Below is a concise summary of episode 1124 of the "Bitcoin And" podcast, recorded on July 1, 2025, at 8:43 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time. The host apologizes for missing the previous episodes due to family activities (a hike and a water park visit) and teases topics like Kazakhstan's crypto reserve, EU stablecoin developments, and market updates. He also promotes a sponsor (Peony Lane Vineyards) and emphasizes the show's community-backed nature.
The National Bank of Kazakhstan announced plans to create a state-controlled crypto reserve, potentially funded by confiscated assets and state mining operations. The host highlights risks like volatility but notes the bank's emphasis on centralized management for transparency and risk control.
He critiques this as an outdated centralized approach, contrasting it with decentralized trends like Bitcoin and systems such as Nostr. He argues that global centralization is peaking, leading to potential "decentralization cycles" driven by innovations like AI, Bitcoin, and peer-to-peer tools, which centralized entities may struggle to keep up with.
Broader context: This follows global trends, with the US approving a Bitcoin reserve and India proposing one, positioning Kazakhstan as a potential Central Asian crypto hub.
EU Stablecoins and MiCA Compliance:
Kraken and Robinhood are launching MiCA-compliant stablecoins (e.g., USDG by Paxos) in the EU, filling the gap left by Tether, which refuses compliance due to requirements like holding 60% of reserves in EU banks.
The host discusses the competitive implications: Tether could lose market share in the EU, potentially leading to a "battle" where Tether might pressure the EU or face rivals like Circle and Paxos. He notes the growing stablecoin market, with transactions reaching $94.2 billion and a market cap over $253 billion.
Fraud and Legal Issues:
A New York man was charged with wire fraud and money laundering for a $1.7 million scheme involving fake checks converted to Bitcoin. The host warns against illegal activities, emphasizing legitimate ways to acquire Bitcoin to avoid jail time.
Venati Coffee Chain's Bitcoin Strategy:
The Spanish cafe chain Venati, despite financial struggles (net losses of €3.3 million in 2024 and only €2 million in revenue), approved a plan to invest up to €1 billion in Bitcoin as a reserve asset.
The host questions whether this feeds into perceptions of Bitcoin treasury companies as Ponzi schemes, noting Venati's stock surge (up 500%+ this year) but warning of risks like dependency on funding and regulatory scrutiny. He compares it to other companies like MicroStrategy but labels it a potential "zombie company" strategy.
Banking and Institutional Adoption:
Deutsche Bank: Plans to launch Bitcoin and crypto custody services in 2026, partnering with BitPanda and Taurus, targeting corporate and institutional clients.
Sparkassen Bank (Germany): Will offer crypto trading (including Bitcoin) to its 50 million customers via mobile apps by 2026, reflecting growing institutional interest amid MiCA regulations.
Unicredit Bank (EU): Will provide a 5-year investment certificate tied to BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF for "professional clients," offering 100% capital protection but criticized by the host as overly centralized and risky.
The host views these as signs of traditional finance embracing crypto but expresses skepticism about their sustainability compared to decentralized alternatives.
Breez SDK and Lightning Network:
Breez announced 12 new apps integrating with Bitcoin's Lightning Network in Q2 2025, including tools for payments, wallets, and services like Bitpost (for wish lists) and Loom 21 (inventory management). The host sees this as evidence of Bitcoin's growing adoption.
Economic and Market Updates:
Fed and Trump Tensions: Jerome Powell stated the Federal Reserve would have cut rates if not for Trump's tariffs, which he claims inflated inflation forecasts. The host calls this "bullshit," arguing rates were held due to their effectiveness in controlling inflation, escalating into an "all-out war" between Powell and Trump.
Commodities and Crypto Prices: Oil (WTI and Brent) showed mixed changes; gold and silver rose; Bitcoin was at $106,120 with a $2.11 trillion market cap. The host notes Bitcoin's stability and shares listener boosts.
Other mentions: Listener interactions, promotions, and a closing weather report analogy.
The host is optimistic about decentralization's future, viewing Bitcoin and related technologies as disruptors to centralized systems. He expresses skepticism toward institutions like banks and governments, labeling them as potentially outdated or "Ponzi-like." He ends by reiterating his absence was due to family and thanks listeners for their support.
Key Topics Discussed
Host's Overall Tone and Themes