The Owl Explains Hootenanny

Brett Falk (University of Pennsylvania) and Gerry Tsoukalas (Boston University) discuss voting protocols in Decentralized Autonomous Organizations. Brett Falk (University of Pennsylvania) and Gerry Tsoukalas (Boston University) highlight weaknesses in existing voting protocols. An important point is that many voting protocols weight votes based on token holdings but a voter’s token holdings does not, in general, reflect the level of information that the voter has with regard to a voting proposal. The consequence of this misalignment between a voter’s weight and a voter’s information is suboptimal welfare outcomes. Paper: Token-Weighted Crowdsourcing and Balancing Power in Decentralized Governance

Lewis Cohen (DLx Law) discusses whether cryptoassets are securities from the perspective of US law. Lewis Cohen (DLx Law) explains the relevant US securities laws and then highlights how cryptoassets can differ from traditional securities. A key point is that many cryptoassets do not confer rights in the manner of traditional securities, instead conferring abilities. Cryptoassets thus might require a novel regulatory framework. Paper: The Ineluctable Modality of Securities Law

Today’s internet is awash with misinformation, illegal and harmful content sparking debates around content moderation versus freedom of speech.

The owl is wondering: How does blockchain enhance security compared to traditional databases? Why is security so important in the development process of blockchain technology? How are emerging technologies like AI and machine learning being leveraged to enhance blockchain security? Join us in our new podcast John Neufeld, GC at Open Zeppelin, as we discover this and much more… 

Acompáñanos mientras Sylvia y Leandro nos presentan el Árbol de la Sabiduría: cinco ramas para guiar la regulación de la blockchain y Web3. Empezaremos estableciendo los cimientos sobre la blockchain y desmitificando conceptos. Luego, hablaremos sobre tokenización, casos de uso y diferentes categorías de tokens. Después, veremos cómo está el ambiente regulatorio en esta industria y cerraremos con conceptos referentes. 

Following our latest episode on the digital pound, we keep exploring the future of money by looking at the European Union’s ambitious plans for a euro CBDC. Back in June, the European Commission proposed a legislative framework for a retail digital euro, and its potential is now being assessed by the European Central Bank (ECB). In just a week, the ECB will decide if the project will move from an ‘investigation phase’ to a ‘realization phase’, where technical solutions will be developed and tested. The EU is determined to be a frontrunner in CBDC policy, and has made it clear that any form of digital public money will reflect its shared values of privacy, security, and inclusiveness. Yet, reactions to the Commission's proposal have been mixed. Concerns have been raised over policymakers being able to decide what Europeans can spend their money on, or having access to their personal data. Some foresee the decline of cash, while others simply don’t see the difference between using a digital euro and existing mobile payment apps. If Europe wants to make central digital currency a reality, it will need to bring on board not only retail users – but also banks, merchants, businesses, and technology providers. Get up to speed on what the digital euro could look like by tuning into our conversation with Anne-Sophie Gógl, Board Member of the Digital Euro Association, and Peter Kerstens, Adviser for Technological Innovation and Cybersecurity at the European Commission.

Cryptocurrency and blockchain technology are rapidly transforming the global economy. As these technologies become more widely adopted, governments are increasingly grappling with how to regulate them. Crypto policy is important because it will shape the future of the crypto industry and its impact on society. The United States is at the forefront of the global crypto policy debate. The House Financial Services Committee and the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee are both actively working to develop crypto legislation. Congressman Mike Flood is a member of the House Financial Services Committee and a leading voice on crypto policy. He is a strong supporter of innovation and believes that crypto has the potential to revolutionize the financial system. In this episode of the Owl Explains Crypto Policy podcast, Congressman Flood shares his insights on the latest developments in crypto policy in Washington. He discusses the Fintech Flyover event, the current state of the crypto regulatory landscape, the difference in perspectives on crypto policy between the House and the Senate, and his predictions for the future of crypto policy in the United States.

