Shaping Policy and Fighting Crime: A Conversation with Ari Redbord of TRM Labs

Beyond the Code

26:18

How do you know when it’s time to make your next big career move? With International Women’s Day around the corner, we are excited to feature Avni Patel Thompson, Founder and CEO of Milo. Avni is building technology that directly supports the often overlooked emotional and logistical labor that falls on parents—especially women. Milo is an AI assistant designed to help families manage that invisible load more efficiently. In this episode, Avni shares her journey from studying chemistry to holding leadership roles at global brands like Adidas and Starbucks, to launching her own ventures. She discusses how she approaches career transitions, the importance of unpleasant experiences, and why she’s focused on making everyday life easier for parents. [01:26] Avni's University Days and Early Career [04:36] Non-Linear Career Paths [05:16] Pursuing Steep Learning Curves [11:51] Entrepreneurship and Safety Nets [15:22] Lived Experiences and Milo [19:55] Avni’s In Her Ellement Moment [20:03] Reflections Links: Avni Patel Thompson on LinkedIn Suchi Srinivasan on LinkedIn Kamila Rakhimova on LinkedIn Ipsos report on the future of parenting About In Her Ellement: In Her Ellement highlights the women and allies leading the charge in digital, business, and technology innovation. Through engaging conversations, the podcast explores their journeys—celebrating successes and acknowledging the balance between work and family. Most importantly, it asks: when was the moment you realized you hadn’t just arrived—you were truly in your element? About The Hosts: Suchi Srinivasan is an expert in AI and digital transformation. Originally from India, her career includes roles at trailblazing organizations like Bell Labs and Microsoft. In 2011, she co-founded the Cleanweb Hackathon, a global initiative driving IT-powered climate solutions with over 10,000 members across 25+ countries. She also advises Women in Cloud, aiming to create $1B in economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs by 2030. Kamila Rakhimova is a fintech leader whose journey took her from Tajikistan to the U.S., where she built a career on her own terms. Leveraging her English proficiency and international relations expertise, she discovered the power of microfinance and moved to the U.S., eventually leading Amazon's Alexa Fund to support underrepresented founders. Subscribe to In Her Ellement on your podcast app of choice to hear meaningful conversations with women in digital, business, and technology.…

about a year ago 34:22

MP3•Episode home

In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy Hammer sits down with Ari Redbord, the Global Head of Policy at TRM Labs, to discuss the intersection of cryptocurrency and national security. Ari shares his journey from a federal prosecutor focusing on local crime and national security cases to his current role at TRM Labs. They delve into the complexities of regulating crypto, the role of blockchain in combating illicit finance, and the innovative work TRM Labs is doing to create a safer financial system. Ari also provides insights into the evolution of crypto regulation, the importance of a strong mission in building a company, and the exciting developments happening at Duke University's Digital Assets program. Whether you're a crypto enthusiast, a legal professional, or simply curious about the future of digital assets, this episode offers a wealth of information and inspiration.

Make sure to check out TRM Talks and follow our brand new Beyond the Code LinkedIn page.

Time Stamps:

[00:00] - Introduction and background of Ari Redbord
[01:22] - Ari’s journey in the federal justice system
[02:51] - Early career and experiences as a federal prosecutor
[03:54] - Transition to national security and money laundering cases
[04:48] - Involvement with crypto in federal cases
[06:20] - The impact of Facebook’s Libra on crypto regulation
[08:05] - Learning resources during the early crypto days
[10:46] - Using blockchain to trace illicit activities
[12:23] - Overview of TRM Labs and its role in the crypto ecosystem
[15:42] - Differentiating TRM Labs from other blockchain analysis tools
[16:40] - Ari’s role and experiences at TRM Labs
[19:14] - Providing data-driven insights to regulators and policymakers
[21:08] - The mission-driven approach of TRM Labs
[23:56] - Personal passion for crypto and blockchain technology
[27:06] - The need to reduce friction in the crypto space
[29:42] - Ari’s involvement with Duke University’s digital assets initiatives
[32:09] - The potential of blockchain for certifications and degrees

Tune in to hear about:

Ari’s background and career path in the federal justice system
The challenges and opportunities in regulating cryptocurrencies
TRM Labs’ role in tracking illicit finance and supporting law enforcement
The importance of values and mission in building a successful company
Innovations and use cases in the blockchain space, including insights from Duke University’s Digital Assets program

Don't miss this insightful conversation that bridges the gap between technology, policy, and security in the rapidly evolving world of crypto.

