The hottest Crypto Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Understanding ETFs

DeFi Education • 519 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
💰 Finance Crypto
  1. ETFs are investment funds that hold a collection of assets and are traded like stocks. They aim to track the performance of an index or asset class.
  2. Creating your own ETF is complicated and needs approval from regulators. It’s not as easy as just launching a product; there's a lot of scrutiny involved.
  3. ETFs have a unique process for buying and selling called creation and redemption. This helps keep their price in line with the value of the assets they hold.

Issue #147: MrBeast Buys a Bank, Goldman Sachs Gives AI Agents Real Jobs, And Coinbase Wants Every AI Agent to Have a Wallet

Fintech Radar • 6 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
💰 Finance Crypto
  1. Creators are starting to buy and run real financial assets, using massive audiences to scale fintech products and distribution quickly.
  2. Banks and fintechs are deploying autonomous AI agents to handle high-volume, rules-based work like accounting, onboarding, and AML, which reduces the need for additional headcount.
  3. Infrastructure for agentic money is being built fast — agent-specific wallets, machine-to-machine payment protocols, and programmable guardrails let AI agents hold and spend funds safely.

How Banks Fail

Confronting the Future • 511 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
💰 Finance Crypto
  1. Banks can fail due to bad assets or a run on liabilities, which can often happen together.
  2. Be cautious with asset management, especially in rising interest rate environments and when extending in duration.
  3. Hot deposits can create volatility if depositors suddenly withdraw, impacting a bank's ability to meet obligations.

💥Nobody Care(ismatic)💥

PETITION • 275 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💼 Business Crypto
  1. A medical apparel seller has filed for bankruptcy due to various financial challenges and changes in the industry.
  2. The restructuring process involves equitizing first lien debt and securing a DIP financing with interesting features.
  3. The bankruptcy filing of Terraform Labs Pte. Ltd., known for the failed stablecoin Terra USD, has led to ongoing legal proceedings and the company's intent to continue its business plan.
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Issue #146: PayPal Gets a New CEO, Palmer Luckey's Bank Gets Its Charter, And Experian To Buy Own Up

Fintech Radar • 8 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
💰 Finance Crypto
  1. Experian is buying an AI mortgage-shopping platform to move beyond credit reporting and directly steer consumers through mortgage origination, turning its data advantage into a distribution channel for lenders.
  2. A Palmer Luckey–backed neobank won a US national banking charter in under eight months, signaling that regulators are approving new charters much faster and opening a path for more fintechs to become banks.
  3. PayPal replaced its CEO amid board complaints about its pace of change, exposing a deeper identity problem where the company needs a clear strategic direction rather than just new leadership.

The Bitcoin ETF launch: not an orange wave but not a sell the news either

Ecoinometrics • 235 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
💰 Finance Crypto
  1. The impact of the Bitcoin ETF launch is not visible yet, but the potential is huge.
  2. Short-term outflows from the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust are currently offsetting any major effects of the ETF launch.
  3. Once the transition stabilizes, more investors like BlackRock and Fidelity may bring steady inflows with the ETFs, potentially opening up Bitcoin to a broader investor base.

26 Stocks I'm Watching For 2026: Part 2

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 33 implied HN points • 24 Dec 25
💰 Finance Crypto
  1. Concentrated thematic bets paid off in 2025 — nuclear names, gold and silver miners, rare-earths, select EMs, and some high‑beta innovation trades drove big outperformance versus the S&P.
  2. Heading into 2026 there are clear systemic risks: a tapped‑out American consumer and rising delinquencies, stretched valuations (especially around AI capex), a weakening passive bid, crypto becoming systemically embedded, and geopolitical/monetary shifts pushing demand for hard assets.
  3. There are two plausible market paths next year: a liquidity‑driven grind higher if policymakers keep backstopping markets, or a more painful deleveraging as real economic strain reasserts itself; positioning favors international/EM discounts and precious metals as hedges while aiming for relative outperformance.

