Gm! This week we're back with another weekly roundup. We discuss the state of the market, what to own this cycle, has BTC dominance topped, why you need to pay attention to crypto M&A in 2025 & much more. Enjoy!

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Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross.

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SKALE is the next evolution in Layer 1 blockchains with a gas-free invisible user experience, instant finality, high speed, and robust security. SKALE is built different as it allows for limitless scalability and has already saved its 50 Million users over $11 Billion in gas fees.

SKALE is high-performance and cost-effective, making it ideal for compute-intensive applications like AI, gaming, and consumer-facing dApps. Learn more at https://skale.space and stay up to date with the gas-free invisible blockchain on X at @skalenetwork

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Marinade Labs develops staking technologies that strengthen Solana.

In 2021, our protocol was the first to bring liquid staking to the network; today, our sophisticated, high-performance staking delegation platform brings billions in liquidity and security to the SOL market. We have solutions for both DeFi and TradFi, including liquid and native staking, as well as direct enterprise integrations.

Our best-in-market features include user downside protection (through protected staking rewards) and optimized delegation (via our automated auction marketplace). Cryptoasset investors worldwide, from individual traders to global institutions, use Marinade to earn rewards on their SOL treasuries and holdings. We are headquartered in New York, with offices in the European Union, including Prague. To learn more about Marinade, visit marinade.finance.

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Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors Empire podcast. Celebrating 10 years of protecting over 20% of the world’s crypto, Ledger ensures the security of your assets. For the best self-custody solution in the space, buy a LEDGER™ device and secure your crypto today.

Buy now at www.Ledger.com

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Get up to speed on the biggest stories in crypto each week. In five minutes.

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(03:08) Ethereum: The Asset vs Network

(07:44) State Of The Market

(14:58) Ads (Skale, Marinade)

(16:31) What To Own This Cycle

(21:28) Has BTC Dominance Topped?

(24:02) Anchorage Digital Acquires Mountain Protocol

(27:05) Pay Attention To Crypto M&A In 2025

(34:03) Ads (Skale, Marinade)

(35:35) How Should Companies Allocate Capital In Crypto?

(48:56) Ads (Ledger, Bitwise)

(50:29) eToro IPOs & Coinbase Joins The S&P 500

(57:25) Talent Is Leaving TradFi For Crypto

(58:57) Gaming Isn't Dead

(01:01:11) 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.