The Policy Layer
Ep 51: Justice in the Age of Blockchain and AI—The Case for Tech Courts
Professor Michele Neitz (University of San Francisco) makes the case for tech courts, a bold idea that could help us rethink how justice works in a digital-first world. As AI and blockchain reshape everything from contracts to crime, our legal system needs to evolve. Tech-savvy justice isn’t a luxury anymore but a necessity for protecting rights and resolving disputes in the age of code. 📝 Check out Michele's paper here. 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Ep 49: Democracy, Dollars & DeFi - A Digital Shift
What happens when trust collapses faster than institutions can rebuild it? Amanda Wick, founder of the Association for Women in Crypto and author of The Catalysts, joins Owl Explains to unpack the forces fueling a new world financial order—from DeFi to geopolitics. A single podcast episode can’t fit everything, so check out her book for more: The Catalysts 🎧 Listen in Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Ep 48: How AI is Changing the Game for Legal & Compliance in Web3 - Crypto Co-Counsel
What if your AI assistant could explain complex crypto laws in plain English—and connect you with an actual expert if things got tricky? That’s the idea behind Crystal, built by lawyer and founder Joni Pirovich. We talk about the chaos of compliance, the myth of AI replacing lawyers, and why this tool could change the game. Discover more: https://www.cryptococounsel.com 🎧 Listen in Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Ep 45: DeFi’s Big Questions Answered
Is DeFi truly decentralized? Is it more than just finance? Join Yvette Valdez (Latham & Watkins), Diana Barrero Zalles (GBBC), Joe Cutler (Perkins Coie), and Lee Schneider (Ava Labs) as they discuss DeFi’s opportunities, risks, and more. Learn more in the GBBC's DeFi report: https://www.gbbc.io/uploads/reports/gsmi50/DeFi-Stand-Alone.pdf 🎧 Listen in Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Ep 44: The CFTC’s Balancing Act of Web3 Innovation & Regulation
CFTC Commissioner Summer Mersinger and Sidley Austin’s Kate Lashley discuss the evolving landscape of digital assets regulation in the US. Discover how the CFTC aims to bring crypto onshore through balanced, innovation-friendly policies.
Ep 41: Disclosure Guidelines for Tokens
Legal experts Lilya Tessler (Sidley Austin) and Chris Brummer (Blueprint) pull back the curtain on new token disclosure guidelines that could transform crypto markets. This episode gets real about what transparency actually means for blockchain's next chapter—without the jargon. Check out two versions of the proposed guidelines here: May 3rd: https://www.sidley.com/en/-/media/uploads/mn23267-fintech-and-blockchain-symposium--token-standardized-disclosures-document_fnl.pdf?la=en October 21st: https://global-dca.org/proposed-u-s-disclosure-guidelines/ 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Ep 39: Tokenizing Securities for Decentralized Finance Applications
Professor Andreas Park from the University of Toronto discusses how blockchain can transform the trading and management of securities. In this episode, he shares his research on overcoming the complex challenges of integrating stocks, dividends, and voting rights into decentralized systems, offering insights into the future of finance. Learn more in his paper: https://edas.info/showPaper.php?m=1571031828
Ep 38: Learning from DeFi. Would Automated Market Makers Improve Equity Trading?
Andreas Park (University of Toronto) and Katya Malinova (McMaster University) discuss their research on how automated market makers (AMMs) from DeFi could revolutionize equity trading. We explore the potential savings, challenges, and future of finance in a digital age. Check out their paper below: Learning from DeFi: Would Automated Market Makers Improve Equity Trading?
Stablecoin Runs and the Centralization of Arbitrage
Yiming Ma from Columbia Business School and Anthony Zhang from UChicago explore the intricacies of stablecoins and their impact on financial stability. Learn about the critical role of arbitrage in maintaining price stability and the potential risks associated with these digital assets. Check out their paper here.
Ep 33: Intersection of AI, IP and Web3 Law
Nehan Sethi and Jordan Teague (Web3 Attorneys at Campbell Teague) explore how AI challenges traditional notions of authorship and creativity, and the potential for blockchain to revolutionize IP protection. 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Ep 31: The Impact of Blockchain and AI on the EU’s Financial Landscape
Dimitrios Psarrakis (Financial Economist and co-founder of Value Verse) provides expert insights on blockchain regulation and its implications for financial competitiveness in the EU. He explores the intersection of blockchain, AI, and financial innovation, emphasizing the importance of education and collaboration in shaping the future of finance.
Ep 29: Balcony - Revolutionizing & Tokenizing Real Estate
John Belitsky, Co-founder and Chief Innovation & Strategy Officer at Balcony sheds light on how they’re leveraging blockchain technology for greater transparency and efficiency in real estate, offering a glimpse into the innovative solutions reshaping the industry. 🌐 Discover more: Balcony | Home | The Global Standard For Real Estate Tokenization 🔍 To learn more about blockchain: Explainers 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.