We're back with our first weekly roundup of 2026! This week we discuss Lighter token launch, Walmart's crypto strategy with OnePay, Erebor's $350m raise, what to expect in 2026 & more. Enjoy!

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Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM

Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod

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"Mantle Global Hackathon 2025 is live! Running from Oct 22 to Dec 31, Mantle invites builders to design the future of Real-World Assets (RWAs) on its modular L2 stack.

Key Highlights:

- $150,000 Prize Pool + Grants & Incubation opportunities

- Access to Bybit's 7M+ verified users

- Judges from Bybit Ventures, Spartan, Animoca Brands

- 6 Tracks: RWA/RealFi, DeFi, AI, ZK, Infra, GameFi

Join the Hackathon: https://www.hackquest.io/vi/hackathons/Mantle-Global-Hackathon-2025"

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GEODNET is the world’s largest RTK network, delivering real-time, centimeter-level precision for drones, robots, farmers, and first responders. Recognized by the U.S. Congress, this blockchain-powered network supports mission-critical applications across a wide range of industries.

Discover how GEODNET is changing the world: [https://geodnet.com]

--

Uniswap’s Trading API offers plug-and-play access to deep onchain and off-chain liquidity, delivering enterprise-grade crypto trading without the complexity - from one of the most trusted teams in DeFi.

Click to get started with seamless, scalable access to Uniswap’s powerful onchain trading infrastructure. https://hub.uniswap.org/?utm_source=blockworks&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ww_web_bw_awa_trading-api_20251117_podcast_clicks

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(06:16) Lighter's Token Launch

(13:36) Walmart's Crypto Strategy with OnePay

(19:09) Erebor Raises $350m At a $4b Valuation

(23:22) Ads (Mantle, Geodnet, Uniswap)

(26:05) The Clarity Act

(36:44) What To Expect In 2026

(43:57) Content of The Week

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Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

This week, the Hivemind team breaks down the current state of the markets and asks whether the start of 2026 will be bullish. We then dive into the ongoing token vs equity debate in crypto and explore the best way to structure ICOs. Enjoy!

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Follow Ceteris: ⁠https://x.com/ceterispar1bus⁠

Follow Jason: ⁠https://x.com/3xliquidated⁠

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Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/4jYEkBx⁠

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Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: ⁠https://blockworks.co/newsletter/⁠

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(00:00) Introduction

(01:53) Will Q1 Be Bullish For Crypto?

(18:56) Crypto’s Token vs Equity Problem

(26:43) The MetaDAO Model

(39:48) What Defines Success For ICOs?

(01:01:31) Solana’s Block Building Dilemma

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Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, the Hivemind team, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

In this episode, we’re joined by Acting Chairman Pham to discuss the CFTC’s “back to basics” regulatory approach, cooperation with the SEC, and the CFTC’s 12-month Crypto Sprint initiative. We dive into tokenized collateral, stablecoin regulation, global market harmonization, and strategies to make the U.S. the crypto capital of the world.

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Quadrillions brings together the voices defining the next era of finance. From institutional rails to stablecoins and privacy, the series dives into how traditional markets, crypto innovation, and regulatory frameworks are converging to bring the full force of capital markets onchain.

Join hosts Jason Yanowitz, Yuval Rooz, and Eric Saraniecki for deep dives with special guests Shaul Kfir, Don Wilson, Mike Belshe, Justin Peterson, Acting Chairman Caroline Pham, Eli Ben-Sasson, and more.

Produced by Blockworks and Canton Network. For more information, check out https://quadrillionspod.com/

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Follow Canton: https://x.com/CantonNetwork

Follow Acting Chairman Pham: https://x.com/CFTCpham

Follow Yuval: https://x.com/YuvalRooz

Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod

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Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:02) Getting Back to the Basics

(7:37) CFTC vs SEC Responsibilities

(12:06) The CFTC's Crypto Sprint

(20:49) Tokenized Collateral

(24:53) The Crypto Capital of the World

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Disclaimer: “Quadrillions” is a mini-series produced by Blockworks, and is sponsored by Canton Network. Nothing on this show is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. It’s for informational purposes only, and the views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice or necessarily the views of Blockworks.

Our hosts, guests, and the Blockworks team may hold positions in companies, funds, or projects discussed, including those related to Canton Network.

Welcome to our final weekly roundup of the year! In this episode we reflect on our 2025 predictions before deep diving into our 2026 predictions. We discuss what to expect for stablecoins, prediction markets, the equity vs token debate & more. Enjoy!

