Christopher Edwards, Head of Coinbase Institute, and Nick Carr, Stand with Crypto Alliance
- S1E18
- 1:08:14
- October 1st 2023
In this episode, Paul Brigner, PGP* for Crypto Podcast host, engaged in a conversation on cryptocurrency policy with Christopher Edwards, Head of Coinbase Institute, and Nick Carr, Chief Strategist for the Stand with Crypto Alliance. During the discussion, the guests shared their backgrounds and involvement in the crypto space, emphasizing the importance of understanding how cryptocurrency impacts various facets of national security beyond traditional security concerns. They highlighted the economic significance of crypto, its potential to influence global economic dynamics, and the role of stablecoins in maintaining the strength of the U.S. dollar in international finance. The conversation delved into topics such as Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), the intersection of AI and crypto, and the environmental impact of cryptocurrency.
The guests also shed light on the goals and activities of the Stand with Crypto Alliance, emphasizing its grassroots advocacy approach and the support it has garnered from the crypto community. They discussed the minting of NFTs as a means of supporting the movement and the organization's focus on advocating for cryptocurrency-related legislation in the short term, with potential expansion into broader roles in the crypto ecosystem and policy landscape in the future.
Additionally, the conversation touched on various priorities in crypto policy, including concerns about specific legislation and the need for policy nuance and in-depth analysis. The importance of community involvement and partnerships between Stand with Crypto and established entities in the crypto community was highlighted. The discussion concluded with an appreciation of transparency and the potential for future updates on the progress of Stand with Crypto Alliance's advocacy efforts.
EPISODE LINKS
Christopher Edwards' Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cedward71
Christopher Edwards' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christoph...
Coinbase Institute Website: https://www.coinbase.com/public-polic...
Nick Carr's Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisIsNickCarr
Nick Carr's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ncarr07/
Stand with Crypto Alliance Website: https://www.standwithcrypto.org/
Stand with Crypto Alliance Twitter: https://twitter.com/standwithcrypto
Brian Armstrong's MainNet talk: https://events.messari.io/mainnet2023...
HOST INFO
Paul Brigner's Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulbrigner
Paul Brigner's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbrigner/
Electric Coin Co. Website: https://electriccoin.co
Electric Coin Co. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElectricCoinCo
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
01:48 Christopher Edwards' Crypto Story
04:58 Nick Carr's Crypto Story
07:04 Overview of Coinbase Institute
10:36 Crypto and National Security
16:54 Economic Strength with Crypto for National Security
20:18 Stablecoins, Innovation, and Privacy
22:57 Crypto and Artificial Intelligence
28:56 Crypto and the Environment
30:21 Making Carbon Credits More Accessible
31:47 Bitcoin Mining and Renewable Energy
36:22 Stand With Crypto Was Born
40:18 Blockchain Advocacy on Capitol Hill
45:16 Grassroots Engagement and Advocacy Opportunities
49:44 Stand With Crypto's Organizational Structure and Future
52:25 Advocating for FIT21, the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act
55:37 Policy Priorities and Existential Threats for Crypto
01:03:38 Partnerships and Grassroots Amplification
01:07:19 Conclusion
DISCLAIMER
Please be advised that the information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. The opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and may not reflect the official stance of the organizations they represent or those of Electric Coin Co. Always consult a legal or financial professional before making any decisions.
PGP for Crypto Podcast
Welcome to the “PGP* (Pretty Good Policy) for Crypto Podcast," an initiative of Electric Coin Co.!
We explore the intersection of blockchain technology, public policy, and global regulatory topics. Our goal is to provide our audience with in-depth insights and expert perspectives on the key issues shaping the future of blockchain and cryptocurrency.
You’ll hear interviews with industry leaders, government officials, and academics at the forefront of shaping the public policy environment for blockchain technology. Our guests will share their unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry and the impact of current and proposed regulations and policy approaches on the growth and development of the blockchain ecosystem.
Hosted by Paul Brigner, Head of US Public Policy and Strategic Advocacy at Electric Coin Co.
Please be advised that the information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. The opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and may not reflect the official stance of the organizations they represent or those of Electric Coin Co. Always consult a legal or financial professional before making any decisions.
I am Head of U.S. Policy and Strategic Advocacy at the Electric Coin Co. (ECC), creators and supporters of Zcash. Zcash facilitates a privacy‐preserving cryptocurrency, ZEC, for confidential value transfer using zero‐knowledge proof cryptography. The Zcash protocol facilitates options for transactions to be either shielded (confidential) or visible (non-confidential) on the Zcash blockchain.
I have extensive experience in technology policy advocacy and government relations. In addition to leading U.S. Policy and Advocacy for ECC, I am Chair of the Industry Advisory Board of the CyberSMART Research Center, an NSF-chartered Industry/University Collaborative Research Center on blockchain and cybersecurity. I have held senior-level roles in two trade associations (the Motion Picture Association of America and the Chamber of Digital Commerce), I have managed a blockchain research center at Georgetown University, I have led the North American Bureau of the Internet Society, and I have worked on emerging internet and technology policy issues for Verizon.
Prior to working in policy, I had a ten-year career developing software, culminating as a software architect and senior technical manager for Verizon – experiences that have given me a high degree of technical knowledge and credibility in my current policy career.
I live in the DC area with my wife, 17-year-old son, and 1-year-old daughter. I am a U.S. Army veteran (appointed to the United States Military Academy), I have a JD and MBA from Georgetown University, and I have a bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University where I was named the Outstanding Computer Science Graduate.