The hottest Cryptocurrency Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

Stablecoin Wildcat-Bank Roulette: The Genius Act Gambles with America’s Money

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 292 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
💰 Finance Cryptocurrency
  1. Congress is considering allowing companies to create their own currencies through stablecoins, which could lead to financial chaos like what happened in the past.
  2. There are concerns that regulators may struggle to manage the many stablecoins that could flood the market, posing a risk to the economy.
  3. Instead of issuing more currencies, a better approach might be to adopt practices from the European Union to focus on reducing fees and helping consumers without overloading regulators.

Stablecoins: The Next Financial Platform

The Generalist • 2922 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
💰 Finance Cryptocurrency
  1. Stablecoins solve real problems like moving value across borders quickly and cheaply.
  2. Stablecoins have signs of product-market fit with $125 billion in circulation and 1 million daily active wallets.
  3. Stablecoins are viewed as a financial infrastructure layer, serving as a platform for open, cheap, and programmable global payments system.

2023: The year in weird and stupid futures

Read Max • 2054 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Cryptocurrency
  1. Every year, Read Max reflects on weird and stupid futures.
  2. In 2023, there were absurd events like car heater pools from Bitcoin mining, A.I. chatbots causing problems, and more.
  3. Some notable occurrences in 2023 included tech CEOs making unusual decisions and governmental actions raising eyebrows.

Closed vs Open

Points And Figures • 612 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🔮 Crypto Cryptocurrency
  1. Quantum computing could potentially break the security of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. This means new, stronger security measures might be needed constantly.
  2. Crypto operates on an open network that encourages wide accessibility and data collection, while traditional fiat systems are closed and controlled by central authorities like the Federal Reserve.
  3. There's a debate about whether the benefits of paying to use a closed financial system outweigh the risks of using an open one, especially with the advent of advanced technologies.

Q&A + Requests

DeFi Education • 2238 implied HN points • 07 May 22
🔮 Crypto Cryptocurrency
  1. The DeFi team is open to answering questions about DeFi, crypto, and markets. You can ask anything you're curious about.
  2. You can also suggest topics or projects that you want the team to cover. This helps them provide content that is valuable to you.
  3. This post is for paid subscribers, so make sure you're signed up to get access to the Q&A and any special requests you might have.
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The Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

Points And Figures • 612 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🔮 Crypto Cryptocurrency
  1. Creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is a bad idea. Bitcoin doesn't prove to be essential for national security like the Strategic Oil Reserve.
  2. Currently, Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies are more about speculation than real value. They haven't significantly impacted daily life yet.
  3. The government should not get involved in the crypto market. It should just monitor and regulate lightly without interfering, to let it evolve naturally.

Airdrop Farming Returns (100%+ Annualized), Blast Airdrop Estimate and Relative Scale for 2024/2025

BowTied Bull • 216 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🔮 Crypto Cryptocurrency
  1. New projects are emerging and building on Layer 2 products, providing opportunities for airdrops and investment growth.
  2. Between now and May, there will be a surge of new projects trying to take advantage of the positive sentiment in the market.
  3. Paid subscribers can access detailed information and estimates about airdrop values and potential investment opportunities.

One Regulator

Points And Figures • 719 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
💰 Finance Cryptocurrency
  1. The financial market regulation in the U.S. is complicated and outdated, with many agencies like the SEC and CFTC often conflicting with each other. This can lead to innovation being stifled.
  2. There are concerns that some regulators, like Gary Gensler, may be overly controlling and negatively impact innovative companies, especially in the emerging cryptocurrency space.
  3. Many believe that simplifying the regulatory structure to have one main regulator could boost competition and innovation, but achieving this change seems very challenging.

The Tech Barons have a blueprint drawn in crayon. They have not thought any of this through.

The Future, Now and Then • 471 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Cryptocurrency
  1. The concept of a 'network state' is about online communities using blockchain to create their own governments, but it seems unrealistic and poorly thought out.
  2. Balaji Srinivasan, the author, doesn't fully understand what a government should do or the difference between communities and states, focusing instead on tech and crypto ideas.
  3. Despite the book's flaws, it's important to recognize that wealthy tech leaders are taking these ideas seriously, which could pose real risks to society.

Crypto is chain-letter technology

In My Tribe • 470 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🔮 Crypto Cryptocurrency
  1. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin can be compared to chain letters, where early participants may make money while later ones might lose everything. It only works as long as new buyers keep joining in.
  2. The American dollar, being a fiat currency, also operates like a chain letter. It's based on trust and belief rather than a physical backing, and its value can decline over time.
  3. Some people view Bitcoin as a safe way to protect against inflation, but switching from the US dollar to Bitcoin may not solve the fundamental issues with trust and value in these systems.

