Blockcast

Host Takatoshi Shibayama (ex-Copper, now Ledger APAC Head) chats with Samar Sen (APAC Head at Talos) about Talos's institutional-grade crypto trading infrastructure.
Sen details his transition from traditional finance (Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank) to Talos and explains how the firm provides SaaS solutions connecting clients to diverse liquidity sources with tools for execution, risk management, and connectivity, catering to buy-side and sell-side.

Samar discussed key characteristics of the APAC financial market, particularly its openness to fintech, digital payments, and crypto adoption, and shared his view on the evolving crypto regulatory landscape, with hopes for clearer guidelines in 2025, and the role of tokenization as a transformative force.

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Neither Talos Global, Inc. nor any of its affiliates is an investment advisor or broker/dealer. This does not constitute an offer to buy or sell, or a promotion or recommendation of, any digital asset, security, derivative, commodity, financial instrument or product or trading strategy. This is not intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such.

More at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news.

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.

Reach us at [email protected].

This week, host Takatoshi Shibayama speaks to Kain Warwick, founder of Infinex, and a renowned figure in the DeFi space, known for his work on the Synthetix protocol. Warwick argues that the current crypto landscape, dominated by centralized exchanges, is unsustainable and hinders innovation. He outlines Infinex's vision to create a decentralized platform that rivals the convenience and accessibility of centralized exchanges while offering superior functionality and empowering users with true self-custody. 

Learn how Infinex plans to achieve this ambitious goal by abstracting away the complexities of DeFi, integrating with cutting-edge technologies like Near Protocol, and prioritizing user experience through intuitive interfaces and curated recommendations.

Follow Kain and Infinex on Twitter/X at @kaiynne and @infinex_app.

More at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news.

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.

Reach us at [email protected].

Currently serving as the CEO of Future DAO and Etheleo Decisions, Mathew Markman is currently pursuing a PhD in Future Studies. Blending Web3 with cutting-edge decision-making tools to empower communities and transform financial and governance systems, Markman has made significant strides in the Web3 space.

As the survivor of a crypto rugpull, Markman tells Blockhead how his vulnerabilities were exploited but more importantly, how he overcame the attack through the strength of the community.

Markman talks about how crypto's allure often lies in its philosophical and technological innovations, such as decentralized governance and digital property but the financial incentive remains a key driver for broader adoption. With memecoins driving Solana forward, Markman sheds light on what memecoin community takers over all about and how trust can be restored in the industry.

Markman also discusses how Future Protocol is strengthening communities and developing user acquisition long into the future. He explains how Future aims to enhance DAO governance, helping communities engage more effectively in decision-making processes. Additionally, he reveals how its success lies in improving participation, achieving consistent quorums, and enabling better decision-making for partner organizations.

More at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news.

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.

Reach us at [email protected].

In this episode, Takatoshi Shibayama sits down with Jason Choi, general partner at crypto prop shop Tangent, for a candid exploration of crypto markets. Choi discusses meme coin supercycles, navigating macroeconomic headwinds, and the evolution of project evaluation from speculative hype to real-world traction. They then take a peek into Tangent’s thesis-driven strategies spanning liquid trading, event-driven opportunities, and venture investments.

Jason also shares insights from his journey, including his venture capital roots, trading strategies, and the importance of staying multidisciplinary in the blockchain space. Whether you're a retail investor chasing meme coins or a veteran seeking durable value, this episode has something for everyone.

Discover more insights from Jason via his Twitter @mrjasonchoi and his podcast, Blockcrunch.

More at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news.

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.

Reach us at [email protected].

Having established the first cryptocurrency exchange to be licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Lasanka Perera is a veteran of the local crypto scene. With over a decade of experience growing Independent Reserere, the Aussie-born crypto industry leader reflects on his journey of volatility, difficulties, uncertaintly, and ultimately, success.

Perera, who's also an avid golf fan, discusses how and why Independent Reserve sponsored accomplished Singaporean golfer Shannon Tan, and how the exchange is helping young people invest in crypto. Additionally, as a seasoned crypto investor who's seen countless bull and bear markets, Perera shares his immediate reactions to the market's recent pump post-US election.

