Bitcoin vs Gold: The Future of Monetary Assets with Vijay Boyapati | SLP654

Stephan & Vijay discuss the current state of Bitcoin, its market cycle, and its comparison with gold. They explore the implications of geopolitical factors on gold and Bitcoin, the rise of Bitcoin treasury companies, and the evolving liquidity channels in the market. The discussion also touches on speculation in Bitcoin and how it contributes to its growth, while emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying economic theories. They also explore the evolving landscape of Bitcoin, the implications of MNAV (Market Net Asset Value) in the context of Bitcoin companies, and the transformative potential of AI on the economy. AI could lead to hyperabundance, affecting various sectors and potentially changing the role of money. The conversation also touches on the risks posed by quantum computing to Bitcoin's security and the need for proactive measures in the Bitcoin community.Takeaways🔸We're still early in this cycle.🔸Understanding causality in economics is crucial.🔸Bitcoin is decorrelating from the stock market and coupling with gold.🔸Gold is part of a larger macroeconomic story.🔸Bitcoin is better than gold in many aspects.🔸Liquidity channels to Bitcoin are larger than ever before.🔸Speculation around Bitcoin can be beneficial for its growth.🔸Degenerate gambling in Bitcoin can enhance its liquidity.🔸The FOMO moment for Bitcoin could lead to significant price increases.🔸We're currently in the third inning of the Bitcoin bull market. Bitcoin is evolving as a monetary asset.🔸MNAV dynamics will fluctuate with market cycles.🔸AI could revolutionize productivity and economic structures.🔸Hyperabundance may lead to deflationary pressures.🔸Debt may become less of an issue in an AI-driven economy.🔸AI's impact on knowledge work will be profound.🔸The future of work will involve significant job displacement.🔸Quantum computing poses a real threat to Bitcoin's security.🔸Individuals may soon replicate corporate Bitcoin strategies.🔸The rapid advancement of AI is reshaping various industries.Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro(01:44) - Where are we currently in the Bitcoin cycle? (06:47) - Bitcoin’s correlation with Gold(09:52) - The breaking down of Bretton Woods system(12:35) - Will Gold outperform the debasement of the dollar?; The Bitcoin story(16:27) - Sponsors (18:57) - Will Bitcoin drain capital out of other assets?(24:53) - The rise of Bitcoin ETFs & Treasury Companies(34:33) - Are Bitcoin Treasury companies the new levered bitcoin play?(39:56) - The significance of mNAV in Leveraged Bitcoin Equities (49:39) - How will the rise of AI impact society? (59:27) - Sponsors(1:01:15) - AI rewriting the future socio-economic structures; Will Bitcoin be the currency of AI?(1:14:01) - Quantum Computing & Bitcoin's future risksLinks: https://x.com/real_vijay Sponsors:Bold BitcoinCoinKite.com (code LIVERA)Lana by GaloyStephan Livera links:Follow me on X: @stephanliveraSubscribe to the podcastSubscribe to Substack

At Bitcoin Oasis 2025, we discussed Bitcoin tools & innovation, bitcoin cycles, financialization of bitcoin, adoption in the MENA region and India’s first bitcoin treasury company.Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro(00:57) - Preston Pysh(12:47) - Sponsors(15:03) - Sooly Kobayashi(21:49) - Max Hillebrand(28:46) - Sponsors(29:43) - Siddarth Bharwani(40:07) - Lara EggimanLinks: https://bitcoin-oasis.com/ https://x.com/BTCArabiaLtd https://x.com/PrestonPyshhttps://primal.net/sooly  https://primal.net/p/nprofile1qqst0mtgkp3du662ztj3l4fgts0purksu5fgek5n4vgmg9gt2hkn9lqv6g2cl https://x.com/sidbharwani https://x.com/SwissAlice1 Sponsors:Bold BitcoinCoinKite.com (code LIVERA)Lana by GaloyStephan Livera links:Follow me on X: @stephanliveraSubscribe to the podcastSubscribe to Substack