CFPB Allocates $46 Million To Synapse/Evolve Victims In First-Ever Fintech Bailout

Fintech Business Weekly • 29 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
💰 Finance Crypto
  1. The CFPB has allocated about $46.25 million from its Civil Penalty Fund to compensate Synapse/Evolve customers, marking a notable fintech bailout. It’s unclear if that amount covers the larger reported shortfall and victims may still wait a long time to get paid.
  2. Evolve Bank & Trust received unqualified audit opinions for 2021–2024 from Crowe and KPMG despite known reconciliation problems and missing end-user funds. That gap between audits and operational failures raises questions about audit scope and whether material issues were disclosed.
  3. Regulators are actively policing and reshaping crypto and fintech: the FTC treated a $186 million crypto security breach as an unfair practice while other agencies pursue deregulatory and pro-crypto moves like charter applications and rulemaking. These developments show rising enforcement alongside efforts to accommodate crypto innovation.

Economics Links, 1/4/2024

In My Tribe • 501 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
💰 Finance Crypto
  1. Paul Krugman talks about how gambling on asset prices is like a natural Ponzi scheme. People get caught up with optimism, which can lead to bigger financial risks.
  2. There are new types of market leaders, like Michael Saylor of MicroStrategy, who influence markets and create a kind of cult-like following among investors.
  3. In Argentina, Javier Milei is changing things by cutting government departments and privatizing state companies. His aim is to weaken the power of his political rivals.

Liquidity, Not Logic: QTR And Epoch Times Talk Markets

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 21 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
💰 Finance Crypto
  1. Stocks are driven more by liquidity and expectations of policy support than by the current health of the real economy, so bad economic news can sometimes lift markets even as it masks growing strain and creates moral hazard that shifts costs into inflation and weaker purchasing power.
  2. Market valuations look high by almost every historical measure, leaving little margin for error, so investors should be realistic about what they’re paying for and the future growth those prices assume.
  3. Speculation is concentrated in areas like crypto and parts of AI where downside can be sudden, and individual investors should read 10‑Ks, compare peers, understand debt and cash flow, and beware passive flows and index concentration.

GENIUS Passed Into Law. Now What?

Fintech Business Weekly • 118 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
💼 Business Crypto
  1. The GENIUS Act is now law, creating specific rules for payment stablecoins and their issuers, which aren't considered traditional currency or bank deposits.
  2. There will be a three-year grace period for existing stablecoin issuers to comply with new licensing requirements, effects on consumers and the banking system could take time to show.
  3. The new regulations may help stabilize the use of stablecoins, but could also create confusion with many types available, especially for users outside the US.

Finance 101 for Crypto Degens, Part 1

DeFi Education • 1159 implied HN points • 17 May 22
💰 Finance Crypto
  1. The time value of money means that money now is worth more than money in the future because you can invest it and earn a return. This idea explains why banks charge interest on loans.
  2. Understanding capital structure is important. It distinguishes between the types of capital a company uses, like debt (bonds, loans) and equity (ownership shares), and how these affect the company's value and risk.
  3. Discounted cash flow analysis helps evaluate the value of a business by looking at its expected future cash flows. This method shows how much future money is worth today, factoring in investment risks.

Top Links 583 Europe's disinflation is real. Elon Musk's state-like powers. Standing with crypto & Nigerian Japa.

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
💰 Finance Crypto
  1. Europe is experiencing real disinflation, meaning prices are rising more slowly than before. This could impact the economy positively as inflation decreases.
  2. Elon Musk is being discussed for having almost state-like powers due to his influence and control in various sectors. This raises questions about the power of individual leaders in today’s world.
  3. There is a growing support for cryptocurrencies, particularly in Nigeria, where many people are looking for better opportunities, often referred to as 'Japa.' This highlights a trend of using crypto for economic mobility.

Ticker Take: a weekly newsletter on investing.

