hodler

17 Feb 2026, 11:30

Zashi Becomes Zodl: Zcash Wallet Rebrands Following Internal Split

Zashi, the flagship mobile wallet built by Zcash’s original engineering team, is rebranding to “Zodl” as its developers formally operate outside the Electric Coin Company (ECC) structure. The change matters less as a cosmetic refresh than as a signal: the same builders are continuing product work, but under a new corporate banner after a governance rupture that spilled into public view in early January. Zcash Wallet Zashi Renamed Zodl In a post on X dated Feb. 16, the wallet team said the next app update will rename Zashi to Zodl “without impacting the user experience,” stressing there is “no action required” from users. “It’s a new brand for a new chapter, but everything else stays the same: the wallet, the team behind it, and our commitment to Zcash,” the announcement read. “We’re moving forward with clarity and purpose, and this change reflects the building momentum.” The post also tied the rebrand to a broader organizational reset. “In January of this year, the entire Electric Coin Company (ECC) team, the original creators of Zcash and Zashi, left ECC and formed a new company,” it said, naming the new entity Zcash Open Development Lab (ZODL) and positioning Zodl as the “Zcash flagship wallet.” The team framed the move as a way to pursue growth “without reliance on the Zcash development fund,” while keeping continuity on shipping and support. On mission, the wallet team used language that will be familiar to long-time Zcash followers, explicitly anchoring the product roadmap to privacy-first payments. “We envision a world without mass financial surveillance. A world where law-abiding people can transact freely and privately, without fear that their data will be exploited or weaponized,” the post said. “There is no sovereignty without privacy. Our banner has changed, but our mission has not.” The immediate practical effect for users is limited: the same app is expected to update in place, with branding changes rolling out across channels, including the Discord support presence. The more consequential change is governance and ownership context: the wallet is now explicitly presented as a product of ZODL rather than ECC, after weeks of public dispute about who could control, finance, and potentially commercialize consumer-facing efforts around Zashi . The Background Story The break traces back to a late-2025 clash between ECC leadership and Bootstrap , the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that governs ECC. In early January, former ECC CEO Josh Swihart said board actions left the team no viable path inside the existing structure. “Unfortunately, decisions made by four of Bootstrap’s board members forced every person at ECC to exit the company, very quickly,” Swihart wrote on the Zcash Community Forum on Jan. 9. “I wish we hadn’t been forced to move so quickly. But we had no choice. This is a serious matter. It is not a game. And as you see, the consequences, severe.” Bootstrap, for its part, has argued the flashpoint was a proposed transaction to move Zashi into a for-profit structure and attract outside capital, which it says had to be handled as a related-party deal involving nonprofit-controlled assets. In a public statement and accompanying timeline, Bootstrap described talks around external investment and “alternative structures to privatize Zashi” intensifying in late October 2025, then accelerating in December amid rushed deadlines, incomplete documentation, and legal constraints tied to nonprofit fiduciary duties. The timeline states that matters “rapidly escalated” around Dec. 20 when the board was presented with a Jan. 1 deadline to approve a deal, followed by leadership departures in early January and the broader team exit shortly after. At press time, Zcash traded at $284.34.

