First Mover

Russian President Vladimir Putin sees “certain positive shifts” in talks with Ukraine. This comes as Ukraine continues to put up a strong resistance against Russia. Pavel Kravchenko, on the ground in Ukraine, a co-founder of crypto software firm Distributed Lab, joins “First Mover” to share the latest from that region. Timothy Massad, former CFTC chairman and Harvard University Kennedy School of Government Research Fellow weighs in on the impact of the economic warfare on Russia and Biden’s crypto executive order on digital assets. Plus, crypto markets analysis from David Gan of OP Crypto.

Mar 11, 2022

A financial war is being waged across the globe, sending currency and commodities markets into volatility akin to the crypto markets. “First Mover” hosts speak to Uriel Epshtein of Renew Democracy Initiative for his analysis on the global sanctions against Russia. Alex Siman of SubSocial Network shares insights on their and Gavin Wood’s fundraising effort to aid Ukraine. Crypto markets analysis from 3iQ Digital Assets President Chris Matta. Plus, expanding access to bitcoin for the masses, Patrick Sells of NYDIG and Tom Novak of Visions Federal Credit Union explain their latest initiative.

Mar 10, 2022

Blockchain Association Executive Director Kristin Smith and CoinDesk Managing Editor for Global Policy and Regulation Nikhilesh De join “First Mover” to share their insights and analysis of President Biden’s executive order that calls for federal agencies to coordinate their approach to cryptocurrencies. Prices of bitcoin, ethereum and other digital assets jumped on the heels of this news. John Sarson, Sarson Funds CEO and founder, shares his markets analysis. Plus, tips on how to navigate crypto tax rules this tax season from Seth Wilks of Taxbit.

Mar 9, 2022

“First Mover” hosts speak to Ukraine Ministry of Digital Transformation Deputy Minister Alex Bornyakov as the United Nations records about 2 million refugees have left Ukraine as Russia’s assault continues. Darrell Duffie of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research weighs in on the role of China’s digital yuan in Russia sanctions. Crypto market insights from crypto exchange OKX Director Adrian Yang. Plus, celebrating International Women’s Day, Lisa Mayer, Boss Beauties founder and CEO, shares how her company is helping bring female empowerment to the community.

Mar 8, 2022

“First Mover” hosts are joined by CoinDesk’s Nikhilesh De to discuss the ongoing call from Ukraine’s government urging American private businesses to cut operations in Russia. Arthur Falls, a former employee of ConsenSys, gives his side of the story in the controversy surrounding the blockchain company. Markets insights from Ben McMillan of IDX Digital Assets. Plus, how are people in Ukraine coping with war? Anton Altement of OSOM weighs in.

Mar 7, 2022

“First Mover” hosts are joined by Alona Shevchenko, Ukraine DAO founder, and Kenny Choo, True Global Ventures founding partner, as crypto industry continues to raise funds to support Ukraine humanitarian efforts. Ananya Kumar of Atlantic Council weighs in on China’s role in Russia sanctions. Plus, crypto market insights from Michele Schneider of MarketGauge Group.

Mar 4, 2022

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is back on Capitol Hill to deliver his semiannual monetary policy update, this time testifying before the Senate Banking Committee. Powell indicates that the central bank still backs a quarter-point interest rate hike in March against a backdrop of surging inflation in the U.S. and balancing the unpredictability of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Mar 3, 2022

Reversing plans, the Ukrainian minister of digital transformation has announced the cancellation of an airdrop to crypto donors via his Twitter account. “First Mover” hosts speak to Salman Banaei of Chainalysis for insights into tracking crypto transactions during the Russia-Ukraine crisis and how to ensure crypto is not used for sanction evasion. Timothy Brackett of The Markets Compass, provides his crypto market analysis as bitcoin eyes $45K.

Mar 3, 2022

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell testifies before the House Financial Services Committee to deliver his semiannual monetary policy update to Congress against a backdrop of surging inflation in the U.S. and the uncertainty of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Mar 2, 2022

“First Mover” hosts explore whether crypto can find its safe haven role in Russia-Ukraine crisis. Tanvi Ratna, CBDC expert at Policy 4.0 shares her views. Premiums for bitcoin are soaring on exchanges servicing Ukraine and Russia, Knox Ridley of I/O Fund provides his market analysis. Plus, Gitcoin Founder Kevin Owocki explains how crypto can be used for public good.

Mar 2, 2022