Head of Strategic Communications @GSR_io/ Host of The Crypto Tape / Airbnb Super Host/ Founding Reporter at The Block
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Articles by Frank Chaparro
Questions & Alpha with Andy Baehr
Questions & Alpha: Andy Baehr on Momentum, Macro, and the Next Phase of Crypto Crypto's summer swoon didn't need a headline event. No exchange collapse, no blow-up, no single villain. Just nine months of steadily falling temperature.
How TP ICAP and GSR Are Redefining Institutional Digital Asset Trading
Crypto has spent much of the past few years moving beyond its speculative phase. While market attention has focused on price action, a quieter transformation has been taking place beneath the surface: the institutional infrastructure required to trade digital assets at scale has continued to mature. Banks are building custody capabilities. Prime brokers are expanding digital asset services. Stablecoins are emerging as settlement rails.
Meta fumbled the metaverse, but saw stablecoins early
On the way back to New York from the DC Blockchain Summit on the Northeast Regional last night, I was chatting with a former colleague about Meta shutting down its VR social platform Horizon as its 2021 metaverse pivot, following its rebrand from Facebook, continues to fall short of expectations. It makes sense.
S&P Global’s DeFi push begins with Hyperliquid
I’ve been keeping a close eye on the Hyperliquid ecosystem over the past few weeks, but even I didn’t expect this morning’s news that financial titan S&P Dow Jones Indices would license its flagship S&P 500 for a perpetual contract on-chain via the project. The news comes amid an oil- and geopolitically fueled run for Hyperliquid, which allows users to make bets through so-called perpetual contracts on-chain.
The Floor Is No Longer Zero
As I noted over the weekend, this crypto bear market feels different from prior cycles. Tokens are down bad, and plenty of projects are delaying launches (OpenSea, RIP). But the level of buy-in from Wall Street has never been higher. I hope it doesn’t come across as cope. I’m a realist. The market has been brutal, and until recently bitcoin hasn’t behaved like a true store of value, trailing gold and even equities during bouts of uncertainty. Still, the institutional posture is different this time.
Hyperliquid shows how this bear market is different from previous cycles
There’s something unusual about this crypto bear market. Even as prices slump and most projects drift through another downturn, a handful of platforms are capturing mainstream attention in ways that rarely happen during periods like this. And it’s not just about money or trading volumes. Something cultural is shifting. The clearest example is Hyperliquid. Oil perpetual futures volume on the platform has surged roughly 250-fold since the U.S. and Israel began bombing Iran.
The Scoop: Bitcoin stalls, but blockchain innovation rages on
Published 1 minute earlier on Amidst a whirlwind of executive orders, whispers of a strategic crypto reserve, Elon Musk’s DOGE shaking up the political establishment, and even talk of U.S. territorial expansion, it’s hard to believe the Trump administration is only in its third week. Meanwhile, Bitcoin appears to be trapped in yet another emotionally charged range, shifting market sentiment by the day. Despite the volatility, we can’t help but stay bullish on crypto’s future.
The Scoop: Fund managers are ready to deploy
Markets • January 28, 2025, 4:31PM EST Published 1 minute earlier on This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella, Head of Crypto Investor Relations for VanEck. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. We can say with some optimism: those three famous words—we’re so back. The winds of change appear to be shifting in a favorable direction.
The Scoop: Crypto goes mainstream in a post-Trump inauguration era
Latest Crypto News Jan 23, 2025, 5:55PM EST • Markets Jan 23, 2025, 3:30PM EST • DeFi See More Latest Crypto News opinion Markets • January 23, 2025, 5:56PM EST Published 1 minute earlier on Quick Take Crypto is no longer a pariah in financial and regulatory circles. This column is adapted from The Scoop newsletter. Markets are grappling with uncertainty in the wake of Donald Trump’s inauguration, but there’s an undeniable shift flying under the radar: crypto is no longer a dirty word.
The Scoop: Competing narratives struggle to set the tone for 2025
Layer 1s • January 13, 2025, 10:13AM EST Published 1 minute earlier on This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. It feels great to be back in the podcast seat! Last week, we had David Mercer, CEO of FX and crypto exchange operator LMAX, and venture investor Tom Schmidt from Dragonfly on the program.
The Scoop: Rising political risks and renewed macro uncertainty soften crypto's post-election surge
Policy • January 8, 2025, 1:23PM EST Published 1 minute earlier on This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. Risk is reemerging in the crypto market. If you missed my interview with Milk Road, I outlined the key factors driving crypto markets over the past year.
The Scoop: CME emerges as the big winner in the post-ETF crypto landscape
Funds • November 29, 2024, 5:31PM EST Published 1 minute earlier on This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. The crypto market has entered a new phase, one defined by a profound bifurcation and a dramatic shift in market dynamics.
