FINTECH.TVBLOCKCHAIN | DIGITAL ASSETS | AI

“I think we had one of the most monumental summers where all of the move from the last three years that people were waiting for, it all caught up this past summer.” – 00:48

Vivek Raman, CEO of Etherealize, joins Remy Blaire to discuss the current state of Ethereum (ETH) and its evolving role in the cryptocurrency market.

The pair delve into the factors driving the recent price action of ETH, particularly following a monumental summer that saw over $8 billion in ETF inflows, surpassing Bitcoin ETFs for the first time. Vivek emphasizes that ETH is at a pivotal moment, akin to where Bitcoin was five years ago, as it transitions into a productive store of value with the potential to build an entire economy on its platform.

As they explore the shift from Bitcoin to ETH, Vivek articulates how institutional investors are beginning to recognize ETH’s capabilities beyond just a store of value. He highlights the recent passing of the stablecoin bill and expresses optimism that the momentum for Ethereum adoption is just beginning. The conversation shifts to the advantages of ETH as a digital asset treasury, with Vivek explaining its yield-generating potential through staking and decentralized finance, which distinguishes it from Bitcoin.

Remy also prompts Vivek to share insights on the latest funding rounds and how Ethereum’s potential is becoming clearer to institutions. Vivek outlines the importance of embedding blockchain technology into Wall Street’s infrastructure and the need for support in this transition. With a team of top engineers and players in the Ethereum ecosystem, Ethereum Live aims to facilitate the tokenization of assets and enhance privacy features, paving the way for the next wave of activity on the Ethereum platform.

“In a world where stablecoins have become as easy to use as credit cards, you’re seeing a lot of actual stablecoin credit cards.” – 03:31

Tarun Chitra, Co-Founder & CEO of Gauntlet, joins Remy Blaire to discuss the dynamic landscape of blockchain technology, particularly focusing on Layer 1 (L1) and Layer 2 (L2) solutions. The conversation begins with an overview of how fintech companies and traditional financial institutions are increasingly launching their own blockchains to enhance global payments, merchant settlements, and tokenized asset trading.

Remy and Tarun explore the strategic framework of “buy, build, partner” decisions that organizations utilize to navigate the complexities of acquiring or developing new technologies. Tarun explains the benefits and challenges associated with building L1 blockchains, which offer ultimate control and differentiation but come with significant costs and complexities. In contrast, L2 solutions are presented as a more accessible middle ground, leveraging existing L1 security while allowing for rapid customization and scalability.

The discussion shifts to the rise of stablecoins, which have gained traction over the past five to ten years. Tarun highlights the evolving regulatory landscape, noting that potential legislation like the Genius Act and the Clarity Act is paving the way for payments companies to innovate without the previous gray areas. He emphasizes that stablecoins not only facilitate instant settlements but also present a unique opportunity for companies to meet regulatory requirements through custom systems.

Remy and Tarun delve into the implications of stablecoins for retail consumers, discussing how they could compete with traditional payment methods like credit cards. Tarun explains how stablecoin credit cards are bridging the gap between on-chain assets and everyday transactions, allowing users to earn yield on their assets while spending them.

The conversation also addresses decentralized applications (DApps) and their role in the financial ecosystem. Tarun provides a balanced view, discussing both the positive aspects—such as the ability to access on-chain products that traditional ETFs cannot offer—and the negative aspects, including the potential for DApps to serve as exit vehicles for early investors in less liquid assets.

“This isn’t a space that is as easily understood as some of the other sectors that are out there on the public markets.” – 00:02:50

Elliot Han, CIO of C1 Fund, joins Remy Blaire to discuss the evolution of the digital asset landscape. The conversation begins with a reflection on the early days of cryptocurrency, where passionate believers in digital money, particularly Bitcoin, navigated a world that largely overlooked their vision. Remy highlights how, by 2025, the crypto space has transformed significantly, driven by strategic venture capital investments that focus on foundational blockchain technologies and real-world applications rather than mere speculation.

Elliot shares insights into the maturation of digital asset companies, noting that many have progressed to a stage where they generate real, recurring revenue and serve global customers—an evolution that was less evident five years ago. As they approach the end of 2025, Remy and Elliot discuss the implications of the first Spot Bitcoin ETF launched in early 2024 and explore the current investment structures available to public investors.

The discussion shifts to the challenges faced by both retail and institutional investors in understanding the business models of digital asset companies. Elliot emphasizes the importance of due diligence and the hurdles posed by a lack of network, bandwidth, and knowledge in this complex space. He explains how funds like C1 are stepping in to provide access and insights, acting as a proxy for public investors.

Remy then inquires about how to identify leaders within the crowded digital asset field. Elliot outlines the criteria C1 uses to evaluate companies, focusing on scale, governance, and revenue durability. This approach helps narrow down the field to those companies that are not only viable but also have a solid foundation for growth.

The conversation also explores the types of digital asset businesses currently attracting institutional interest. Elliot notes that the focus is on late-stage companies that provide essential infrastructure—such as custody platforms, trading venues, and compliance analytics—rather than on tokens themselves. These businesses are gaining traction due to their real-world applications.