FCAT Crypto Brief™

As crypto continues to evolve, institutions are entering the fold. In this episode of the FCAT Crypto Brief, the team breaks down why TradFi players—including banks, asset managers, and infrastructure providers—are moving into DeFi, as well as key considerations surrounding the adoption of real‑world assets, on-chain lending, and settlement at an institutional scale. Listen in as our hosts explore recent developments across DeFi and TradFi, unpacking the forces driving strategy and adoption across the financial world. Episode Topics: [0:00] Intro [1:23] News Rundown [6:07] Banks & Lending [9:00] Infrastructure Providers [11:13] TradFi Adoption [14:36] Application vs. Protocol [18:25] On-Chain Lending [24:17] Regulatory Shifts [27:52] Final Thoughts & Outro Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2026 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. Chapters

Join us as we take a look at recent conversations within the Ethereum ecosystem, including Vitalik Buterin’s updated perspective on the “roll‑up centric roadmap” and how the community is approaching L1 and L2 development. Our hosts walk through the broader context, covering stakeholder incentives, validator dynamics, the pace of L2 progress, and Ethereum’s evolving upgrade priorities. Episode Topics: [0:00] Intro [1:24] News Rundown [6:00] Reviewing the “Roll-up Centric Roadmap” [9:48] Ecosystem Response [14:04] L2 Changes [16:05] Modular vs. Monolithic Debate [17:38] Key Tradeoffs & Pivot Points [20:56] Considerations for Institutional Allocators [22:05] Potential Roadmap Shifts [24:43] L2 Use Cases [28:22] Final Thoughts & Outro Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2026 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. Chapters

As crypto matures, what will the future of enforcement, compliance, and accountability look like? Listen in as Amanda Wick, a former federal prosecutor and longtime leader in financial crime prevention, joins the Brief to give her take and examine how innovation and integrity can evolve together. From sanctions to travel rule implementation, this episode offers a front‑row seat to see key shifts already reshaping the ecosystem. Want to learn more? Check out Amanda’s book The Catalysts. Episode Topics: [0:00] Intro [2:18] News Rundown [7:09] Background on the Travel Rule [11:39] Privacy vs. Anonymity [15:09] Market Maturity & Crypto Compliance [18:46] International Trends & Convergence [23:04] Time at the DOJ [29:49] Outro Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. Chapters

Curious about what’s next for crypto in 2026? Chris Kuiper, Vice President of Research at Fidelity Digital Assets®, joins our hosts to unpack the trends shaping the digital asset landscape in the year ahead. Tune in for insights on emerging developments, potential market shifts, and what these changes could mean for the industry at large. Read the full report here: https://www.fidelitydigitalassets.com/research-and-insights/2026-look-ahead Episode Topics [0:00] Intro [1:49] News Rundown [2:43] Introduction to Chris & FDA’s 2026 Look Ahead Report [4:19] How Shipping Containers Redefined Global Economics & What it Means for Crypto [11:11] A Deep Dive on Token-holder Rights [18:35] Other Key Topics for the Year to Come [20:43] Macroeconomic Factors [23:06] Bitcoin Mining & AI [27:20] Additional Thoughts Heading into 2026 [33:08] Final Thoughts & Outro Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. Chapters

In this episode of FCAT Crypto Brief™, we sit down with Doug Mehne, Chair of the Boston Blockchain Association, to explore what it really takes to build strong blockchain communities—both locally and globally. From fostering collaboration across traditional finance and digital assets to creating spaces for candid conversations, Doug shares how intentional programming, education, and advocacy are driving adoption and innovation. We discuss the pillars of community building, the roles played by universities and industry collaborators, and why shared experiences in a sometimes unpredictable ecosystem create a unique culture of support. Whether you’re crypto-curious or a seasoned builder, this conversation offers insights into how networks grow, scale, and thrive—on-chain and IRL. Episode Topics: [0:00] Intro [1:30] News Rundown [5:56] About Doug & the BBA [10:14] Building Community on-Chain [13:07] Programming Overview [17:47] Getting Involved [20:24] Why Boston? [28:39] Final Thoughts & Outro Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. Chapters

Listen in as we catch up with researcher Alexander Neumüller from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) to discuss their latest report exploring the critical role energy plays in sustaining Bitcoin’s decentralized network. From mining operations and miner sentiment to the potential of renewable solutions, we unpack how power shapes the future of digital currency—and why it matters for sustained innovation, network operations, and global finance. Read the full report here: https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/faculty-research/centres/alternative-finance/publications/cambridge-digital-mining-industry-report/ Episode Topics: [0:00] Intro [1:48] News Rundown [7:32] Alexander's Story [11:47] Digging into the Digital Mining Industry Report [19:25] Gauging Miner Sentiment [22:21] Participation & Impact [27:02] On-chain Economics [30:13] Final Thoughts & Outro Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. Chapters