The Scoop: Solana is giving Ethereum a run for its money
Markets • November 20, 2024, 9:52AM EST Published 1 minute earlier on This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. Solana has been on an eye-watering tear over the last year, and according to Syncracy's Ryan Watkins, this might just be the beginning.
The Scoop: Anti-crypto bias may have cost Democrats the election
Regulation • November 15, 2024, 1:41PM EST Published 1 minute earlier on This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. Bitcoin has broken all-time highs following President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive victory, a surge many expected.
The Scoop: Open interest surges ahead of historic election for crypto
Markets • November 1, 2024, 2:40PM EDT Published 1 minute earlier on This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. We’re less than a week out from the election, and while most of you are glued to the polls, I’m fixated on something else: crypto derivatives.
The Scoop: Circle raises fees as Fed cuts
Stablecoins • October 29, 2024, 3:57PM EDT Published 1 minute earlier on This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. For much of the crypto world, lower interest rates are a welcome tailwind.
The Scoop: Spot ETF flows indicate 'Uptober' after all
Funds • October 28, 2024, 3:00PM EDT Published 1 minute earlier on UPDATED: October 28, 2024, 3:06PM EDT This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. As October wraps up, it's clear that "Uptober" held true after all — at least to an extent.
The Scoop: Growing optimism grants retail gains as VCs search for funding
Published 1 minute earlier on UPDATED: October 17, 2024, 5:42PM EDT This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. The liquid crypto market has been on fire, with memecoins soaring and Bitcoin on a steady upward climb.
The Scoop: Hedge funds have never been more convicted about crypto
Markets • October 4, 2024, 6:26PM EDT Published 1 minute earlier on This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. Right after Tuesday's Uptober newsletter, the market saw a downturn, despite only a 1% dip in BTC +2.38% price—funny how quickly things can shift.
The Scoop: Historically bullish 'Uptober' has arrived
Markets • October 1, 2024, 2:20PM EDT Published 1 minute earlier on This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. Ladies and gentlemen, Uptober is upon us. But you wouldn't be able to tell from the price of bitcoin today. Things should be more bullish.
The Scoop: We've entered a rate-cutting cycle, but is it enough?
Sep 23, 2024, 1:47PM EDT • Macro Sep 23, 2024, 9:55AM EDT • Markets Sep 23, 2024, 9:41AM EDT • Companies See More Latest News REGISTER NOW By submitting, you agree to receive emails from Emergence including promotions, discounts, news, and access to exclusive invite-only events. opinion Macro • September 23, 2024, 1:48PM EDT Published 1 minute earlier on Quick Take At first glance, we’re seeing a mix of bullish signals, yet Bitcoin remains stuck in the doldrums.
The Scoop: As the world looks to Singapore, don't sleep on Japan
September 17, 2024, 12:59PM EDT • Regulation September 17, 2024, 12:47PM EDT • Policy See More Latest News REGISTER NOW By submitting, you agree to receive emails from Emergence including promotions, discounts, news, and access to exclusive invite-only events. opinion Published 1 minute earlier on Quick Take I won’t be joining my colleagues at Token2049, but I’ve been having plenty of conversations with people in the Asia region to discuss the developments shaping the crypto market there.
The Scoop: It's time to zoom out
Deals • September 9, 2024, 2:23PM EDT Published 1 minute earlier on This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. Summer has come to an end, and while September hasn’t historically been a strong month for crypto, many—including us—were hoping for a more positive start to the final stretch of 2024.
The Scoop: Bad macro, bad flows, bad price
September 5, 2024, 6:03PM EDT • Markets September 5, 2024, 5:29PM EDT • Companies September 5, 2024, 5:03PM EDT • Exchanges See More Latest News REGISTER NOW By submitting, you agree to receive emails from Emergence including promotions, discounts, news, and access to exclusive invite-only events. opinion Markets • September 5, 2024, 6:03PM EDT Published 1 minute earlier on Quick Take Macro trends took center stage today, driving the market up earlier in the session before pulling it back down.
The Scoop: How Gary Gensler is helping Donald Trump
Policy • August 29, 2024, 10:38AM EDT Published 1 minute earlier on This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. It almost seems as if Gary Gensler is actively trying to secure the presidency for Donald Trump.
The Scoop: San Francisco's legacy endures as VCs further globalize the crypto market
Deals • August 27, 2024, 3:13PM EDT Published 1 minute earlier on This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. Frank here, greeting you from the United Club lounge. I’m waiting for my flight out of San Francisco after a weeks-long journey from New York to Jackson and, finally, to San Francisco.
