Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
This week, we discuss why Blockworks decided to shut down its news room. We then dive into why 2025 marks the start of a new chapter for the crypto industry, why we're still in a bull market, MegaETH's ICO, recent IPOs, M&A and more. Enjoy!
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Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM
Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel
Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz
Follow Empire: twitter.com/theempirepod
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Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh
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Crypto-native institutions and developers demand institutional-grade infrastructure with regulatory clarity and full asset control. Blockdaemon's Earn Stack is a non-custodial platform combining high-performance staking rewards and seamless DeFi integration with no intermediate smart contract or vaults.
Programmatically access leading Ethereum & Solana staking rewards, plus DeFi opportunities across lending protocols, DEXs, and AMMs. Book a Demo!
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Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users.
Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates]
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Mantle is pioneering ""Blockchain for Banking"" as a revolutionary new category that sits at the intersection of TradFi and web3.
Key elements for Mantle as the ""Blockchain for Banking"":
- Transactions posted to the blockchain
- Compatibility with TradFi rails
- Integrated DeFi features
Mantle Network, the access layer — transforms Mantle Network into a purpose-built vertical platform — the blockchain for banking — that enables financial services on-chain. Mantle leads the establishment of Blockchain for Banking as the next frontier.
Follow Mantle on X (@Mantle_Official) for the latest updates on Mantle as the 'Blockchain for Banking'.
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00:00 Introduction
01:20 Why Blockworks Closed The News Division
13:27 Blockdaemon Ad
14:04 Katana Ad
14:52 The Next Chapter For Blockworks
20:48 It’s Still A Bull Market
25:12 Securitize Plans To Go Public At a $1.25B Valuation
31:16 Blockdaemon Ad
31:53 Katana Ad
32:39 Western Union Announces USDPT
51:25 Mantle Ad
52:22 Mastercard Looks To Acquire Zerohash
01:00:03 Will Stripe's Tempo Be a Success?
01:06:17 The MegaETH ICO
01:09:44 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, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
This week, we discuss why Blockworks decided to shut down its news room. We then dive into why 2025 marks the start of a new chapter for the crypto industry, why we're still in a bull market, MegaETH's ICO, recent IPOs, M&A and more. Enjoy!
--
Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM
Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel
Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz
Follow Empire: twitter.com/theempirepod
--
Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh
--
Crypto-native institutions and developers demand institutional-grade infrastructure with regulatory clarity and full asset control. Blockdaemon's Earn Stack is a non-custodial platform combining high-performance staking rewards and seamless DeFi integration with no intermediate smart contract or vaults.
Programmatically access leading Ethereum & Solana staking rewards, plus DeFi opportunities across lending protocols, DEXs, and AMMs. Book a Demo!
--
Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users.
Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates]
--
Mantle is pioneering ""Blockchain for Banking"" as a revolutionary new category that sits at the intersection of TradFi and web3.
Key elements for Mantle as the ""Blockchain for Banking"":
- Transactions posted to the blockchain
- Compatibility with TradFi rails
- Integrated DeFi features
Mantle Network, the access layer — transforms Mantle Network into a purpose-built vertical platform — the blockchain for banking — that enables financial services on-chain. Mantle leads the establishment of Blockchain for Banking as the next frontier.
Follow Mantle on X (@Mantle_Official) for the latest updates on Mantle as the 'Blockchain for Banking'.
--
00:00 Introduction
01:20 Why Blockworks Closed The News Division
13:27 Blockdaemon Ad
14:04 Katana Ad
14:52 The Next Chapter For Blockworks
20:48 It’s Still A Bull Market
25:12 Securitize Plans To Go Public At a $1.25B Valuation
31:16 Blockdaemon Ad
31:53 Katana Ad
32:39 Western Union Announces USDPT
51:25 Mantle Ad
52:22 Mastercard Looks To Acquire Zerohash
01:00:03 Will Stripe's Tempo Be a Success?
01:06:17 The MegaETH ICO
01:09:44 Content Of The Week
--
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, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