Stephan & Gilded Pleb, a developer who created StackMath, a financial calculator for Bitcoin, discuss Gilded's personal journey with Bitcoin, its potential impact on homelessness, and the importance of understanding financial models for retirement planning. Gilded explains how traditional financial calculators often fail to account for the volatility of Bitcoin and introduces the Monte Carlo simulation as a more effective tool for predicting financial outcomes. The conversation also touches on inflation, retirement strategies, and the significance of model selection in financial planning. They also explore the emerging role of Bitcoin treasury companies and how they can provide access to fiat leverage, while also emphasizing the importance of self-custody. The discussion shifts to risk management strategies, including the allocation of portfolios between Bitcoin and high-risk investments. Takeaways🔸Gilded Pleb shares his personal journey with Bitcoin and homelessness.🔸Bitcoin can alleviate some of the pressures causing homelessness.🔸Traditional financial calculators often fail to account for Bitcoin's volatility.🔸Monte Carlo simulations provide a better model for financial predictions.🔸The 4% rule is a heuristic for retirement planning.🔸Inflation rates can significantly impact financial planning.🔸StackMath allows users to run their own financial simulations.🔸Understanding the range of Bitcoin's price is crucial for planning.🔸DCA (Dollar-Cost Averaging) can be a reasonable strategy for retirement.🔸Nation states could be the next major buyers of Bitcoin. Debt is complicated, especially when collateralizing Bitcoin.🔸Being in debt can feel antithetical to the Bitcoin ethos.🔸Bitcoin allows for personal sovereignty and mobility.🔸Many Bitcoin treasury companies operate on fiat IOUs.🔸The fundamental nature of Bitcoin offers unique advantages.🔸A 90-10 portfolio strategy can balance risk and security.🔸Access to fiat leverage can enhance Bitcoin investments.🔸Volatility in Bitcoin may decrease as it matures.🔸Investment strategies should consider individual risk tolerance.🔸Exploration and education are key in navigating Bitcoin investments.Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro(01:00) - Who is Gilded Pleb?; Navigating homelessness & finding Bitcoin(05:34) - What is StackMath?; The importance of Monte Carlo simulation(13:16) - Inflation & financial planning (17:11) - What are the key strategies for retiring on Bitcoin?(21:32) - Sponsors(24:48) - Model selection & Predictions for Bitcoin(28:20) - Should you borrow against your Bitcoin stack?(33:46) - The role of Bitcoin Treasury Companies(36:23) - How can one manage risks in Bitcoin investments?(38:11) - Sponsors(39:15) - Navigating Bitcoin volatility with Bitcoin Treasury Companies(46:44) - Can Bitcoin Treasury Companies be modelled? (52:53) - Closing thoughtsLinks: https://x.com/gildedpleb https://stackmath.xyz/ Sponsors:Bold BitcoinCoinKite.com (code LIVERA)Lana by GaloyStephan Livera links:Follow me on X: @stephanliveraSubscribe to the podcastSubscribe to Substack

In this episode, Stephan discusses the latest updates on Fedimint with its founders Eric Sirion and Joschi. They delve into the concept of eCash, its significance in the Bitcoin ecosystem, and the differences between Fedimint and other systems like Cashu. The conversation highlights the real-world applications of Fedimint, recent updates including version 0.7, and the introduction of IROH, which simplifies the setup process. They also explore the importance of client agnosticism, the integration of LN URL and BOLT 12 for enhanced user experience, and the role of Lightning Gateways in facilitating transactions. The conversation also dives into the intricacies of Fedimint - a decentralized solution for Bitcoin custody and management. The speakers discuss the roles of clients and guardians, the ease of setting up a Fedimint, and the future of community adoption. They explore the comparative advantages of Fedimint over other Bitcoin solutions, including Liquid and custodial wallets, emphasizing the importance of privacy, trust, and decentralization in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Takeaways🔸Fedimint is a decentralized eCash system that enhances privacy.🔸eCash allows users to transact without revealing their identity.🔸The multi-sig approach in Fedimint increases security and resilience.