Stephan Livera Podcast

In this episode, Stephan Livera and Dhruv Patel, CEO of Arch Lending, discuss the current state of Bitcoin lending, market trends, and the unique products offered by Arch Lending. They explore the mechanics of Bitcoin-backed loans, risk management strategies for borrowers, and the importance of custody and security in the lending process. The conversation also touches on the future of Bitcoin lending, growth strategies, and the evolving landscape of financial products in the cryptocurrency space.
Takeaways:
🔸Bitcoin lending is gaining traction despite market volatility.
🔸Arch Lending offers flexible Bitcoin-backed loans with up to 60% LTV.
🔸Understanding the mechanics of Bitcoin loans is crucial for borrowers.
🔸Customized loan products cater to specific needs of clients.
🔸Risk management is essential when borrowing against Bitcoin.
🔸Arch Lending does not rehypothecate client collateral, ensuring security.
🔸The market for Bitcoin-backed loans is expected to grow significantly.
🔸Debt can be a powerful tool for wealth building if managed wisely.
🔸Interest rates for Bitcoin loans have decreased over time.
🔸Current market conditions may present safer borrowing opportunities.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:22) - How does Arch Lending work?
(02:50) - What does Arch Lending offer? 
(05:15) - LTV conditions & specialised loan products
(09:20) - Risk-managed borrowing against Bitcoin
(14:20) - How does Arch Lending custody the Bitcoin?
(15:46) - Comparing various Bitcoin lending models
(19:46) - Thoughts on borrowing against Bitcoin ETFs
(21:37) - Capital providers for Arch Lending
(23:16) - Will Arch Lending provide Proof of Reserves? 
(24:34) - All-in-one Bitcoin financial services
(25:48) - Growth & future of Bitcoin lending
(28:08) - Who should NOT use Bitcoin lending services? 
(32:45) - Will TradFi offer similar Bitcoin lending products? 
(34:08) - Closing thoughts
Links: 
https://x.com/ArchLending 

https://archlending.com/ 

Stephan Livera links:
Follow me on X: @stephanlivera

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In this episode, Stephan Livera and Matt Corallo discuss the implications of quantum computing on Bitcoin's security. They explore expert opinions on the timelines for quantum threats, the current stance of Bitcoin developers, and potential solutions for quantum resistance. Matt introduces his proposed plan for integrating quantum-resistant features into Bitcoin wallets, emphasizing the need for gradual adoption and community consensus. The conversation also touches on market dynamics, the role of seed phrases, and the importance of preparing for a future where quantum computing could pose a significant risk to Bitcoin.
Takeaways:
🔸Quantum computers are not an immediate threat to Bitcoin.
🔸Experts suggest a timeline of 10 to 25 years for quantum threats.
🔸Bitcoin developers have historically underestimated quantum risks.
🔸There is ongoing research into quantum-resistant solutions.
🔸Wallet adoption of new technologies is slow and challenging.
🔸The future Bitcoin community will make decisions on quantum security.
🔸Market dynamics will influence the value of quantum-vulnerable coins.
🔸Seed phrases provide a layer of security against quantum threats.
🔸The proposed quantum plan aims for minimal disruption to users.
🔸Preparation for quantum threats should start now, even if the risk is distant.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Intro
(00:51) - Quantum computer’s breakthrough timelines
(03:38) - Are Bitcoin developers taking the quantum threat seriously?
(07:41) - Evaluating the quantum threat
(10:00) - The Matt Corallo Quantum Plan
(17:48) - Future community decisions on quantum security
(20:12) - Will Bitcoin need a soft fork? 
(23:30) - Market’s response to quantum threat 
(28:15) - The role of seed phrases in quantum security
(33:40) - Post quantum cryptographic schemes
(37:23) - Patoshi miner adapting to Q-Day
(43:25) - Which public cryptography scheme is most vulnerable? 
(50:20) - Closing thoughts 
Links: 
https://x.com/TheBlueMatt 

https://bluematt.bitcoin.ninja/ 

https://saveourwallets.org/ 

Stephan Livera links:
Follow me on X: @stephanlivera

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In this episode, Stephan Livera interviews Jos Lazet from Blockrise, discussing the recent volatility in Bitcoin prices, the semi-custodial model of Blockrise, and the future of Bitcoin lending. They explore the implications of market movements, the importance of risk management in lending, and the evolving landscape of Bitcoin services. Joss shares insights on Blockrise's offerings, including asset management and lending, and emphasizes the need for user-friendly solutions in the Bitcoin space.
Takeaways:
🔸Bitcoin's volatility is expected to continue for several years.
🔸The semi-custodial model offers a balance between security and usability.
🔸Risk appetite is crucial when considering Bitcoin loans.
🔸Institutional adoption is necessary for Bitcoin's growth.
🔸Blockrise aims to provide transparent and user-friendly services.
🔸The lending market is evolving with new standards and players.
🔸Understanding liquidation points is essential for borrowers.
🔸The European banking system is efficient for fiat transactions.
🔸Blockrise focuses on a hybrid custody solution for clients.
🔸The future of Bitcoin lending will involve more innovative financial products.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:00) - Bitcoin’s recent price volatility & ETFs role
(05:31) - What is Blockrise?
(08:08) - Semi-custodial model
(11:44) - How does Blockrise work?
(18:55) - Onboarding & user journey in Bitcoin custody  
(24:42) - Does Blockrise support stablecoins?
(28:34) - Fiat integration and future of stablecoins in Bitcoin lending
(32:21) - Insights from ‘Bitcoin Lending Standards’ report
(42:00) - Leveraged Bitcoin or Stay humble & stack sats? 
(47:27) - Loan terms, interest rates and fees
Links: 
https://x.com/jos_lazet 

http://blockrise.com 

https://www.blockrise.com/en/resources/the-bitcoin-lending-standards-2026-article 