Listen in as our hosts are joined by Bryan Pellegrino, CEO and Co-founder of LayerZero Labs, to explore the evolving infrastructure powering blockchain interoperability. From his unconventional journey—from poker pro to protocol architect—to the technical and economic implications of unified liquidity, Bryan shares his insights on tokenization, governance, and the future of agentic AI on-chain. Whether you're crypto-native or crypto-curious, this episode offers a compelling look at how organizations like LayerZero are reshaping cross-chain communication and user experience. Episode Topics: [0:00] Intro [1:26] News Rundown [2:55] Bryan’s Story [4:58] An Introduction to Interoperability [9:29] Innovations in Tokenization [12:20] Governance Deep-dive [17:01] Considerations for Unified Liquidity [20:43] Facilitating Currency Exchange [24:07] Exploring the Stargate Acquisition [27:09] Opportunities for Agentic AI on-Chain [30:22] Final Thoughts & Outro Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. Chapters

In this episode of FCAT Crypto Brief™, I explore a pivotal moment for cryptocurrency as it matures from white paper concepts to mainstream finance. We discuss groundbreaking developments, including Polymarket's significant fundraising from the Intercontinental Exchange and the Luxembourg Sovereign Wealth Fund's entry into Bitcoin investments. These moves signal growing institutional interest and regulatory acceptance of crypto assets. I also analyze Bitcoin's recent all-time highs amidst a backdrop of rising gold prices and equity markets, questioning whether this reflects its status as digital gold. Join me as we delve into the implications of these trends and what they mean for the future of digital assets in the financial landscape. Tune in for insights that go beyond the headlines.

From end-user innovations to new legislation, crypto and the larger blockchain ecosystem have recently headlined numerous stories worldwide. However, as the industry wrestles with topics like utility, clarity, and untapped economic opportunities, the question still remains: is crypto mainstream? In this episode, our hosts delve into crypto acceptance, adoption, and education — exploring what “mainstream” actually means and the extent to which this all matters for various cross-industry stakeholders. Episode Topics: [0:00] Intro [02:15] Biweekly News Roundup [10:55] Defining “Mainstream” [22:37] Key Crypto Signals & Milestones [28:27] Final Thoughts & Outro Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X, where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. Chapters

In this special live edition — recorded during this year’s ETH Boston — our hosts unpack the latest developments in tokenization and the evolving role of real-world assets (RWAs) across crypto. From reflections on the event to deep-dives into key technical, economic, and end user implications, get a comprehensive look at how tokenization could impact financial markets and user experience into the future. Episode Topics: [0:00] Intro [2:06] Reflections on ETH Boston [4:12] Background & Considerations Surrounding Tokenization [14:47] An Exploration of Real World Assets [24:21] Private Credit Deep-dive [28:09] Implications for Users & Underlying Networks [36:32] Final Thoughts & Outro Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. Chapters

As an asset, bitcoin has reached global recognition and widespread adoption — however, as a technology, it’s still often misunderstood. Listen in as our hosts are joined by Jack Blatchford of FCAT’s Blockchain Incubator to explore how the network has quietly progressed, utility has expanded, and development has flourished. Want to learn more? Check out the full report to help stay ahead of the curve and dive into the latest developments, expert insights, and in depth analysis of the technology driving the future of Bitcoin: https://fcatalyst.com/blog/aug2025/the-bitcoin-renaissance-part-two-a-technical-deep-dive Episode Topics: [0:00] Intro [1:10] Biweekly News Roundup [11:55] The Bitcoin Renaissance [15:50] SegWit & the Blocksize Wars [17:47] Soft Forks, Hard Forks, & The Bitcoin Community [24:51] About Covenants [28:40] What (Might) Be Next for Bitcoin [33:30] Outro Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. Chapters

Join our hosts as they dive into the world of crypto treasury companies—exploring how they work, their impact across both DeFi and traditional finance, and key considerations around emergent models. Episode Topics: [0:00] Intro [1:30] News Rundown [4:42] Key Concepts & Definitions [7:54] Transaction Structures Overview [22:55] Risks & Considerations [29:02] Key Takeaways & Outro Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. Chapters

Join our hosts as they sit down with Stephen Patane, Vice President of Crypto and Digital Assets Policy at Fidelity Investments, to unpack the evolving landscape of U.S. crypto regulation. We’ll explore key provisions of recent legislation, how federal agencies are responding to these changes, and key takeaways for stakeholders across the DeFi landscape. Episode Topics: [0:00] Intro [2:00] Ethereum Turns Ten [4:45] Welcome to Stephen Patane [6:34] A Deep-dive into Recent Legislation [24:08] Updates from the President's Working Group [29:58] Outro Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. Chapters

