In this episode, Jill Gunter and Zon join us to dive into US President Elect Trump's potential US crypto strategic reserve and what it means for US-launched tokens. We then shift gears to examine USDT0's launch with LayerZero, exploring how it could transform cross-chain liquidity and challenge USDC's dominance. We also unpack the complex dynamics between Base and Ink L2s, questioning whether interoperability between major exchange L2s makes sense. We wrap up with a critical look at Echo's success and the revival of ICO mechanisms.

- -

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

Follow Zon: https://x.com/ItsAlwaysZonny

Follow Mike: https://x.com/MikeIppolito_

Follow Expansion: https://x.com/ExpansionPod_

Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExpansionPod

Subscribe on Apple: http://apple.co/4bGKYYM

Subscribe on Spotify: http://spoti.fi/3Vaubq1

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

--

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:08) US Crypto Strategic Reserve

(15:26) Tether's USDT Zero

(23:28) USDC vs USDT

(30:22) Ink vs Base Interop

(34:08) App Chains vs Gen Purpose

(38:42) Do Bitcoiners Want L2s?

(50:12) Solana's Market Share

(54:29) Coinbase USDC Loans on BTC

(59:58) Unwarranted Bankless Fire

(01:03:57) Crypto's Funding Mechanisms

- -

Disclaimer

Expansion was kickstarted by a grant from the Celestia Foundation.

Nothing said on Expansion 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. Rex, Jon, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.