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#News Alert Core and BitGo Revolutionize Bitcoin Staking for Institutions - https://lnkd.in/gVjWWQhJ and BitGo Revolutionize Bitcoin Staking for InstitutionsCore partners with BitGo to enable secure, scalable Bitcoin staking for institutional clients through Dual Staking technology. The collaboration establishes a milestone in Bitcoin DeFi by combining Core’s innovative staking model with BitGo’s custody services. The Core Foundation, the organization behind Core, the largest Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem, has announced a partnership with BitGo. For Bitcoin […] Core partners with BitGo to enable secure, scalable Bitcoin staking for institutional clients through Dual Staking technology. The collaboration establishes a milestone in Bitcoin DeFi by combining Core’s innovative staking model with BitGo’s custody services. The Core Foundation, the organization behind Core, the largest Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem, has announced a partnership with BitGo. For Bitcoin DeFi (BTCfi), this partnership marks a major turning point since BitGo becomes the first custodian providing institutional access to Core’s creative Dual Staking model. By means of this collaboration, institutional clients can generate scalable Bitcoin yields while preserving the security and trustlessness defining the Bitcoin blockchain. Secure Bitcoin Staking for Institutional Clients BitGo’s integration with Core presents a safe environment for Bitcoin staking specifically for institutional clients. Clients can timelock their Bitcoin and stake CORE tokens straight from BitGo’s certified custody platform using Core’s Dual Staking model. This method unlocks scalable, tiered yields without exposing clients’ main assets to risks including slashing, credit defaults, counterparty difficulties, or smart contract flaws. “BitGo’s choice to incorporate Core marks a turning point for institutional-grade Bitcoin staking,” stated Rich Rines, an initial contributor to Core. “We are launching a new era of Bitcoin DeFi by combining Core’s scalable, sustainable, and safe staking solutions with BitGo’s unmatched custody services.” Core’s Ecosystem Expansion with Institutional Support With its native token, CORE, already among the fastest-growing chains, currently placed in the top 15 by DefiLlama, Core has quickly become known as the leading Bitcoin-aligned ecosystem. Comprising over $1 billion in total value locked (TVL), the ecosystem is still expanding with strong activity—319 million transactions and more than 500,000 weekly active wallets since its founding. By providing reliable custody options and unlocking sustainable rewards, its interaction with BitGo is intended to improve its attraction to institutional investors. “BitGo’s integration with Core highlights our dedication to providing institutional clients with means to safely generate yield from their Bitcoin holdings,” stated Mike Belshe, C

Bitcoin's foundational principle of decentralization is increasingly challenged as a significant portion of its supply becomes concentrated among large custodians and institutions. Major exchanges like Coinbase (holding approximately 4.93% of the total supply), Binance (3.38%), and investment firms such as Grayscale Investments (holding around 3.16%) are accumulating substantial amounts of Bitcoin. This trend raises valid concerns about potential centralization within the Bitcoin network. 🟠 BTC Holder Concentration - Coinbase holds about 4.93% of the total supply directly. - Grayscale Investments holds approximately 3.16%, with its Bitcoin stored using Coinbase Custody. - BlackRock, through its Bitcoin ETF holds 1.84% Bitcoin with Coinbase Custody. - U.S. Government, specifically the U.S. Marshals Service, has selected Coinbase to manage and trade its seized cryptocurrency assets which amount to 1.01%. By aggregating these holdings and custodial relationships, Coinbase Custody oversees a substantial portion of the total Bitcoin supply, potentially exceeding 9%. This consolidation amplifies concerns about centralization within the Bitcoin ecosystem. 🟠 Impact of Bitcoin ETFs The introduction of Bitcoin ETFs by major financial institutions like BlackRock could further centralize Bitcoin ownership: - ETFs accumulate large amounts of Bitcoin under institutional control, potentially limiting individual access to directly owning the asset. - Institutions managing these ETFs may gain significant influence over market dynamics due to the volume of Bitcoin they control. 🟠 Risks of Centralization - Centralization conflicts with Bitcoin’s core principle of a decentralized network free from control by any single entity. Large holdings by institutions like Coinbase, coupled with entities like BlackRock and the U.S. Government utilizing Coinbase Custody, could lead to a power imbalance within the ecosystem. - Dominance by institutions and ETFs may enable them to exert undue influence over market movements and decisions, potentially affecting the network's integrity and market fairness. 🟠 Community Safeguards Against Centralization - While developers are pivotal in maintaining and updating the Bitcoin network, they cannot enforce changes without broad community consensus. If centralization poses a significant threat, the developer community, alongside miners and nodes, could advocate for a fork to create a version of Bitcoin that upholds decentralized principles. - Initiating a fork to counteract centralization would require widespread support from the Bitcoin community, including developers, miners, exchanges, and users. This collective action could help maintain Bitcoin's foundational values. Although institutions like Coinbase have demonstrated leadership in supporting the ecosystem and resisting regulatory challenges, there is an urgent need for large centralized entities to enhance transparency.

