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Stablecoin boom: The GENIUS Act’s ripple effects worldwide

Aug 01, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 75 • 13 min 6 sec

This week on Byte-Sized Insight, we dive into the groundbreaking passage of the GENIUS Act, examining its profound impacts on stablecoins and global crypto markets.

Joined by Fabian Dori, chief investment officer at Sygnum, we discuss how new US regulations are reshaping institutional confidence, redefining stablecoin use cases and prompting Europe to rethink its crypto strategies. Plus, we explore what’s fueling the stablecoin boom and why traditional banks are wary of crypto firms gaining banking licenses.

(00:08) Introduction: Exploring the GENIUS Act
(02:09) Fabian Dori on the significance of the GENIUS Act
(03:23) Institutional adoption and the future of stablecoins
(04:09) Controversy: The ban on yield-bearing stablecoins
(04:51) How stablecoins differ from tokenized money-market funds
(05:25) Europe’s response: Digital euro and regulatory pressures
(07:40) How Sygnum navigates regulatory changes
(08:26) Traditional banks push back on crypto licenses
(09:55) What’s driving the stablecoin market boom?
(11:39) Final thoughts: Stablecoins reshaping global finance.

This episode was hosted and produced by Savannah Fortis, @savannah_fortis.

Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.

If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.

Senator Cynthia Lummis and the US crypto comeback: ‘Help is on the way’

This week on Decentralize with Cointelegraph, we sit down with US Senator Cynthia Lummis, one of the most vocal and informed advocates for digital assets and financial innovation on Capitol Hill. Senator Lummis discusses her unlikely entry into the crypto world, how Wyoming’s early leadership shaped federal policy and what she sees as the biggest legislative milestones from the recent “Crypto Week” in Congress.

From the passage of the GENIUS and CLARITY acts to her ongoing work on comprehensive market structure reform, Lummis explains how bipartisan cooperation is driving momentum for the first serious wave of US crypto regulation. We also explore how her RISE Act aims to prepare the US for a future shaped by AI.

If you’ve been wondering whether the US is finally getting serious about crypto, tune in to hear from one of the industry’s most important allies in Washington.

(00:57) How Senator Lummis discovered crypto and why it stuck
(02:14) From Wyoming to Washington: Local innovation, national impact
(03:57) Key wins from Congress’ landmark “Crypto Week”
(06:19) Why crypto is gaining bipartisan momentum in D.C.
(09:03) Inside the Senate’s new crypto market structure draft
(10:57) What’s next for digital asset legislation in the Senate
(12:57) Educating Congress: One-on-one crypto bootcamps
(13:46) The RISE Act: Regulating AI with liability and transparency
(16:18) Senator Lummis’ message to US crypto builders and innovators

This episode was hosted and produced by Savannah Fortis, @savannah_fortis.

Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.

If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.

Jul 25, 2025 • S1E74 • 19 min 4 sec

The AI revolution is here, don't get left behind: Kevin O'Leary interview

In this special interview, Shark Tank investor and entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary joins Cointelegraph US Reporter Vince Quill for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of artificial intelligence, stablecoins and the battle for technological dominance between the US and China.

Mr. Wonderful shares why he refuses to back companies that aren’t integrating AI, explains how stablecoins could stabilize inflation globally and dives into his investments in Bitcoin mining and AI-powered infrastructure. Plus, O’Leary gives blunt advice to tech founders on why Washington, not Wall Street, is where the real power lies.

(00:13) Why Kevin O’Leary refuses to invest in companies that don’t use AI
(02:02) How AI cut 60% of production costs for O’Leary’s commercial
(03:34) “Who’s running your AI stack?”
(04:10) AI’s impact on insurance, banking and even the wine industry
(06:37) “We’re in a technological war with China,” O’Leary explains the chip race
(09:04) Why he's “violently” against U.S. tech sanctions on China
(11:49) Stablecoins and USDC: “The biggest buyers of U.S. treasuries are now crypto firms”
(13:18) How stablecoins could stabilize inflation in volatile economies
(17:24) Lobbying for small business: “It’s all about job creation, not politics”
(19:14) Why O’Leary invested in Bitcoin infrastructure instead of just the asset
(24:49) AI and data centers are reshaping global energy demand
(29:49) O’Leary’s #1 advice for tech founders

Jul 18, 2025 • S1E73 • 30 min 53 sec

Crypto week in Congress: Can Washington finally deliver clarity?

The US House of Representatives has declared July 14–18 “Crypto Week,” with lawmakers set to debate and potentially vote on three major crypto bills — the CLARITY Act, the GENIUS Act and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act.

In this episode of Byte-Sized Insight, we break down what’s at stake, who’s behind the legislative push and whether any of these bills stand a real chance of becoming law.

We hear from Cointelegraph US policy reporter Turner Wright and Mason Lynaugh, community director of Stand With Crypto, to unpack the political tensions, lobbying power plays and what this moment could mean for the future of crypto regulation in the US.

