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Ep 42: US Rep Warren Davidson (R-OH-08)
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
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Policy9000: Navigating Global Regulatory Shifts I Avalanche Summit LATAM
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
Ep 41: Disclosure Guidelines for Tokens
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
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Building Bridges in Blockchain Policy – Our Growing US Congress Series
At Owl Explains, we believe the future of blockchain and crypto lies in the conversations happening today between industry leaders and policymakers. That’s why our Congress Series is dedicated to bringing you the sharpest voices in US policy, offering insights on the regulatory and legislative shifts shaping the blockchain landscape. From bipartisan collaboration to bold individual initiatives, our guests tackle the tough questions about self-custody, tokenization, and market structure clarity. These are the policymakers from both at the heart of the debate—ready to share their vision for the role of blockchain in America’s economic future. Meet the Voices of Change: Ep. 17: Congressman Mike Flood Kicking off with Rep. Mike Flood, this episode takes a close look at the difference in perspectives on crypto policy between the House and the Senate and how Congress can build momentum for lasting change. Ep. 32: Congressman French Hill Rep. French Hill shares his take on bipartisan efforts to move blockchain forward, touching on key themes like self-custody and market clarity. Ep. 30: Congressman Wiley Nickel As the political landscape evolves, Rep. Wiley Nickel brings fresh perspective to the table, discussing tokenized markets and their potential to boost US innovation. Ep. 35: Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13) Rep. Shri Thanedar explores blockchain’s potential to create equity and opportunity, focusing on how technology can drive meaningful policy change. Ep. 36: Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo (D-CO-08) Colorado’s Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo examines the intersection of policy and technology in her state, emphasizing the potential for decentralized systems to support local economies. Ep. 40: Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD) Rep. Dusty Johnson offers a refreshing take on blockchain’s role in rural America, highlighting how innovation isn’t just for Silicon Valley. Ep. 42: Congressman Warren Davidson (R-OH-08) Rep. Warren Davidson doesn’t shy away from the big issues—self-custody, tokenization, and why market structure clarity is critical for the U.S. to reclaim its crypto leadership. A Growing Series, A Growing Dialogue As the Congress Series grows, so does the urgency of the topics at hand. Whether it's legislation like the FIT21 Act, the fight to protect self-custody, or debates on token taxonomy, these episodes are more than conversations—they’re a front-row seat to the policies that will define blockchain’s future in America. 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. At Owl Explains, we’re proud to bring together voices from both sides of the aisle to discuss solutions, challenges, and the road ahead. The series is just getting started, and there’s so much more to come. Catch up on the Congress Series today and hear directly from the policymakers shaping the future of crypto, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or right here in our owl website.
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A Huge Thank You to Our Incredible Sponsors - Avalanche Summit LATAM 2024
As we gear up for the Avalanche Summit LATAM 2024, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the sponsors who have made this event possible. Their support empowers us to bring together the brightest minds in the blockchain, crypto, and Web3 space for meaningful discussions, collaborations, and innovation. We are thrilled to partner with these visionary companies and organizations, each playing a vital role in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the Web3 world. Without further ado, we’d like to introduce our valued sponsors: Platinum Owl Sidley Austin LLP Golden Owls Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton Davis Polk & Wardwell Sher Tremonte Boreal Owls Fenwick Latham & Watkins Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP Snowy Owl HJF Law Community Partner Global Blockchain Business Council Our sponsors are more than just logos on our website—they are leading law firms, trade associations, and innovators who share our passion for decentralization, transparency, and the transformative power of blockchain technology. What's on the Agenda? The Best of Buenos Aires! Imagine this: a summit filled with cutting-edge discussions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities with some of the brightest minds in blockchain, all set in the dynamic, bustling city of Buenos Aires. From exploring the iconic streets of San Telmo to the modern vibe of Puerto Madero, the Avalanche Summit is going to be an event that brings together innovation and the unique spirit of Argentina, Latin America, and beyond! 🇦🇷✨ And let’s not forget the local flair! From delicious Argentine cuisine (empanadas, anyone? 🥟) to the vibrant street art that colors the city, we’re blending tech with culture in a way only Buenos Aires can. To our sponsors—thank you for believing in this vision and helping us make it happen. Your support is turning this event into a groundbreaking moment for the Web3 community in LATAM. We can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together! So, let’s give a big round of applause to these amazing partners and look forward to meeting up in Buenos Aires, where the future of blockchain is being written, one tango step at a time! 🎵 Get your tickets for 50% off using our code OWL50.