Jon’s Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
💰 Finance Crypto
  1. Investors are advised to stay calm during challenging times. Historical data shows that the stock market often rebounds after geopolitical issues arise.
  2. Bitcoin's next steps may be influenced more by new ETF trends than by traditional events like the halving. Experts believe institutional money could drive significant growth.
  3. Gold has outperformed stocks in about one-third of the last 40 years. However, generally, stocks have offered better returns over that same period.

Audiences Post, Communities Host

The Superteam Blog • 98 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Crypto
  1. In a community, interaction is more active and engaging than with an audience
  2. Organic interactions in a community can lead to collaborations and projects
  3. Participating actively in events by contributing can lead to valuable connections and opportunities

Why The World Needs Web3

DeFi Education • 719 implied HN points • 22 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Crypto
  1. Web3 aims to create a more secure internet by reducing reliance on centralized platforms, which often expose users to risks like hacking and censorship. This means our online interactions can be safer and more private.
  2. In the future, people could earn money for content creation on decentralized platforms, unlike current social media that makes money from our content without sharing revenues. This can create fairer opportunities for creators.
  3. Web3 may lead to a new economy where crypto can be used for everyday purchases, making it easier for people to use digital currencies in their daily lives. This shift could change how we think about money and transactions.

What Is Apple Up To With Its Digital ID?

Fintech Business Weekly • 22 implied HN points • 23 Nov 25
💰 Finance Crypto
  1. Apple now lets people create a Digital ID in Wallet from a U.S. passport, which greatly expands who can hold a mobile credential. Real-world acceptance is still very limited and mostly confined to TSA checkpoints.
  2. Apple is emphasizing privacy and minimal data sharing for its Digital ID and is playing a long game to grow user adoption so merchants and services will add support. This slow-but-steady approach aims to make use cases like KYC and travel booking more viable over time.
  3. Synapse’s Chapter 11 was dismissed but big questions remain about missing consumer funds, reserve money held by partners, and ongoing criminal and civil probes. At the same time, banks are striking open-banking fee deals and regulators are allowing banks to hold crypto for gas fees, showing shifting industry and regulatory dynamics.

Net Interest 2025 Year in Review

Net Interest • 12 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
💰 Finance Crypto
  1. AI soaked up massive capital and is reshaping finance. Hyperscalers spent hundreds of billions on data centers, and AI is changing equity research and powering new payments and agent-driven sales.
  2. Private markets are growing into the role once held by public markets, with private equity and credit expanding rapidly but raising valuation and liquidity concerns. Some private valuations look stretched and could create coordination risks if sentiment shifts.
  3. Retail investors and fintech are changing market structure while crypto infrastructure advances. Retail trading share has risen and firms like Robinhood gained influence as stablecoins and tokenization grew under looser regulation.

PYUSD

Confronting the Future • 137 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
💰 Finance Crypto
  1. Stablecoins like PYUSD are becoming inevitable in the global financial landscape.
  2. Public blockchains erode monopolies and offer new options for value exchange.
  3. Introduction of PYUSD by PayPal will lead to legislative action, regulatory scrutiny, and talent demand in the stablecoin space.

Value Denomination and Stablecoins

DeFi Weekly • 137 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
💰 Finance Crypto
  1. Stablecoins are fragile and rely heavily on banking partners.
  2. The US is growing hostile towards crypto, affecting banks dealing with it.
  3. In a future of multiple currencies, valuable assets like crypto may offer wealth protection.

GCash is coming to Axie and Ronin!

