Matt Schultz, CEO of CleanSpark, joins the show to discuss how Bitcoin miners are navigating the growing power crunch driven by the rapid expansion of AI data centers. As demand for electricity surges, Matt explains that Bitcoin miners are uniquely positioned due to their ability to utilize stranded energy assets and operate as “interruptible loads,” meaning they can quickly scale power usage up or down based on grid demand. This flexibility creates a potential synergy with AI and high-performance computing (HPC) data centers, which require consistent uptime. Drawing on insights from a study by Duke University, Matt highlights that there may be significant untapped grid capacity if managed efficiently. He also dives into the intensifying competition for energy, noting that CleanSpark currently controls 1.8 gigawatts of power and is seeing strong demand from hyperscalers looking to secure capacity. The conversation explores why electricity is becoming one of the most valuable assets in the digital economy, the strategic importance of land and power ownership, and how CleanSpark is positioning itself through major site acquisitions in Texas, including developments near Houston and Austin. As the worlds of Bitcoin mining and AI infrastructure converge, Matt outlines how energy strategy will define the next phase of growth across both industries.
Empowering the Next Generation: Money Management in a Digital World
Deepa Raja Carbon, Managing Director & the Vice Chair of the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in Dubai, joins Children’s Financial Network host Dalia D’Agostino to discuss her fascinating journey into the world of digital finance, particularly how she became involved in regulating virtual assets in Dubai as part of the city’s ambitious growth agenda.
Deepa explains virtual assets in relatable terms, comparing them to the in-game currencies and items that kids are familiar with from popular games like Fortnite and Minecraft. She emphasizes the importance of understanding money in both traditional and digital forms, highlighting three key lessons for young people: the finite nature of money, the economic principles that govern it, and the importance of security in the digital age.
We also touch on the role of video games in teaching financial lessons, with Deepa encouraging parents to view these platforms as opportunities for children to learn about money management through experimentation.
Lastly, we explore Dubai’s rapid transformation into a global financial hub, driven by a visionary leadership that embraces innovation and learning.
Teaching Kids About Money: Insights from Keith Grossman on Financial Literacy
Keith Grossman, President of Moonpay, joins Children’s Financial Network host Dalia D’Agostino to discuss the importance of financial literacy for kids and share personal stories that shaped their understanding of money.
Keith reflects on his entrepreneurial journey starting at the age of 12, where he launched a computer consulting business to save for his first car. He emphasizes the significance of setting ambitious financial goals and how those lessons can be shared with the next generation.
Daria, who has her own YouTube channel dedicated to teaching financial literacy to kids, shares her mission to make finance relatable and accessible. Together, they explore how media created for children can empower them to understand money, the economy, and emerging technologies like cryptocurrency.
Discover practical advice for parents, schools, and the finance industry on closing the opportunity gap for students facing financial hardship. This episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable steps to help kids navigate their financial journeys.
Smart Money Habits for Kids: A Conversation with Carey Halio
Carey Halio, Global Treasurer at Goldman Sachs, joins Children’s Financial Network host Dalia D’Agostino to discuss the importance of financial literacy for kids and how to instill smart money habits from an early age. Carey emphasizes the fundamental concepts of earnings, spending, and saving, which are applicable not only to children but also to adults and corporations.
We explore how middle school students can apply risk management principles, such as diversification, to their allowances and small jobs. Carey shares insights from her own experiences, including how her high schooler benefited from a financial literacy class that taught budgeting and the realities of managing money as an adult.
Carey also highlights the challenges children face in understanding money, especially in an increasingly digital world where transactions are often abstract. She stresses the importance of making money concepts tangible and relatable for kids.
Reflecting on her career journey, Carey shares valuable lessons she wishes she had learned at a young age, emphasizing the significance of exposure to diverse experiences and continuous learning. We also touch on her time in the Peace Corps, where she learned about resilience and the economic contributions of women in under-resourced communities.
Finally, we discuss a survey conducted, revealing a disconnect between how adults perceive their communication about money and how children understand it. Carey agrees that simplifying financial concepts could bridge this gap and suggested that visual representations could enhance understanding.
Navigating New SEC Guidance: What It Means for the Crypto Market
Kristin Smith, President of the Solana Policy Institute, joins Remy Blaire to delve into the latest developments in the crypto market, particularly focusing on the new guidance from the SEC, which has declared that most crypto tokens are not securities.
Kristin emphasizes the importance of the SEC’s guidance, describing it as a substantial document that categorizes digital assets and clarifies the application of the Howey Test. This guidance is expected to bring much-needed certainty to the crypto space, especially as we navigate ongoing legislative efforts.
We discuss the potential paths forward, including the lengthy rulemaking process and the critical need for legislation that solidifies these guidelines into law. Kristin highlights the urgency of getting a bill out of committee before the end of April, especially with the midterm elections approaching, which could complicate the legislative calendar.