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Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM

Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel

Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod

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Rob's 2025 predictions: https://x.com/HadickM/status/1876642292716482868

Santi's 2025 predictions: https://x.com/santiagoroel/status/1883931926047945064

Jason's 2025 predictions: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz/status/1876701413935325275

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This Empire episode is brought to you by VanEck.

Learn more about the VanEck Onchain Economy ETF (NODE): http://vaneck.com/EmpireNODE

An investment in the Fund involves a substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. It is possible to lose your entire principal investment. The Fund may invest nearly all of its net assets in either Digital Transformation Companies and/or Digital Asset Instruments. The Fund does not invest in digital assets or commodities directly.

Digital asset instruments may be subject to risks associated with investing in digital asset exchange-traded products (“ETPs”), which include the historical extreme volatility of the digital asset and cryptocurrency market, as well as less regulation and thus fewer investor protections, as these ETPs are not investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”) or commodity pools for the purposes of

the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”).

Investing involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of principal. Visit vaneck.com to read and consider the prospectus, containing the investment objective, risks, and fees of the fund, carefully before investing.

© Van Eck Securities Corporation, Distributor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation.

--

Uniswap’s Trading API offers plug-and-play access to deep onchain and off-chain liquidity, delivering enterprise-grade crypto trading without the complexity - from one of the most trusted teams in DeFi.

Click to get started with seamless, scalable access to Uniswap’s powerful onchain trading infrastructure. https://hub.uniswap.org/?utm_source=blockworks&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ww_web_bw_awa_trading-api_20251117_podcast_clicks

--

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:34) Rob’s 2025 Predictions

(10:15) Santi’s 2025 Predictions

(26:29) Jason’s 2025 Predictions

(29:31) Ads (VanEck, Uniswap)

(31:13) 2026 Predictions: Will ETH Be Higher or Lower?

(32:35) Stablecoins In 2026

(41:38) Return of The DeFi Mullet

(51:30) Markets In 2026

(57:09) Privacy & Onchain Identity

(01:01:38) Prediction Markets Will 10x

(01:08:14) U.S Exchange Competition

(01:17:02) Equity & Tokens Will Merge

(01:19:45) Regulation in 2026

(01:21:43) Final Predictions

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Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

This week, Jill Gunter from Espresso joins the show to discuss the state of crypto today. We deep dive into how has crypto evolved, why privacy matters, predictions for 2026, will Espresso launch a token & more. Enjoy!

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Follow Jill: https://x.com/jillgun

Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod

Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh

--

This Empire episode is brought to you by VanEck.

Learn more about the VanEck Onchain Economy ETF (NODE): http://vaneck.com/EmpireNODE

An investment in the Fund involves a substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. It is possible to lose your entire principal investment. The Fund may invest nearly all of its net assets in either Digital Transformation Companies and/or Digital Asset Instruments. The Fund does not invest in digital assets or commodities directly.

Digital asset instruments may be subject to risks associated with investing in digital asset exchange-traded products (“ETPs”), which include the historical extreme volatility of the digital asset and cryptocurrency market, as well as less regulation and thus fewer investor protections, as these ETPs are not investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”) or commodity pools for the purposes of

the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”).

Investing involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of principal. Visit vaneck.com to read and consider the prospectus, containing the investment objective, risks, and fees of the fund, carefully before investing.

© Van Eck Securities Corporation, Distributor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation.

--

GEODNET is the world’s largest RTK network, delivering real-time, centimeter-level precision for drones, robots, farmers, and first responders. Recognized by the U.S. Congress, this blockchain-powered network supports mission-critical applications across a wide range of industries.

Discover how GEODNET is changing the world: [https://geodnet.com]

--

Uniswap’s Trading API offers plug-and-play access to deep onchain and off-chain liquidity, delivering enterprise-grade crypto trading without the complexity - from one of the most trusted teams in DeFi.

Click to get started with seamless, scalable access to Uniswap’s powerful onchain trading infrastructure. https://hub.uniswap.org/?utm_source=blockworks&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ww_web_bw_awa_trading-api_20251117_podcast_clicks

--

Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction

(02:44) The State of Crypto Today

(10:21) How Has Crypto Evolved?

(19:18) Ads (VanEck, Geodnet, Uniswap)

(21:40) Why Privacy Matters

(35:55) Who Wins In Crypto Infra?