52 episodes

#Tech #Yitzy Hammer

Shaping Policy and Fighting Crime: A Conversation with Ari Redbord of TRM Labs

Beyond the Code

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Make sure to check out TRM Talks and follow our brand new Beyond the Code LinkedIn page.

Time Stamps:

[00:00] - Introduction and background of Ari Redbord
[01:22] - Ari’s journey in the federal justice system
[02:51] - Early career and experiences as a federal prosecutor
[03:54] - Transition to national security and money laundering cases
[04:48] - Involvement with crypto in federal cases
[06:20] - The impact of Facebook’s Libra on crypto regulation
[08:05] - Learning resources during the early crypto days
[10:46] - Using blockchain to trace illicit activities
[12:23] - Overview of TRM Labs and its role in the crypto ecosystem
[15:42] - Differentiating TRM Labs from other blockchain analysis tools
[16:40] - Ari’s role and experiences at TRM Labs
[19:14] - Providing data-driven insights to regulators and policymakers
[21:08] - The mission-driven approach of TRM Labs
[23:56] - Personal passion for crypto and blockchain technology
[27:06] - The need to reduce friction in the crypto space
[29:42] - Ari’s involvement with Duke University’s digital assets initiatives
[32:09] - The potential of blockchain for certifications and degrees

Tune in to hear about:

Ari’s background and career path in the federal justice system
The challenges and opportunities in regulating cryptocurrencies
TRM Labs’ role in tracking illicit finance and supporting law enforcement
The importance of values and mission in building a successful company
Innovations and use cases in the blockchain space, including insights from Duke University’s Digital Assets program

Don't miss this insightful conversation that bridges the gap between technology, policy, and security in the rapidly evolving world of crypto.

52 episodes

#Tech #Yitzy Hammer

All episodes

Beyond the Code

1
E52: How Tigran Gambaryan Deciphered Bitcoin and Survived Nigerian Prison 1:24:01

6 days ago1:24:01

1:24:01

Tigran Gambaryan⁠ spent 8 months in grueling conditions in a Nigerian prison. But that’s not what made him famous. Episode 52 of Beyond the Code dives into Tigran ’s incredible journey. For those of you who don’t know, Tigran started off as an IRS special agent, where he used a simple Excel spreadsheet to reverse engineer the Bitcoin blockchain and track major crypto criminals such as those responsible for the Mt. Gox hack, Welcome to Video, Alpha Bay and Silk Road —earning him the nickname, “the man who broke Bitcoin”. After a decade in Government law enforcement, Tigran took up a pivotal role at Binance leading their financial crimes unit and fostering global regulatory ties. Tigran’s story is one of innovation and grit, as chronicled in Andy Greenberg’s Tracers in the Dark . But things took a turn for the worse for Tigran when he made a trip to Nigeria last February and what was supposed to be a simple training session spiraled into detention, interrogation, and bribes and imprisonment, exposing systemic corruption. After 8 grueling months in Nigeria’s Kuje prison, through media pressure and U.S. diplomatic efforts, Tigran’s release was finally secured and thankfully he is now home with his family. Links to videos and articles: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Caa4X7GqTkQ https://www.wired.com/story/tigran-gambaryan-us-congress-resolution-hostage-nigeria/ https://fmino.gov.ng/disregard-falsehoods-being-peddled-by-tigran-gambaryan-against-nigerian-government-officials-fg/ https://www.wired.com/story/tigran-gambaryan-us-congress-resolution-hostage-nigeria/ https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/02/14/nigeria-used-binance-as-scapegoat-wanted-150-million-bribe-tigran-gambaryan/ https://x.com/DC_Draino/status/1832182160918503643 For those interested, you can buy Andy Greenberg's book, Tracers in the Dark, on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3umNV17If you want to do it right (chronologically), start with Nick Bilton's book, American Kingpin (https://a.co/d/hTRVY2C), which tells the story of Ross Ulbricht and the Silk Road. These books are imperative to understanding how the space migrated from basically a hub for libertarians, Cypher punks and criminals, into what it is today. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tigran-gambaryan-0852679a/ X: https://x.com/TigranGambaryan…

