The Owl Explains Hootenanny

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.

Owl Explains is going global! This episode is part of our Global Series, where we speak with regulators and innovators in their native language to bring local insights to a global audience. 🇻🇳 This episode is in Vietnamese, featuring Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung from Vietnam's National Innovation Center (NIC), diving into how Vietnam is embracing Web3 and blockchain technology. {And don't worry, we’ve provided an English transcription below so you can follow along.} Vietnam is stepping up its blockchain game with strong government support and forward-thinking policies! In this episode, we explore Vietnam’s Web3 strategy, including regulatory frameworks, innovation hubs, and startup growth. New policies, like regulatory sandboxes, are helping businesses test blockchain solutions while bridging the gap between innovation and compliance. Industries like banking, logistics, and healthcare are leading blockchain adoption, using it for identity verification, smart contracts, and data security. Vietnam is also learning from Singapore and the U.S., focusing on investment incentives and regulatory clarity to attract global blockchain companies. Plans for three financial hubs in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang signal the country’s push to facilitate digital asset transactions. With a growing developer ecosystem and increasing investor interest, Vietnam is on track to become a blockchain leader in Asia. Listen in Spotify and Apple Podcasts

This podcast explains the novel risks for traders who trade at Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) and why standard regulatory approaches are not well-suited for addressing those risks. The podcast then discusses the feasible paths for regulation weighing the relative advantages and disadvantages. An important point is that regulators are not necessarily properly aware of the challenges of regulation in the blockchain context and, as a consequence, some regulatory actions being taken might be counter-productive. Guests: Professor Campbell Harvey (Duke University) and Professor Joel Hasbrouck (NYU Stern) Paper: The Evolution of Decentralized Exchange: Risks, Benefits, and Oversight 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Congressman Warren Davidson shares insights on token classification, self-custody, and bipartisan blockchain policy. Tune in for a candid conversation about crypto innovation and legislative reform in the United States. 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Get a front-row seat to our Argentina Summit panel on navigating global regulatory shifts in blockchain. Demystify the complexity of global regulation with regional legal and policy experts from the US, EU and APAC as they review recent progress, upcoming implementations, and existing challenges adding to the Web3 riddle. Take a look at Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) and other European regulations coming into full effect in 2025 and beyond, and learn more about the state of play in the US from the perspective of Congress and key regulators, and hear about major issues across key Asia jurisdictions. As the world adapts to a tokenized future, Policy9000 defines a path forward for navigating a global regulatory shift. Lee Schneider - General Counsel, Ava Labs Marina Markezic - Executive Director and Co-Founder, European Crypto Initiative (EUCI) Urszula McCormack - Partner, King & Wood Mallesons Lilya Tessler - Partner, Sidley Austin LLP Caroline Malcolm​ - Formerly Chainalysis, OECD 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts 🎥 Video Panel

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

Rep. Dusty Johnson sits down with us to discuss why FIT21 isn’t just another bill, but a potential game-changer for digital asset regulation. From tackling SEC overreach to exploring blockchain’s use in preventing FEMA fraud, Johnson shares an unfiltered perspective on what's really at stake in the world of crypto and US policy. 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo shares insights on navigating the complex world of digital asset regulation and bipartisan collaboration. She highlights the conversation highlights the FIT21 bill, Colorado’s leadership in tech, and the need for financial inclusion in modern legislation. 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13) discusses his early adoption of cryptocurrency and emphasizes the transformative potential of blockchain technology. He highlights the importance of financial inclusion, arguing that digital assets can democratize access to financial services. 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

The podcast features Congressman French Hill discussing the Financial Innovation and Transparency Act (H.R. 4763) and its significant impact on the digital asset industry. Hill explains how the bill provides regulatory clarity for digital assets, balancing innovation with consumer protection. 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Read "A Blueprint for Digital Assets in America" co-written by Representatives French Hill and Glenn Thompson.

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.