Emily Parker

Coinbase’s much-anticipated listing on Nasdaq Wednesday is fueling excitement in the crypto markets, sending bitcoin through $63,000 and ether past $2,200 Tuesday morning. But Coinbase isn’t the only cryptocurrency-focused business growing by leaps and bounds in the emerging blockchain era. Is decentralized finance a risk to Coinbase, or can multiple models for exchanges and lending platforms co-exist? Joining “First Mover” to discuss this historic week in crypto markets are ConsenSys Global Fintech Co-Head Lex Sokolin, Aave Founder and CEO Stani Kulechov, MoneyLion CEO Dee Choubey and CoinDesk’s Managing Editor of Global Policy and Regulation Nikhilesh De.

13 apr 2021

Coinbase is in sharp focus ahead of Wednesday’s public listing with valuations in a wide range, from $19B to $230B. Is it a catalyst for crypto adoption? Michele Schneider of MarketGauge Group with markets analysis. Celsius Network CEO Alex Mashinsky on his lending platform’s outlook and whether decentralized finance (DeFi) poses a long-term risk. Plus, Sotheby’s unveils a series of NFTs on the auction block in collaboration with digital artist Pak and NFT platform Nifty Gateway. Max Moore of Sotheby’s shares the auction details and explains the role of auction houses in the NFT boom.

12 apr 2021

Crypto influencer Meltem Demirors of CoinShares explains the Crypto Climate Accord that CoinShares joined along with Ripple and ConsenSys, and how they plan to convince the entire cryptocurrency industry to use renewable energy. Plus, Tim Frost of Yield App joins our markets discussion with a closer look at DeFi, and Pierre Accounting CEO Eric Pierre with tax-related information and news. Are accountants seeing signs of cryptocurrencies going mainstream?

9 apr 2021

Investment bank D.A. Davidson more than doubles its price target for Coinbase shares. D.A. Davidson’s Head of Institutional Research Gil Luria joins “First Mover” to explain how and why they came up with a $440 price target with the exchange’s public listing just days away. Also, Chainalysis Chief Economist Philip Gradwell breaks down its latest Ether report and the controversial NY Vaccine Passport app. It’s on a blockchain, but who controls and protects your data?

8 apr 2021

Ripple Chief Technology Officer David Schwartz joins “First Mover” to discuss XRP and what Ripple’s tech side is doing while its lawyers fight an SEC suit. Also, crypto markets analysis with Katie Stockton of Fairlead Strategies. Plus, buying real estate with bitcoin: a Chicago commercial building owner and his bitcoin consultant explain the process.

7 apr 2021

The U.S. dollar, bitcoin and altcoins are all in focus Tuesday morning as crypto reaches $2T in market value. Global Capital Markets Analyst Marc Chandler joins “First Mover” to discuss the rise of bitcoin and altcoins, inflation and the strength of the U.S. dollar. Also, the CME Group’s Tim McCourt on the derivatives exchange giant’s plan to launch ‘micro bitcoin futures.’ Plus, Deribit CEO John Jansen explains the company’s new volatility index for bitcoin.

6 apr 2021

Crypto futures trading exchange Bakkt launches Digital Wallet. Bakkt CEO Richard Johnson discusses its new retail focus. ETH, XRP and other alts are higher following Ether’s jump this weekend. Texture Capital CEO Richard Johnson joins “First Mover” for Monday’s crypto markets update and in the CoinDesk spotlight, DeFi Alliance with a look at DeFi trends and startups.

5 apr 2021

Will it or won’t it soon break through its all-time high? What analysts are saying about bitcoin’s next move. Crypto markets analysis with Michael Venuto of Toroso Investments. Plus, Carlos Domingo of Securitize discusses a crypto milestone: one of Japan’s largest banks is issuing the country’s first security tokens. And, the only Chinese-American player in the NFL is selling NFTs for an anti-racist campaign. Rams safety Taylor Rapp joins “First Mover.”

1 apr 2021

Goldman Sachs is reportedly closer to offering bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to wealth management clients, and more emerging markets are closer to releasing CBDCs. “First Mover” guests today include two crypto leaders involved in historic digital currency projects: Denelle Dixon of the Stellar Development Foundation and Brian Popelka of Bitt. Plus, Michael Shaulov of Fireblocks on signing up big banks for its crypto custody services.

31 mar 2021

Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire joins “First Mover” to discuss today’s top stories, including Visa’s decision to use USDC, the stablecoin developed by Circle, to settle payments. Also, reaction to Tether’s accounting report. Plus, Travala CEO Juan Otero on using crypto to pay for travel, and why Mark Cuban invested in Esprezzo.

30 mar 2021