David Z. Morris

David Z. Morris

David Z. Morris is CoinDesk's Chief Insights Columnist. He has written about crypto since 2013 for outlets including Fortune, Slate, and Aeon. He is the author of "Bitcoin is Magic," an introduction to Bitcoin's social dynamics. He is a former academic sociologist of technology with a PhD in Media Studies from the University of Iowa. He holds Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and small amounts of other crypto assets.

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After Silicon Valley Bank's Failure, Regional Banks Face Greater Scrutiny (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
The Reality Behind the Crypto Banking Crackdown: ‘Operation Choke Point 2.0’ Is Here
Banking enforcement targeting legal crypto businesses appears to violate the FDIC's mandate. It may also be amplifying financial contagion.
After Silicon Valley Bank's Failure, Regional Banks Face Greater Scrutiny (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
The Federal Reserve building in Washington, D.C. (Helene Braun/CoinDesk)
Does Bitcoin’s Rally Vindicate the ‘Inflation Hedge’ Thesis – or Is Risk Back on the Menu?
Two views on why bitcoin's price rose by so much this month amid bank runs and uncertainty on whether the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates.
The Federal Reserve building in Washington, D.C. (Helene Braun/CoinDesk)
Crypto Crooks 4X3
Lunacy Episode 4: Our Twisted Hero
In the season finale, we look at the man behind the curtain – and tease out just how many crimes he committed.
Crypto Crooks 4X3
(possessedphotography/Unsplash)
The Truth About Artificial Intelligence and Creativity
Artificial intelligence allows creators to be creative, but even sophisticated AIs are really just an advanced form of copying, says David Z. Morris. This feature is part of CoinDesk's Culture Week.
(possessedphotography/Unsplash)
Sam Bankman-Fried leaving court on February 16, 2023 (Liz Napolitano/CoinDesk)
How Effective Altruism Power Brokers Helped Make Sam Bankman-Fried
Academic philosophers covered for Sam Bankman-Fried’s moral failings as long ago as 2018 – and reaped the rewards.
Sam Bankman-Fried leaving court on February 16, 2023 (Liz Napolitano/CoinDesk)
NBA TOP SHOT NFTs (nbatopshot.com)
NBA vs NFL: What Dapper Labs’ Big-League Collectibles Say About Launching NFTs for Sports
Dapper’s NBA Top Shot experienced a wild price bubble during the NFT boom. The followup NFL All Day collection has had a more modest rollout - and collectors think that's good news.
NBA TOP SHOT NFTs (nbatopshot.com)
Fed Chair Powell Testifies Before The House Committee On Financial Services
Don’t Get Your Hopes Up: SVB's Demise Won't Bring Interest Rates Down
The Federal Reserve’s new Bank Term Funding Program is a backstop for banks, and a license to let interest rates rip.
Fed Chair Powell Testifies Before The House Committee On Financial Services
Crypto Crooks 4X3
Lunacy Episode 3: Legends of the Fall
This week we delve into the underlying mechanisms of terraUSD and how they incentivized experienced investors to drive the stablecoin into a death spiral.
Crypto Crooks 4X3
(Jason Edwards/Getty Images)
Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank Reignite ‘Moral Hazard’ Dilemma Bitcoin Was Designed to End
A debate from the 2008 financial crisis resurfaces as the FDIC intervenes to help two troubled institutions with crypto connections.
(Jason Edwards/Getty Images)
CDCROP: Silvergate Bank HQ (CoinDesk)
A Tale of 2 Banks: Why Silvergate and Silicon Valley Bank Collapsed
Every U.S. bank is facing similar structural pressures to what drove crypto’s one-time favorite bank to the moon and then into the ground.
CDCROP: Silvergate Bank HQ (CoinDesk)