More at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news.

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.

Reach us at [email protected].

Having been exposed to China's GPU cloud sector, Mark Rydon decided to take on the challenges with centralized GPU clouds, such as Google's Stadia, which struggled to provide low-latency gaming services economically. 

Applying a decentralised structure, Aethir allows more accessible cloud services closer to users, which reduces latency and benefits high-demand applications like gaming and AI. Its approach optimizes for latency and scalability, making decentralized GPU clouds more viable and responsive to global demand.

Speaking to Blockhead on this Blockcast episode, Rydon reflects on his journey and explains how Aether uses a token system to take on giants like AWS and Google Cloud that create inflated prices and long-term contracts that can be financially strenuous for startups.

Rydon also discusses how the challenges in scaling a system that subsidizes and incentivizes network participation beyond traditional models to provide economic benefits to its users.

More at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news.

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.

Reach us at [email protected].

After gaining tech and product skills at Google in Tokyo, Arisa Toyosaki co-founded Sega, a DeFi protocol focused on structured investment products in 2021.
Rather than creating a full-fledged options exchange, Sega targets retail investors with structured products that are less risky and user-friendly. In this Blockcast episode, Toyosaki explains how Sega offers exotic options that cover market fluctuations up to 90% and educates users through detailed documentation and various media

Arisa also discusses how retail and institutional trading has evolved, with more retail interest in meme coins and perpetuals, institutional adoption, and developments in Japan’s crypto landscape.

The Japanese native also reflects on how the upcoming US election will impact the local crypto scene more than Japan's election and how "Mrs. Watanabe" retail traders can transition into crypto trading if they receive support through education and improved tax policies.

More at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news.

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.

Reach us at [email protected].

This week Augustine Fan, founding partner of SOFA.org, joins us on Blockcast. SOFA is a decentralized, non-profit, and open-source DAO dedicated to developing a trustless, DeFi ecosystem capable of atomically settling financial assets on the blockchain. Fan chats with host Takatoshi Shibayama focuses on role of structured products in crypto, they types available to investors, how they work, and how investors can use them to capitalize on volatility.

The ex-Goldman Sachs trader and macro analyst also discusses his journey to crypto after a decade on Wall Street, his views on the macro environment and how it will affect the crypto market, and why "creative destruction" is necessary in the industry today.

More at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news.

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.

Reach us at [email protected].

What does it take to organise the best crypto event? Whether it's annual industry staples like Token 2049 or a one-off crypto rave side event, Web3 is never short of events. But with so many to keep track of and so many moving parts in logistics, how are event planners coping in Web3?
From guest registration to NFT ticketing, Moongate helps Web3 companies manage their event, ensuring that the process is seamless for both the organiser and the attendee. Peter Hui, who founded Moongate, tells Blockhead why he feels blockchain technology should be paired with event organisation and how Web3 events are evolving.
With Luma dominating the market in the Web3 event ticketing space, Hui explains how Moongate caters for larger Web3 events and how the event space is shaping up in the industry. Hui also covers the challenges event organisers face and where Moongate fits in.

More at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news.

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.

Reach us at [email protected].

On this week’s Blockcast, we speak with Luca Prosperi, co-founder and CEO at M^0 Labs, whose man-bun and genial personality belies battle scars from almost 2 decades of traditional banking, helping to build MakerDAO and, a health scare. Luca dissects the concept of money creation and some of the foundations behind M^0’s quest to build infrastructure for a crypto dollar.
Privately issued stablecoins are the OG of tokenised assets and have largely been a game-changer for crypto markets. The success of stablecoin issuers like Tether and Circle boil down to the inherent utility of stablecoins, which provide a fast, affordable and borderless way of transferring value. While this process of using crypto rails for money transfer is an exponential leap in efficiency and speed, it still fundamentally relies on legacy money infrastructure to function. 
Join us as we dive into how M^0 is gearing up to be an infrastructure layer that goes beyond wrapping real-world bank deposits or assets as a cryptographic token.
Watch out, stablecoins - monetary stack reinvention incoming.

*Episode is filmed during Token2049 week.

More at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news.

🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money.

Reach us at [email protected].