Stablecoins & the Future Financial System

a16z Crypto General Partners Ali Yahya, Arianna Simpson, and Erik Torenberg break down what’s actually working in crypto today - starting with the rise of stablecoins as a real-world payments layer. They discuss how stablecoins are being adopted by companies like Stripe and SpaceX, why regulatory shifts are opening new doors for crypto startups, and how AI and crypto are beginning to intersect. They also cover:The future of decentralized social networksWhere Ethereum, Solana, and others stand todayMisconceptions still holding the space back A grounded conversation on what’s real, what’s hype, and where crypto’s finally finding traction. Timecodes: 00:00 Introduction to Crypto and AI 00:16 The Rise of Stable Coins 00:40 Current State of Crypto 02:02 Deep Dive into Stable Coins 07:39 Institutional and Consumer Adoption 22:09 The Future of Crypto and AI 29:13 Misconceptions and Policy Changes 33:06 Smart Contract Platforms 36:14 Closing Thoughts Resources:  Find Ali on X: https://x.com/alive_eth Find Arianna on X:  https://x.com/AriannaSimpson Stay Updated:  Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16z Find a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16z Find a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/ Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures