Chat with Chainalysis’s Jonathan Levin: Crypto’s Future & Crime Trends

Last week, the crypto world buzzed with news. U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) head, Gary Gensler, hinted at his possible departure. Gensler has been under fire for his tough stance on crypto, which led to a lawsuit from 18 states. As President-Elect Donald Trump has vowed to replace Gensler, speculation is rife about who might take his place. Interestingly, Trump met with Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, sparking rumors about potential appointments. Additionally, Trump expressed interest in Howard Lutnick, Cantor Fitzgerald’s CEO and a crypto enthusiast, for the role of Commerce Secretary. This sudden focus on crypto caught the attention of everyone in the industry. Amidst all this, the Equity podcast invited Chainalysis co-founder and CSO Jonathan Levin for a chat. Rebecca Bellan and Levin talked at TechCrunch’s Strictly VC event in New York, just before the Gensler news broke. Their conversation covered several key topics: the upcoming changes in crypto politics following the U. S. election, rising trends in crypto-related crimes, Chainalysis’s decision to operate in the U. S. , and how to build trust in crypto and blockchain technologies. Levin shared insights on how recent regulatory shifts might impact the crypto landscape. He also discussed the evolving threats in crypto crime and Chainalysis’s role in combating them. The duo explored the challenges and opportunities of running a blockchain analysis firm in the U. S. and touched on the broader theme of fostering trust in crypto. Chainalysis, a blockchain analysis company, plays a crucial role in tracking crypto transactions and helping to ensure compliance with regulations. Their work is integral to making crypto safer and more trustworthy for users and businesses alike. The conversation delved into various aspects of the crypto world, providing a timely and relevant perspective on the future of crypto and blockchain. It highlighted the need for balanced regulation, innovative solutions to crime, and the importance of building trust among users. Equity is TechCrunch's flagship podcast. It's produced by Theresa Loconsolo and comes out every Wednesday and Friday. You can catch it on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, and more. For those who prefer reading, the full transcripts are available on Simplecast.