Beyond the Code

1
E51: How to Use AI to Make Your Legal Work 3X More Efficient with Eran Lahav, CEO of FirstRead. 35:59

12 days ago35:59

35:59

In Episode 51 of Beyond the Code , host Yitzy Hammer welcomes Eran Lahav , Co-Founder and CEO of First Read , an AI-powered legal tech platform designed to revolutionize how lawyers draft, review, and manage legal documents. In this insightful conversation, Eran shares his journey from accounting and finance to launching a cutting-edge AI tool for lawyers that improves efficiency and streamlines legal workflows. Throughout the episode, Yitzy and Eran discuss the growing role of AI in legal services , exploring how tools like First Read are helping lawyers save time without compromising data security. Eran explains how First Read's SOC 2 certification ensures client data remains protected and why privacy concerns have been a major challenge in the adoption of AI for legal professionals . The episode also explores the future of legal tech , with Eran revealing exciting plans for First Read's AI capabilities, including personalized features that adapt to individual lawyers' writing styles and preferences. As AI in law firms continues to expand, Eran emphasizes the importance of precision, customization, and understanding the unique needs of legal professionals. For listeners eager to try First Read , a special discount code — byndthecode10 — is available for a limited time.…

Beyond the Code

1
E47: Crypto in Your Portfolio: How Much Is Too Much? With Financial Planner Nadav Ellinson 42:59

12 days ago42:59

42:59

In this episode of Beyond the Code , Yitzy sits down with financial planner and Blue & White Finance co-founder Nadav Ellinson to tackle one of the most debated questions in investing: How much Bitcoin (or crypto) should be in your portfolio (if any)? We discuss: ✅ The risks and rewards of allocating crypto in a long-term portfolio; ✅ Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) vs. Bulk Buying —which strategy works best? ✅ Bitcoin vs. ETFs —Should you hold your own crypto or go the traditional route? ✅ The apocalyptic scenario where Nadav (sort of) admits Bitcoin might save you. This episode is packed with insights for both crypto enthusiasts and skeptics alike. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just crypto-curious, don’t miss this one! 🔗 Follow Nadav Ellinson & Blue and White Finance for more information on smart financial decision-making.…