We’re celebrating 100 episodes of the Crypto Brief! Join our hosts as we take a look back at three years of headlines, innovations, and evolution on-chain—addressing some of the top trends and market factors that have emerged since we started back in 2022. Episode Topics: [0:00] Intro [2:17] News Roundup [8:01] New Approaches to Tokenization [15:02] The Evolution of Chains [20:00] Powering the Future of Blockchain [28:40] Revisiting Tokenization Complexities [30:47] Key Takeaways [34:35] Outro Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. Chapters

Historically, traditional and decentralized finance have remained fairly separate, but as these two worlds continue to converge, what are builders prioritizing across the financial landscape and what value might be unlocked by strategic integration? Listen in as the hosts are joined by Sergey Nazarov, co-founder of Chainlink, to discuss his work and vision for the future of blockchain. Learn about on-chain security, permissionless innovation, the role of oracles, and how TradFi and DeFi stakeholders can work together to build better networks. Episode Topics: [0:00] Intro [01:14] GENIUS Act Update [06:52] About Chainlink [13:48] Security On-chain [21:22] Integrating with Solana [26:29] Linking TradFi & DeFi [30:12] Permissionless Innovation [32:16] The Role of the Oracle [46:48] Outro Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. Chapters

What’s next for crypto? How do experts track signals and develop new solutions? How do we drive innovation on-chain? The hosts are joined by Ari Juels, a Professor at Cornell Tech, Co-founder and Co-director of the Initiative for CryptoCurrencies and Contracts (IC3), and Chief Scientist at Chainlink Labs — as well as FCAT researcher and Principal Blockchain Engineer Developer Kosala Yapa Mudiyanselage — to discuss how academia and industry are teaming up to solve some of blockchain’s greatest challenges and unlock new opportunities across the ecosystem. Learn about the origins of maximal extractable value (MEV), how collaboration between FCAT and our academic partners has developed a potential solution to improve fairness on-chain (PROF), and how research sparks innovation for users across networks. For a closer look at the PROF project, check out https://prof-project.github.io/. Episode Topics: [0:00] Intro [3:28] Biweekly News Roundup [7:20] An Intro to IC3 & Exploration of MEV [11:55] Exploring Protected Order Flow (PROF) [14:52] On Fairness [19:06] Economic & Regulatory Factors [23:43] How Research Sparks Innovation On-chain [31:21] Outro Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. Chapters

Got questions? We’ve got answers. Join us on this special Q&A episode of the Crypto Brief as hosts Matt Allen and Jack Neureuter address the future of mining and the current state of crypto venture. Episode Topics: [0:00] Intro [1:10] Biweekly News Roundup [10:46] Proof of Work & the Evolving Role of Mining [18:43] The Current State of Crypto Venture [24:42] Recent Trends in Fundraising [32:04] Outro Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. Chapters

Imagine a world where blockchain platforms can be fast, secure, and scalable all at once. Sounds too good to be true? Welcome to the Blockchain Trilemma, the ultimate tradeoff that’s long challenged developers and users alike. In this episode, we’re diving straight into the strategic drivers and decisions that have shaped two of the most popular blockchain networks: Ethereum and Solana. Join us as we weigh the pros and cons of each network, explore the underlying strategies and communities, and discuss the wins, frustrations, and recent developments that continue to shape the future of blockchain. Episode Topics: [0:00] Intro [1:36] Biweekly News Roundup [8:50] The Blockchain Trilemma [11:20] Pros, Cons & Everything In-between [20:58 Network Strategies & Culture [28:24] What’s on the Horizon? [30:16] Outro Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. Chapters

Listen in as our hosts dive into another big week in crypto. On this episode of the Crypto Brief, the team is joined by Senior Manager of Bitcoin Mining at FCAT, Kevin Kelly, to discuss Ethereum’s upcoming Pectra upgrade and what it might mean for users. Episode Topics: [0:00] Intro [1:46] Biweekly News Roundup [4:23] Pectra Upgrade: Features Deepdive [22:14] About Blobs [26:26] Ethereum at a Crossroads [30:42] Key Takeaways Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. Chapters

Listen in as our hosts address the question of business expansion in crypto. On this episode, the team discusses recent M&A activity, strategic investments, and what organizations might consider as they seek to expand their offerings and market share. Tune in to learn how these moves will impact the future of DeFi. Episode Topics: [0:00] Intro [01:22] Crypto Brief news update [07:02] Recent M&A activity [14:52] The impact of strategic investments on customer experience [26:50] Outro Stay connected with us beyond the podcast by following FCAT on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X where we share additional insights and updates on all things emerging tech. Whether you're crypto-curious or have a crypto foundation, Fidelity may have your next career opportunity. EXPLORE NOW. Please remember: this podcast is solely for informational and educational purposes and is not investment, tax, legal or insurance advice. Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile and you should conduct thorough research before you invest. To learn more, visit: fcatalyst.com FMR LLC. © 2025 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.