Bitcoin Policy Institute

At the nexus of AI, international relations and monetary policy, Bitcoin’s rise is poised to change the distribution and consolidation of power across the political stack. 00:00 - Intro: From the Bitcoin Policy Summit in DC 04:00 - Why Bitcoin touches every policy domain 06:00 - National security and dual-use tech with Patrick Witt 09:00 - Government’s evolving view on Bitcoin 10:30 - Balancing pr...

In this conversation, Renee Sorchik and Yaël Ossowski discuss the concept of Bitcoin-based mortgages, exploring how Bitcoin can be integrated into the traditional mortgage system. They delve into the potential market for such mortgages, the regulatory landscape, and the role of institutions like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the broader economic impact of...

In Episode 6 The Bitcoin Policy Hour, our team unpacks the emerging “Riyadh Accord,” a sweeping geopolitical realignment where the United States, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf nations are bundling AI, Bitcoin, and techno-industrial leverage into a new framework of global influence. As Blackwell chips begin to replace F-35s as diplomatic bargaining tools, and sovereign wealth funds quietly accumulat...

Matthew Pines, Zack Shapiro and Zack Cohen tackle three pivotal issues shaping Bitcoin’s trajectory in episode 5 of the Bitcoin Policy Hour. They explore the rapid expansion of stablecoins into the energy and commodity sectors, the legal showdown over Samourai Wallet and its implications for Bitcoin software developers, and the GENIUS Act’s bid to redefine stablecoin regulation and US dollar hegem...

In this urgent and wide-ranging conversation, Matthew Pines, Zack Shapiro, and Zack Cohen explain why the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) must be the top legislative priority — not market structure bills or stablecoin regulations. As China and the Middle East move faster on sovereign Bitcoin adoption, the U.S. risks losing its monetary edge in a geopolitical arms race. Drawing on national security...

This conversation explores global research on Bitcoin adoption, with a focus on survey and interview methodologies, insights from qualitative data, and the factors driving or hindering adoption across different countries. It emphasizes the human stories behind Bitcoin use and the need for stronger education and thoughtful policy. The discussion also examines findings from a comprehensive survey on...

Policy experts Matthew Pines, Zack Shapiro, and Zack Cohen explore the radical implications of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and how Bitcoin might serve as a stabilizing counterforce in a world dominated by AI. Drawing from the viral “AI 2027” scenario, we examine the risks of alignment failure, economic disruption, and geopolitical escalation—and argue why Bitcoin’s monetary properties co...

Episode #2 of the Bitcoin Policy Hour hosted by the Bitcoin Policy Institute. Geopolitics and policy experts Matthew Pines, Zack Shapiro and Zack Cohen discuss America's Bitcoin and gold strategies in the context of a new monetary order and U.S.-China competition. They game out for what reasons, and with what likelihood, the U.S. may pivot from hoarding gold, to accumulating Bitcoin, and what this...

In this conversation, Renee Sorchik, Andrew Hohns, and Matt Pines explore the concept of BitBonds—Bitcoin-backed treasury bonds designed to tackle the U.S. national debt—while highlighting the legislative challenges, bipartisan potential, and broader economic benefits of such an initiative. They also discuss the role of Bitcoin as a savings tool, the urgency of proactive policy, and BPI’s efforts...

Episode #1 of "The Bitcoin Policy Hour", a new show by Bitcoin Magazine and the Bitcoin Policy Institute where we cover all things geopolitics, public policy and Bitcoin. Geopolitics and policy experts Matthew Pines, Zack Shapiro and Zack Cohen discuss the Trump admin's tariff gambit in the context of US-China relations and the Triffin Dilemma, making the case that Bitcoin, despite i...

In this conversation, Avik Roy discusses his insights on Bitcoin policy, the implications of fiscal collapse, and the distribution of wealth within the Bitcoin ecosystem. He emphasizes the importance of government attitudes towards Bitcoin and explores various scenarios that could unfold in the event of a fiscal crisis. The conversation also touches on the concentration of Bitcoin wealth and its p...

Jake Langenkamp is a former active-duty service member and former civil servant with the U.S. Department of Defense. He is also the founder of Bridger, a Bitcoin mining company. BPI’s Vice President of Research, Renee Sorchik, sat down with Jake to discuss how Bitcoin mining in Africa could support President Trump’s vision of maximizing American-mined Bitcoin. Read the report that inspired this po...

