We’re Playing For Trillions | The Hurdle Rate Podcast | Ep. 67

Episode 67: We’re Playing For Trillions In this week’s Hurdle Rate, the crew breaks down Strategy’s Q2 2026 earnings call and its focus on returning STRC to par while building a trillion-dollar digital credit market. We explore why liquidity, simplicity, and preserving Bitcoin’s upside remain central to the strategy, along with the risks of borrowing against Bitcoin or using derivatives for short-term cash flow. Matt and Ben share lessons from meeting investors in Hong Kong, while Jeff explains how Strive is working to differentiate itself within the insurance industry. We close with a discussion on bringing Bitcoin to traditional institutions and the Federal Reserve’s shift away from heavy forward guidance.   Here’s the latest with Tim Kotzman, Matt Cole, Jeff Walton, and Ben Werkman.   Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome to The Hurdle Rate 01:30 - Why Digital Credit Is a Trillion-Dollar Opportunity 03:00 - Consolidating Liquidity Around STRC 07:30 - Building an Ecosystem Around Digital Credit 10:30 - Reading the Market and Maintaining the 12% Dividend 13:30 - STRC, Short Interest, and Minimizing Volatility 16:30 - The Risks of Borrowing and Derivative Strategies 22:30 - MSTR’s Long-Term Leverage and Holding Period 24:00 - Bringing Digital Credit to Hong Kong Investors 30:00 - Why Strive Rejects the “DAT” Label 33:00 - Strive’s Balance Sheet Growth Despite Bitcoin’s Decline 34:30 - Bringing Bitcoin to Wall Street 42:00 - Fed Policy and Kevin Warsh’s Communication Strategy 45:00 - Closing Thoughts   Follow us on X: https://x.com/HurdleRatePod All episodes now live: https://tnorth.com/shows/hurdle-rate/   Disclaimer: The content in this video is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We are not financial advisors, and you should consult with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. All investments involve risks, and you are responsible for your own decisions.   True North does not intend for anything herein to be considered an offer or sale of any securities, including those of Strive. True North encourages listeners to consult with their tax and investment advisors. Additional information on any securities or issuers referenced herein can be found in such issuers’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including any registration statements, prospectuses and prospectus supplements for each issuers’ securities. Listeners should read such documents and other documents incorporated by reference therein or that such issuer has filed with the SEC for more complete information. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at [www.sec.gov](http://www.sec.gov).*   Any securities referred to herein, including those of True North’s parent Strive, are not collateralized by underlying bitcoin holdings and may be subordinated to senior claims. There are no guarantee of returns liquidity or future performance. The securities referred to herein are neither bank deposits, nor FDIC insured, nor regulated in the same way, and do not have the same regulatory and other protections as bank accounts, money market funds, treasuries, or similar investments and as a result may not be comparable investments. Current trading prices and effective yields may vary, current rates are not indicative of future rates, and in some cases rates are subject to frequent adjustments and may be significantly lower than discussed herein. Cash dividends are not guaranteed. In some cases, dividends have not been paid and may not be paid in the future. Ownership of securities referred to in herein does not confer ownership in the underlying assets, including bitcoin.