Endgame #1

The Dollar Endgame • 359 implied HN points • 26 Aug 23
💰 Finance Cryptocurrency
  1. Argentina is facing a severe economic crisis with massive currency devaluation and high inflation, but there is hope for stabilization with proposed governmental changes and monetary reforms.
  2. China's property market is experiencing significant challenges, with key real estate firms facing default, worker payment issues, and the country slipping into deflation, raising concerns for a possible global recession.
  3. The BRICS alliance, particularly China and Russia, is strategizing to lessen dollar dominance by expanding membership and discussing possible alternatives, like involving major oil exporters and establishing a new reserve currency, amidst complexities and challenges in implementing such changes.

Digital Drug Trade: The Story of Silk Road

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🕹 Technology Cryptocurrency
  1. Silk Road was a pioneering dark web marketplace for illegal drugs and other items, founded by an idealist named Ross Ulbricht.
  2. Ulbricht's motivation for creating Silk Road included making money, promoting libertarian ideologies, and providing a platform for people to buy drugs anonymously.
  3. The Silk Road story reflects a mix of ambition, freedom, and technology, showcasing the complexities of Ulbricht's character and the challenges he faced.

Should You Leave Metamask?

DeFi Education • 599 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🔮 Crypto Cryptocurrency
  1. There are many safety concerns about using Metamask and Ledger in the crypto space. Users need to be aware of these issues to protect their assets.
  2. Metamask has updated its terms, which could affect how users interact with the platform. It's important for users to stay informed about these changes.
  3. There are alternative options to Metamask that might be safer or better suited for some users. Exploring these alternatives can help individuals find a solution that meets their needs.

READING/HOISTED: From 2021: Matt Levine Is Bewildered by the Financial Economics of Elon Musk

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 222 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💰 Finance Cryptocurrency
  1. Elon Musk's influence on investments shows that value now often comes from social dynamics and celebrity power rather than traditional financial metrics. His tweets can drive prices up just because many people decide to buy into his hype.
  2. The rise of assets like GameStop and Dogecoin highlights a new way people coordinate their purchases online, often based on collective agreement rather than a solid analysis of the underlying value.
  3. Money and value are becoming less about concrete assets and more about social perceptions and internet culture. As social media evolves, how we view and use money is changing too.

Updates To SLP’s Monetary Policy!

The Lunacian • 1426 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🔮 Crypto Cryptocurrency
  1. SLP supply is capped at 44 billion with a buyback fund for every 10 SLP burned.
  2. The monetary policy aims for 2% deflation targeting compared to traditional 2% inflation.
  3. The distinction between reward currencies like SLP and value accrual tokens like AXS and RON is vital for digital economies.

Economics Links, 6/2/2025

In My Tribe • 212 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
💰 Finance Cryptocurrency
  1. Closing the FCC could be beneficial, as it often invents new reasons to exist. Some of its functions could be better managed by other government departments.
  2. Trump's idea to make Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae public while keeping government guarantees could lead to problems. This could mean private companies profit while taxpayers take on the risks.
  3. There's some hope in the economy as service costs are stabilizing, suggesting capitalism might be doing better than thought. This could mean a brighter future for the middle class.

Bitscam

Life in the 21st Century • 196 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
💰 Finance Cryptocurrency
  1. SEC approved bitcoin ETFs with caution for investors due to risks associated with crypto.
  2. ETF funds will use cash, not bitcoin, for transactions, highlighting challenges in using bitcoin directly.
  3. Bitcoin's focus on speculation rather than utility may hinder its potential as a replacement for the dollar.

What is Ethereum for?

Something to Consider • 39 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🔮 Crypto Cryptocurrency
  1. Ethereum is a programmable blockchain, allowing for more than just currency transactions. It's unique because it can create smart contracts that automatically enforce agreed terms.
  2. It’s useful especially when contracts can be clearly defined and don’t require constant human input. Things like online services or products that are fully digital fit this well.
  3. Ethereum has potential for improving access to banking for underserved communities, like in Africa. Its ability to facilitate transactions without traditional banking could help many people who lack basic financial services.

Economics Links

In My Tribe • 455 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
💰 Finance Cryptocurrency
  1. Academic economics has a culture that can feel snobby. Many economists avoid challenging well-known figures out of fear of seeming unimportant.
  2. The job market has changed a lot over the years, moving from agriculture to manufacturing, and now to service-based jobs. This shift reflects changes in demand and productivity.
  3. Cutting regulations can significantly lower prices, leading to increased real income for people. This could result in economic growth that exceeds what many economists expect.

Bitcoin Solves Triffin's Dilemma

The Dollar Endgame • 259 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
💰 Finance Cryptocurrency
  1. The Bretton Woods system established the U.S. dollar as the global reserve currency in 1944, benefiting the U.S. significantly.
  2. Triffin's dilemma addressed the fatal flaw in the Bretton Woods system, highlighting the challenges of a central issuer currency in a global monetary system.
  3. Bitcoin offers a solution to Triffin's dilemma by being a neutral reserve currency, avoiding the issues associated with central issuer currencies and promoting balance in the global economy.

