Off the Block podcast: The future of crypto with Ryan Watkins

Off the Block podcast: The future of crypto with Ryan Watkins

Dec 18, 2025
Off the Block podcast: The future of crypto with Ryan WatkinsOff the Block podcast: The future of crypto with Ryan WatkinsVideo Thumbnail

It’s not an exaggeration when we say the crypto industry never sleeps: it’s always evolving. We are joined by Ryan Watkins, co-founder of Syncracy Capital, a leading crypto-focused hedge fund, to discuss how Solana and Ethereum are positioned for the next cycle and why DeFi could be poised for a resurgence as regulation and investor protections improve.

In this episode of Off the Block, Ryan shares how institutions evaluate crypto, the onchain metrics that matter most, and key risks ranging from macro uncertainty to the long-term implications of quantum computing.

Here are our favorite interview questions from the 7th episode:

  • 01:33 - “When did you realize that crypto was more than a cyclical trade?”
  • 02:58 - “What’s one crypto narrative investors should finally let go of?”
  • 05:04 - “Do you think Solana can surpass Ethereum in valuation over the next 5-10 years?”
  • 08:35 - “What’s an important on-chain metric investors can use to gauge L1 performance?”
  • 09:34 - “How can we compare L1s apples-to-apples using an on-chain metric (competitiveness)?”
  • 14:54 - “What is the most misunderstood thing about institutional crypto adoption?”
  • 18:22 - “Which narrative are you most bullish on for 2026?”
  • 21:55 - “What do you see as the key enabler for DeFi going forward?”
  • 24:55 - “What would be the biggest risk to your long-term bull case (DeFi + crypto overall)?”
  • 28:41 - “What’s your take on quantum computers – are they an existential threat to crypto?”
  • 31:27 - “How would you describe crypto in one word in 2026?”

Tune in to hear the full conversation with hosts Maximiliaan Michielsen and Darius Moukhtarzade, asking the questions on every investor’s mind toward the year-end.

▶️ Listen to the full episode of Off the Block with Ryan Watkins.

Want more conversations with the builders and thinkers behind crypto's hottest projects? Our 21shares podcast brings you closer to the pioneers and companies shaping the digital assets industry. Subscribe to Off the Block, because we believe the future is being built there.

This report has been prepared and issued by 21Shares AG for publication globally. All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report. Crypto asset trading involves a high degree of risk. The crypto asset market is new to many and unproven and may have the potential not to grow as expected.‍Currently, there is relatively small use of crypto assets in the retail and commercial marketplace in comparison to relatively large use by speculators, thus contributing to price volatility that could adversely affect an investment in crypto assets. In order to participate in the trading of crypto assets, you should be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the investment and be able to bear the economic risk of losing your entire investment.‍Nothing herein does or should be considered as an offer to buy or sell or solicitation to buy or invest in crypto assets or derivatives. This report is provided for information and research purposes only and should not be construed or presented as an offer or solicitation for any investment. The information provided does not constitute a prospectus or any offering and does not contain or constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to invest in any jurisdiction. The crypto assets or derivatives and/or any services contained or referred to herein may not be suitable for you and it is recommended that you consult an independent advisor. Nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a representation that any investment or strategy is suitable or appropriate to your individual circumstances or otherwise constitutes a personal recommendation. Neither 21Shares AG nor any of its affiliates accept liability for loss arising from the use of the material presented or discussed herein.‍Readers are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties and that actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.‍This report may contain or refer to material that is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation or which would subject 21Shares AG or any of its affiliates to any registration, affiliation, approval or licensing requirement within such jurisdiction.

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