Stephan Livera links:
Follow me on X: @stephanlivera

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In this episode, Harsha Goli from Magnolia Financial discusses the launch of their Bitcoin-enabled banking services across the US, navigating regulatory challenges, and the importance of partnerships with banks. He emphasizes the need for better user experiences in Bitcoin transactions, the role of price oracles, and the implications of the Clarity Act on Bitcoin development. The conversation also touches on the tension between traditional banks and the crypto industry, the future of community banks, and innovations in Bitcoin technology. Harsha shares insights on potential use cases for Magnolia's services and the challenges of bridging the gap in Bitcoin adoption, while also addressing privacy concerns in Bitcoin transactions.
Takeaways:
🔸Magnolia Financial has launched Bitcoin-enabled banking services across all US states.
🔸The company aims to provide a better user experience in Bitcoin transactions.
🔸Partnerships with banks are crucial for navigating regulatory challenges.
🔸The Clarity Act is seen as a positive development for Bitcoin institutions.
🔸Stablecoins are currently dominating the financial landscape.
🔸Magnolia is focused on integrating financial services into Bitcoin applications.
🔸The future of community banks may involve adapting to crypto innovations.
🔸Innovations in Bitcoin technology, especially Layer 2 solutions, are promising.
🔸Privacy concerns in Bitcoin transactions are becoming increasingly complex.
🔸Harsha emphasizes the need for seamless money transfers in the Bitcoin ecosystem.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Intro
(00:36) - Magnolia enabling Bitcoin-enabled banking
(03:10) - Regulatory hurdles in the US
(05:03) - Can Banks provide their own native Bitcoin rails?
(08:24) - Improving UX with Magnolia
(11:48) - Magnolia as Price Oracle in Bitcoin finance 
(13:35) - Magnolia's pricing and onboarding process
(17:10) - What is the impact of US regulations on Bitcoin development? 
(21:11) - CLARITY Act
(25:00) - Tension between Banks & Crypto
(28:01) - Community Banks and Crypto?
(29:31) - What is Harsha excited about in Bitcoin and its L2’s?
(32:08) - Use cases of Magnolia
(33:48) - Stable channels & Taproot assets
(38:10) - Increasing Bitcoin adoption?
(40:51) - Bitcoin privacy and financial scams
(46:58) - Closing thoughts on building with Magnolia
Links: 
https://x.com/arshbot 

https://x.com/magnolia_rails 

https://magnolia.financial/ 

Stephan Livera links:
Follow me on X: @stephanlivera

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In this episode, Stephan Livera discusses with Jay & Matt the evolution of Lygos Finance, a company formed from the acquisition of Atomic Finance, focusing on decentralized lending using Discreet Log Contracts (DLCs). The conversation explores the growth of the Bitcoin collateralized lending market, the unique position of Lygos in offering non-custodial loans, and the role of Oracles in determining loan outcomes. The hosts delve into the flexible loan terms and competitive interest rates offered by Lygos, as well as the platform's global reach and future developments in user experience and funding mechanisms.
Takeaways:
🔸The merger of Atomic Finance and Lygos and its significance for DLC lending
🔸How DLCs work in a lending context: simplified signatures and outcomes
🔸Advantages of DLCs over traditional custodial lending platforms
🔸The role of oracles: Magnolia as a third-party verifier
🔸Speed improvements with adapter signatures and upcoming hardware wallet support
🔸Market size and growth of Bitcoin collateralized loans (over $25 billion)
🔸Comparison of DLCs versus custodial and multi-sig lending solutions
🔸Extending and rolling over DLC loans seamlessly
🔸UX considerations: transparency, privacy, and future seamless fiat/stablecoin onboarding
🔸Potential impacts of future Bitcoin upgrades like Taproot or Covenant support
🔸How DLCs support global, trust-minimized, and scalable lending
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Intro
(00:40) - From Atomic Finance to Lygos Finance 
(04:02) - What is the size of the Bitcoin lending market? 
(05:33) - Unique position of Lygos in the DLC space; Requirements for DLCs by hardware wallets
(08:20) - What is a DLC?; How does DLC work in the Bitcoin loan context?  
(12:49) - How is Lygos different from other Bitcoin lending platforms? 
(16:44) - What is the role of an oracle in Lygos? 
(20:53) - What does taking a loan with Lygos look like?; Loan terms, interest rates & collateral requirements 
(32:10) - Global reach of Lygos; How are the loans funded? 
(35:33) - Is UX a major factor in developing Lygos? 
(40:02) - Possibility of future Bitcoin upgrades and their impact on DLCs
(44:48) - Closing thoughts 
Links: 
https://x.com/matthewjablack 

https://x.com/LygosFinance 

https://www.lygos.finance/ 

Stephan Livera links:
Follow me on X: @stephanlivera

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