(45:56) Crypto's Identity Crisis

(52:52) Predictions For 2026

(55:49) When Will Espresso Launch A Token?

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Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

This week, we discuss whether 2025 marks crypto’s dot-com moment. We deep dive into how to allocate capital as crypto and fintech continue to merge, crypto’s token-vs-equity dilemma, Coinbase’s recent product releases, who wins the stablecoin race and more. Enjoy!

--

Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM

Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel

Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod

--

This Empire episode is brought to you by VanEck.

Learn more about the VanEck Onchain Economy ETF (NODE): http://vaneck.com/EmpireNODE

An investment in the Fund involves a substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. It is possible to lose your entire principal investment. The Fund may invest nearly all of its net assets in either Digital Transformation Companies and/or Digital Asset Instruments. The Fund does not invest in digital assets or commodities directly.

Digital asset instruments may be subject to risks associated with investing in digital asset exchange-traded products (“ETPs”), which include the historical extreme volatility of the digital asset and cryptocurrency market, as well as less regulation and thus fewer investor protections, as these ETPs are not investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”) or commodity pools for the purposes of

the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”).

Investing involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of principal. Visit vaneck.com to read and consider the prospectus, containing the investment objective, risks, and fees of the fund, carefully before investing.

© Van Eck Securities Corporation, Distributor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation.

--

Uniswap’s Trading API offers plug-and-play access to deep onchain and off-chain liquidity, delivering enterprise-grade crypto trading without the complexity - from one of the most trusted teams in DeFi.

Click to get started with seamless, scalable access to Uniswap’s powerful onchain trading infrastructure. https://hub.uniswap.org/?utm_source=blockworks&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ww_web_bw_awa_trading-api_20251117_podcast_clicks

--

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(04:06) Is 2025 Crypto’s Dot Com Moment?

(13:12) Crypto’s Token vs Equity Dilemma

(28:30) Ads (VanEck, Uniswap)

(30:12) Coinbase’s Product Releases

(35:25) Who Wins The Stablecoin Race?

(46:58) Vaults

(56:50) Content of The Week

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Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

This week, Dougie DeLuca joins the Hivemind team to discuss his recent piece "Crypto Is Dead". We deep dive into the shift that is happening within crypto as we head into 2026, why is sentiment so bad, where to allocate in 2026, where crypto has found PMF and more. Enjoy!

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Follow Dougie: https://x.com/DougieDeLuca

Follow Jose: https://x.com/ZeMariaMacedo

Follow Jason: ⁠https://x.com/3xliquidated⁠

Follow Yan: https://x.com/YanLiberman

Follow Empire: ⁠https://x.com/theempirepod⁠

Subscribe on YouTube: ⁠https://bit.ly/4jYEkBx⁠

Subscribe on Apple: ⁠https://bit.ly/3ECSmJ3⁠

Subscribe on Spotify: ⁠https://bit.ly/4hzy9lH⁠

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Crypto Is Dead: https://x.com/DougieDeLuca/status/2000957512862884100

--

Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: ⁠https://blockworks.co/newsletter/⁠

--

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(0:56) Is Crypto Dead?

(12:20) Why Is Sentiment So Bad?

(28:52) Crypto’s Path Forward

(34:21) Where To Allocate In 2026?

--

Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, the Hivemind team, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

This week, Noah from Theia & Smac from Compound discuss why crypto’s next chapter won’t be powered by hype alone. They explain how valuations, narratives, fund structures, and real cash-flow durability are reshaping the industry, and why investors must adapt to a world where fundamentals finally matter. Enjoy!

Timestamps:

This week, we discuss Polymarket data accuracy, VC involvement in portfolio companies, Paradigm’s Tempo testnet launch, reflections on burnout in crypto, and Farcaster’s pivot. Enjoy!

–

Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM

Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel

Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod

—-

Zcash is encrypted Bitcoin. Your digital bill of rights securing your freedom for the 21st century. Buy, store and spend ZEC privately using Zashi Wallet download today: https://electriccoin.co/zashi/

--

This Empire episode is brought to you by VanEck.

Learn more about the VanEck Onchain Economy ETF (NODE): http://vaneck.com/EmpireNODE

An investment in the Fund involves a substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. It is possible to lose your entire principal investment. The Fund may invest nearly all of its net assets in either Digital Transformation Companies and/or Digital Asset Instruments. The Fund does not invest in digital assets or commodities directly.

