In this episode of ⁠Beyond the Code⁠, Yitzy sits down with ⁠Jason Schwartz⁠, tax partner and co-head of ⁠Fried Frank⁠’s Digital Assets and Blockchain Practice, for a lively discussion on crypto taxation, DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations), and the future of decentralization.

With deep expertise in tax issues related to digital assets, financial products, and funds, Jason brings a wealth of knowledge on how to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape in the crypto space.

Jason sheds light on the importance of understanding global tax challenges in a world where governments are increasingly focused on taxing digital assets. From structuring protocols to avoiding costly mistakes, Jason shares why staying ahead of these issues is crucial for long-term success in crypto projects.Throughout the episode, you’ll also hear real-world examples of Jason’s work with 501 Foundry, a pro bono initiative helping non-profits secure tax-exempt status, and how decentralized governance is reshaping industries like DeFi and digital art.

Whether you’re a crypto enthusiast, entrepreneur, or just curious about the intersection of tax and blockchain, this episode is full of relatable insights and practical advice from one of the top experts in the field.

Enjoy!

In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy sits down with Joseph Page, founder of the Web3-focused venture capital firm Strange Quark. Joseph shares his unique journey from his roots in Honduras to studying and competing in ping pong in Taiwan, and ultimately moving to Israel, where he became a key player in the crypto world. The conversation explores Joseph's experience investing in Solana, the rise of decentralized infrastructure projects, and his deep dive into AI-driven technology like BlockMesh, his latest investment focused on decentralized AI monitoring solutions. Joseph explains his approach to investments, his vision for the future of decentralized systems, and the real-world applications driving his thesis on decentralized physical and virtual infrastructure.

Listeners will also hear insights on how Joseph evaluates projects, his thoughts on Solana's growth, and the cultural differences between Solana and Ethereum builders. If you’re curious about the future of Web3, AI monitoring, or venture capital in blockchain, this is a must-listen episode.

You can reach out to Joseph on Telegram, at: @JoeStrangeQ

Over the next 8 weeks we are going to speak to several investors who are specifically looking to target emerging markets - Joseph is the first, but stay tuned for more. Let us know if there are questions you want to ask them, by emailing Yitzy, at: yitzy@hlawco.com

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Solana commercial source credit of Super Team's X account: https://x.com/SuperteamDAO/status/1775514557269877004

In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy is joined by Moish Peltz, a partner at Falcon Rappaport & Berkman PLLC, co-host of the Block & Order podcast, and a true OG in the world of crypto law. Moish shares his fascinating journey from his early days in the IP and tech law sectors to becoming a key figure in the crypto space, diving deep into the concept of being a "crypto degen lawyer."

The conversation kicks off with Moish reminiscing about his early forays into Bitcoin mining in 2013, navigating the wild volatility of the market, and eventually finding his way into the NFT and DeFi spaces. He opens up about the trials and triumphs of being an early adopter, including the story of how he acquired his first Bored Ape and the impact it had on his career and life.

Yitzy and Moish discuss the evolution of the crypto legal landscape, the challenges of navigating regulation, and the importance of getting hands-on experience in the industry to truly understand it. They also explore the cultural phenomenon of "degen" behavior in crypto, why it's embraced by the community, and how it influences both legal practice and business strategies.

At [00:46:10], the conversation takes a political turn as Yitzy and Moish delve into the complex issue of crypto in U.S. politics. They discuss the divide between political parties on the subject, the challenges of creating effective regulation, and the implications for the future of the industry. This segment offers a thought-provoking look at the intersection of policy and innovation in the rapidly evolving world of digital assets.

In the latter part of the episode, the discussion shifts to the future of crypto law, the growing pains of the industry, and what lies ahead for digital assets, NFTs, and decentralized organizations (DAOs). Moish offers his insights on how lawyers can better support the crypto community and the importance of staying curious and adaptable in this fast-paced, ever-changing field.

Whether you're a seasoned crypto enthusiast or just curious about the intersection of law and digital assets, this episode is packed with valuable insights, stories, and practical advice from one of the most respected voices in the industry.

In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy sits down with Flavia Naves to explore her remarkable journey from Brazil to the US, culminating in her influential role on the Wyoming Stable Token Commission. Flavia shares her unique experiences, including her pivotal role as General Counsel at Circle, where she navigated the complexities of the USDC stablecoin and the challenges of the Silicon Valley Bank crisis. Join us as we delve into the future of stablecoins in Wyoming and the broader implications for blockchain technology and regulation. This episode offers valuable insights for tech entrepreneurs, legal professionals, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of digital assets.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Early Career and Journey to the US:

   • Flavia’s decision to study in the US and her experience as an exchange student;
   • The challenges and opportunities of being a foreign-trained attorney in the US;

2. Professional Path and Pivot to Technology:

   • Transition from law clerk to in-house counsel;
   • Experiences in technology licensing and payments at companies like Intuit and Circle.

3. Navigating the World of Crypto and Stablecoins:

   • Introduction to Circle and the USDC stablecoin;
   • The importance of regulation and compliance in the crypto space;
   • Flavia’s experience during the Silicon Valley Bank crisis;

4. Wyoming Stable Token Commission:

   • The role of the commission and its goals;
   • Wyoming’s innovative approach to blockchain and digital assets;
   • The future of state-issued stablecoins and their potential impact.

Description:
In this special episode of Beyond the Code, host Yitzy welcomes back previous guests Brian L. Frye and Jason Gottlieb, along with new guest Jonathan Mann, to discuss their recent lawsuit against the SEC. Jonathan and Brian, both prominent artists in the NFT space, have teamed up with superstar securities lawyer, Morrison & Cohen's Jason Gottlieb, to challenge the SEC's actions against NFT projects like Stoner Cats and Impact Theory.

This episode delves into the legal and artistic implications of the SEC's enforcement actions, exploring what this means for the future of digital art and blockchain technology.

Subscribe & Follow:

• Subscribe to Beyond the Code on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
• Follow us on Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn for updates and more.

In this riveting episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy is joined by Erin West, the dynamic Deputy District Attorney from Santa Clara County. Erin takes us on a deep dive into the murky waters of cybercrime, revealing the chilling realities of modern digital scams. From the sinister practice of SIM swapping to the elaborate and heart-wrenching pig butchering schemes, Erin's insights are as alarming as they are enlightening.

Discover the inner workings of Operation Shamrock, the groundbreaking initiative led by Erin to combat these pervasive scams. Learn how sophisticated criminals are exploiting technology and human psychology to fleece victims worldwide and the Herculean efforts required to fight back. Erin shares jaw-dropping stories of financial devastation, human trafficking, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to protect themselves and their loved ones from the dark side of the digital age. Don't miss out on Erin's expert advice and compelling tales from the front lines of cybercrime. Tune in to understand why these scams are more than just financial theft—they're a global threat that demands our attention.

Episode Description: In this riveting episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy welcomes Jamie Bartlett, acclaimed author and technology journalist, to explore the enigmatic world of the "Crypto Queen" and the OneCoin scandal. Jamie shares his in-depth investigation into Dr. Ruja Ignatova’s infamous Ponzi scheme, providing listeners with an insider’s perspective on one of the biggest scams in cryptocurrency history.

From Jamie’s personal journey of discovering the dark net to his real-time podcast investigation, this episode is packed with fascinating insights into the world of crypto fraud. They discuss the psychological tactics used by scammers, the regulatory gray zones exploited by OneCoin, and the ongoing mystery of Dr. Ruja’s whereabouts.

Highlights:

• Jamie Bartlett’s background and how he became involved in the OneCoin investigation.
• The rise and fall of OneCoin and its impact on investors worldwide.
• The role of legal and compliance professionals in the OneCoin saga.
• Jamie’s thoughts on the future of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
• Personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories from Jamie’s research and podcast production.

Listen now and uncover the truths behind the Crypto Queen!

