Empire

In this special episode, we introduce Blockworks’ new investor relations platform for onchain businesses.

As institutional capital continues to enter crypto markets, expectations around transparency, standardization, and professionalism are rising. But instead of replicating legacy systems, Blockworks IR takes a different approach, leveraging real-time, onchain data to create a more transparent, data-driven, and low-friction investor relations model.

The platform combines curated analytics, branded investor portals, and white-glove advisory support into a single solution, helping teams tell a clearer, more credible story while giving investors a more efficient way to evaluate opportunities.

Launched at the Digital Asset Summit in New York, Blockworks IR aims to fill a critical gap in the industry. Listen to learn more about the vision behind the product and what it means for the future of investor relations in crypto.

This week, we’re back with another weekly roundup to discuss the current state of markets as conflict in Iran continues. We then deep dive into Hyperliquid's announcement with S&P, how to value Hyperliquid, Tempo's mainnet launch, Kraken's reported IPO delay & more. Enjoy!

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Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM

Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel

Follow Empire: https://x.com/theempirepod

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Join us at DAS (Digital Asset Summit) in New York City this March! Follow the link below to grab your ticket, and use code EMPIRE200 to get $200 off your ticket!



https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-nyc-2026

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ZKsync is the Bank Stack of Ethereum. It is a network of chains secured by cryptography, not validators. Its cutting-edge ZK innovation enables the privacy, performance and connectivity that businesses need to thrive in the digital assets economy.

To find out more visit: https://www.zksync.io/

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:08) State of The Market

(09:38) ZKsync Ad

(10:20) DAS Plug

(10:46) S&P Licenses S&P 500 Perps on Hyperliquid

(24:45) Tempo & Agentic Payments

(47:02) Kraken’s IPO Delay

(50:45) Content of The Week

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Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, Rob and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

This week, we’re back with another weekly roundup on the equity vs. token debate in crypto. We dive deep into Across Protocol’s proposal to convert its token into equity before covering Kraken’s Fedwire approval, Ripple’s $50B valuation, and more. Enjoy!

--

Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM

Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel

Follow Empire: https://x.com/theempirepod

--

Join us at DAS (Digital Asset Summit) in New York City this March! Follow the link below to grab your ticket, and use code EMPIRE200 to get $200 off your ticket!



https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-nyc-2026

--

ZKsync is the Bank Stack of Ethereum. It is a network of chains secured by cryptography, not validators. Its cutting-edge ZK innovation enables the privacy, performance and connectivity that businesses need to thrive in the digital assets economy.

To find out more visit: https://www.zksync.io/

--

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(08:36) Across To Convert Their Token to Equity

(23:47) Crypto’s Token vs Equity Problem

(36:52) ZKsync Ad

(37:34) DAS Plug

(38:00) Mastercard’s Crypto Partner Program

(47:05) Ripple’s $50B Valuation

(54:35) Kraken’s Gets Approved to Fedwire

(01:00:57) Content of The Week

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Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, Rob and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

This week, Jake Chervinsky & MC Lader join the show to discuss the growth of Hyperliquid in 2026 and beyond. We deep dive into Hyperliquid's 24/7 markets thesis, how Native Markets won the USDH proposal, founding the Hyperliquid Policy Center, regulation in 2026 and more. Enjoy!

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Follow MC: https://x.com/Mclader

Follow Jake: https://x.com/jchervinsky

Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel

Follow Empire: https://x.com/theempirepod

--

Join us at DAS (Digital Asset Summit) in New York City this March! Follow the link below to grab your ticket, and use code EMPIRE200 to get $200 off your ticket!



https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-nyc-2026

--

ZKsync is the Bank Stack of Ethereum. It is a network of chains secured by cryptography, not validators. Its cutting-edge ZK innovation enables the privacy, performance and connectivity that businesses need to thrive in the digital assets economy.

To find out more visit: https://www.zksync.io/

--

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:45) The Hyperliquid 24/7 Markets Thesis

(06:02) Founding The Hyperliquid Policy Center

(15:45) The State of DeFi Regulation

(18:59) ZKsync Ad

(19:34) The Hyperliquid USDH Proposal

(29:59) Stablecoin Regulation In The US

(38:05) The Hyperliquid 24/7 Markets Thesis

(44:40) The Future of Stablecoins

(57:53) Crypto Regulation In 2026 & Beyond

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Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, Rob and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

This week, we're back with another weekly roundup where we discuss the current state of markets as Bitcoin holds steady around $70k. We then deep dive into how to unlock 24/7 markets, insider trading on prediction markets, recent VC fundraises & more. Enjoy!

--

Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM

Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel

Follow Empire:https://x.com/theempirepod

--

Join us at DAS (Digital Asset Summit) in New York City this March! Follow the link below to grab your ticket, and use code EMPIRE200 to get $200 off your ticket! https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-nyc-2026

--

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(03:20) State of The Market

(08:05) How To Unlock 24/7 Markets

(18:54) DAS Plug

(19:20) Insider Trading On Prediction Markets

(52:58) OKX Raises At a $25B Valuation

(55:34) a16z & Paradigm Raising $3.5B

(01:09:33) Will Crypto Prices Recover?

(01:13:16) Content of The Week

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Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, Rob and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.