This week we’re looking at a set of stories that all circle the same uncomfortable question: who really has the power in crypto right now?

👉🏼 We start with a Trump-backed Bitcoin mining company that’s seen a brutal sell-off — followed by insider buying that’s raising eyebrows and forcing investors to think about confidence, optics, and political branding in crypto equities.

👉🏼 Then we turn to an ICO that struggled to find demand, changed its rules mid-sale, and sparked backlash — reopening the debate around fairness, transparency, and whether token launches still work the way they used to.

👉🏼And finally, we zoom out to stablecoins, after Tether froze over $180 million in USDT — at the same time these tokens are being used as financial lifelines in places like Iran and Venezuela.

Three very different stories — but all pointing to the same tension between decentralisation, trust, and control.

Let's get into it 🚀

****

TIMESTAMPS

1:29 Politics, market & crypto intersect

5:10 ICO fail. But Why?

11:52 Are Stablecoins really safe?

17:15 Short, sharp news bites

****

SHOWNOTES

💥 Have you downloaded Bamboo’s 2026 Crypto Market Report? 💥

****

If you’re enjoying these episodes please subscribe to our podcast on your preferred platform, leave a review, or share this episode with a friend or family member.

If you want to start investing in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Gold & Silver, you can download the Bamboo app here. Use the code CURIOUS for $10 in BTC when you sign up.

Follow the Crypto Curious Instagram here.

Join the Crypto Curious Facebook Group here.

*****

In the spirit of reconciliation, the hosts of Crypto Curious acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea, and community. We pay our respects to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people today.

*****

The Crypto Curious podcast is intended for educational and entertainment purposes. Any advice is general advice only and has not taken into account your personal financial circumstances, needs, or objectives.

Before acting on general advice, you should consider if it is relevant to your needs and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement. And if you are unsure, please speak to a financial professional.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more.

****

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

213 - From Trump-Backed Bitcoin to Frozen Stablecoins: A Reality Check for Crypto

Crypto Curious

213 - From Trump-Backed Bitcoin to Frozen Stablecoins: A Reality Check for Crypto