Show Notes: 00:01 - Introduction and welcome with Jamie Bartlett. 00:37 - Jamie discusses the widespread fascination with the OneCoin story. 01:23 - The longevity of the OneCoin saga and its impact over the years. 02:09 - Jamie’s personal experiences and challenges during the investigation. 03:01 - A brief background on Jamie Bartlett and his career journey. 03:30 - The early days of social media research and its implications. 04:25 - Jamie’s exploration of the dark net and its early adopters. 06:06 - The rise of cryptocurrency and Jamie’s initial involvement. 07:25 - The inception of the OneCoin investigation and Jamie’s collaboration with the BBC. 10:09 - Dr. Ruja’s strategy and the appeal of OneCoin to ordinary people. 12:17 - The multi-level marketing aspect of OneCoin. 15:02 - The global impact of OneCoin and its reach in various countries. 20:23 - The role of law firms and compliance in the OneCoin scheme. 28:06 - Jamie’s perspective on blockchain and crypto technology. 50:02 - Jamie’s personal views on the future of cryptocurrency. 55:47 - Jamie shares insights on the risks and rewards of investigating OneCoin. 56:39 - Final thoughts and Jamie’s current work and projects. 57:41 - Jamie’s hypothesis on Dr. Ruja’s current status and whereabouts.

Resources:

• Jamie Bartlett’s Substack
• The Missing Crypto Queen Book
• The BBC's Missing Cryptoqueen Podcast

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @ByndTheCode
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/byndthecode/

Subscribe and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Contact: For questions, feedback, or guest inquiries, email us at yitzy@hlawco.com

Summary - In this episode of "Beyond the Code," Yitzy hosts Jason Gottlieb, partner and head of the digital assets department at Morrison Cohen, for an insightful discussion on the complexities and challenges of crypto regulation and litigation. They delve into Jason's unique journey from tech enthusiast to legal expert, the intricacies of the Howey Test, the impact of FTX's collapse, and the dynamic nature of crypto law. Jason shares his experiences and perspectives on advising clients, navigating regulatory gray areas, and the role of the courts in shaping the future of digital assets.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction and Background (00:01:198): Yitzy welcomes Jason Gottlieb and they discuss Jason's impressive collection of swag from clients, including hats and water bottles.
• Jason's Journey (02:17:838): Jason shares his deep roots in technology, his transition from tech nerd to securities lawyer, and his rise to head of the digital assets department at Morrison Cohen.
• Crypto and the Law (06:21:804): Jason discusses the evolution of crypto regulation, the SEC's approach, and the complexities of applying the Howey Test to digital assets.
• Regulatory Challenges (11:10:766): The conversation explores the inconsistency in SEC guidelines, the impact on U.S. consumers, and the international implications of crypto regulation.
• Advising Clients (19:04:174): Jason explains his practice areas, the importance of pre-enforcement advisory work, and the gray areas in crypto regulation.
• War Stories and Personal Insights (48:57:870): Jason shares a memorable experience during the collapse of FTX and his passion for music, revealing a different side of his personality.
• Closing Remarks (56:32:076): Yitzy and Jason wrap up the episode with reflections on the future of crypto law and the importance of clarity and consistency in regulation.

Additional Resources:

• Jason Gottlieb's Twitter:
• Morrison Cohen's Crypto Litigation Tracker: https://www.morrisoncohen.com/insights/the-morrison-cohen-cryptocurrency-litigation-tracker
• SoundCloud: Check out Jason's music on SoundCloud for a unique glimpse into his creative side.

Contact Information:

• Jason Gottlieb: jgottlieb@morrisoncohen.com and @Ohioha⁠ on Twitter/X.
• Beyond the Code Podcast: Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn for updates and future episodes.

Guest Bio: Jason Gottlieb is a partner at Morrison Cohen, where he leads the digital assets department and the white-collar and regulatory enforcement group. With a background in technology and extensive experience in securities law, Jason is a leading expert in crypto regulation and litigation. He is passionate about protecting clients in the digital assets space and navigating the complex regulatory landscape.