16 Feb 2026, 13:40

deBridge MCP Server Unleashes AI Agents for Revolutionary On-Chain Execution

BitcoinWorld deBridge MCP Server Unleashes AI Agents for Revolutionary On-Chain Execution In a landmark development for blockchain interoperability and artificial intelligence, the cross-chain protocol deBridge has officially launched its Model Context Protocol (MCP) server. This pivotal innovation, reported by The Block, fundamentally empowers AI agents and developer tools—including prominent platforms like Claude—to directly execute on-chain activities. Consequently, a new era of automated, intent-driven blockchain interaction begins. deBridge MCP Server Bridges AI and Blockchain Execution The deBridge MCP server represents a significant technical leap. It functions as a dedicated interface that translates high-level user commands into secure, optimized blockchain transactions. Specifically, it allows AI agents to perform complex operations such as token swaps and asset bridging. These operations seamlessly span both EVM-compatible chains and the Solana network. Therefore, the protocol effectively dismantles traditional barriers between different blockchain ecosystems. This launch arrives during a critical period of convergence between AI and Web3. Major technology firms and blockchain developers increasingly seek methods to integrate large language models (LLMs) with smart contracts and decentralized finance (DeFi). The deBridge MCP server directly addresses this need by providing a standardized, secure execution layer. For instance, a user could simply instruct an AI assistant to “swap ETH for SOL and bridge it to my Solana wallet.” The MCP server would then decompose this intent into a series of validated, cross-chain transactions. The Critical Role of MEV-Aware Routing A cornerstone of the deBridge MCP server’s design is its optimized, MEV-aware routing. MEV, or Maximal Extractable Value, refers to profits validators or sophisticated bots can extract by reordering, inserting, or censoring transactions within blocks. This practice often results in worse prices and failed trades for regular users. The deBridge system actively mitigates these risks. The protocol’s routing intelligence performs several key functions: Transaction Simulation: It simulates potential transaction paths across multiple decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and bridges. MEV Detection: The system identifies and avoids pools or routes susceptible to sandwich attacks or other harmful MEV strategies. Optimal Path Selection: It selects the execution route that provides the best final value for the end-user, balancing speed, cost, and security. This focus on user protection is not merely theoretical. According to research from institutions like the Flashbots collective, MEV has extracted billions of dollars from Ethereum users alone. By integrating protection at the protocol level, deBridge’s MCP server provides a crucial safety net for AI-driven transactions, which may otherwise be vulnerable. Expert Analysis on the Integration’s Impact Industry analysts highlight the MCP server’s potential to democratize advanced DeFi strategies. “This is about translating intent into outcome without requiring the user to understand the underlying complexity,” notes a researcher from a major blockchain analytics firm. “An AI agent using MCP can navigate liquidity fragmentation across ten different chains and dozens of DEXs in milliseconds—a task impractical for a human.” The development follows a clear trajectory in deBridge’s roadmap. The protocol has consistently focused on secure generalized messaging and value transfer. In 2023, it processed over $8 billion in cross-chain volume, establishing its infrastructure’s reliability. The MCP server logically extends this capability from human users and bots to autonomous AI agents. This progression mirrors broader trends identified in reports from Gartner and CoinDesk, which predict AI-driven agents will become primary interfaces for Web3 interaction by 2026. Technical Architecture and Supported Networks The deBridge MCP server is not a standalone product but a core component of deBridge’s existing interoperability stack. It leverages the protocol’s security model, which utilizes a decentralized network of validators and a fraud-proof system to ensure correct execution. The server acts as an adaptor, making this secure cross-chain functionality natively accessible to AI platforms through a standardized API. Currently supported operations include: Cross-Chain Swaps: Swapping a token on one chain for a different token on another chain in a single action. Asset Bridging: Moving a native or wrapped asset from a source chain to a destination chain. Status Queries: Allowing AI agents to check real-time transaction status, bridge times, and gas estimates across networks. The initial support focuses on high-liquidity EVM chains like Ethereum, Arbitrum, and Base, alongside Solana. This dual-chain-vm support is strategically important. Solana’s high throughput and low fees complement Ethereum’s deep liquidity and robust security, offering AI agents a balanced toolkit for transaction planning. Future Implications and the Road Ahead The successful deployment of the deBridge MCP server sets a new benchmark for blockchain usability. Its implications extend beyond simple swaps. Project teams envision AI agents managing complex, multi-step DeFi strategies—like cross-chain yield farming or recursive borrowing—autonomously and safely. Furthermore, the standard could enable new forms of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) governed by AI agents executing treasury management decisions on-chain. However, experts caution that the maturity of this technology will depend on continuous security audits and adoption by major AI platforms. The integration with Claude, developed by Anthropic, is a significant first step. Wider adoption by other AI tool providers will be the next critical phase. The deBridge team has indicated that future updates will expand support to non-EVM chains like Bitcoin via layer-2 solutions and further refine the MEV-resistance algorithms. Conclusion The launch of the deBridge MCP server marks a transformative moment at the intersection of artificial intelligence and decentralized finance. By providing a secure, MEV-aware execution layer, it empowers AI agents to act reliably on user intent across the fragmented blockchain landscape. This innovation not only enhances user experience but also lays foundational infrastructure for the next generation of autonomous, on-chain activity. As AI continues to evolve, tools like the deBridge MCP server will be pivotal in creating a more accessible, efficient, and secure multichain ecosystem. FAQs Q1: What is the deBridge MCP server? The deBridge Model Context Protocol (MCP) server is an interface that allows AI agents and developer tools to execute on-chain transactions—like swaps and bridging—across EVM and Solana blockchains securely and with protection against MEV. Q2: How does the MCP server protect users from MEV? It uses optimized, MEV-aware routing that simulates transactions, detects potential predatory trading strategies like sandwich attacks, and selects the execution path that delivers the best final value to the user. Q3: Which AI platforms can use the deBridge MCP server? The server is designed for integration with various AI platforms. The initial report specifically mentions compatibility with developer tools like Claude, indicating a standardizable API for broader adoption. Q4: What blockchains does the deBridge MCP server support? It currently supports transactions across EVM-compatible chains (e.g., Ethereum, Arbitrum) and the Solana network, enabling true cross-virtual-machine interoperability. Q5: Why is this launch significant for the future of DeFi? It bridges the gap between high-level AI intelligence and on-chain execution, paving the way for autonomous AI agents to manage complex, multi-chain DeFi strategies, thereby dramatically improving accessibility and efficiency for all users. This post deBridge MCP Server Unleashes AI Agents for Revolutionary On-Chain Execution first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

