Why Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev Is Betting Big on Crypto, Stablecoins, and Prediction Markets - Ep. 754

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In this episode of Unchained, Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev offers a rare glimpse into the company’s strategy. How did memes like Dogecoin become one of Robinhood’s biggest assets, onboarding millions of users? What drove its decision to embrace stablecoins, staking, and a dedicated crypto wallet—and what risks do these moves carry?
As Europe’s MiCA regulations set the stage for a global crypto framework, Vlad discusses how Robinhood is positioning itself for growth, the role of prediction markets, and why blockchain could dramatically lower costs for investors. He also shares personal insights from his own experiences with hyperinflation, revealing how stablecoins might safeguard wealth for millions around the world.
With crypto ETFs, regulatory shifts, and a new administration looming, here’s what he thinks is next for Robinhood—and the crypto industry.
Show highlights:

How Robinhood has been experiencing growth in the crypto retail market

The effect of election night and Robinhood’s event contracts on trading volumes

What Robinhood saw happened with the launch of spot ETFs in the U.S.

How the exchange was able to attract crypto investors

The role of MiCA in Robinhood allowing users to stake ETH and SOL

How the company aims to enhance the user experience with the Robinhood wallet

Why Robinhood decided to invest in Global Dollar Network, which has stablecoin USDG

What’s on Vlad’s crypto regulation wish list under the new administration and Congress

Whether the criteria to list crypto assets on Robinhood will change under a crypto-friendly Trump administration

Why Vlad is so excited about prediction markets

Why he sees blockchain technology as a tool that will ultimately help users

Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com
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Polkadot

Kelp DAO

Guest

Vlad Tenev, CEO of Robinhood
Links

Unchained: Why Robinhood, a TradFi Hub, Is Growing Its Crypto Business Globally

Reuters: Robinhood's top attorney Gallagher rules out SEC chair role

Robinhood Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

Robinhood to Acquire Bitstamp

Spot Bitcoin ETF Options: Why You 'Can't Overstate' Their Importance

The Legend Awakens: Introducing Robinhood Legend, Futures Trading, and Index Options

Finimize: Robinhood, Kraken, And Partners Launch New Stablecoin USDG -

Decrypt: Robinhood Launches US Presidential Election Prediction Market—For Americans Only

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

02:43 Robinhood’s growth in the crypto retail market

05:05 Election night’s surprising impact on trading volumes

07:11 What Robinhood observed after U.S. spot ETF launches

11:56 How the platform attracted millions of crypto investors

16:49 MiCA’s role in enabling ETH and SOL staking on Robinhood

19:09 Enhancing user experience with the Robinhood wallet

21:32 Why Robinhood is betting on stablecoins

25:37 Vlad’s crypto regulation wish list from the new administration

30:05 Will Robinhood change its crypto listing criteria?

32:18 Vlad’s excitement about prediction markets

36:12 How blockchain could lower costs and empower users

41:21 News Recap

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