The Scoop: Crypto credit goes conservative
Finance firms • August 23, 2024, 3:32PM EDT Published 1 minute earlier on This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. One of the cornerstones of our careers over the years has been trading market gossip and insights with each other and other market participants.
The Scoop: Bitcoin maintains dominance, degens decline DeFi summer redo
Crypto Ecosystems • August 16, 2024, 1:18PM EDT Published 1 minute earlier on This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. If you're like me, you look back on the halcyon days of DeFi Summer in 2020 with sweet nostalgia.
The Scoop: Crypto's crumble after carry trades collapse
This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. This week has been turbulent for crypto. However, if you’ve been in this market for a while, you’re likely accustomed to these violent price drawdowns. Typically, they are triggered by a buildup of leverage on offshore platforms.
The Scoop: Is the crypto market wrong about a Harris Administration?
This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. Kamala Harris is emerging as the front-runner for the 2024 presidential election, and crypto markets are not responding well. Bitcoin's recent inability to break through $70,000 can be attributed to Harris's rising odds of beating former President Donald Trump.
The Scoop: It's looking like a memecoin summer
Every summer in the crypto world seems to have a unique theme. We've witnessed ICO summer, DeFi summer, NFT summer, and now, much to some people's dismay, it's memecoin summer. Gen Z is diving into memecoins much like they use TikTok: among the many coins, one will inevitably go viral, making the time and stress spent in front of the screen worthwhile. The dopamine rush is akin to playing online casino games from the comfort of your home — though we don't endorse that.
The Scoop: Ether ETFs make their entrance
This column was co-written by Frank Chaparro, director of special projects at The Block, and Laura Vidiella of MNNC Group. The views expressed in this column are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. The Ether ETFs have arrived. The market debut of the new funds tied to the second-largest cryptocurrency saw volumes exceed $1 billion, about 23% of the volumes seen during the first day spot Bitcoin ETFs hit the market earlier this year.
When it comes to bitcoin's price, ETF inflows are only part of the picture
The other day on Twitter, I stated that Bitcoin BTC +3.63% ETF flows are currently the primary force shaping the market's trajectory. However, upon further reflection and musings with some of my favorite market commentators, I believe I need to adjust this contention. ETF flows are indeed significant. As investors flocked to funds tracking the price of the leading cryptocurrency, we observed a steady increase in prices.
Spot bitcoin ETF mania has fixed the Alameda liquidity gap
The spot bitcoin market is experiencing significant activity, with Monday recording the second-highest volume day for the ten issuers. This level of activity stands out, even when compared to the stock market, where only five other stocks saw higher trading volumes, according to Eric Balchunas of Bloomberg. Although it might sound cliché, the evidence suggests that we are still in the early stages of this development, especially considering the pace at which Wall Street operates.
The launch of the spot bitcoin ETF is just the beginning
Quick Take The Block’s Frank Chaparro gives his opinion on last week’s spot bitcoin ETF approvals. This first appeared in Chaparro’s biweekly The Scoop Newsletter on Jan. 12. Sign up now. Okay the bitcoin spot ETF is here. Now what? The debut of the new funds was met with much fanfare and liquidity, with day two of trading seeing $3.1 billion in trading volumes, as noted by my colleague RT Watson.
Here's how spot bitcoin ETF issuers are anticipating the coming days to play out
Companies • January 4, 2024, 5:41PM EST Published 5 minutes earlier on UPDATED: January 9, 2024, 5:18AM EST Prospective spot bitcoin ETF issuers are able and ready to start trading as early as next week, if the Securities and Exchange Commission approves the necessary filings, according to three sources involved in the process. But first, issuers and exchanges need to get some final filings ready.
Issuers have fixed three of the SEC's remaining concerns for spot bitcoin ETFs: Sources
Quick Take Firms vying for a spot bitcoin ETF have been working on a range of issues with the SEC over the past few weeks, according to three sources. The issues include which models to go with, naming authorized participants and hashing out how to manage hard forks and airdrops.
This former macro wonk explains crypto's ten trillion dollar opportunity
Quick Take Dan Tapiero explains how the Q4 market rally has impacted crypto’s secondary market and why he remains bullish on the multi-trillion dollar growth potential of the industry. Episode 108 of Season 5 of The Scoop was recorded with The Block's Frank Chaparro and Dan Tapiero, Founder and CEO of 1RoundTable Partners & 10T Holdings. Listen below, and subscribe to The Scoop on Youtube, Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
For crypto's largest trading operations, Christmas is open for business
Quick Take Crypto markets operate continuously, even during holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, with entities like Wintermute and GSR remaining open as liquidity providers and OTC desks. Here’s what crypto markets look like during the Christmas and holiday season. "'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring," except for the largest trading shops in crypto markets.