Jorge Jraissati is an economist and policy expert with deep insights into Venezuela’s political and economic landscape. He has worked extensively on issues related to authoritarian regimes, financial repression, and the role of Bitcoin in promoting economic freedom. Learn more about Jorge: https://www.btcpolicy.org/authors/jorge-jraissatiRead the Bitcoin Policy Institute's latest research: htt...

Dr. Joshua R. Hendrickson is an associate professor of economics and chair of the Economics Department at the University of Mississippi. Thomas L. Hogan is an Associate Professor in the Center for Economics, Politics, and History at the University of Austin. Dr. William J. Luther is an assistant professor of economics at Florida Atlantic University. He is the director of the American Institute for...

Matthew Pines is the Head of Strategy at the Bitcoin Policy Institute and the Director of Security Advisory at SentinelOne. Zack Shapiro is the Head of Policy at the Bitcoin Policy Institute and the Managing Partner at Rains Law. BPI's Zack Cohen sat down with Zack Shapiro and Matthew Pines to outline what Bitcoin policy might look like under the new Trump administration. Chapters 00:00 - Intr...

Yaël Ossowski is a consumer and technology advocate, policy analyst, and writer. He is deputy director at the Consumer Choice Center and a Fellow at the Bitcoin Policy Institute. In this webinar we discuss privacy, financial surveillance, debanking, the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, and other recent policy developments. Visit our website: https://www.btcpolicy.org/ Subscribe to our newsletter: https:...

Zack Shapiro is Head of Policy at the Bitcoin Policy Institute and the Managing Partner at his law firm, Rains. Zack joins us today to discuss a final regulation implementation by the IRS which would redefine the category of "brokers" to include non-custodial platforms. This rule subjects developers of these platforms to stringent reporting requirements which would undermine the peer-to-peer natur...

Jack Mallers is the founder and CEO of Strike, a digital payment platform leveraging Bitcoin and the Lightning Network. BPI co-founder David Zell joined Jack Mallers to explore the overlooked nuances of Bitcoin, the regulatory hurdles faced by Bitcoin businesses, why America should embrace this transformative technology, and Jack’s vision for the future of the Bitcoin ecosystem. Connect with BPI:...

Join the Bitcoin Policy Institute's Head of Policy Zack Shapiro, Senior Vice President of Operations Stephen Pollock, and intern Zack Cohen for a year-end review of 2024. In this episode we discuss the major events of this past year including the proposals for a strategic bitcoin reserve, the approval of spot bitcoin ETFS, and the ongoing battle against self-custody in the courts. Connect with BPI...

Last week, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that OFAC overstepped its jurisdiction by sanctioning the Tornado Cash smart contract. Many have celebrated the victory, but what does the ruling actually mean for the future of peer-to-peer rights? Peer-to-Peer Rights Fund Executive Director Zack Shapiro breaks it down.

In the latest installment of the Bitcoin Policy Institute's webinar series, we sat down with three BPI fellows: Matthew Pines, Matthew Ferranti and Josh Hendrickson. During the conversation, we cover the many reasons the US might consider adding Bitcoin to its strategic reserves, how they might go about doing so, and what objections have surfaced to the proposal. Read the full report here . Connec...

In the latest installment of the Bitcoin Policy Institute's webinar series, we sat down with BPI's legal fellow Zack Shapiro. During the conversation, we cover Bitcoin's self-custodial regulatory landscape, the legal cases brought against Tornado Cash and Samourai Wallet, and what is at stake in this battle for self-custody in the United States. Connect with BPI and our fellows: ⁠BPI Website⁠ ⁠BPI...

In the second episode of the Bitcoin Policy Institute's webinar series, we sat down with Andrew Bailey, Bradley Rettler and Craig Warmke who are the authors of Resistance Money: A Philosophical Case for Bitcoin . During the conversation, we touch on their connections to BPI, the process of writing the first comprehensive academically-written Bitcoin book, and what they hope to see from policymaker...

In the first episode of the Bitcoin Policy Institute's webinar series, we sat down with Margot Paez and Troy Cross to discuss their recent Bitcoin Mining policy report . During the conversation, we touch on their connections to BPI, their research interests, what was involved with writing this particular report, and what they hope to see from policymakers. Connect with BPI and our fellows: BPI Web...