2023-09-11

💣 Armstrong Drops SEC Bombshell!

September 11, 2023

Howdy friends,When I talk to other crypto fans:“There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo… and it’s worth fighting for.”

Guess what I was watching over the weekend!

🤬 Armstrong Speaks Out
🕳️ Buterin Hacked
🍣 Sushi Expands Horizons

🤫 Coinbase CEO Hints at SEC Leadership Change

Coinbase's head honcho, Brian Armstrong, recently threw a curveball in the midst of the company's dispute with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

In a chat with Yahoo, he took a swing at the SEC's "hostile" approach to cryptos, likening their strategy to a baseball coach who rules by intimidation instead of guidance.Armstrong suggested a change-up in the SEC's leadership, specifically removing Chair Gary Gensler in 2024, could be a game-changer.Well, dur...Obviously! 🙄Despite this fastball of a comment, Armstrong quickly highlighted Coinbase's good rapport with SEC staff.Optimistically, he believes the crypto-rulebook fog will clear soon, either through Congress' intervention or a new SEC leader stepping up to the plate.Well...something's gotta give! 🪅

Jobs of the Week!

Senior Economist, Finance, Risk and StrategyThe Conference BoardNew York

You will produce financial, risk, and strategy insights for C-suite audiences, often interacting with business executives. Responsibilities include producing written content, webcasts, and podcasts, and supporting the Chief Economist. Experience in finance, strong analytical skills, a Ph.D., Master’s, or MBA, and proficiency in financial and statistical tools is required.

Director, Financial Crimes Transaction MonitoringCircleNew York$185,000 - $260,000 a year

Reporting to the Global Head of Financial Crimes Compliance, you will enhance the global AML/CTF transaction monitoring program, spanning fiat and crypto. Requirements: A B.A./B.S. degree, 12+ years in AML/CTF (5+ years in transaction monitoring program development), leadership experience, deep knowledge of transaction monitoring, familiarity with cryptocurrency risks, and experience with blockchain analytics platforms. Creative problem-solving and adaptability are crucial.

Experienced Quantitative Portfolio Manager or StrategistKershner TradingAustin

Ideal candidates will have an MS or PhD from top institutions in Engineering, Mathematics, Data Science, or Pure Science. Skills should include Machine Learning, NLP, Time Series Prediction, Portfolio Optimization, Factor Analysis, and more. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python (preferred), C++, or Java is required. Candidates must demonstrate contributions to profitable trading strategies in the U.S. equity market.

🎣 Buterin's Twitter Breached in $800K Phishing Ploy

In a plot twist straight out of a modern-day heist movie, Ethereum's co-founder Vitalik Buterin found himself at the wrong end of a cyber-scheme.

A crafty hacker played a game of bait and switch on Buterin’s Twitter, using a fake post that dangled the carrot of "commemorative" NFTs.Like a wolf in sheep's clothing, this seemingly innocent link led users into a den of deception: a phishing site.Well, Vit's fluffy trousers are almost sheep-like so...🤣

The fast fingers at PeckShield, blockchain security aficionados, spotted this misadventure early on. But by then, the scam had already picked pockets to the tune of over $800,000.Crypto maestro EvanLuthra echoed the gravity, noting the pilfering of their prized punk NFT.Even "experts" mess up sometimes. 🤦While Buterin's digital realm is back under his reign, this episode serves as a "beware of wolves" warning to all netizens.Stay cautious out there!

🐟 Sushi Leaps Onto Aptos: First Non-EVM Integration

Sushi, a revered name in decentralized finance, is stretching its tentacles to newer realms.

In an intriguing twist, it's making a splash onto the Aptos blockchain. Now, why is that eyebrow-raising?Because this marks Sushi's very first dance with a non-Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) partner.I dance like a Jellyfish...just saying! 🙈

The fusion will see Sushi's state-of-the-art version 2 automated market maker (AMM) integrated onto the Aptos ecosystem. "A leap towards cross-chain prominence," Sushi's team enthusiastically declared.Up until now, Sushi has been mingling with EVM darlings like Ethereum, Fantom, and Polygon, to name a few.

Supported by the venture behemoth Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Aptos is a Layer-1 blockchain crafted by ex-Meta brains.I don't know about you, but when I read the words venture and Meta, I get twitchy! 🤨Its USP? Offering devs the power to whip up decentralized apps using the unique Move language. Sushi's new partner sure sounds appetizing!