I uploaded a Crypto report into an AI program and asked it to provide me 20 short concise bullet points. This technology will revolutionize the world. Here are the 20! Institutional Adoption – Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs gained traction, driving institutional inflows and legitimizing the crypto asset class. Trump's Election Boost – Trump's pro-crypto stance pushed Bitcoin past $100,000 and fostered expectations for a friendlier regulatory environment. Regulatory Shift – 2024 marked a turning point with the SEC facing backlash over aggressive enforcement, leading to calls for legislative clarity. Stablecoin Surge – Stablecoins found product-market fit in emerging markets, bypassing traditional banking and driving financial inclusion. Solana’s Rise – Solana emerged as a major competitor to Ethereum, driven by memecoin speculation and institutional partnerships like PayPal's PYUSD. DePIN Breakthrough – Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) doubled in market cap, showcasing real-world applications in energy, telecom, and computing. Memecoin Dominance – Memecoins captured significant market share, thriving on Solana and Base networks, driven by speculative trading. AI and DePIN – AI and DePIN became leading fundraising sectors, with VCs pouring capital into decentralized energy and computing startups. Real-World Assets (RWA) – Tokenization of treasuries and RWAs grew, with major players like BlackRock and Franklin Templeton launching on-chain funds. Polymarket's Success – Prediction markets like Polymarket grew exponentially during the U.S. election, attracting new users and reshaping news consumption. Phantom App Growth – Phantom wallet's mobile downloads skyrocketed, reflecting Solana’s memecoin activity and retail engagement. Base's Expansion – Coinbase’s Base L2 facilitated the seamless transition of CEX users to on-chain activity, accelerating DEX growth. Bitcoin Halving Impact – The 2024 Bitcoin halving reduced block rewards to 3.125 BTC, decreasing natural selling pressure from miners. Telecom Partnerships – Helium Mobile partnered with major carriers, growing to 120,000 subscribers and leading DePIN's wireless sector. USDT Dominance – USDT became crucial for remittances and small businesses in developing economies, leveraging Tron’s low fees. VC Barbell Strategy – Investors focused on early-stage AI and DePIN projects while maintaining interest in large Layer-1 blockchains. Ethereum's Challenges – Ethereum faced competition from faster, cheaper blockchains, while its Layer-2 ecosystem continued expanding. CBDC Caution – The Trump administration opposed retail CBDCs but supported wholesale development for cross-border settlements. Token Extensions – Solana’s Token Extensions gained institutional traction, enabling advanced use cases like confidential transfers. Strategic Bitcoin Reserves – Trump proposed creating a national Bitcoin reserve and ending capital gains taxes on BTC transactions.

