Emily Parker

Ukraine legalizes crypto as digital currency donations continue to pour in. Michael Chobanian of the Kuna exchange, who testified before the Senate Banking Committee on Thursday, joins “First Mover” to discuss the significance of the new law, crypto donations to Ukraine and more. Additional viewpoints from Jason Grad, CEO and co-founder of Massive, on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and how crypto can help. Plus, crypto market insights from Hany Rashwan of 21Shares.

Mar 18, 2022

The U.S. Senate Banking Committee is holding a hearing entitled “Understanding the Role of Digital Assets in Illicit Finance.” Witnesses include Jonathan Levin, co-founder and chief strategy officer of Chainalysis; Michael Mosier, former acting director, deputy director and digital innovation officer of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN); Michael Chobanian of the Ukrainian KUNA Exchange and the Blockchain Association of Ukraine; and Shane Stansbury, the Robinson Everett distinguished fellow and national security senior lecturing fellow at the Duke University School of Law.

Mar 17, 2022

White House NSC Director of Cybersecurity and Secure Digital Innovation Carole House joins “First Mover” to discuss digital asset concerns and opportunities amid Russia sanctions, and the impact of Biden’s executive order on the crypto industry. Additional viewpoints on the topics from Michael Chobanian of KUNA Exchange who is expected to testify before the Senate Banking Committee this morning. Plus, insights on the intersection of institutional finance and DeFi from Robert Leshner of Compound Labs, and crypto markets analysis from Raghu Yarlagadda of FalconX.

Mar 17, 2022

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is holding a press conference to discuss the central bank’s latest policy and economy update, including the decision to raise its benchmark interest rate for the first time since 2018.

Mar 16, 2022

The Federal Reserve is expected to raise the interest rate by 25 basis points to tame soaring inflation in the U.S. Ben Emons of Medley Global Advisors joins “First Mover” to share his readings on the pulse of the U.S. economy and global markets. Rebecca Rettig of Aave weighs in on the role of crypto exchanges in the Ukraine crisis amid calls for compliance with Russia sanctions. Plus, former NBA star Metta Sandiford-Artest (formerly Metta World Peace) on celebrity endorsement of NFTs.

Mar 16, 2022

Everstake COO Bohdan Opryshko joins “First Mover” to share details of the new crypto donation site “Aid for Ukraine” in partnership with FTX and the Ukrainian government. The Federal Reserve is poised to raise interest rates this week. Dexterity Capital Managing Partner Michael Safai shares his crypto markets analysis. Robbie Ferguson of Immutable shares the company’s plan to bring blockchain gaming to the masses after raising $200 million in its latest funding round.

Mar 15, 2022

European Union parliamentarians are to vote on a proposed rule to limit proof-of-work crypto mining. O’Shares ETFs Chairman Kevin O’Leary lobbies in favor of the Responsible Financial Innovation Act by U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) that could alter the capital gains taxation rules for crypto. The “Shark Tank” co-host joins “First Mover” to discuss. Plus, bitcoin markets analysis from Jeff Mei of Huobi Global and insights on metaverse regulation from Bradley Tusk of Tusk Strategies.

Mar 14, 2022

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