🔸Fedi is a commercial entity that builds on the Fedimint protocol.🔸Fedimint enables community custody of Bitcoin, fostering local economies.🔸Version 0.7 of Fedimint introduces new features like recurring payments.🔸IROH simplifies the setup process for Fedimint, making it more accessible.🔸Client agnosticism allows for flexibility in integrating with various applications.🔸LNURL facilitates recurring payments, improving user experience.🔸Lightning Gateways provide efficient transaction processing for users. Clients can choose from multiple gateways for redundancy.🔸Guardians manage the server, while clients handle complexity.🔸Setting up a Fedimint is simplified for users.🔸Community adoption requires a certain density of Bitcoin use.🔸Federations will vary in size, with some becoming quite large.🔸Privacy and trust are key factors in choosing a federation.🔸Self-custodial solutions are seen as the gold standard.🔸Custodial solutions may pose systemic risks to Bitcoin.🔸Decentralization of custody is crucial for Bitcoin's future.🔸Government regulations can impact Bitcoin adoption significantly.Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro(00:49) - Who are Eric & Joschi?(02:57) - What is eCash? What is its role in Bitcoin?(04:09) - What is the difference between Fedimint & Cashu?(06:11) - Fedi vs. Fedimint - what are they? (08:50) - Real world applications of Fedimint (12:53) - What is Iroh? (17:08) - How does Iroh work? (Technical insights & functionality)(18:50) - Sponsors(31:17) - Enhancing UX with LNURL & Bolt12(35:07) - What is the role of Lightning gateways in Fedimint?(40:18) - Simplifying Guardian setup and management(44:29) - The future of Fedimint & community adoption; Federation sizes & distribution(48:46) - Privacy and Trust in Federations(50:18) - Sponsors(51:18) - Comparative analysis of Bitcoin custody solutions(59:39) - Fedimint Vs Liquid Federation(1:04:20) - Will nation states choose an eCash-type solution?(1:05:38) - Thoughts on Bitcoin custody amidst growing global adoption(1:07:54) - ‘Single Binary’ update in Fedimint(1:12:23) - Closing thoughts Links: https://x.com/EricSirion https://x.com/joschisanbtc https://x.com/fedimint/status/1912173279239897133 Sponsors:Bold BitcoinCoinKite.com (code LIVERA)Lana by GaloyStephan Livera links:Follow me on X: @stephanliveraSubscribe to the podcastSubscribe to Substack

In this episode, Stephan Livera speaks with Matyas Kuchar about the evolving landscape of Bitcoin, particularly focusing on the BTC Prague conference and the changing demographics of Bitcoin enthusiasts. They discuss the shift in sentiment towards Bitcoin, the importance of education in fostering self-sovereignty, and the role of corporate strategies in Bitcoin treasury management. The conversation also touches on the Czech Republic's unique position in the Bitcoin ecosystem and the upcoming BTC Prague conference, which aims to unite the Bitcoin community and promote individual empowerment.Takeaways🔸BTC Prague reflects the changing sentiment of Bitcoin.🔸The new wave of Bitcoiners is more mainstream and diverse.🔸Education is crucial for newcomers to understand Bitcoin's values.🔸Self-sovereignty is a key principle of Bitcoin.🔸Czech Republic is becoming a hub for Bitcoin innovation.🔸The Bitcoin community is welcoming and supportive.🔸Corporate strategies for Bitcoin treasury are evolving.🔸The year 2025 is seen as pivotal for Bitcoin adoption.🔸Conferences like BTC Prague foster connections and learning.🔸Individuals can leverage Bitcoin in their existing jobs.Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro(01:03) - What’s new with BTC Prague?(03:33) - The evolution of Bitcoin adoption(06:34) - The changing demographics of Bitcoin enthusiasts (11:21) - Choosing self sovereignty over ETFs(14:02) - What is the role of education in Bitcoin adoption?(17:16) - Today’s Bitcoiners will be tomorrow’s leaders(19:08) - Sponsors (21:29) - Bitcoin treasury management & evolving corporate strategies (23:54) - Choosing between a fiat job & a bitcoin job(24:48) - How is Bitcoin adoption shaping in the Czech Republic?(32:03) - Sponsors(34:35) - Will the central bankers understand Bitcoin?(41:31) - What to expect at BTC Prague 2025?Links: https://x.com/Matyas44Cook https://x.com/btcprague https://x.com/chaincampcz Sponsors:Bold BitcoinCoinKite.com (code LIVERA)Lana by GaloyStephan Livera links:Follow me on X: @stephanliveraSubscribe to the podcastSubscribe to Substack