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Owl Explains podcast, where we delve deep into all things blockchain, Web3, and more. Today, with Jannah Patchay (Executive Director, Digital Pound Foundation and Director + Regulatory & Market Structure Advisor, Markets Evolution), Varun Paul (Director for CBDCs and FMI at Fireblocks) and our moderator Emma Pike (Owl Explains team member and Consultant at H+K Strategies), we discuss CBDCs, delving deep into the Digital Pound. Over the past decade, the financial world has witnessed a seismic shift towards digital currencies, driven by advancements in technology and the need for more efficient, secure, and accessible forms of money. While Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have often stolen the spotlight, today's episode will shine a spotlight on a digital currency that's closer to home: the Digital Pound. As countries around the globe grapple with the idea of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), the United Kingdom has been at the forefront of this digital revolution. The Digital Pound, proposed by the Bank of England, promises to reshape how we transact, save, and invest. But what exactly is the Digital Pound, and how does it differ from traditional forms of money? What does it require to be successful? And can it draw from any learnings from other already-introduced CBDCs? Whether you're a seasoned cryptocurrency aficionado or simply curious about the future of money, this episode promises to be an eye-opening journey you won't want to miss.

In this episode of the Owl Explains podcast, your go-to source for cutting-edge discussions on the world of blockchain and Web3, Thomas Tindermans (Hill+Knowlton Strategies), Norma Krayem (Van Scoyoc Associates) and Scott Mason (Holland & Knight LLP) are diving deep into the ever-evolving landscape of blockchain policy, with moderator Emma Pike (Hill+Knowlton Strategies). Host: As blockchain technology continues to disrupt industries, revolutionize finance, and transform the way we interact with data, the importance of sound policy and regulation cannot be overstated. In this episode, we'll explore the current policy outlook for blockchain and beyond, shedding light on the regulatory developments that are shaping this dynamic ecosystem. Whether you're a blockchain enthusiast, a policymaker seeking insights, or simply curious about the future of blockchain, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned as we navigate the fascinating intersection of blockchain and policy in this ever-evolving digital era.

We are glad to release our last panel from this spring’s Avalanche summit, delving on how anti-money laundering policy is impacting the world of digital assets and DeFi. AML rules have been part of the conversations in the space for almost ten years, and after being formalizing them into standards, regulators are getting serious about implementation – notably, with the travel rule. Not complying with AML standards can bear significant risk for builders and investors, both from a financial and reputational perspective. Globally, however, it remains very hard to establish a common framework for the industry, which has to deal with a patchwork of regulations from jurisdictions moving at different speeds. Get up to speed on where we stand with AML compliance, as well as on predictions on where regulators will be looking at next, and how the industry can contribute to sensible rule-making with: Caroline Malcolm, Vice President of Global Public Policy at Chainalysis; Monica Sah, Partner in the Financial Regulation Group at Clifford Chance; Seema Khinda Johnson, Co-Founder and COO of Nuggets; and Isabella Chase, Senior Policy Advisor at TRM Labs. This panel is moderated by Olta Andoni, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Enclave Markets.

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Owl Explains podcast! Russel Klein, our moderator for the day, takes you along as he and the speakers dive into a topic that's reshaping the landscape of modern finance: Central Bank Digital Currencies, or CBDCs. As the world hurtles toward a more digital future, governments and central banks are actively exploring the possibilities and implications of introducing their own digital currencies. In this episode, we're peeling back the layers of CBDCs to understand what they are, why they matter, and how they might revolutionize the way we transact, save, and invest. Join Mai Santamaria of the Department of Finance in Ireland, Jannah Patchay of the Digital Pound Foundation, and Varun Paul of Fireblocks as they dive into what the future of CDBCs hold, the risks they pose, the solutions they suggest, and the very necessity (or not) of digital money. So, grab your favorite headphones and prepare to embark on a journey into the heart of digital finance. Let's demystify the world of CBDCs and gain valuable insights into how they're set to transform the way we perceive, use, and interact with money.