Highlights from The Block's 2024 Digital Assets Outlook report
Quick Take The Block’s VP of Research George Calle unpacks highlights from the 2024 Digital Assets Outlook report. Episode 107 of Season 5 of The Scoop was recorded with The Block's Frank Chaparro and George Calle. Listen below, and subscribe to The Scoop on Youtube, Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please send feedback and revision requests to [email protected]. George Calle is the VP of Research at The Block.
Tomicah Tillemann steps down from role at Haun Ventures as firm expands advisory network
Quick Take Haun Ventures, led by Katie Haun, is expanding its team of policy-focused advisors as its chief policy officer steps down. Tomicah Tilleman, formerly of a16z, plans to join a non-profit next year and will stay on as an advisor.
This marketplace is attempting to disrupt high-end spirit and wine trading with blockchain tech
Quick Take Baxus CEO Tzvi Wiesel explains how Baxus is innovating on luxury wine and spirit trading through blockchain technology. Episode 106 of Season 5 of The Scoop was recorded with The Block's Frank Chaparro and Baxus Founder & CEO Tzvi Wiesel. Listen below, and subscribe to The Scoop on Youtube, Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please send feedback and revision requests to [email protected].
Bloomberg analyst explains plan forward for spot bitcoin ETF: The SEC has been 'backed into a corner'
Quick Take Bloomberg Intelligence ETF Research Analyst James Seyffart breaks down what to expect from the pending spot bitcoin and ethereum ETF applications in the months ahead. Episode 105 of Season 5 of The Scoop was recorded with The Block's Frank Chaparro and Bloomberg Intelligence ETF Research Analyst James Seyffart. Listen below, and subscribe to The Scoop on Youtube, Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Modular blockchain developer tradeoffs with EigenLayer's Sreeram Kannan
Quick Take EigenLayer founder Sreeram Kannan unpacks the vision behind EigenLayer and discusses the next generation of modular blockchain technology. A minimum of 0 locked ACS tokens are required to access Pro’s Crypto Ecosysystem content from The Block. Locked With The Block Show your support by locking more ACS with The Block.
Crypto's secretive corner is heating up
Aside from price action, it's increasingly clear that the crypto market has indeed made a comeback. The seven-day moving average for spot exchange volumes is nearing $40 billion for the first time since March. Additionally, on-chain data indicates a rebound, with the seven-day moving average for transactions on the Ethereum network reaching its peak for the year, currently at 114 million.
Here's how DeFi derivatives markets could explode, according to dYdX Foundation CEO
Quick Take dYdX Foundation CEO Charles d’Haussy explains the decision to launch dYdX v4 as a standalone appchain and explores the future of decentralized crypto derivative products. Episode 103of Season 5 of The Scoop was recorded with The Block's Frank Chaparro and dYdX Foundation CEO Charles d'Haussy. Listen below, and subscribe to The Scoop on Youtube, Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please send feedback and revision requests to [email protected].
'We're still early across the board,' says CoinFund CIO
Quick Take CoinFund CIO Alex Felix discusses allocating $158 million raised for early-stage crypto startups. Episode 102of Season 5 of The Scoop was recorded with The Block's Frank Chaparro and CoinFund Chief Investment Officer Alex Felix. Listen below, and subscribe to The Scoop on Youtube, Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Please send feedback and revision requests to [email protected]. Alex Felix is the Chief Investment Officer at CoinFund.
Latest rally has all of crypto wondering if it's still early to the party
Quick Take This first appeared in Frank Chaparro’s biweekly The Scoop Newsletter. Sign up now. Are we early? It's a question that participants in the crypto market ponder during each cycle, as each cycle brings its own indicators signaling the end. I think the biggest top signal to me personally was when I was at a barbershop in Los Angeles and one barber was explaining why he was moving all of his coins from Coinbase to an exchange I had never heard of.
Dragonfly-backed project rolls out structured product to enhance Lido yield
A team specializing in building structured products for the volatile cryptocurrency market has rolled out a new yield strategy for traders to earn additional returns for staking participants. Cega announced Thursday the launch of its Dual Current Product, which offers 22% APY for staked ether (stETH) and ETH holders. The product provides enhanced yields through options trading. Staking ether currently offers a yield of around 3%.
Anthony Scaramucci explains why he thinks a spot bitcoin ETF is bullish
Quick Take Anthony Scaramucci explains how the approval of a spot bitcoin ETF in the U.S. could lead to hundreds of billions of dollars flowing into bitcoin. Episode 101of Season 5 of The Scoop was recorded with The Block's Frank Chaparro and SkyBridge Capital Founder & Managing Partner Anthony Scaramucci. Listen below, and subscribe to The Scoop on Youtube, Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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