Beyond the Code

1
Ep. 50: Web3 Beyond Crypto Bros with Amanda Wick | Women in Crypto 1:26:18

20 days ago1:26:18

1:26:18

Episode Summary: In this milestone 50th episode of Beyond the Code , host Yitzy Hammer sits down with Amanda Wick, CEO and founder of the Association for Women in Crypto, for an expansive conversation that goes far beyond the blockchain. Amanda shares her incredible journey—from her days as a federal prosecutor tackling early crypto crimes to her pivotal role in the January 6th Committee’s financial investigation, and now leading a global movement to empower women in Web3. Together, Yitzy and Amanda explore the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, the systemic challenges women face in tech, and the broader forces shaping the new world financial order—topics central to her upcoming book, The Catalysts . Expect candid insights, sharp reflections on government inefficiency, and a compelling case for why Web3 is about more than just "crypto bros." Plus, Yitzy drops an exciting announcement about his law firm’s latest hires! Show Notes: (00:00) Introduction: Yitzy welcomes Amanda Wick to celebrate Episode 50 and dives into her multifaceted career. (01:54) Gender Dynamics in Crypto: Amanda challenges stereotypes and discusses the "motherhood penalty" impacting women’s careers, drawing from Nobel Prize-winning research. (05:16) From Jersey to Justice: Amanda recounts her path from aspiring FBI agent to federal prosecutor, shaped by a post-9/11 pivot. (12:22) Crypto’s Criminal Roots: Amanda shares her first encounter with Bitcoin in 2012 as a money laundering prosecutor and how blockchain analytics transformed the industry. (20:07) Chainalysis & Beyond: Transitioning from government to the private sector, Amanda reflects on her time at Chainalysis and the power of marketing in tech. (35:00) January 6th Insights: Amanda offers a raw perspective on the Capitol attack’s financial investigation and its broader implications. (46:28) Founding the Association for Women in Crypto: Learn how Amanda built a global nonprofit from a laptop, fostering education, networking, and advocacy. (1:04:28) The Catalysts Unveiled: Amanda previews her book, The Catalysts: The Accelerating Forces Forging the New World Financial Order , a 360-degree look at global finance and societal shifts. (1:14:17) Inspiring Women in Crypto: Amanda highlights three trailblazers—Michelle Gitlitz, Carol House, and Bullish Dumpling—who’ve shaped her journey. (1:21:06) Yitzy’s Big Announcement: Yitzy reveals his crypto law firm’s first hires—two accomplished women joining the team! Guest Links: Amanda Wick: LinkedIn | X Association for Women in Crypto: Website Pre-order The Catalysts : AmandaWick.com ( launching soon) or Amazon Kindle (available early May 2025). Connect with Beyond the Code: Subscribe for weekly episodes on YouTube and Spotify ! Follow Yitzy on X/Twitter, at https://x.com/ijhammer , for updates. Join our Telegram community: https://t.me/byndthecode…

Beyond the Code

1
E49: Second Mover Advantage: Bentzi Rabi on Utila’s Crypto Play 49:25

26 days ago49:25

49:25

In Episode 49 of Beyond the Code, Bentzi Rabi , CEO of Utila , shares his fascinating journey from an Israeli intelligence unit to founding an enterprise-grade crypto operations platform. Discover how a chance encounter at a Bitcoin embassy chess club sparked his crypto passion, leading him to challenge giants like Fireblocks with Utila’s focus on flexibility, on-chain innovation, and stablecoin payments. Bentzi reflects on navigating a volatile market, keeping the fire alive through crypto winters, and his vision for a maturing digital asset landscape. https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentzi-rabi/ https://x.com/bentzzi https://utila.io/…

Beyond the Code

1
E48: Dr. Jimmie Lenz on Crypto, AI, GenZ, DA@D, the US Regulatory Climate, and more. 51:04

5 weeks ago51:04

51:04

Last week, Yitzy attended Coindesk's premier event in Hong Kong, #ConsensusHK, where he livestreamed Beyond the Code episodes with leading innovators in the blockchain arena (more on that in the coming weeks). This week, Yitzy is back with the 48th episode of BTC! In this episode, Yitzy connects with Dr. Jimmie Lenz, a trailblazer in the crypto space and FinTech educator at Duke University. They explore Dr. Lenz’s remarkable journey from traditional finance to pioneering blockchain applications in academia, discussing innovations like soulbound tokens, the tokenization of real-world assets, and income share agreements. The conversation also touches on the challenges of regulatory compliance, the evolving role of AI, and generational shifts in work ethics, offering listeners practical insights into the future of digital assets and financial innovation. About Our Guest. Dr. Jimmie Lenz is the Director of the Master of Engineering in Financial Technology and Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity at Duke University and the Frank and Irene Salerno Visiting Professor of Financial Economics. Lenz also leads the Digital Asset Research and Engineering Collaborative (DAREC) at Duke University. Jimmie is an experienced executive, lecturer, and scholar in the fields of FinTech, Risk Management and Capital Markets. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmie-lenz-5a80485/ X: https://x.com/jimmie_lenz Web: https://www.jimmiehlenz.com/bio Coffee & Crypto Podcast with Lee and Jimmie: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yxDPqe6ZNwMqG8BT0PwQt?si=533bd4581a69481f DA@D - https://www.digitalassetsatduke.org/…

