy Ops with Armadillex (AI)

                            Arye Schreiber, an Anglo-Israeli privacy lawyer and the founder of Armadillex, discusses the challenges faced by data privacy professionals and how his platform aims to address them.

                            Armadillex is an AI-powered platform that helps organizations manage their data privacy relationships and provides business insights based on data processing agreements (DPAs).

                            The platform allows users to upload DPAs and automatically generates a breakdown of the relationships, notifications, and customizable templates. It also offers features like one-click records of processing activities (ROPA) and future plans to benchmark best practices.

                            Arye is also working on a guidance on privacy by design and continues to research new ideas in the field of privacy.

                            Arye is also a tremendous Torah scholar and wrote a phenomenal book on data privacy insights taken from the weekly bible portion, exemplifying just how ancient the concept of data privacy actually is. He cleverly coined the book 'חכמה בינה ודאטה' (hard to translate but hopefully there is an English version forthcoming).


                            00:00 - Introduction and Background

                            11:43 - The Need for AI-Powered Solutions in Data Privacy

                            24:04 - Features and Benefits of Armadillex

                            30:26 - Future Plans and Conclusion



                            37 min
                          • Prof. ⁠Ilan Alon⁠: Crypto's Impact on Globalization, Global Economics, and Governance

                            In this episode, Yitzy discussed the impact of cryptocurrencies on globalization, global economics, and governance with Prof. ⁠Ilan Alon⁠, dean of the School of Economics at the College of Management.

                            We also explored regulatory challenges and the role of the United States in the crypto industry.

                            The conversation delves into the concept of sovereign individuals and the economic freedom associated with cryptocurrencies and covers a wide range of topics including governance, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), Web3, Bitcoin, and the global economy.

                            We also delved into the importance of governance at the country, company, and DAO levels, as well as the impact of Web3 on marketing and data ownership, and explored the role of Bitcoin in investment portfolios and the resilience of economies in the face of global challenges (with Israel post-October 7th as a case study).

                            Sound Bites

                            • "Cryptocurrencies have a significant impact on globalization and global economics, leading to changes in the movement of people, money, and goods and services."
                            • "The United States plays a crucial role in the crypto industry, and its regulatory stance has a significant impact on the global market."
                            • "The concept of sovereign individuals, empowered by cryptocurrencies, represents a shift towards economic freedom and independence from traditional financial systems."
                            • "Bitcoin's concentration of capital benefits the richest individuals and entities, impacting its unique aspects and role in investment portfolios."

                              • Chapters

                              00:00 - The Impact of Cryptocurrencies on Globalization and Economics

                              09:20 - Regulatory Challenges and the Role of the United States in the Crypto Industry

                              16:27 - Sovereign Individuals and Economic Freedom Empowered by Cryptocurrencies

                              24:56 - The Significance of Governance in Economic Growth

                              25:10 - The Role of Governance in Sustainable Development

                              29:22 - Challenges and Opportunities in Web3 and Data Ownership

                              34:22 - Bitcoin's Impact on Investment Portfolios and the Global Economy

                              38:28 - Resilience and Adaptability in the Face of Global Challenges

                              Keywords: cryptocurrency, globalization, global economics, governance, regulatory challenges, sovereign individuals, economic freedom, governance, DAOs, Web3, Bitcoin, global economy, data ownership, marketing, investment, resilience.

                              48 min
                            • Shaping Policy and Fighting Crime: A Conversation with Ari Redbord of TRM Labs

                              In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy Hammer sits down with Ari Redbord, the Global Head of Policy at TRM Labs, to discuss the intersection of cryptocurrency and national security. Ari shares his journey from a federal prosecutor focusing on local crime and national security cases to his current role at TRM Labs. They delve into the complexities of regulating crypto, the role of blockchain in combating illicit finance, and the innovative work TRM Labs is doing to create a safer financial system. Ari also provides insights into the evolution of crypto regulation, the importance of a strong mission in building a company, and the exciting developments happening at Duke University's Digital Assets program. Whether you're a crypto enthusiast, a legal professional, or simply curious about the future of digital assets, this episode offers a wealth of information and inspiration.

                              Make sure to check out TRM Talks and follow our brand new Beyond the Code LinkedIn page.

                              Time Stamps:

                              • [00:00] - Introduction and background of Ari Redbord
                              • [01:22] - Ari’s journey in the federal justice system
                              • [02:51] - Early career and experiences as a federal prosecutor
                              • [03:54] - Transition to national security and money laundering cases
                              • [04:48] - Involvement with crypto in federal cases
                              • [06:20] - The impact of Facebook’s Libra on crypto regulation
                              • [08:05] - Learning resources during the early crypto days
                              • [10:46] - Using blockchain to trace illicit activities
                              • [12:23] - Overview of TRM Labs and its role in the crypto ecosystem
                              • [15:42] - Differentiating TRM Labs from other blockchain analysis tools
                              • [16:40] - Ari’s role and experiences at TRM Labs
                              • [19:14] - Providing data-driven insights to regulators and policymakers
                              • [21:08] - The mission-driven approach of TRM Labs
                              • [23:56] - Personal passion for crypto and blockchain technology
                              • [27:06] - The need to reduce friction in the crypto space
                              • [29:42] - Ari’s involvement with Duke University’s digital assets initiatives
                              • [32:09] - The potential of blockchain for certifications and degrees

                                • Tune in to hear about:

                                • Ari’s background and career path in the federal justice system
                                • The challenges and opportunities in regulating cryptocurrencies
                                • TRM Labs’ role in tracking illicit finance and supporting law enforcement
                                • The importance of values and mission in building a successful company
                                • Innovations and use cases in the blockchain space, including insights from Duke University’s Digital Assets program

                                  • Don't miss this insightful conversation that bridges the gap between technology, policy, and security in the rapidly evolving world of crypto.