The Lunacian • 506 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Crypto
  1. GCash partnership with Axie and Ronin aims to make crypto more accessible for Filipinos
  2. 80% of Filipino internet users rely on GCash, making it a significant financial platform in the country
  3. Collaboration with GCash will enhance user experience and provide a seamless pathway for engagement with Axie and Ronin

MoneyLion Pays $1.75M to Settle Military Lending Act Allegations

Fintech Business Weekly • 14 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
💰 Finance Crypto
  1. U.S. banks showed stronger results in Q3 with higher net income, slightly wider net interest margins, lower credit loss provisions, and smaller unrealized losses on securities.
  2. MoneyLion will pay about $1.75 million and must change its practices after regulators found it violated the Military Lending Act by letting membership fees push covered borrowers’ rates above the 36% cap and by blocking cancellations and certain collections.
  3. Most banks are not prioritizing stablecoins or tokenized deposits — only a tiny number see issuing a stablecoin as a high priority, though there is modest interest in holding reserves or offering custodial services for third‑party issuers.

20260118

Curious futures (KGhosh) • 4 implied HN points • 18 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Crypto
  1. AI is rapidly reshaping industries and work: companies are pivoting from old bets to AI services, and jobs are becoming more fractional and outcome-based as AI starts to behave like a new kind of employee.
  2. Communities can reclaim AI to protect and revive culture and language, showing technology can be used for cultural stewardship rather than just profit.
  3. The rush toward new tech exposes material, security, and social strains—so preserving human rhythms like rest, play, and collective care is essential for resilience.

Creativity Is An Underrated Performance Booster

The Modern World Builder ✧Tips For Collective Lorecraft • 78 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
💼 Business Crypto
  1. Creativity leads to innovation, which creates value and helps you stand out in your field.
  2. In competitive environments like twitter or in entrepreneurship, trying to outdo others with productivity alone may not work. Being creative sets you apart.
  3. In industries like crypto and entrepreneurship, where problems are novel and solutions need imagination, developing creative skills is more valuable than just being productive.

Fad or Trend

Margins by Ranjan Roy and Can Duruk • 513 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Crypto
  1. Metaverse is seen as a fad that's good for Felt
  2. Crypto is also viewed as a fad that Felt doesn't care about
  3. AI, specifically OpenAI tools, is seen as a trend that may have positive impacts until concerns about its control arise

Weekly Dose of Optimism #121

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 113 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Crypto
  1. SpaceX successfully launched its Starship rocket, showing impressive advancements in reusable spacecraft technology. This progress is critical for potential lunar and Mars missions in the future.
  2. Javier Milei, the President of Argentina, has implemented significant economic reforms that have led to positive results like reducing inflation and achieving a fiscal surplus. His methods may influence similar government efficiency efforts in other countries.
  3. A breakthrough in quantum technology introduced a new type of qubit using mechanical vibrations. This can help improve quantum computing and create advanced technologies for various industries.

Venture Debt BDCs, Vertical SaaS AI, Crypto

Bigfoot Capital • 58 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
💼 Business Crypto
  1. Venture debt BDCs in Q2 2023 saw $6.3B borrowing, but lower than previous years' pace
  2. BDCs had $1.335B in available liquidity and $1.167B in unfunded commitments by Q2 end
  3. AI in vertical SaaS may accelerate adoption, with current slow tech adoption rates and potential for enhanced product value

Structure Matters

Confronting the Future • 58 implied HN points • 05 May 23
💰 Finance Crypto
  1. Proposed framework for crypto regulation in New York is normal and reasonable in line with traditional finance standards.
  2. Exchanges in the crypto space are structured in a highly centralized manner, which is concerning to regulators.
  3. NY state's bill includes provisions for mandatory auditing, know-your-customer rules, and investor protections, aligning with typical financial practices.

What I'm preparing for in 2025

next big thing • 76 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Crypto
  1. AI is becoming a big part of software development, allowing small teams to create successful products quickly and efficiently. By 2025, we will see a lot more companies thriving because of this.
  2. We are moving towards using AI not just as helpers but as real team members. In 2025, AI will be more about collaboration rather than just assistance.
  3. There will be breakthroughs in other technologies like healthcare or energy that could surprise us, just as AI did in the past. These advancements will create new opportunities for startups.