BREAKDOWN: So Now They’re Hacking DeFi Protocols Before They’ve Even Launched?
When the DeFi degens caught wind of a new pre-release Andre Cronje project they piled in, only to get $16 million hacked away in a flash.
Sep 29, 2020
Listen or watch all the new CoinDesk podcast episodes wherever you want.
ABOUT
When the DeFi degens caught wind of a new pre-release Andre Cronje project they piled in, only to get $16 million hacked away in a flash.
This episode is sponsored by Crypto.com, Bitstamp and Nexo.io.
DeFi is one of the breakout crypto categories of 2020. Indeed, yield farming and the grand game of “money legos” has been so profitable that many are following every new protocol with rapt attention.
This is all the more true for projects graced by YFI creator Andre Cronje. So when word got out about a new, pre-release game economy engine called “Eminence,” the DeFi degens took advantage of the permissionless nature of DeFi to pump $16 million or so into EMN.
What happened next was arguably the first pre-release hack in DeFi’s history. This episode breaks down what happened and what it means for the fledgling field.
HOST
CoinDesk
CoinDesk is the world leader in news, prices and information on bitcoin and other digital currencies.
We cover news and analysis on the trends, price movements, technologies, companies and people in the bitcoin and digital currency world.
EPISODES
Blockspace: Iran’s Hormuz Safe BTC Insurance, Prime Trust’s Swan Lawsuit, Hive’s 320 MW AI Data Center
Iran wants tankers to pay for maritime insurance in BTC with its Hormuz Safe program, and the Prime Trust estate is s...
May 19, 2026
Blockspace: IREN’s $3B Note, CME Compute Futures, Mike Alfred’s Stock Picks, Trump’s Q1 Bitcoin Equities
AI compute futures are now live on the CME, and IREN has raised $3B in a new convertible note offering.
May 16, 2026
Blockspace: MARA’s Q1 Earnings, Nebius’ Blowout Q1, the $1,000 Bull Case for MSTR
MARA provided updates for its AI business in its earnings this week, and Nebius shocks the market with a 684% rise in...
May 14, 2026
Grant Cardone sees a real estate meltdown coming, and he's ready with Bitcoin
May 13, 2026
COINDESK SERIES
3 EPISODES
The Policy Protocol
The Policy Protocol is CoinDesk's regulation and policy show. This is your direct line to the crypto legislative engine, where we pull back the curtain on crypto in Washington, D.C. and beyond.
Apr 9, 2026
11 EPISODES
Public Keys at NYSE
Public Keys is a weekly show filmed at the New York Stock Exchange that explores the intersection of traditional finance, macroeconomics and digital assets. Hosted by CoinDesk Senior Anchor, Jennifer Sanasie, the program delivers a deep dive into how crypto is increasingly shaping – and being shaped by – the public markets.
Mar 16, 2026
0 EPISODE
The Mining Pod
Feb 10, 2025
1485 EPISODES
CoinDesk Podcast Network
The top stories and best shows in the blockchain world, delivered daily from the team at CoinDesk.
Dec 20, 2023