Top Links 574 Gold stumbles. How Trump cost Boeing $3 billion. The UK's bitcoin haul. Beak capitalism.

Chartbook • 486 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
💰 Finance Cryptocurrency
  1. Gold prices are struggling and have not been performing well recently. This trend is something to watch in financial markets.
  2. Former President Trump had a significant impact on Boeing, costing the company around $3 billion. This shows how political decisions can affect big businesses.
  3. The UK has seen a notable increase in Bitcoin income, which highlights the growing interest in cryptocurrencies in the region.

Celsius Simplified

DeFi Education • 299 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🔮 Crypto Cryptocurrency
  1. Crypto bankruptcies can cause big market shifts as assets might be sold. This could affect how people invest and manage their money.
  2. It's important to remember that these bankruptcies can actually help some people. They can get money back that they lost and might reinvest it in the market.
  3. The recovery process from these bankruptcies involves a lot of people. Many investors might return to the crypto space after getting their funds back.

The Future Monetary System (From: Regulators)

DeFi Education • 439 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
💰 Finance Cryptocurrency
  1. The Federal Reserve's new service called FedNow will start on July 1st. It will allow people to send and receive money instantly, anytime, day or night.
  2. This real-time payment system is much faster than traditional banking, which can take days for transactions to clear.
  3. With FedNow, transferring money will take only seconds, making it easier for everyone to manage their finances.

Bitcoin Clogged

DeFi Education • 499 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🔮 Crypto Cryptocurrency
  1. Bitcoin enthusiasts often resist change, seeing its stability as a positive aspect.
  2. Ethereum supporters sometimes get labeled negatively, but they embrace innovation and flexibility.
  3. The ongoing debate between Bitcoin and Ethereum reflects different priorities in the crypto community.

Bitcoin Tech Talk #382

jimmysong • 137 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Cryptocurrency
  1. Citation Cartels manipulate the number of citations to boost university rankings in mathematics.
  2. Fauxductivity refers to tasks that appear productive but are actually not, and 'just-in-time' vs 'just-in-case' optimization is discussed.
  3. Education Consultants help wealthy individuals' children gain admission to top colleges, charging high fees and manipulating institutional preferences.

Blockchain as a Database (Part 1)

Cryptocurrency and Friends • 275 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Cryptocurrency
  1. A blockchain serves the purpose of allowing users to compute a copy of the same database with confidence.
  2. For worldwide agreement on a blockchain, a consensus protocol is needed to enable all parties to agree on new data blocks.
  3. Implementing rules for parsing data blobs on blockchains requires operational enforcement and governance to ensure consistency and security.

Superteam India Community Update: Jan 2024

The Superteam Blog • 137 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Cryptocurrency
  1. The newsletter celebrates Superteam members' achievements like projects hitting milestones and generating revenue.
  2. Community members contributed to ecosystem through code and content in areas like developer tooling and content creation.
  3. Updates on projects shipped in January include Proto App, Saganize SDK, and Little Unusual, highlighting key milestones and activities.

Bitcoin Tech Talk #379

jimmysong • 157 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🔮 Crypto Cryptocurrency
  1. The story of Shinzo's assassin and the impact of cults and corrupt politics in Japan's stagnancy.
  2. The rise and fall of the Occupy Wall St movement, co-opted by political agendas.
  3. A shocking case involving eBay executives harassing a couple, showing extreme behaviors in the name of business.

chainEDGE 3.0 Is Live

Onchain Wizard's Cauldron • 137 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Cryptocurrency
  1. The chainEDGE 3.0 update brings significant improvements for users, including enhanced UI and filtering options.
  2. The new version features tools like auto-filtering of low liquidity tokens and detailed insights into smart money swaps.
  3. chainEDGE 3.0 offers optimized token and wallet pages, along with a Portfolio God dashboard for sorting and filtering smart money holdings.

Crypto Cannot Avoid The Iron Laws of Economics

Points And Figures • 506 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🔮 Crypto Cryptocurrency
  1. Cryptocurrency operates under economic principles just like any other market. If costs to create or maintain it exceed profits, it won't succeed.
  2. A recent study highlights that cryptocurrencies may struggle to scale due to high security costs, making them potentially less efficient than traditional financial systems.
  3. While cryptocurrencies aimed to remove the need for legal systems and intermediaries, they still require a level of trust that can be expensive and complex to maintain.

Generalist Capital: New Epics

The Generalist • 1040 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
💼 Business Cryptocurrency
  1. Generalist Capital focuses on backing startups at the frontier to deeply understand innovation.
  2. Investing in startups allows for a hands-on experience and understanding of market dynamics.
  3. Innovative startups like DolarApp, Foundry, and NG Cash are solving real-world problems with unique solutions.