🎬 Crypto Project Interviews

**Base's Strategic Position on Ethereum** Base Head of Product Wilson Cusack addressed the platform's commitment to Ethereum following Vitalik Buterin's call for the network to evolve beyond its original Layer 2 roadmap. **Key Statement** - "We run Base on Ethereum because it gives us great security guarantees" **Why This Matters** The statement comes as Ethereum faces questions about its L2 strategy and future direction. Base, one of the fastest-growing L2 networks, is reaffirming its foundation on Ethereum's security model rather than exploring alternative approaches. This positioning is notable given Base's recent momentum - a16z ranked it as the #2 chain founders choose to build on, just behind Ethereum itself. The platform continues expanding with major integrations including Coinbase's acquisition of Echo and partnerships bringing traditional finance players like S&P Global onchain. Base's stance suggests confidence in Ethereum's security infrastructure even as the broader ecosystem debates the optimal path forward for scaling solutions.

During a congressional hearing, Rep. Brad Sherman asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent whether the government has authority to bail out Bitcoin. Secretary Bessent responded by questioning the premise itself: "What exactly does bail out Bitcoin mean?" The exchange highlights ongoing uncertainty around government intervention in cryptocurrency markets. Earlier, Bessent had suggested the U.S. might purchase Bitcoin for strategic reserves after initially disappointing crypto advocates with more cautious comments. The question of whether Bitcoin—a decentralized digital asset—could even be "bailed out" in a traditional sense remains unclear, as does the government's legal authority to do so.

Canton Network is taking a different approach to bringing institutional assets onchain, according to Digital Asset co-founder Yuval Rooz. **Key differentiator:** - Built-in privacy from the start, rather than adding it later - Focuses on institutional needs over anonymity features **Institutional response:** Rooz notes that "the number one emotion we experience when we talk to institutions is relief" - suggesting Canton's approach addresses specific concerns that have kept traditional finance players hesitant about blockchain adoption. While public blockchains rush to add privacy features, Canton Network designed its infrastructure with institutional requirements in mind from day one. This fundamental difference in approach appears to be resonating with financial institutions exploring blockchain solutions. [Watch the full interview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft6SfndY00I)

Coinage Media's Crypto Project of the Year competition enters its second round with a matchup between **Aerodrome Finance** and **Base**. **Eligible Voters:** - Coinage Caucus/Network NFT holders - $COINAGE token holders - Attention Token holders The snapshot for voting eligibility is scheduled for tomorrow. This follows an earlier round that featured a competitive race between Base and another project. [Full details and voting information](https://www.coinage.media/crypto-project-of-the-year)

**Andrew Yang highlights growing concerns about US dollar stability** as gold prices surge amid market uncertainty. Yang points to widespread skepticism about monetary policy, suggesting investors expect continued money printing. His commentary reflects a broader trend of investors seeking hedges against potential dollar devaluation. **Key points:** - Growing doubt about dollar's long-term stability - Investors turning to traditional safe havens like gold - Concerns about continued expansionary monetary policy The shift mirrors earlier patterns where both gold and Bitcoin rallied during periods of economic uncertainty and monetary policy concerns.