How Spark Is Rebuilding DeFi Lending | Sam MacPherson

In this episode, we’re joined by Sam MacPherson, Co-Founder and CEO of Phoenix Labs, to discuss Sky’s evolution from MakerDAO, Spark’s role as a prime agent SubDAO, and its approach to DeFi lending, liquidity management, and risk frameworks. We also cover governance restructuring, isolated lending markets, token buybacks, institutional liquidity products, fintech partnerships, and Spark’s long-term vision for prime brokerage and USDT growth. Thanks for tuning in! As always, remember this podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice. -- Follow Blockworks Research: https://x.com/blockworksres Follow Spark: https://x.com/sparkdotfi Follow Sam MacPherson: https://x.com/hexonaut?lang=en Follow Luke Leasure: https://x.com/0xMether Follow Boccaccio: https://x.com/salveboccaccio -- Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3foDS38 Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3SNhUEt Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3NlP1hA Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:55) Why MakerDAO Became Sky (5:10) Spark’s Role Under Sky (7:45) Spark Liquidity Layer (12:25) Conservative Collateral Strategy (17:35) DeFi Risk Ratings (24:38) Liquidity Intents Explained (27:37) Buybacks and Token Treasury (29:46) Spark’s Real Competitors (32:51) Backend for Fintechs (35:56) SubDAO Competition Dynamics (43:20) What’s Next for Spark (47:10) Closing Comments -- Check out Blockworks Research today! Research, data, governance, tokenomics, and models – now, all in one place Blockworks Research: https://www.blockworksresearch.com/ Free Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on 0xResearch is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Boccaccio, Danny, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.