In this episode, Alejandro de la Torre, CEO and founder of Demand Pool, discusses the launch of their new Stratum V2 mining pool. Alejandro explains the importance of decentralization in Bitcoin mining, the risks associated with traditional mining pools, and how Demand Pool aims to create a fair and transparent system for miners. The conversation covers the differences between payout structures like FPPS and PPLNS, the innovative Slice payment system, and the role of translation proxies in facilitating mining operations. Alejandro also addresses the viability of mining pools and the importance of hash rate coordination. He also shares insights on global mining trends, the shift towards liquid cooling, and the challenges of censorship in the mining space. Takeaways🔸Demand Pool aims to address decentralization concerns in Bitcoin mining.🔸Stratum V2 allows miners to build their own blocks, enhancing decentralization.🔸FPPS payout structure creates centralization risks for miners.🔸PPLNS is a fairer payout method compared to FPPS.🔸The Slice payment system ensures fair distribution of transaction fees.🔸Transparency in payment systems is crucial for miner trust.🔸Translation proxies are necessary for current mining operations.🔸Demand Pool focuses on larger miners to achieve operational viability.🔸Decentralization is essential for Bitcoin's value and ethos.🔸Alejandro is committed to improving the mining ecosystem. Constant payouts to miners are achievable with sufficient hash rate.🔸FPPS and PPLNS have significant differences affecting miner payouts.🔸Security in mining pools is paramount to protect miners' interests.🔸A good mining pool prioritizes safety and incremental improvements.🔸Connectivity and latency are critical factors for mining efficiency.🔸Stratum V2 offers advancements over traditional mining protocols.🔸FPPS may become obsolete as transaction fees increase in importance.🔸Global trends show a rise in Bitcoin mining initiatives, especially in Africa.🔸Liquid cooling presents advantages and challenges compared to air cooling.🔸Censorship resistance is enhanced with Stratum V2, but challenges remain.Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro(01:00) - What is Demand pool? (02:24) - What is Stratum V2?; Centralization risks in mining pools(07:42) - Understanding FPPS payout structure(12:52) - What is PPLNS ? (14:44) - What is the Slice payment system?(18:53) - Difference between Demand Pool & OCEAN or Braiins(21:05) - Sponsors(23:35) - The role of translation proxy in mining; Current Stratum V2 support landscape(27:34) - How much hash rate is required to be viable as a pool?; Mining payouts (30:24) - Impact of FPPS vs PPLNS on miners(33:02) - How does Stratum V2 enhance the security of the pool?(35:06) - What makes a ‘good mining pool’?(38:34) - The role of good connectivity and latency in mining(40:13) - Demand Pool vs SRI: A technical comparison(42:53) - Why do miners choose FPPS over PPLNS?(45:43) - Sponsors(47:22) - Global Bitcoin mining trends(53:52) - Liquid cooling vs Air cooling in Bitcoin mining(55:50) - Is Stratum V2 censorship resistant? (59:07) - Closing thoughtsLinks: https://x.com/bitentrepreneur https://x.com/DEMAND_POOL https://www.dmnd.work/ https://blog.dmnd.work/understanding-slice-pplns-jd/ Sponsors:Bold BitcoinCoinKite.com (code LIVERA)Lana by GaloyStephan Livera links:Follow me on X: @stephanliveraSubscribe to the podcastSubscribe to Substack