                                  35 min
                                • AI Warfare with Tal Mimran: Navigating Ethics and Law in the IDF

                                  In this enlightening episode of "Beyond the Code," Yitzy hosts Tal Mimran, a professor of international law and a pioneer in the field of military legal advisory. Together, they delve into the complex world of artificial intelligence in military operations, focusing on the IDF's use of AI and its implications under international law. Join us as we explore the ethical, legal, and technological challenges of integrating AI on the battlefield.

                                  What You'll Learn:

                                  • How the IDF employs AI in its operations and the legal frameworks that govern such use.
                                  • The ethical implications of AI in warfare, including the necessity of human oversight.
                                  • The international legal challenges and the potential for new regulations addressing AI in military contexts.
                                  • The concept of digital human rights and its relevance in today's technologically driven world.

                                    • Episode Highlights:

                                    • [00:56] Tal's background and his deep connection to international law and its practical applications.
                                    • [02:23] Introduction to Tal's recent paper on the IDF's use of AI.
                                    • [04:41] Discussion on digital human rights and their implications in cyberspace.
                                    • [06:13] Insights from the RIM 2023 summit and the unexpected announcement of the IDF's use of AI in warfare.
                                    • [11:05] Detailed exploration of how the IDF uses AI across different spheres of military operation.
                                    • [19:15] The importance of maintaining a "human in the loop" in AI decision-making processes.
                                    • [28:56] Feedback from the IDF and international responses to Tal's research.
                                    • [34:28] The role of legal advisors in military operations and the novel approach taken by the IDF.
                                    • [39:56] Closing remarks and how listeners can engage with Tal's work.

                                      • Connect with Tal Mimran:

                                      • Visit Tal at his university office for a discussion on international law and AI.

                                        • Thank You for Listening!

                                        Don't forget to subscribe to "Beyond the Code" on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on our brand new LinkedIn page for the latest updates and discussions on tech, law, and ethics.

                                        42 min
                                      • Justin Wales: The Crypto Legal Handbook and Being A Nice Guy

                                        Justin Wales is Head of Legal For The Americas at Crypto.com.

                                        He is also something of an OG in the crypto legal world and recently published his first and greatest work yet: "The Crypto Legal Handbook" - an excellent guide for anyone curious about the intricate world of crypto regulations in the US. Wheather your a nube or an OG, this book has something for everyone.

                                        In this episode, we talked about Justin's journey into crypto and what made him decide to write this book and who he wrote it for.

                                        He also shares the secret of his success... [drumroll]...just being a nice guy. You'd be surprised how far you might go by just being kind to people.

                                        You can buy the paperback or the PDF, here: https://thecryptolegalhandbook.com/

                                        Or here: https://www.amazon.com/Crypto-Legal-Handbook-Guide-Decentralized/dp/B0D221XT83

                                        Make sure to follow Justin on LinkedIn for more crypto legal alpha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinwales/

                                        Enjoy!

                                        32 min
                                      • Alon Goren: Blockchain OG Investor and Entrepreneur (AKA Punk Apestrong)

                                        Alon is a legit crypto OG investor - having made over 30 crypto-centric investments through multiple funds.

                                        He is also an ape...his Bored Ape Yacht Club alter-ego (BAYC #5011) is called Punk Apestrong and is a perfect example of the IP creativity spawned by NFTs and the BAYC in particular. Love to see it!

                                        Make sure to follow him on X, LinkedIn and check out his latest fund - dgb.

                                        1 hr 31 min
                                      • Why Panama? With Crypto Lawyer Teresa Carballo

                                        Teresa is a Panamanian lawyer and co-founder of the Panamanian law practice, Pacífica Legal.

                                        She is also a mother of 2 and an avid horse rider 🐎.

                                        In this episode, Teresa and I discussed her journey into crypto law and why Panama has become a popular jurisdiction for companies with crypto products.

                                        Our episode airs shortly after Panama was officially removed from the European Union's list of high-risk jurisdictions in relation to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing efforts. 

                                        If your interested in learning more about whether Panama is the right jurisdiction for you to set up your company and what the implications may be, feel free to reach out to me, at [email protected], or to Teresa, at [email protected].

                                        You can also follow Teresa on Twitter/X, or visit her website.

                                        26 min
                                      • Freeman Lewin: A Lawyer, a Scholar and an Entrepreneur.

                                        Freeman Lewin is a New York-based [ex]-attorney and entrepreneur, with a specialization in blockchain and crypto-assets.

                                        He has founded (in the past 12-months alone) several technology start-ups and is passionate about building tools to solve big complex problems. He is the best kind of entrepreneur in the sense that he is building to find a solution to a problem he actually faced - you'll find out about the solution (which he calls Émet Insights), and more, in this episode.

                                        In addition, Freeman is responsible for some of the most valuable academic contributions to the blockchain legal sphere. First, "Smart Contracts" & Legal Enforceability, which he co-authored while studying law at Cardoza, and more recently, 'The Ineluctable Modality of Securities Law: Why Fungible Crypto Assets Are not Securities', which he co-authored with his colleagues at DLX law.
                                        Follow Freeman on X/Twitter, LinkedIn, or read more about him on his personal website.


                                        24 min

                                      About Beyond the Code

                                      From the publisher's feed

                                      Welcome to Beyond the Code, the podcast where we dive into the legal, regulatory, and ethical issues surrounding emerging technologies. Each week, we bring you in-depth conversations with industry…