Crypto enthusiasts, if you're keeping tabs on the ever-evolving world of blockchain and digital assets, you won't want to miss the buzz from Laura Shin's recent announcement. As a seasoned crypto journalist and host of the Unchained podcast, Shin took to X (formerly Twitter) to hype up the latest episode of Bits + Bips, a must-watch show for anyone deep in the crypto space. Co-hosted by Ram Ahluwalia of Lumida Wealth and Steven Ehrlich from Forbes, the livestream aired on September 8, 2025, at 4:30 PM ET, featuring guests Sam Kazemian, founder of Frax Finance, and @intangiblecoins for some in-depth discussions. Check out the original tweet for the full vibe.

The show dives into hot topics that could shape the future of crypto, including stablecoins, blockchain scaling debates, and regulatory moves from big players like Nasdaq. For meme token traders and blockchain practitioners, these insights are gold—think better liquidity tools, cheaper transactions for launching or trading memes, and strategies for holding digital assets in volatile markets. Let's break down the key highlights in simple terms.

Unpacking USDH: The Next Big Stablecoin Battle

One of the main talking points was USDH, the upcoming native stablecoin for Hyperliquid, a high-speed decentralized exchange specializing in perpetual futures. Stablecoins are essentially digital dollars pegged to real-world assets like the US dollar, providing stability in the wild crypto market—perfect for meme coin traders who need a safe haven during pumps and dumps.

Hyperliquid's USDH has sparked a fierce bidding war among major players. Companies like Stripe, MoonPay, Paxos, and even indirect commentary from Frax's Sam Kazemian highlight the race to issue this stablecoin. According to recent reports, Paxos proposed a fully compliant USDH that funnels most yields back into Hyperliquid's HYPE token buybacks, while others like a coalition including MoonPay are pushing back against Stripe's involvement. Kazemian himself noted on X that this competition isn't just about profits—it's about grabbing a massive distribution opportunity in the stablecoin space. For more on the bids, see this Yahoo Finance piece.

Why does this matter for meme insiders? A robust stablecoin like USDH could mean smoother on-ramps for trading volatile meme tokens on platforms like Hyperliquid, reducing reliance on bridged assets like USDC, which dominate the current $5.6 billion stablecoin supply there. If you're building or flipping memes, keep an eye on how USDH boosts liquidity and lowers fees.

Tempo's Bold Move: L1 Blockchain Over Ethereum L2

Next up, the panel tackled Tempo, Stripe's newly launched blockchain designed specifically for payments and stablecoins. Stripe, the payments giant, teamed up with Paradigm to create Tempo as a "payments-first" chain. But here's the twist—it's built as a Layer 1 (L1) blockchain, not a Layer 2 (L2) on Ethereum as many expected. L1s are independent blockchains like Ethereum or Solana, handling their own security and consensus, while L2s build on top of L1s for faster, cheaper transactions.

The debate? Why skip Ethereum's ecosystem? Paradigm co-founder Matt Huang explained on X that Tempo prioritizes native stablecoin issuance and interoperability over Ethereum's native bridges, avoiding issues like gas fee spikes and congestion. Critics argue an L2 could have tapped into Ethereum's vast liquidity, but Tempo's L1 approach allows for global payment optimizations without those constraints. Dive deeper into the discussion via this Cointelegraph article.

For the meme token crowd, this is huge. Meme coins thrive on low-cost, high-speed chains—think Solana's meme frenzy. If Tempo succeeds, it could rival L2s like Base or Arbitrum, offering meme creators another venue for launches with built-in payment rails. Plus, the L1 vs L2 convo underscores why some projects ditch Ethereum for independence, potentially inspiring more meme-friendly chains.

Nasdaq's Scrutiny on DATs: A Game-Changer for Crypto Treasuries

Finally, the show spotlighted Nasdaq's growing interest in Digital Asset Treasuries (DATs). DATs are companies that hold cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Solana in their corporate treasuries, treating them as strategic assets—similar to how MicroStrategy stacks Bitcoin. Nasdaq is tightening regulations for 2025, requiring shareholder approval for crypto-linked equities and a $15 million minimum float to enhance transparency.

This comes amid a boom in DATs, with firms like Pantera Capital deploying over $300 million across various tokens. However, increased scrutiny could cool the hype, as seen in waning market appetite and pressure on share prices. A Solana DAT even hit Nasdaq recently, aiming to grow validators through institutional ties. Read more about the regulatory shifts in this Defiant newsletter.

Tying this to memes: While DATs focus on blue-chip cryptos, meme projects could adopt similar strategies—holding popular tokens in treasuries to build value. For blockchain practitioners, understanding DATs means smarter ways to manage volatility, especially if you're running a meme DAO or token launch. Nasdaq's rules might make it tougher, but they also legitimize crypto in traditional finance.

In wrapping up, Bits + Bips episodes like this one are essential for staying ahead in crypto. Whether you're a meme token degen or a serious blockchain builder, these topics— from stablecoin innovations to scaling debates and regulatory evolutions—offer actionable insights. If you missed the livestream, catch the replay on X or YouTube, and follow hosts like @ramahluwalia for more. What's your take on Tempo's L1 pivot or the USDH race? Drop your thoughts in the comments!