90. The 'real' bitcoin market

Sara is joined by Tim Swanson, Founder and Director of Research at Post Oak Labs, this week to talk about the latest and greatest news in blockchain. First up, we take a look at Bitwise ETF filing - The ‘real Bitcoin market. A majority of bitcoin trading volume is artificially created by unregulated exchanges, according to Bitwise Asset Management. The firm attached a report, in a bitcoin-based ETF submission, in which it collected and analyzed Bitcoin trading data, over four days in March, across 81 cryptocurrency exchanges. Tim comments that exchanges located in certain areas have a habit of exaggerating their volume and Sara unpacks some of the deeper issues this raises (01:18). Next we talk about the failed ICO trying to flog itself on eBay. For as little as $60,000, a slice of history could be yours. That's the starting price in an eBay auction for all the documents, all of the branding, all of the strings of 1s and 0s, and all the broken dreams of an initial coin offering (ICO) that never managed to sell a single token. Sarah comments that she has no idea what the company does because it hasn't built anything and Tim adds that they have no capital which is why they're selling on eBay (8:01). Colin may be gone but he's still managed to do an interview with Alex Batlin, Founder and CEO of Trustology for a scoop on an annoucement they just had to share (15:33). We also have a great Tweet of the Week from @antony_btc on Deconomy (25:36). Colin also spoke to Will Martino, CEO and Founder, and Tony Pham, Lead on Marketing at Kadena to talk about blockchain, smart contracts and hitting the reach goals for the industry (26:35). Other stories include: Square Staffing up for new Cryptocurrency Unit, Says Jack Dorsey All this and so much more on this week's episode of Blockchain Insider. And why not send us your best tweets? See if you can get a shout out on the show! ​ We hope you enjoy the show and, as ever, don't forget to subscribe! ​ Want to join the conversation on all the topics discussed? Tweet the show @bchaininsider and if you really love the show, please leave us a review on iTunes. ​ This week's episode of Blockchain Insider was produced by Laura Watkins and Petrit Berisha. Edited by Alex Woodhouse. Special Guests: Alex Batlin, Tim Swanson, Tony Pham, and Will Martino. Links: SEC - bitcoin market A failed ICO is trying to flog itself on eBay | FT Alphaville Square Is Staffing up for a New Cryptocurrency Unit, Says Jack Dorsey