Bell Curve

In this special episode, Blockworks announces its acquisition of Messari and unpacks what it means for crypto’s next phase. Michael and Jason explore why Messari’s breadth of data, APIs, and research complement Blockworks’ deep on-chain analytics, investor relations, and disclosure products. They also address crypto’s trust problem, the need for standardized data and disclosures, and how Blockworks aims to become the trusted data layer connecting issuers, investors, exchanges, regulators, and AI agents in on-chain markets.

Learn more: https://blockworks.com/insights/blockworks-acquires-messari

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Follow Messari on X: https://x.com/MessariCrypto

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The institutions are coming, but not where most crypto investors expect. As Wall Street adopts blockchain technology, the biggest opportunities may be shifting from Bitcoin itself to the infrastructure, applications, and market structures reshaping finance.

This week, we discuss the arrival of perpetual futures in the U.S., the stablecoin battle with traditional banks, and why crypto is increasingly forcing legacy financial institutions to adapt.

We also explore Coinbase and Deribit, Hyperliquid’s regulatory path, the debate over tokenized deposits, Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin strategy, and whether macro risks could keep markets under pressure. Enjoy!

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(02:43) Where Institutions See Opportunity

(11:31) Stablecoins vs Tokenized Deposits

(26:55) Perps Finally Come Onshore

(32:58) Are Perps Futures Or Swaps?

(44:28) Coinbase Opens The Offshore Door

(51:30) Can Strategy Actually Sell Bitcoin?

(01:04:23) Is The Bitcoin Bottom In?

(01:08:41) Will The Fed Hike Again?

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EVENTS

› Join us at Digital Asset Summit 2026 Asia October 7th & Digital Asset 2026 London November 10-11th

https://blockworks.com/events

DISCLAIMER

Nothing said on Inflection Point is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Any views expressed are opinions, not financial advice. Hosts and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

This week, Mippo, and Xavier sat down to discuss emerging optimism in crypto, NEAR's recent momentum, agent adoption timing, privacy use cases, competitive positioning, and long-term outlook.

Thanks for tuning in!

Resources

Venice Usage: https://x.com/KyleSamani/status/2060498893444354270?s=20

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Follow Myles: https://x.com/MylesOneil

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Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9

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Timestamps

(00:000 Introduction

(00:57) Optimism For Crypto

(05:47) Thoughts on NEAR

(11:31) Token Value Accrual

(15:18) NEAR’s Agent Adoption

(18:15) The Value of Privacy

(22:57) NEAR’s Focus Problem

(26:06) Sovereign Agents

(30:23) Agents Onchain

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Disclaimer: Nothing said on Bell Curve is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mike, Xavier, Myles, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

This week, Mippo, Myles, and Xavier sat down to discuss whether crypto's current slump reflects genuine stagnation or healthy maturation. They also unpack AI's near-term impact on DeFi security, the shifting VC fundraising bar, stablecoins reshaping crypto’s original thesis, and the US embracing onchain finance.

Thanks for tuning in!

Resources

David Hoffman: Why I Sold My ETH: https://x.com/TrustlessState/status/2059371247163613489?s=20

OpenZeppelin Co-Founder on DeFi Security: https://x.com/maraoz/status/2059413451265441990?s=20

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Follow Myles: https://x.com/MylesOneil

Follow Xavier: https://x.com/0xave

Follow Mike: https://twitter.com/MikeIppolito_

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmD

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cpKZXH

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:40) Outlook on Crypto

(10:22) Stablecoins Hurt L1s

(15:47) The VC Bar Has Been Raised

(20:17) Where’s the Creativity?

(26:06) Crypto Needs More Coinbases

(32:33) Crypto’s Maturation Phase

(45:36) Closing Comments

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Disclaimer: Nothing said on Bell Curve is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mike, Xavier, Myles, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

This week, Mippo, and Myles  sat down to discuss the recent talent exodus from the Ethereum Foundation, and Ethereum's declining market share against Solana and Hyperliquid. They debate the revenue meta, Dankrad Feist’s proposal for an economically aligned organization, leadership tensions, and more.

Thanks for tuning in!

–

Follow Myles: https://x.com/MylesOneil

Follow Xavier: https://x.com/0xave

Follow Mike: https://twitter.com/MikeIppolito_

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmD

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cpKZXH

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Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction

(02:31) ETH Foundation Talent Exodus

(10:57) Saving Ethereum

(15:00) Can ETH Win Without Price Appreciation?

(19:41) Building on Ethereum

(28:53) Ethereum’s Two Paths

(32:29) Closing Comments

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Disclaimer: Nothing said on Bell Curve is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mike, Xavier, Myles, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.