Stephan Livera and James Check discuss the evolving dynamics of the Bitcoin market, emphasizing the shift from traditional market cycles to a more complex interplay of macroeconomic factors and investor behavior. They explore the impact of institutional investors and ETFs on market sentiment, the psychological aspects of trading, and the importance of on-chain metrics in understanding market movements. The discussion highlights the need for investors to adapt their strategies and perspectives in a rapidly changing environment. James emphasizes the importance of understanding market behavior and debunks several false narratives surrounding Bitcoin trading. The discussion also touches on the role of ETFs in the market and how they interact with on-chain data. Ultimately, James encourages listeners to trust their instincts while utilizing available data to make informed decisions in the ever-evolving Bitcoin landscape.Takeaways🔸The Bitcoin market is evolving beyond traditional cycles.🔸Market sentiment is influenced by macroeconomic factors.🔸Institutional investors are changing the dynamics of Bitcoin trading.🔸Emotional psychology plays a crucial role in trading decisions.🔸On-chain metrics provide valuable insights into market behavior.🔸Investors should focus on long-term trends rather than short-term fluctuations.🔸Understanding the role of ETFs is essential for modern Bitcoin analysis.🔸Diminishing returns and volatility are expected as Bitcoin matures.🔸The herd mentality can lead to poor investment decisions.🔸SOPR and other on-chain metrics are vital for informed trading. Funding rates are a reflection of market sentiment.🔸Market corrections are a normal part of the bull market cycle.🔸On-chain data provides valuable insights into market behavior.🔸ETFs play a significant role in Bitcoin market dynamics.🔸False narratives can cloud judgment in trading decisions.🔸Understanding market gaps can help predict price movements.🔸The importance of distinguishing between whale and exchange data.🔸Supply shocks are often misunderstood in their implications.🔸The multiplier effect is often exaggerated in Bitcoin discussions.🔸On-chain data is a powerful tool for hodlers and traders alike.Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro(01:00) - There is no cycle?(04:58) - Is this time really different?(11:08) - Understanding Bitcoin market sentiments & structure(13:36) - Structural shifts in Bitcoin adoption?; Role of ETFs & Institutional investors(17:17) - Emotional psychology in trading Bitcoin(21:24) - Sponsors(24:37) - Will diminishing returns and volatility continue?(29:27) - What is SOPR (Spent Output Profit Ratio)?; Understanding market corrections(34:30) - Is $80K Bitcoin the ‘value zone’?; Importance of on-chain data(39:12) - CME Futures gap and air pockets(42:10) - How will the Bitcoin ETF buyer data be reflected on-chain?(45:08) - Debunking hopium narratives (Mr.100, supply shock, multiplier effect)(48:02) - Sponsors(53:26) - The UTXO data set is Bitcoin (59:28) - Closing thoughtsLinks: https://x.com/_Checkmatey_ Sponsors:Bold BitcoinCoinKite.com (code LIVERA)Lana by GaloyStephan Livera links:Follow me on X: @stephanliveraSubscribe to the podcastSubscribe to Substack

In this episode, Mason Jappa, CEO of Blockware Solutions, discusses the current state and future of Bitcoin mining, particularly in the U.S. He highlights recent regulatory clarity from the SEC, the evolving mining landscape, and the economic dynamics affecting miners. Mason emphasizes the importance of technology, liquidity, and strategic partnerships in successful mining operations, while also addressing the ongoing debate between mining and simply holding Bitcoin. The discussion provides insights into the challenges and opportunities within the Bitcoin mining industry as it continues to grow and adapt. Takeaways🔸The SEC has provided favorable coverage for Bitcoin mining.🔸Bitcoin mining remains strong despite market fluctuations.🔸Mason Jappa is bullish on the future of Bitcoin mining.🔸Blockware Solutions produces annual research reports on mining.🔸Bitcoin price historically outpaces mining difficulty growth.🔸Energy infrastructure deployment cannot keep up with Bitcoin price surges.🔸Liquidity in mining assets is crucial for profitability.🔸Choosing the right partners is essential for successful mining operations.🔸Mining can yield more Bitcoin than simply buying and holding.