(00:30) What is “crypto week”
(02:16) Why Congress is suddenly focused on crypto
(03:04) Bipartisan signals: Is crypto finally getting cross-aisle support?
(05:14) Political roadblocks: Skepticism and Trump ties
(06:27) Stand With Crypto: Industry momentum and why timing matters
(07:30) Has crypto become too politicized?
(08:52) Inside crypto lobbying: What advocacy actually looks like
(11:15) What’s at stake if Congress fails to act
(13:29) Listener spotlight: Comment of the week from X

Jul 11, 2025 • S1E72 • 14 min 29 sec

Crossing the crypto divide: The West’s race for digital dominance

As the US races ahead with crypto legislation and capital inflows, Europe and the UK are betting on more even-paced regulatory clarity. But who’s actually leading the West’s crypto future?

In this episode of Byte-Sized Insight, we map the geopolitical landscape of digital assets across the US, UK and EU and uncover the trade-offs between speed, certainty, and innovation. With commentary from Mark Jennings, Head of Europe at Gemini, we break down the momentum behind MiCA, the policy pivots in Washington, and whether the UK is falling behind or playing the long game.

(01:16) Crypto policy divides across the US, UK and EU
(02:00) Inside the U.S. crypto surge: new bills and political momentum
(03:28) What the U.S. legislative wave signals for innovation and investment
(05:59) How MiCA is reshaping crypto business strategy in Europe
(07:12) The UK’s cautious regulatory stance and what’s at stake
(10:28) Adoption vs. innovation: Where the real activity is happening
(13:09) The U.S. edge: capital markets and crypto growth potential
(14:47) Assessing the frontrunners: who’s leading the crypto race in the West?
(15:45) Final reflections from Gemini: regulation, opportunity, and balance

Jul 04, 2025 • S1E71 • 17 min 28 sec

Crypto in a time of crisis: Markets, conflict, and real-world use cases

In times of crisis, markets may react but technology adapts. In this episode of Byte-Sized Insight, we examine how crypto behaves under pressure.

First, Cointelegraph head of markets Ray Salmond and market analyst Marcel Pechman break down how digital assets react in times of war, political instability and macroeconomic uncertainty. Then, we shift focus from speculation to real-world utility. Featuring Megan Klimen of the Filecoin Foundation and Vivek Raman, CEO of Etherealize, to explore how decentralized technologies are being used to preserve truth, protect local journalism, and provide access to stable value in times of crisis.

(02:26) How crypto markets respond to global instability
(05:14) Bitcoin’s evolving role as a financial safe haven
(07:37) What to watch for in crypto markets in the days ahead
(10:27) Real-world use cases for crypto in times of crisis
(12:03) Preserving journalism in conflict zones with blockchain: Fasila’s mission
(13:16) Decentralized vs. centralized tech in unstable environments
(15:13) Why decentralized infrastructure matters, especially in crisis

Jun 20, 2025 • S1E70 • 19 min 4 sec

Delay crypto laws now, pay later: The high stakes for the U.S.

The clock is ticking on meaningful crypto regulation in the US, and the consequences of continued inaction could be dire. In this episode of Decentralize with Cointelegraph, reporter Vince Quill sits down with Marta Belcher, president of the Blockchain Association and the Filecoin Foundation, to explore the urgent need for legislative clarity before the 2026 midterm elections.

Together, they dissect what’s holding Congress back, the long shadow of the Trump administration on the crypto industry and whether the US can still reclaim its leadership in Web3. From bipartisan momentum to market structure must-haves, Belcher offers her insights into the state of crypto in Washington, along with what both lawmakers and industry leaders need to do next.

(01:09) Why passing US crypto legislation before 2026 is critical
(03:08) What’s stalling crypto laws in Congress?
(05:22) Trump’s lingering influence on the crypto landscape
(06:36) Top concerns from within the crypto industry
(08:28) Has the US already lost too many crypto companies?
(09:41) Should the US take cues from other countries on crypto regulation?
(11:04) Is crypto truly a bipartisan issue in Washington?
(12:10) What must be included in a solid market structure bill?
(13:37) Is there any regulatory breathing room for crypto startups?
(18:38) Key legislation and proposals currently on the radar
(24:14) Advice for lawmakers and crypto leaders

This episode was hosted by Vince Quill, @VinceQuill and produced by Savannah Fortis, @savannah_fortis.

Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.

If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!

Jun 13, 2025 • S1E69 • 26 min 14 sec

Authors

Cointelegraph

Cointelegraph covers everything from fintech to blockchain technology to Bitcoin, bringing you the latest news, prices, breakthroughs and analysis from across the future of money.

About podcast

The Decentralize with Cointelegraph podcast covers all things Web3 and cryptocurrency, from challenges facing the industry to breaking news and in-depth dives into the culture of BTC, Ethereum and Web3. Experience crypto news like never before with the Decentralize with Cointelegraph podcast.

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Disclaimer These podcasts (and any related content) are for entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial advice, nor should they be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcasts' participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.