Beyond the Code

1
Inside Ethereum: Tom Teman on Account Abstraction and the Future of Wallets 1:04:04

8 weeks ago1:04:04

1:04:04

In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy sits down with Tom Teman from the Ethereum Foundation to explore his path from early crypto days to shaping the future of wallets through account abstraction. Tom details his journey founding Portis, getting acquired by ShapeShift, and eventually joining Kraken—before landing at the Ethereum Foundation. He dives deep into ERC-4337, explaining how it revolutionizes wallet design by improving key management, enabling flexible recovery, and letting users pay gas with any token. Along the way, Tom shares candid insights into the Ethereum Foundation’s unique structure, the culture shifts he’s seen in big crypto companies, and why making crypto more user-friendly is the key to mainstream adoption. Whether you’re a builder, investor, or newcomer to web3, this conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes intel on how Ethereum is evolving from the inside out. https://x.com/tomteman…

Beyond the Code

1
Memes on Steroids: The Rise of Meme Coins with Jonathan Caras 22:59

9 weeks ago22:59

22:59

In this special episode of Beyond the Code , Yitzy Hammer welcomes back Jonathan Caras for a lively discussion on the rise of meme coins and their impact on the crypto landscape. From the evolution of token issuance—Bitcoin, ICOs, DeFi Summer—to the chaotic yet fascinating world of meme tokens like $TRUMP Coin and $MELANIA Token, Jonathan unpacks how these tokens sidestep traditional expectations and regulatory hurdles. Together, they explore the cultural and community-driven value of memes, the role of innovation versus speculation, and what this new era of crypto might mean for the industry’s future. Tune in for sharp insights and a touch of humor on one of the most unexpected trends in Web3!…

Beyond the Code

1
Inside Israel’s Crypto VC Scene: A Deep Dive with Eylon Aviv of Collider VC 50:42

9 weeks ago50:42

50:42

In this episode, Yitzy sits down with Eylon Aviv , a partner at Collider.VC , Israel’s leading crypto-centric venture capital fund. Eylon shares his journey from early days at tech unicorn IronSource to becoming a driving force in Israel’s crypto ecosystem. We discussed Eylon’s investment thesis, the unique challenges and opportunities of being a crypto-focused VC, and the innovative ways the fund supports startups in Israel and beyond. Eylon offers candid insights into the future of Web3, the importance of community, and how Israel’s tech DNA is shaping its role in the global crypto space. Tune in for a lively discussion packed with practical advice, thoughtful reflections, and a sneak peek into Building Blocks 2.0.…

Beyond the Code

1
Crypto Mom to Crypto Stepmom: SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce on SEC Challenges and Opportunities 35:49

10 weeks ago35:49

35:49

In this episode of Beyond the Code , SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce , affectionately referred to within the cryptoverse as "Crypto Mom," joins Yitzy to discuss the SEC’s evolving approach to cryptocurrency and innovation. They explore the challenges of balancing regulatory oversight with fostering innovation, the agency's struggles to provide clear guidelines for the crypto industry, and the impact of enforcement-focused strategies on both U.S. and global markets. Commissioner Peirce candidly shares her views on the need for transparency, collaboration with international regulators, and empowering consumers through education, while also reflecting on her role as a dissenting voice within the SEC. With the upcoming change in SEC leadership and a new administration, Commissioner Peirce highlights why this moment is an opportunity to embrace optimism and work toward a regulatory framework that fosters innovation while protecting investors. Whether you're an industry professional or simply curious about the intersection of crypto and regulation, this episode offers a deep dive into the complexities and opportunities shaping the future of financial technology. Follow the Commissioner on X, at: @HesterPeirce…

Beyond the Code

1
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility: Noah Perlman on Binance, Regulation, and the Road Ahead 47:04