As we look ahead, the upcoming Digital Asset Summit in New York and the Senate Banking Committee’s anticipated markup in April are key dates to watch. Kristin points out the importance of bipartisan support for the legislation, particularly in securing votes from both sides of the aisle.
We also touch on the recent no-action letter from the CFTC to Phantom Tech, which underscores the importance of self-custody and individual asset management in the crypto ecosystem. Kristin expresses optimism about the protections being put in place for software developers, which are crucial for fostering innovation in the space.
Finally, we explore the exciting developments in tokenization from major exchanges like NASDAQ and NYSE, which promise to revolutionize capital markets by lowering costs and expanding access for mid-sized companies.
Oil Prices and Inflation: Understanding the Ripple Effects on the Economy
In this episode of Market Movers, we dive into the current state of the U.S. economy and the implications of rising oil prices on inflation and equity valuations. Sonu Varghese, VP, Global Macro Strategist at Carson Group, joins Remy Blaire to discuss the troubling signals in the bond market that are reminiscent of the 2008 financial crisis, despite the U.S. economy being less reliant on oil than it was 18 years ago.
Sonu highlights that while equity valuations are stretched, particularly in the technology sector, there are still attractive opportunities in other areas like industrials and energy. However, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has complicated the market landscape, leading to confusion about the Federal Reserve’s outlook on interest rates. Sonu expresses concern over the Fed’s ability to manage inflation, especially with the recent surge in energy prices impacting core inflation.
We also explore the divergence among policymakers regarding interest rate hikes, with the Atlanta Fed assigning higher odds to a rate increase in the coming months. Sonu notes that the option markets indicate a growing probability of a rate hike, which could lead to increased market volatility.
Finally, we discuss the U.S. dollar’s position as we approach Q2. Sonu explains that the U.S. has a petroleum trade surplus, which should support the dollar, alongside the attractiveness of U.S. Treasury yields in a risk-off environment.
Bitcoin’s Resilience: Navigating Market Shifts and Regulatory Changes
Adam Morgan McCarthy, Product Specialist, Analytics & Indices at Kaiko, joins Remy Blaire to delve into the current state of the cryptocurrency market, particularly focusing on Bitcoin, which is holding above $70,000. We discuss the significant structural and geographic shifts occurring in the crypto landscape, driven by the anticipated 2024 spot ETF approvals and a more pro-crypto SEC under Paul Atkins. U.S. exchanges have seen their spot market share nearly double, but we also highlight the importance of liquidity, noting that Bitcoin market depth on U.S. platforms has become more robust compared to offshore exchanges.
We explore the volume of trading in the U.S. versus overseas markets, emphasizing the shift from under-regulated offshore exchanges to more stable onshore platforms. Adam points out that while there has been a pullback in liquidity recently, the market depth on U.S. exchanges is still relatively strong compared to previous bear markets.
We also discuss the rise of perpetual contracts (perps) and how they are attracting attention away from traditional altcoins, with significant trading activity in equity and commodity perps. Adam notes that the excitement in the market is currently centered around equities and commodities, especially given the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
As we look ahead, we touch on the regulatory landscape in the U.S. and abroad, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the SEC and CFTC, and the implications of new regulations in Europe. Adam shares his insights on the potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, particularly regarding the Clarity Act and its impact on the crypto industry.
Bitcoin steadies above $70,000: the markets this morning
Bitcoin is holding above $70,000 this morning, extending its recovery from overnight lows under $68,900 after major economies announced joint efforts to boost oil supplies through the disrupted Strait of Hormuz, sending WTI crude nearly 2% lower to $93.80. This follows a bruising 48 hours in which the Federal Reserve held rates steady at 3.50–3.75%.
In the wider crypto market, Ether, XRP, and solana lagged Friday’s bitcoin recovery, posting gains of less than 1%, with few of the top 100 crypto tokens making a gain. One notable exception to the risk-off mood: an unidentified whale trader spent $111.62 million in USDT to purchase 50,706 ETH at an average price of $2,201 across two wallets, their first on-chain activity after seven months of dormancy, according to on-chain analytics provider Lookonchain.
Bitcoin’s current price action is drawing comparisons to a November–January pattern that preceded a sharp drop from around $90,000 to nearly $60,000, with analysts warning that a weak, choppy counter-trend recovery within a broader downtrend could deepen the selloff if key support levels fail.
Bonds and stocks are extending their decline while oil prices continue to rise. Conflict in the Middle East shows few signs of ending quickly, with Iran continuing to attack neighbours and Tehran continuing to be bombed. The S&P 500 also slipped below a key moving average as energy-driven inflation concerns continued to weigh on risk sentiment globally, keeping central banks in a cautious holding pattern and warning about inflationary risks.