Digital asset instruments may be subject to risks associated with investing in digital asset exchange-traded products (“ETPs”), which include the historical extreme volatility of the digital asset and cryptocurrency market, as well as less regulation and thus fewer investor protections, as these ETPs are not investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”) or commodity pools for the purposes of

the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”).

Investing involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of principal. Visit vaneck.com to read and consider the prospectus, containing the investment objective, risks, and fees of the fund, carefully before investing.

© Van Eck Securities Corporation, Distributor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation.

--

Uniswap’s Trading API offers plug-and-play access to deep onchain and off-chain liquidity, delivering enterprise-grade crypto trading without the complexity - from one of the most trusted teams in DeFi.

Click to get started with seamless, scalable access to Uniswap’s powerful onchain trading infrastructure. https://hub.uniswap.org/?utm_source=blockworks&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=ww_web_bw_awa_trading-api_20251117_podcast_clicks

–

Timestamps:

(00:00) intro

(06:00) Polymarket Data

(09:12)  How Involved Should VCs Be?

(14:48) Ads (Zcash)

(15:25)  Tempo Testnet Goes Live

(28:48) Ads (Zcash)

(29:25)  Burnout Across Crypto

(49:05) Ads (VanEck, Uniswap)

(50:47)  Farcaster Pivots

(01:01:27) Content of the Week

—

Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

This week, CIO of Bitwise Matt Hougan joins the show to discuss fading the power of the four-year cycle, the accelerating wave of institutional adoption, and whether Strategy selling its Bitcoin is a real risk. Matt also weighs in on the Santi-Haseeb L1 debate, balancing token value with investment, and what he thinks drives the next phase of growth. Enjoy!

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Follow Matt: https://x.com/Matt_Hougan 

CIO Memo: https://bit.ly/4pK4gmC 

Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz 

Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel 

Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod 

—

Zcash is encrypted Bitcoin. Your digital bill of rights securing your freedom for the 21st century. Buy, store and spend ZEC privately using Zashi Wallet download today: https://electriccoin.co/zashi/

—

Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users.
Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates https://app.katana.network/krates
—
This Empire episode is brought to you by VanEck.
Learn more about the VanEck Onchain Economy ETF (NODE): http://vaneck.com/EmpireNODE
An investment in the Fund involves substantial risk and is not suitable for all investors. You may lose your entire principal investment. The Fund may invest nearly all of its net assets in Digital Transformation Companies and/or Digital Asset Instruments but does not invest in digital assets or commodities directly.
Digital Asset Instruments may involve risks tied to investing in digital asset exchange-traded products (“ETPs”), including the historically extreme volatility of digital asset and cryptocurrency markets and reduced regulation and investor protections, as these ETPs are not registered investment companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”) or commodity pools under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”).
Investing involves substantial risk and high volatility, including possible loss of principal. Visit vaneck.com to review the prospectus, including the Fund’s investment objective, risks, and fees, before investing.
© Van Eck Securities Corporation, Distributor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation.
—
GEODNET is the world’s largest RTK network, delivering real-time, centimeter-level precision for drones, robots, farmers, and first responders. Recognized by the U.S. Congress, this blockchain-powered network supports mission-critical applications across a wide range of industries.
Discover how GEODNET is changing the world: [https://geodnet.com]
—
Uniswap’s Trading API offers plug-and-play access to deep onchain and off-chain liquidity, delivering enterprise-grade crypto trading without the complexity - from one of the most trusted teams in DeFi.
Click to get started with seamless, scalable access to Uniswap’s powerful onchain trading infrastructure.
https://bit.ly/4pt0Fd0

—

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

03:28 2026 vs The Four Year Cycle

05:06 Bitcoin Covered Call Strategy

07:44 The Case Against The 4-Year Cycle

11:14 Ads (Zcash, Katana)

12:31 Will Strategy Sell Its Bitcoin?

16:36 Inside The Institutional Mind

24:24 How Advisors Think About Crypto

27:40 The Best Stories In Crypto

30:23 Ads (Zcash, Katana)

31:39 Risk-First Investing

33:01 L1 Debate: Haseeb vs Santi

36:19 Balancing Token Value & Investment

40:16 Ads (VanEck, Uniswap)

41:58 Zcash & The Privacy Narrative

44:29 The Future Of ICOs

46:55 The Token-Equity Convergence

48:19 Final Thoughts

—

Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.