"How will the absence of staking in Ethereum ETFs impact ETH?" Staking involves locking up crypto to validate transactions in exchange for rewards, a significant feature of Ethereum's Proof-of-Stake (PoS) mechanism. However, the SEC views staking services as potentially constituting unregistered securities offerings. Consequently, issuer companies have removed the feature of "Staking" due to regulatory concerns. This strategic shift aims to align with the SEC's regulatory expectations to allow the approval for their Ethereum ETFs. According to the SEC, staking involves investing money when users lock up their ETH in exchange for potential returns, satisfying the first prong of the Howey Test. The second prong, a joint enterprise, is mert as stakes contribute to a shared ecosystem and rely on the collective efforts of network validators and developers to secure and maintain the network. The third prong is the expectation of profits, fulfilled as stakers anticipate rewards in additional tokens. The SEC argues that these profits are derived from the efforts of others. Such as the validators and developers who ensure the network's functionality and security. This interpretation aligns staking with the characteristics of an investment contract, thereby subjecting it to securities regulations. However, some analysts think this decision, driven by regulatory concerns, could reduce the attractiveness of ETTFs compared to direct ETH investments that offer staking rewards. Staking is an important mechanism for Ethereum and other proof-of-stake blockchains. Analysts say that investors who receive staking rewards may find direct Ethereum investment instead of ETF more profitable. MNNC Group COO Ayesha Kiani stated that the staking feature currently causes ETH to be seen more as security. Hashnote founder Leo Mizuhara expressed concerns about centralization for Ethereum. Mizuhara stated that the staking feature in ETFs could lead to the centralization of ETH and that centralization could destabilize the Ethereum protocol. Moreover, the decentralized nature of many staking activities complicates the SEC's assertion that stakers primarily rely on the efforts of others. In decentralized networks, validators and stakers operate independently, and the network's security and functionality are maintained through a collective effort rather than centralized management. This decentralization challenges the notion that staking constitutes a joint enterprise under the Howey Test. The SEC's stance may hinder blockchain technology's broader adoption and development. Staking is a crucial component of proof-of-stake networks, designed to be more energy-efficient than their proof-of-work counterparts. By imposing stringent regulations on staking the SEC could limit the potential benefits of DeFi and other blockchain-based innovations. #blockchain #web3 #defi #cryptocurrencies #cryptocommunity #cryptoinvestors #money #finance #ethereum

Symphony's journey begins with a robust foundation Stablecoin backing - In a world often marked by volatility, stablecoins offer a secure base by tying their value to real-world assets. Symphony leverages this stability, ensuring that users can navigate the decentralized market within a safe and steady environment. As the platform continues to develop, these strategic measures highlight Symphony's dedication to providing a user-focused, cost-effective, and seamless experience for those traversing the dynamic crypto market landscape. One of Symphony’s standout features is its algorithm, which allows users to cash out their stablecoins at their true value, regardless of market fluctuations. Within the Symphony ecosystem, increased user engagement with stablecoins directly influences the supply of the native token. This dynamic approach reflects the platform’s commitment to adaptability and efficiency. HUSD - The realm of elastic tokens Shines as a symbol of stability in the often unpredictable world of elastic tokens. As an over-collateralized elastic token, HUSD is designed with features that address the risks typically associated with traditional elastic tokens. Importantly, HUSD is not pegged to any asset or stablecoin, yet it maintains a stable price, resistant to downward pressures. In the ever-evolving DeFi landscape, innovation is limitless. HUSD signifies a significant shift in the realm of elastic tokens, presenting a compelling alternative to conventional stablecoins. With its unique attributes and resilient design, HUSD is paving the way for a new era of stability and security in the crypto space, promoting a future where volatility is mitigated, and confidence is bolstered. COMMUNITY - Central to Symphony’s success is its vibrant and active community. Over the years, users have not only engaged with crypto but have also played a crucial role in guiding its growth. Symphony’s future plans are deeply intertwined with community feedback, ensuring that its evolution meets the needs and aspirations of its users. CONCLUSION - Symphony's strategic use of stablecoins, innovative algorithm, and the introduction of HUSD are shaping a secure and adaptable platform in the crypto market. By prioritizing stability and community engagement, Symphony is not only addressing current challenges but also setting a solid foundation for future advancements in the decentralized finance space. With its forward-thinking approach, Symphony is well-positioned to lead the way in creating a more stable and user-centric crypto ecosystem. OFFICIAL ACCOUNT : Twitter : https://lnkd.in/e4yHJsgS WEBSITE : https://orchestralabs.org/ #SymphonyBlockchain #Cosmos #CosmosEcosystem #Stablecoin #HUSD

