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In this episode of Unchained, Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev offers a rare glimpse into the company’s strategy. How did memes like Dogecoin become one of Robinhood’s biggest assets, onboarding millions of users? What drove its decision to embrace stablecoins, staking, and a dedicated crypto wallet—and what risks do these moves carry?
As Europe’s MiCA regulations set the stage for a global crypto framework, Vlad discusses how Robinhood is positioning itself for growth, the role of prediction markets, and why blockchain could dramatically lower costs for investors. He also shares personal insights from his own experiences with hyperinflation, revealing how stablecoins might safeguard wealth for millions around the world.
With crypto ETFs, regulatory shifts, and a new administration looming, here’s what he thinks is next for Robinhood—and the crypto industry.
Show highlights:
How Robinhood has been experiencing growth in the crypto retail market
The effect of election night and Robinhood’s event contracts on trading volumes
What Robinhood saw happened with the launch of spot ETFs in the U.S.
How the exchange was able to attract crypto investors
The role of MiCA in Robinhood allowing users to stake ETH and SOL
How the company aims to enhance the user experience with the Robinhood wallet
Why Robinhood decided to invest in Global Dollar Network, which has stablecoin USDG
What’s on Vlad’s crypto regulation wish list under the new administration and Congress
Whether the criteria to list crypto assets on Robinhood will change under a crypto-friendly Trump administration
Why Vlad is so excited about prediction markets
Why he sees blockchain technology as a tool that will ultimately help users
Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com
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Guest
Links
Unchained:
Why Robinhood, a TradFi Hub, Is Growing Its Crypto Business Globally
Reuters:
Robinhood's top attorney Gallagher rules out SEC chair role
Robinhood Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results
Robinhood to Acquire Bitstamp
Spot Bitcoin ETF Options: Why You 'Can't Overstate' Their Importance
The Legend Awakens: Introducing Robinhood Legend, Futures Trading, and Index Options
Finimize:
Robinhood, Kraken, And Partners Launch New Stablecoin USDG -
Decrypt:
Robinhood Launches US Presidential Election Prediction Market—For Americans Only
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
02:43 Robinhood’s growth in the crypto retail market
05:05 Election night’s surprising impact on trading volumes
07:11 What Robinhood observed after U.S. spot ETF launches
11:56 How the platform attracted millions of crypto investors
16:49 MiCA’s role in enabling ETH and SOL staking on Robinhood
19:09 Enhancing user experience with the Robinhood wallet
21:32 Why Robinhood is betting on stablecoins
25:37 Vlad’s crypto regulation wish list from the new administration
30:05 Will Robinhood change its crypto listing criteria?
32:18 Vlad’s excitement about prediction markets
36:12 How blockchain could lower costs and empower users
41:21 News Recap
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