🔸Many public mining companies are currently unprofitable. There's a divide in strategies among public miners.🔸Operational efficiency is crucial for Bitcoin miners.🔸Current mining equipment prices are favorable for investment.🔸Bitcoin mining can serve as a method for dollar cost averaging.🔸Political risks could impact the future of Bitcoin mining.🔸Market predictions for Bitcoin range from 150k to 400k.🔸Innovations in mining technology are on the rise.🔸Hydro and immersion cooling technologies are becoming more prevalent.🔸Bitmain's monopoly in mining equipment is being challenged.🔸Tax advantages exist for business owners in Bitcoin mining.Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro(01:14) - What does the current Bitcoin mining landscape look like?(05:40) - SEC’s regulatory clarity and the future of Bitcoin mining in the U.S(11:22) - Mining economics(14:15) - Cycles in Bitcoin mining - tech & policy(20:13) - Sponsors(22:31) - Buying Bitcoin vs Mining Bitcoin(27:15) - The free market of Bitcoin mining (31:08) - “There are very few profitable Bitcoin miners”(33:53) - Should public mining companies raise debt to buy Bitcoin?(37:19) - Sponsors(38:20) - How operationally efficient is Bitcoin mining?; Mining equipment costs and Hosting rates(47:10) - The monetary risks with “Bitcoin yield”(50:40) - What is the typical IRR of Bitcoin mining?(52:23) - Impact of diminishing returns on Bitcoin mining; Potential future political risks (55:35) - Market predictions, SBR and Bitcoin's future value(58:35) - What are the innovations to expect in Bitcoin mining?(1:03:34) - Concerns around Bitcoin pool mining centralisationLinks:  https://x.com/Mason_Jappa https://x.com/BlockwareTeam Sponsors:Bold BitcoinCoinKite.com (code LIVERA)Lana by GaloyStephan Livera links:Follow me on X: @stephanliveraSubscribe to the podcastSubscribe to Substack

In this episode, Conor, Open Source product manager at Spiral & Stephen, Product Designer at Voltage & Co founder of ATL Bitlab join Stephan to discuss the current state of Bitcoin user experience, particularly focusing on payments and the challenges faced by users. They explore the comparison between Bitcoin and physical cash, the Western perspective on Bitcoin payments, and the importance of user experience in facilitating Bitcoin transactions. They also touch upon various payment protocols like BOLT11, LNURL, and BOLT12, highlighting the need for interoperability and better privacy features in the Bitcoin ecosystem. The discussion also covers resources available for developers and designers to enhance wallet usability and integration.Takeaways🔸Bitcoin has excelled as a savings technology.🔸The payments use case for Bitcoin still needs improvement.🔸User experience is crucial for Bitcoin adoption.🔸Comparing Bitcoin to cash highlights privacy concerns.🔸Western users may not see a payments problem.🔸Regulatory issues impact Bitcoin payments in the West.🔸User experience challenges hinder Bitcoin transactions.🔸Different payment protocols create compatibility issues.🔸Community collaboration is essential for Bitcoin's future.🔸Improving interoperability can enhance Bitcoin payments. Wallet compatibility issues can create negative user impressions.🔸Designers can significantly improve wallet user experience.🔸Testing compatibility between wallets is essential for user satisfaction.🔸Tether's integration may boost Bitcoin adoption.🔸Developers should prioritize payment capabilities before receiving capabilities.🔸Collaboration between designers and developers can lead to better products.🔸User experience improvements can be low-hanging fruit for wallet projects.🔸A global hackathon aims to promote miner decentralization.🔸Resources like BOLT12 and the Bitcoin Design Guide are valuable for developers.🔸Engaging with the community can lead to innovative solutions.Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro(01:10) - What is the current state of Bitcoin usage - Payments or Savings?(04:32) - Comparing Bitcoin with physical cash(07:08) - What is the western perspective on Bitcoin payments?(11:30) - Would people use Bitcoin more with improved UX?