Leading on Crypto

November 20, 2025

Leaders in crypto talk to us about where crypto is, where it’s heading, and what we can expect on the way.

Leading on Crypto is your go-to source for brief, insightful discussions on the ever-evolving world of crypto and blockchain. In each episode, we bring you exclusive commentary from industry leaders on the latest trends, regulatory updates and fresh perspectives shaping the crypto landscape—Join us to explore the innovations and ideas transforming this dynamic field.

Bitcoin’s First Principles, MiCA Rules and the Bitcoin Treasury Boom

What lessons can the rise of Bitcoin still teach us about the crypto landscape today? In this episode of Dechert’s Leading on Crypto, partner Neel Maitra and Gemini International General Counsel Vijay Selvam, author of "Principles of Bitcoin: Technology, Economics, Politics, and Philosophy," explore how to apply Bitcoin’s first principles to generate yield via the rise of Bitcoin treasury companies, the EU’s landmark MiCA framework, where the next wave of regulation could head and more.

Regulate Applications, Not Protocols: Stablecoins, DeFi and Internet Ownership

How are blockchains creating an ownership layer for the internet, shifting identity and value from intermediaries to users? In this installment of Dechert’s Leading on Crypto, partner Neel Maitra is joined by a16z Chief Compliance Officer Scott Walker to discuss his firm’s unwavering crypto conviction – even through the so-called “Crypto Winter” – and the meaning behind the firm’s “regulate applications, not protocols” mantra. Walker also highlights stablecoins’ evolution into global payment rails and settlement/collateral infrastructure, institutional‑grade on‑chain governance, modular, application‑specific chains improving user experience and much more!

Leading on Crypto Episode 3 with The Venture Dept.'s Matthew Homer

From Regulator to Crypto VC: Stablecoins, Tokenization and DeFi’s Next Wave

How are crypto and blockchain creating the new infrastructure for financial services? Leading on Crypto host Neel Maitra gets a unique perspective on the intersection of fintech and regulation from Matthew Homer, founder and general partner at The Venture Dept. In their discussion, Matthew highlights his unique transition from regulation to the investment space, explores the challenges and opportunities of launching a fund during “Crypto Winter” and the three core trends to watch in crypto.

Decoding Policy Trends Shaping the U.S. Digital Asset Landscape With CCI’s Ji Hun Kim

Given recent crypto legislative developments, is the U.S. poised to further establish itself as a global regulatory leader in the space? On this episode of Dechert’s Leading on Crypto, partner and host Neel Maitra explores the sea change in U.S. crypto policy with Ji Hun Kim, CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation, discussing groundbreaking legislation like the GENIUS Act, the CLARITY Act, broader market structure legislation, the evolving roles for federal and state regulators, the transformative impact of payment stablecoins and much more.

Crypto Regulation & Tokenized Securities with Superstate’s Alex Zozos

How are leading U.S. crypto investment firms responding to and preparing for the Genius and CLARITY Acts? In the debut episode of Dechert’s Leading on Crypto series, Dechert partner Neel Maitra and Superstate general counsel Alex Zozos explore the impact of these landmark pieces of crypto legislation, the regulatory evolution around blockchain and tokenized securities, the innovations reshaping financial markets and future prospects for the sector. *Note: This episode was recorded prior to SEC Chairman Paul Atkins’ July 31 announcement of the “Project Crypto” initiative.

Stay tuned for future episodes and timely industry insights

Where Crypto Is—In Their Own Words

CEO

Ji Hun Kim

Crypto Council for Innovation

The crypto industry is entering a golden age, marked by a fundamental transformation of financial services, ownership systems, and beyond. Digital assets and blockchain technologies are delivering immense benefits for consumers, investors, businesses, and the broader economy. To fully realize this potential, we must foster a spirit of collaboration—bringing together policymakers, regulators, innovators, developers, crypto-native companies, and traditional financial institutions. Only through this shared effort can we ensure a clear, consistent, and technology-driven evolution of our financial system.

General Counsel

Alex Zozos

Superstate

To understand where an evolving space like crypto is headed you must study analogous approaches of the past. Leveraging thought leaders' varying experiences and perspectives enables a deeper and broader knowledge that will inform and guide where the space is going and how best to proceed. Thought leaders learn from the past but are unbridled by convention. Their insights provide informed first principle thinking that is invaluable in navigating this developing space.

Partner

Neel Maitra

Washington, D.C.

Collaboration is the lifeblood of innovation in crypto. The industry thrives on shared knowledge and diverse perspectives, whether it’s from developers, regulators, or investors. Connecting with thought leaders allows us to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and collectively shape the future of blockchain technology. It’s through these conversations that we turn bold ideas into actionable solutions.

Blockchain and Digital Asset Resource Center

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