💸 Restaking and Reshaping DeFi: Pioneering the Future of Decentralized Finance in 2024: by Enze Zhang: an Audit Accounts Junior at Harris and Trotter Digital Assets Limited.   If you've ever checked DeFiLlama you might have noticed a DeFi protocol called EigenLayer, which accumulated over $16 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL) within a year. Ranking second among all DeFi protocols, EigenLayer is designed to help secure emerging cryptocurrency protocols, enhancing their stability and security.   But what technology does EigenLayer use to achieve such high TVL in less than a year?    Restaking is the key, and something a number of our clients have benefitted from since its emergence. It involves staking an asset again after its initial staking, allowing it to be used in another staking program or platform. This increases the asset's utility and offers additional rewards, albeit with some added risks. For example, Ethereum, a secure Proof of Stake network, often has staked ETH lying dormant.   Liquid staking derivatives address this by converting staked ETH into tokens usable in DeFi without the 32 ETH minimum, enabling smaller holders to benefit from staking. Restaking goes further by allowing other decentralized protocols to use these staked assets to enhance their security. Validators and stakers can earn rewards from both the Ethereum network and the secondary protocol, maximizing the potential of their staked assets and increasing their rewards.    So how can Restaking benefit us? Restaking turns pooled resources into flexible assets that can be rented by diverse systems, offering several benefits. Restaking these assets can earn additional rewards as they secure other protocols.    Restaking provides crucial security for new protocols and networks, such as data layers and Layer 2 networks, by giving them access to a larger set of validators without requiring extensive infrastructure.  Restaking promotes scalable security based on protocol needs, allowing a network to scale its security up or down in response to demand cost-effectively.    Restaking, while beneficial, also comes with potential risks. One major risk is slashing, where additional slashing conditions are imposed in exchange for higher rewards. This means that stakers could lose a significant portion of their assets if they violate the terms set by the protocol.    Nevertheless, restaking is already reshaping DeFi as we know it. Restaking is transforming the existing approach, where staked assets could only be locked into a single protocol, by making assets deployable across multiple platforms and protocols. This method enhances capital efficiency, maximising the value of staked assets, and improves security by enabling other protocols to borrow and leverage an additional security layer.   As the concept evolves, we can expect further innovative use cases for staked assets via restaking. 💰💪 #HarrisandTrotter #DigitalAssets #Crypto #Restaking #DecentralizedFinance

Ripple and Archax to Bring Hundreds of Millions of Dollars of Tokenized Real-World Assets to the XRP Ledger The agreement represents an evolution of the relationship between Ripple and Archax which was established in 2022 when Archax collaborated with Metaco to offer digital asset custody services to its clients. Metaco was acquired by Ripple in mid-2023. The XRPL is an open-source public decentralized Layer 1 blockchain. With built-in capabilities like tokenization, a native decentralized exchange, compliance features and more, the XRPL is built to power institutional-grade financial use cases. "Our industry is at the start of the next major adoption stage in which blockchain technology will deliver real utility in financial markets at scale," said Markus Infanger, SVP, RippleX. "Ripple is excited to see Archax’s vision of driving the adoption of blockchain and digital assets technology amongst financial institutions come to life, while further underlining the credentials of the XRPL as one of the leading blockchains for RWA tokenization.” Ripple and Archax share a compliance-first mindset. Both companies work proactively with regulators and policymakers around the world to bring the benefits of crypto and blockchain technology to the world’s global financial infrastructure. As the first and only FCA-regulated digital securities exchange, custodian and brokerage, Archax is uniquely positioned to provide its clients with the means to derive the benefits of DeFi through RWA tokenization, all underpinned by the strength and capabilities of the XRPL. “We have hit the tipping point for mainstream adoption of digital assets for real world use cases,” said Graham Rodford, CEO, Archax. “There is clear real-world utility in use cases like RWA tokenization for the operational efficiency, access to liquid markets and transparency inherent to crypto, and Archax has already tokenised assets such as equities, debt instruments and money market funds. Financial institutions are now understanding this and we are excited to play our part in helping them to embrace the technology by bringing their assets onto the XRPL.” The XRPL provides a strong foundation for RWA tokenization and institutional-grade DeFi thanks to its proven reliability, efficiency, and its roadmap of comprehensive features such as an Automated Market Maker (AMM) currently live on the XRPL as well as the upcoming Decentralized Identifier (DID), Multi-Purpose Tokens (MPT) capability, a Lending Protocol, and Oracles. Over the past decade, the XRPL has been the home of over 1,000 projects, processing over 2.8 billion transactions without failure or security breach since 2012 and supporting over 5 million active wallets with a network of over 120 validators. The partnership has been announced at XRP Ledger APEX 2024, the largest annual XRPL summit, which is taking place between June 11-13, 2024 in Amsterdam.