(17:05) - Exploring payment protocols: Bolt11, LNURL, Bolt12 & BIP353(23:34) - Sponsors(30:14) - Navigating Bitcoin wallet compatibility challenges(34:45) - What is the role of designers in wallet development?(42:13) - Sponsors(43:13) - Rumble’s integration of Tether & Bitcoin; The impact of Tether on Bitcoin adoption(51:22) - Resources for wallet developers and designersLinks: https://x.com/conorokushttps://x.com/StephenDeLorme https://bolt12.org/  https://twelve.cash/ https://bitcoin.design/guide/ https://youtu.be/IWTpSN8IaLE?si=hYjDn7FSICTRoXW8 https://minehackers.atlbitlab.com/ Sponsors:Bold BitcoinCoinKite.com (code LIVERA)Lana by GaloyStephan Livera links:Follow me on X: @stephanliveraSubscribe to the podcastSubscribe to Substack

Stephan chats with Steven Roose, CEO of SecondBTC, about Ark, a new Layer 2 solution for Bitcoin that aims to simplify self-custodial payments. They discuss the challenges of onboarding new users to Bitcoin, the unique features of Ark compared to other solutions like Liquid and Cashu, and the importance of maintaining user control over funds. The conversation also touches on the recent Signet launch, scalability concerns, and practical use cases for Ark in facilitating Bitcoin transactions. Steven also explores future plans for the Mainnet launch, the possibility of competing ARC servers, and the implications of CTV and CheckSig from Stack on efficiency gains in the Bitcoin ecosystem.Takeaways🔸Ark aims to simplify self-custodial Bitcoin payments.🔸The onboarding experience is crucial for new users.🔸Ark allows users to receive payments without managing channels.🔸Self-custodial solutions are essential for user control over funds.🔸The server in Ark does not take custody of user funds.🔸Rounds in Ark help refresh VTXOs and manage payments.🔸Mobile experience is a key focus for Ark's development.🔸Signet launch aims to engage early adopters and developers.🔸Scalability will depend on user participation in rounds.🔸Self-custody is important for both payments and savings in Bitcoin. There's not a lot of use on-chain currently.🔸Ark focuses on retail payments, while Ark Labs targets app development.🔸Liquidity constraints are minimized by user behavior in refreshing VTXOs.🔸Fees will be charged at both server and app levels.🔸The user experience with Ark is better than existing solutions.🔸Covenants could significantly enhance Ark's functionality.🔸The importance of liquidity management in server operations.🔸Ark aims to onboard users who would otherwise use custodial wallets.🔸The potential for competing Ark servers is currently low.🔸Ark is actively being developed and tested on Signet.Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro(01:12) - What is Ark? (03:21) - What is the Ark approach to self-custody?(05:52) - Reducing the onboarding hurdle for users with Ark (07:32) - How does Ark compare with Liquid & eCash?(11:37) - How does a user interact with an Ark server?(12:41) - How do Ark rounds work?(17:07) - Who benefits from Ark?(25:05) - Ark mobile experience and app management challenges(27:20) - Ark’s signet launch (28:45) - What are the user limits for Ark?(33:25) - Practical use cases for Ark in Bitcoin transactions; Importance of self-custody in Bitcoin(38:27) - What is the difference between Second and Ark Labs?(40:48) - What are the liquidity constraints in Ark?(44:55) - Understanding the cost structures in Ark(49:49) - The role of custodial solutions for onboarding users; Plans for Mainnet launch(52:17) - Is there a possibility of competing Ark servers in the future?(55:20) - Liquidity management & user fees(59:04) - Ark’s future with CTV (1:07:32) - What is the potential of CTV and CHECKSIGFROMSTACK?(1:15:05) - The importance of Ark in Bitcoin's EcosystemLinks: https://x.com/stevenroose3 https://x.com/2ndbtc https://delvingbitcoin.org/t/ctv-csfs-can-we-reach-consensus-on-a-first-step-towards-covenants/1509 https://x.com/stevenroose3/status/1865141234026602784 Sponsors:Bold BitcoinCoinKite.com (code LIVERA)Lana by GaloyStephan Livera links:Follow me on X: @stephanliveraSubscribe to the podcastSubscribe to Substack