The Policy Layer

ep12
Ava Labs x CBER
2025-11-19
69 minutes

Ava Labs x CBER Ep 12: Beyond the Foundation Model: DUNAs and BORGs

This episode examines the central role nonprofit foundations have played in supporting blockchain networks. We trace their original purpose, how these entities have become a point of friction for many projects, and how regulatory and policy shifts have opened the door to alternatives. We reference two emerging models: the Decentralized Unincorporated Nonprofit Association (DUNA) and the Cybernetic Organization (BORG). Guest: Miles Jennings (Head of Policy & General Counsel at a16z crypto) Paper: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/article/end-foundation-era-crypto/ 🟢https://open.spotify.com/episode/5N3j22vesfIZbjIFirgoa4 🟣 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ava-labs-x-cber-ep-12-beyond-the-foundation-model/id1706838957?i=1000737256761

Fundamentals
ep11
Ava Labs x CBER
2025-11-19
73 minutes

Ava Labs x CBER Ep 11: Decentralized Autonomous Organizations

This episode explores the governance of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). We discuss how ownership concentration and whale voting can distort incentives and hinder platform growth. The conversation examines mechanisms to embed long-term incentives directly into DAO economic design. Guests: Jungsuk Han (Seoul National University), Jongsub Lee (Seoul National University; University of Florida), Tao Li (University of Florida) Paper: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4346581 🎧 Listen on 🟢https://open.spotify.com/episode/51xNyvfM35izUAIL2CJ4Vf 🟣 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ava-labs-x-cber-ep-11-decentralized-autonomous-organizations/id1706838957?i=1000737254323

Fundamentals
ep5-CBER-S2-stephen
Ava Labs x CBER
2024-12-04
108 minutes

Ava Labs x CBER Ep 10: Tokenization of Real-world Assets in Avalanche

This podcast provides a deep-dive on the Avalanche blockchain. The podcast discusses how Avalanche's blockchain can be used for tokenization of real-world assets. The podcast also explains the Avalanche consensus protocol and how this protocol is an important differentiator between Avalanche and other blockchains. 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Fundamentals
Use Cases
ep2-CBER-S2-fabian-schar
Ava Labs x CBER
2024-12-04
60 minutes

Ava Labs x CBER Ep 7: Blockchain Privacy and Regulatory Compliance

This podcast discusses the ability for blockchain users to attain privacy in their transactions while also remaining compliant with regulations. Of note, prominent blockchains do not provide anonymity as commonly believed; rather, forensic methods can be used to reveal the transaction behavior of users. Mixers (e.g., Tornado Cash) combat forensic methods and offer further privacy. Nonetheless, mixers have come under regulatory pressure because they can be used for illegal activities such as money laundering. This podcast explains why blockchain identities are not anonymous and the details surrounding mixers. The podcast then explains a method whereby a user employing a mixer could prove that they have not participated in money laundering, potentially achieving both privacy and regulatory compliance. Regulatory implications are discussed. Guest: Professor Fabian Schär (University of Basel) Paper: Blockchain Privacy and Regulatory Compliance 🎧 Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts (Recorded on Aug 16, 2024)

Security