The Owl Explains Hootenanny

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)

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