Tokenized funds, stablecoin prioritization, and the AI push: Your Fintech Briefing
Bezos in talks to raise $100 billion to revamp manufacturers with AI
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is in talks to raise $100 billion for a fund that would acquire manufacturing companies and infuse them with artificial intelligence, according to the Wall Street Journal. Investor documents describe the vehicle as a “manufacturing transformation vehicle,” targeting sectors including chipmaking, defense, and aerospace. The fund would draw on technology from Project Prometheus, a startup co-led by Bezos that focuses on applying AI to industrial manufacturing.
Morgan Stanley sets MSBT ticker and $1 million seed capital for Bitcoin ETF
Morgan Stanley has filed a second SEC amendment for its planned spot Bitcoin ETF, which will trade on NYSE Arca under the ticker MSBT with $1 million in seed capital at launch. The bank is positioned to become the first major U.S. lender to issue a spot Bitcoin ETF directly under its own name, with BNY Mellon handling administration and Coinbase serving as custodian.
Coinbase’s bitcoin yield fund goes on-chain with Apex’s tokenization push
Coinbase Asset Management has launched a tokenized share class of its Bitcoin Yield Fund on the Base network, in partnership with Apex Group. The fund targets an annual return of 4–8% denominated in Bitcoin and is currently available to non-U.S. institutional investors only.
OpenAI plans desktop superapp merging ChatGPT, Codex, and browser
OpenAI will combine its ChatGPT app, Codex coding platform, and AI-powered browser into a single desktop superapp, with Fidji Simo, its CEO of Applications, overseeing the transition alongside President Greg Brockman. The move is aimed primarily at enterprise and developer users, with the mobile ChatGPT app expected to remain unchanged.
Avalanche gains regional momentum through Animoca alliance
Animoca Brands has made a strategic investment in Ava Labs, the company behind the Avalanche blockchain, with the partnership targeting expansion across Asia and the Middle East. Focus areas include entertainment, real-world asset tokenization, and digital identity, with Animoca leveraging its recently obtained Dubai VARA licence and growing South Korean institutional relationships.
Crypto.com cuts 12% of staff in AI pivot
Crypto.com has laid off roughly 180 employees, around 12% of its workforce, as the Singapore-based exchange doubles down on AI-driven efficiency. CEO Kris Marszalek said the cuts targeted roles that “do not adapt in our new world,” warning that companies that fail to integrate AI immediately “will fail.” The move follows similar AI-linked workforce reductions at Block, Gemini, Algorand, and Messari in recent weeks.
Ripple survey shows banks, fintechs, and corporates all-in on digital assets, prioritizing stablecoins and custody
A Ripple survey of more than 1,000 finance leaders found broad consensus that digital asset adoption has moved from intent to execution, with stablecoins the standout priority — 74% of respondents said they can improve cash-flow efficiency. Custody ranked as the single most important capability for institutions evaluating tokenization, cited by 89% of respondents. A Coinbase and EY-Parthenon survey similarly found that 73% of institutional decision makers plan to increase digital asset allocations.
Nvidia deepens grip on cloud AI with major AWS chip deal
Nvidia will deliver 1 million GPUs to Amazon Web Services by the end of 2027, in one of the most significant chip supply agreements in cloud computing history. The deal, announced at Nvidia’s GTC conference, also covers networking equipment and a new chip family designed for AI inference tasks. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Crypto in Crisis: How Geopolitics is Reshaping Bitcoin and Stablecoin Markets
In this episode of Market Movers, we delve into the current state of the crypto markets amid the escalating crisis in the Middle East. Bitcoin is holding below the $70,000 mark, and our guest, Dushyant Shahrawat, Senior Analyst of Crypto Market Structure at Bloomberg Intelligence, joins Remy Blaire to discuss the dual narratives shaping the crypto landscape.
Dushyant explains that Bitcoin is no longer acting as a safe haven asset, as evidenced by its increased correlation with traditional equities. This shift is largely due to the growing institutional involvement in the crypto space, which has altered how Bitcoin responds to geopolitical stress. On the other hand, we explore the significant role of stablecoins in regions affected by conflict, such as Lebanon and Iran, where traditional financial systems have faltered. Stablecoins are being used as a functional currency, facilitating transactions and remittances in areas where local currencies are failing.
We also discuss the implications of recent comments from the Federal Reserve and how they intertwine with the macroeconomic environment, particularly in relation to crypto. Dushyant highlights the importance of decentralized finance, especially in times of crisis, where traditional markets may be closed, yet crypto markets remain active.
Furthermore, we touch on the regulatory landscape, particularly the recent announcements from the SEC, which aim to clarify the rules surrounding cryptocurrencies. This clarity is expected to bolster the use of stablecoins as a settlement currency.
Finally, we examine the role of the UAE, particularly Dubai, as a financial hub for crypto activity, noting both its positive contributions and the challenges it faces regarding sanctioned activities.