11 weeks ago47:04

47:04

In this episode of Beyond the Code , Yitzy sits down with Noah Perlman , Chief Compliance Officer at Binance, to explore the intricate balance of power, responsibility, and innovation at the world’s largest crypto exchange. Noah reflects on his journey from a federal prosecutor and DEA counsel to leading the compliance efforts of the one of the most important institutions in crypto. The conversation delves into Binance's proactive approach to compliance, the challenges of maintaining trust across 21 global jurisdictions, and the firm’s investment in cutting-edge technologies, including AI, to combat financial crime. Noah also opens up about the emotional toll of last year’s ordeal involving his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, and how it galvanized the team’s resolve. With insights into the future of regulation under a shifting political climate, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at how Binance is setting new standards in crypto governance.…

Beyond the Code

1
Trolling for Truth in the War of Words and Building the Best Crypto Wallet on the Planet, with ZenGo’s Ouriel Ohayon 1:06:07

14 weeks ago1:06:07

1:06:07

In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy Hammer sits down with Ouriel Ohayo n, CEO and founder of ZenGo , to explore the cutting-edge innovations behind the world’s most secure crypto wallet. Ouriel shares the journey from discovering crypto to building a wallet that eliminates the pain points of seed phrases, leverages multi-party computation (MPC) technology, and prioritizes user security and simplicity. The conversation also delves into Ouriel's relentless advocacy for Israel, his strategic approach to countering misinformation online, and the broader battle for truth in the digital age. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that spans technology, resilience, and a vision for a brighter future in both the crypto space and the world.…

Beyond the Code

1
Prof. Edward Lee on The Resurgence of NFTs and AI’s Impact on Copyright Law 50:05

15 weeks ago50:05

50:05

In this episode of Beyond the Code , Yitzy sits down with Professor Edward Lee, a leading expert in intellectual property, copyright law, and emerging technologies. Professor Lee, author of Creators Take Control , dives into the fascinating world of NFTs, AI, and their legal and cultural implications. Together, they explore: The resurgence of NFTs and their role in redefining digital art and IP ownership; The challenges posed by AI to copyright law, including questions of authorship and creativity; The impact of regulation (or lack thereof) on innovation in Web3 and AI spaces; The evolving debate over NFTs as securities and the role of the SEC in shaping the market. Professor Lee shares insights from his book, recent Harvard and Yale publications, and his work tracking AI controversies through ChatGPTIsEatingTheWorld.com . Tune in to learn how law is adapting—or failing to adapt—to innovations that are reshaping our world. Guest Links: Book: Creators Take Control Website: ChatGPTIsEatingTheWorld.com AI and the Sound of Music (Yale) Prompting Progress: Authorship in the Age of A I (Florida Law Review) Why is the SEC wrong about NFTs (Coindesk) The Original Public Meaning of ‘Investment Contract’ (Harvard) Follow Prof. Lee: X: https://x.com/edleeprof Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/edleeprof.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-lee-18084652…

Beyond the Code

1
Ofir Eliasi: Revolutionizing Wallet Infrastructure with Account Abstraction in Web3 40:48

16 weeks ago40:48

40:48

In this episode of Beyond the Code , Yitzy sits down with Ofir Eliasi , founder of Borsa , to discuss his journey as a serial entrepreneur and blockchain innovator. Ofir shares his background, from early days in the 8200 unit of the Israeli army to leading development at major tech companies and startups, including his work on groundbreaking blockchain projects since 2017. The conversation delves into the evolution of account abstraction, its transformative potential for blockchain infrastructure, and how Borsa is pioneering new solutions for wallet technology. Ofir also reflects on the lessons learned from the NFT boom, the strengths of the Israeli Web3 ecosystem, and his vision for the future of blockchain. Tune in for an insightful discussion on technical innovation, entrepreneurship, and the challenges and opportunities shaping the next wave of Web3. Check out Vitalik’s new blog post which Yitzy and Ofir discussed, ‘What I Would Love to See in a Wallet”. Follow Ofir on X .…

Beyond the Code

1
Nick Furneaux on Investigating Cryptocurrencies and his new book, ‘There is No Such Thing as Crypto Crime’. 57:46

18 weeks ago57:46