Kraken's Dave Ripley: "That Was the Bear Market" and Bitcoin Is "On Our Way Out of It"

Is the Bitcoin bear market already over? Kraken co-CEO Dave Ripley says the move back above $80K makes him think "that was the bear market," and that it may be the softest bear market in Bitcoin's history. He explains how retail and institutional customers are approaching Bitcoin right now on the Bitcoin Magazine Podcast with Spencer Nichols. 🔶 Host: Spencer Nichols — Bitcoin Magazine 🔶 Dave Ripley — Kracken Co-CEO Grab your copy of THE QUANTUM ISSUE👇 https://store.bitcoinmagazine.com/products/the-quantum-issue-42 🧳 Partnership Enquiries: Let’s find your fit! BMTV offers customized sponsorships tailored to your brand’s goals and target audience. 👉 Partner with us: https://bitcoinmagazine.com/bmtv Chapters: 00:00 Softest Bear Market in Bitcoin History 01:27 Why This Cycle Doesn't Feel Like a Bear 03:02 When Banks Said Blockchain Not Bitcoin 05:14 Stablecoins Prove Permissionless Works 06:56 Why Kraken Acquired a European Bank 09:46 Diversifying Revenue Ahead of an IPO 12:36 xStocks Lead Tokenized Equities 16:54 Bitcoin as Digital Gold for Institutions 19:00 Stablecoins Open the Door for Bitcoin Payments 20:09 AI Agents and Crypto Payments 23:41 How AI Is Changing How Kraken Operates 26:47 Prop Trading, Pay Services, and What's Ahead #Bitcoin #BTC #DaveRipley #Kraken #Payward #BitcoinBearMarket #BearMarket #DigitalGold #Stablecoins #BitcoinPayments #TrojanHorse #TokenizedEquities #xStocks #Tokenization #Nasdaq #KrakenIPO #AgenticPayments #AIAgents #AI #Midterms2026 #CryptoPolicy #CryptoRegulation #Hyperliquid #BitcoinMagazine #BitcoinMagazinePodcast DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BTC Inc., Bitcoin Magazine, or any affiliated entities. This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, legal, tax, or accounting advice. Nothing contained in this show constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. Viewers should consult their own advisors before making financial or business decisions.