30 Jan 2026, 10:04

Sam Bankman-Fried voices support for Republicans from prison

White-collar crime convict Sam Bankman-Fried is trying to convince the internet that he has been a GOP supporter since the Biden administration. The holder of the former FTX chief’s X account wrote a thread late Thursday, in which he explained the reasons for backing Republicans in 2022. Before the fall of FTX in late 2022, Bankman-Fried attended a dinner in Washington’s Wharf district. He met Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell during a fundraising period ahead of the midterm elections. McConnell was seeking financial support as Republicans fought for Senate control, and Bankman-Fried supposedly wanted to expand his influence as the US Securities and Exchange Commission was breathing down his neck. 1) Why I became a Republican in 2022. pic.twitter.com/otNVWmzvya — SBF (@SBF_FTX) January 30, 2026 In August, he reportedly sent $10 million to a McConnell-aligned political group named One Nation. Although the payment was not publicly disclosed at the time, it may be the largest single Republican-directed donation from an FTX executive. He later told crypto creator Tiffany Fong that “all his Republican donations were dark” because “reporters freak the fuck out if you donate to a Republican” and that he “didn’t want to have that fight” with “super liberal” journalists. “I grew up in a liberal household and gave five million to Dems in 2020. In 2022, I gave tens of millions to Republicans,” the former beleaguered exchange CEO wrote on X. SBF blames regulators and justice officials for 25-year jail term On social platform GETTR, Bankman-Fried told the public that he moved from center-left to centrist views earlier in the year of FTX’s collapse. He mentioned that a “high-ranking” Democratic official at a conference said his priority was the employment of people with intellectual disabilities in all state agencies. That was supposedly the first reason he gave for taking his donations to the GOP. 6) Insane Dem woke policies. I was at a conference once. A high-profile Dem said his biggest priority was employing people with intellectual disabilities at every state agency. pic.twitter.com/jkAf91N6VE — SBF (@SBF_FTX) January 30, 2026 Bankman-Fried also bashed the actions by regulators under former President Joe Biden, arguing that federal agencies were “unfair and aggressive” on the crypto industry during Biden’s tenure. “I was a centrist, and privately donated tens of millions to Republicans. Weeks later, Biden’s anti-crypto SEC/DOJ went after me. They had me arrested weeks before the crypto bill I was working on was set for a vote. And the night before, I was set to testify before Congress. Biden bungled crypto. He didn’t have to; plenty at the party had reasonable thoughts! But he chose Gensler for SEC chair,” the former billionaire asserted. He also said his case was similar to that of businessman Miles Guo, alleging that the SEC, SDNY, and bankruptcy system were “weaponized to take over Guo’s companies and put him behind bars.” Is SBF planning for a political comeback? According to court filings released after Bankman-Fried’s conviction, the former CEO had been drafting ideas from jail to “rebrand his image.” In a personal Google document, he wrote one entry that read, “Go on Tucker Carlsen, come out as a republican.” He also planned to criticize legal professionals handling bankruptcy cases, which is likely an effort to show he was targeted by the legal establishment. He intended to argue that public donation records told only part of the story. “I had a good relationship, probably better with Republicans in DC, as with Democrats, by that point in time. Although that wasn’t public. It wouldn’t have been easy to see that from the outside.” Last year, the New York Intelligencer revealed a document displaying Bankman-Fried’s strategy to distance himself from Democrats. It described his plan to say public records were different from which political party he was supporting and oppose what he called a “liberal progressive agenda.” Bankman-Fried also expressed support for President Donald Trump, writing that the POTUS was “right for crypto.” Trump has granted clemency to several white-collar crime defendants he viewed as over-prosecuted. Last year, the US President pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao and dark web crypto marketplace Silk Road developer Ross Ulbricht. Despite those pardons, Trump told The New York Times he does not plan to pardon Bankman-Fried. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .

