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Olá pessoal!

Today’s episode is with David Lawant and Josh Barkhordar, Head of Research and Head of Sales, respectively, at FalconX - one of crypto’s premier institutional prime brokerage firms.

FalconX's recently launched services in Brazil via partnerships with BTG Pactual and Mercado Bitcoin, and it plans on being a relevant player in the market moving ahead.

The prime broker now offers its comprehensive suite of services including spot trading, derivatives, custody, FX trading, and credit facilities to Brazilian institutions.

What makes Brazil particularly attractive isn't just its massive retail crypto market, but its surprisingly advanced institutional infrastructure. As David noted, Brazilian banks like BTG have been engaged with crypto for years, offering their own exchange and custody services - a level of institutional penetration that in some ways exceeds what we see in traditional U.S. financial institutions.

We expand the conversation to cover crypto trends in 2025, principally the explosion of Digital Asset Treasury Companies (DATCOs). Unlike the previous cycle's limited and over-used GBTC trade, these new vehicles offer enhanced exposure through sophisticated strategies including covered call-writing, bitcoin-backed lending, and leveraged acquisition programs. David and Josh explain how regulatory uncertainty diminishing under the current administration has opened the floodgates for hundreds of these companies to emerge.

Perhaps most significantly, the Trump administration's crypto-friendly policies are creating unprecedented opportunities in the US and abroad. The recent decision to allow crypto assets in 401(k) plans, for example could unlock access to a US$9 trillion market, representing a paradigm shift comparable to the spot ETF launches.

Brazil Crypto Report is a media partner of Stablecoin Conference 2025, hosted by Bitso Business on August 27-28 in Mexico City

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

* Brazil's institutional crypto market is more sophisticated than many realize, with major banks offering comprehensive crypto services

* Stablecoin adoption has reached "escape velocity" in Latin America, driven by real economic needs for cross-border payments and inflation hedging

* Digital Asset Treasury Companies represent a structural shift that offer enhanced returns through sophisticated financial strategies

* The 401(k) crypto ruling could be transformational, potentially channeling steady institutional flows from a US$9 trillion market

* Regulatory clarity is accelerating institutional adoption, with traditional financial institutions now comfortable entering the space

* Bitcoin-backed lending is emerging as a key service for companies wanting liquidity without triggering taxable events

I enjoyed this conversation with David and Josh and I hope you do as well. You can connect with both of them on Linkedin.

-AWS

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