Custom Blockchains: Shaping a Bespoke Future
The inception of blockchain technology, heralded by Satoshi Nakamoto's whitepaper on Bitcoin, ignited a revolution whose full magnitude is only now coming to light. Yet, the true marvel doesn't lie solely in the foundational concept outlined in 2008; it resides in the ongoing evolution, fueled by brilliant minds since. Today, we stand on a new frontier: customization. Picture a world where launching a tailored blockchain, precisely attuned to your requirements, is not just a possibility but a reality. Custom blockchains represent an evolution from the original Satoshi blueprint; they embody vibrant ecosystems full of innovation. This newfound flexibility empowers users to design blockchains endowed with specific features and functionalities. The result? New applications and diverse use cases. Consider the foray of Sports Illustrated into blockchain technology, where sports fans securely purchase and trade verified tickets to their favorite events, all facilitated by a custom blockchain engineered for authenticity and transparency. This reality, where tickets unlock immersive experiences and collectibles, is not a distant dream but a tangible outcome crafted by forward-thinking enterprises. Similarly, Lemonade's* disruption in the insurance industry depicts the transformative potential of custom blockchains. Through their tailored solution, they've revolutionized weather insurance for small farmers, providing a seamless and transparent shield against unpredictable climate events. This paradigm shift underscores blockchain's role as a tangible force for positive change, far beyond mere rhetoric. The collaboration between Deloitte and FEMA** on disaster recovery reimbursement offers yet another glimpse into the power of custom blockchains. By leveraging blockchain technology, they've streamlined the reimbursement process, ensuring timely and transparent aid to those affected by disasters while simplifying audits. It's a compelling illustration of blockchain's capacity to enhance efficiency and accountability in critical domains. When it comes to loyalty programs and gaming, SK Global’s custom blockchain platform is at the vanguard of innovation. Their solution enables millions of South Korean telecom customers to use loyalty points across thousands of merchants, from real-world items to digital goods, with confidence in the authenticity and scarcity of their digital assets. This convergence of ecosystems and commerce, powered by blockchain technology, illuminates a path towards a more secure and transparent future for consumers and merchants alike. Even traditional financial institutions are embarking on the era of custom blockchains, with giants like Citi and JPM exploring the potential to trade traditional financial assets on custom platforms. This transition promises enhanced efficiency, transparency, and security in the financial landscape, marking a significant stride towards mainstream blockchain adoption. Whether revolutionizing real estate transactions, enhancing supply chain visibility, or reimagining loyalty programs, the space for innovation is extensive. What if we could tailor our digital ecosystems to align with our needs and aspirations? While some headlines may dwell on the volatility of cryptocurrencies, the true narrative lies in the transformative power of blockchain technology. We’re all about more hoot and less hype and recognize the capabilities of custom blockchains as canvases where creativity flourishes and ideas find their specific homes. It's time for Washington, and the world at large, to recognize custom blockchains as catalysts for innovation, efficiency, and inclusion across industries. *Lemonade's use case: *Lemonade's use case: **Deloitte and FEMA: **Deloitte and FEMA:
Proposed US Disclosure Guidelines for a Particular Category of Tokens
In the realm of blockchain, transparency is key, which is why The Proposed U.S. Disclosure Guidelines for a Particular Category of Tokens—revealed at the Sidley-Rutgers Fintech and Blockchain Symposium—signify a crucial step towards standardization in the blockchain industry. All feedback is welcome! Many trade associations are collaborating so you can provide feedback through them. Check out the full guidelines here.
Why give a hoot about Web3?
Web3 is about establishing ownership of digital things, which allows for the transfer of value over the Internet. Blockchains facilitate this by making digital uniqueness possible and accessible to anyone with a computer and internet access.
ExplainersQuizzes
Tree of Web3 Wisdom
Five guiding principles for policymakers considering how to regulate blockchain, crypto, and Web3.
Sensible Token Classification
Tokens are not one undifferentiated asset class. Let the nature of the asset be the starting point for determining what regulations apply to a token.
Huge thanks to our Avalanche Summit LATAM 2024 Sponsors!
Sidley Austin LLP
Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
Davis Polk & Wardwell
Sher Tremonte
Global Blockchain Business Council