27 Jan 2026, 15:14

Moltbot founder denies involvement in meme coins after scammers exploit Clawdbot rebrand

Peter Steinberger, the developer who previously built PSPDFKit and is now behind the viral AI assistant Clawdbot, which has now rebranded to Moltbot, took to X to denounce what he described as harassment from “crypto folks” attempting to link him to unauthorized meme coins. “Please stop pinging me, stop harassing me. I will never do a coin,” Steinberger wrote , adding that any project listing him as a coin owner is a scam. The controversy erupted after Anthropic , the company behind Claude AI, forced Steinberger to rename his project from Clawdbot to Moltbot over trademark concerns. During the transition, crypto opportunists seized the organization’s GitHub and X renames, according to Steinberger’s account of events. Within hours, fake CLAWD tokens and different variations of the rebranded name were created and distributed, with one already having a market cap of over $8.48 million and a trade volume of over $17 million, as seen on GMGN.AI as of the time of writing. What happened during Clawdbot’s rebranding? In a post explaining the situation, Steinberger wrote, “Had to rename our accounts for trademark stuff and messed up the GitHub rename, and the X rename got snatched by crypto shills.” Steinberger later clarified that the name change was not voluntary. “Crypto folks: I was forced to rename the account by Anthropic. Wasn’t my decision,” he stated. The original Clawdbot account no longer exists, as it seems the X team has taken it down. However, it created an opening for individuals promoting cryptocurrency schemes, a development that has caused confusion among the project’s legitimate user base and opened the door for scammers to falsely associate Steinberger with token launches. Viral project becomes scam magnet Clawdbot, which Steinberger named after his AI assistant “Clawd,” had achieved remarkable organic growth before the controversy. The open-source project garnered 9,000 GitHub stars within 24 hours of launch and crossed 60,000 stars by day three, making it one of the fastest-growing developer tools in recent memory. The self-hosted AI assistant allows users to run an AI agent locally with full system access, integrating with multiple messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, and Discord. Its popularity and that of the founder may have made it an attractive target for crypto scammers looking to capitalize on viral technology trends. However, due to trademark reasons, the project had to be rebranded and is now known as Moltbot. What is Steinberger saying regarding the project? The Moltbot founder has made it clear that he would not accept any fees or compensation related to cryptocurrency projects. “You are actively damaging the project,” he told those continuing to associate him with tokens. The Moltbot project continues under its new branding, though the incident has raised questions about the vulnerability of technology founders to cryptocurrency-related harassment and impersonation. Steinberger himself has posted an update on the recovery of his GitHub account, clarifying that it was his personal account that was hijacked and has now been recovered. He wrote , “GitHub’s resolved. This only affected my personal account, not the org (messed up the rename).” He stated that it will take another day to resolve the X account issue, adding that the original X handle is @moltbot and “not any of the 20 scam variations of it.” Steinberger also informed users that they do not need to do anything for the next release, as the update will work just as before. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .