Episode 4: Crypto’s Next Phase? Utility, Regulation & Institutional Adoption
Manage episode 479106304 series 3654083
After a short break for Good Friday, JR and Leon return to break down the week’s biggest stories in the world of crypto, fintech, and decentralization.
Hosts:
Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-rafael-burgoa-b34874170/
Website: https://jrburgoa.com/
Co-Host:
Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonhitchens/
Website: https://www.leonhitchens.com/
Find Us:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel
Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/
Here's what they covered:
Segment 1: Trump Memecoin – Meme or Milestone?
Trump launches a memecoin with a utility twist — top 220 investors get a private dinner at his golf club and a White House tour.
- Utility with Access: This memecoin offers exclusive real-world perks, potentially reshaping how meme coins are perceived.
- NFT Parallels: The event echoes early NFT utilities like Bored Ape Yacht Club’s parties.
- Token Dynamics: The coin saw a massive spike (up to ~$70), driven by hype and investor rush.
- Skepticism: While the access utility is unique, JR and Leon debate the sustainability and ethical implications of "pay-to-access" influence.
Blockchain: Solana-based token
Takeaway: Memecoins may be evolving beyond jokes — but is this a new form of elite gatekeeping?
Resources:
- https://x.com/JohnReedStark/status/1915467964809175324
- https://x.com/MikeSington/status/1915386029495783750
- https://x.com/blocknewsdotcom/status/1880550049865941125
- https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/official-trump/
Segment 2: Coinbase x PayPal – Stablecoin Power Move
Coinbase partners with PayPal to support their USD-backed stablecoin, PYUSD.
- Zero Conversion Fee: 1:1 USD-to-PYUSD conversions on Coinbase platforms.
- Use Case Potential: A step toward faster, global, low-cost payments — but skepticism remains on true user benefits.
- Debit Card Utility: Leon discusses the potential if PayPal lets users spend stablecoins via debit cards, avoiding excessive transaction and currency fees.
- Critique: Without major fee reductions or cross-border exchange improvements, it’s unclear how PayPal users truly benefit.
Token: PYUSD (ERC-20), backed by Paxos
Takeaway: A necessary step forward for stablecoin adoption, but real us
5 episodes