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19 Mar 2026, 16:05

Mike Novogratz Says Ripple Is Now an Institution, The XRP Army Is Real. Here’s why

The crypto industry continues to mature as prominent voices reassess earlier assumptions about leading digital assets. As adoption expands and infrastructure strengthens, long-standing debates about credibility, utility, and longevity are giving way to a more nuanced understanding of which projects demonstrate staying power in real-world conditions. Paul White Gold Eagle, in a recent post on X, shared a video featuring Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital, who openly revisited his earlier stance on XRP. His remarks signal a notable shift in perspective, especially among institutional figures who once expressed skepticism toward the asset. A Public Reassessment of XRP Novogratz acknowledged that he initially questioned XRP’s long-term viability. He pointed to concerns about token distribution and Ripple’s significant holdings as reasons for his hesitation. At the time, he doubted whether such a structure could sustain credibility in a decentralized financial environment. However, he now admits that his assessment was incorrect . He credits Brad Garlinghouse and the team at Ripple for building a platform that has evolved into an institution within the crypto ecosystem. His revised view reflects how XRP has matured beyond early criticisms and established itself as a recognized player in blockchain-based finance. WOW! MIKE NOVOGRATZ, CEO OF GALAXY ADMITS HE WAS WRONG ABOUT XRP: „I‘VE BEEN DEAD WRONG – BRAD GARLINGHOUSE & HIS TEAM. RIPPLE IS NOW AN INSTITUTION, THE #XRP ARMY IS REAL, THEY CARE ABOUT THEIR ECOSYSTEM AND THEIR COIN!“ XRP WILL SOON CHANGE MANY MINDS WHO DOUBTED ITS… pic.twitter.com/jWw8Bd9VBM — Paul White Gold Eagle (@PaulGoldEagle) March 17, 2026 Ripple’s Transition Into an Institutional Entity Ripple has expanded its footprint through strategic partnerships, enterprise adoption, and continued development of its payment infrastructure. The company now operates at a level that aligns more closely with traditional financial institutions, particularly in areas such as cross-border payments and liquidity solutions. This evolution has strengthened XRP’s association with real-world use cases. As Ripple deepens its integration with financial systems, XRP benefits from increased relevance in discussions around tokenization, settlement efficiency, and digital asset infrastructure. The Strength of the XRP Community Novogratz also highlighted the influence of the XRP community , commonly referred to as the “XRP Army.” He described the group as highly engaged and deeply committed to the ecosystem. This level of community participation plays a significant role in maintaining visibility, driving discussions, and supporting long-term network interest. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Active communities often contribute to ecosystem resilience by encouraging adoption and sustaining engagement during market cycles. In XRP’s case, this consistent support has helped maintain its position as one of the most recognizable assets in the crypto space. Shifting Narratives in Institutional Crypto The reassessment from a major industry figure underscores a broader trend in crypto markets. Assets once viewed with skepticism can gain credibility as they demonstrate durability, utility, and adoption over time. XRP’s continued presence in institutional conversations reflects this shift. As blockchain technology integrates further into global financial systems, assets with established networks and active ecosystems tend to attract increased attention. Ripple’s institutional growth and XRP’s sustained community engagement both contribute to this evolving narrative. Novogratz’s comments ultimately highlight a changing perspective within the industry, where earlier doubts now give way to recognition of progress, maturity, and long-term potential. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Mike Novogratz Says Ripple Is Now an Institution, The XRP Army Is Real. Here’s why appeared first on Times Tabloid .

19 Mar 2026, 16:01

Cardano Hard Fork Upgrade Nears With Critical Node Release Anticipated

Cardano intra-era hard fork to protocol 11 version, van Rossem, is now approaching, with a key node release expected in a matter of days.

19 Mar 2026, 15:15

European Asset Manager Amundi Launches $100M Tokenized Fund on Ethereum and Stellar

Europe’s largest asset manager has quietly taken a decisive step into onchain finance, launching a $100 million tokenized cash fund designed to move at blockchain speed while behaving like a traditional safe haven. Amundi Enters Tokenized RWA Race With $100M SAFO Fund Launch This week, Amundi introduced the Spiko Amundi Overnight Swap Fund (SAFO), a

19 Mar 2026, 15:10

Sui Launches Revolutionary Hashi: A Bitcoin-Backed Lending Layer That Unlocks Billions in Dormant BTC Capital

BitcoinWorld Sui Launches Revolutionary Hashi: A Bitcoin-Backed Lending Layer That Unlocks Billions in Dormant BTC Capital On March 19, 2025, the Sui blockchain announced a significant development poised to reshape decentralized finance: the upcoming launch of Hashi, a native primitive designed specifically for Bitcoin-backed lending. This initiative directly addresses a long-standing challenge in cryptocurrency markets—the capital efficiency of Bitcoin—by creating a trustless infrastructure that allows users to leverage their BTC holdings for a range of on-chain financial services without relinquishing custody. Consequently, this move could unlock substantial value currently dormant in Bitcoin wallets worldwide. Sui Hashi Bitcoin Lending Layer Explained Hashi represents a fundamental building block, or primitive, constructed directly on the Sui network. Unlike traditional wrapped Bitcoin solutions that rely on centralized custodians or complex multi-signature bridges, Hashi employs a decentralized smart contract architecture. This structure aims to enhance security and flexibility for users. The platform’s core function enables Bitcoin holders to use their native BTC as collateral. Subsequently, they can access decentralized finance services including stablecoin loans, structured financial products, and automated collateral management systems. The development team emphasizes that Hashi’s design moves beyond conventional wrapping methods by implementing a more secure cross-chain transfer function. This approach potentially reduces counterparty risk and improves the overall user experience for Bitcoin participants entering the DeFi ecosystem. The Problem of Bitcoin Capital Efficiency Bitcoin, as the largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has historically faced limitations in utility beyond its role as a store of value. A significant portion of the Bitcoin supply remains inactive in cold storage or long-term holdings. This inactivity represents what analysts often call “dormant capital.” Traditional finance systems allow asset owners to borrow against holdings like real estate or securities. However, the decentralized nature of Bitcoin previously made similar functionality complex and often insecure. Previous solutions involved centralized custodians holding Bitcoin while issuing representative tokens on other chains. These models introduced points of failure and did not align with Bitcoin’s trust-minimized ethos. Hashi’s development on Sui attempts to solve this by creating a native, smart contract-based environment where the collateralization process remains transparent and verifiable on-chain. Technical Architecture and Security Model While specific technical whitepapers are pending the devnet launch, the announced framework suggests Hashi utilizes Sui’s object-centric model and parallel transaction execution. This architecture could allow for high-throughput processing of collateral positions and liquidations. Security experts note that the critical innovation lies in the cross-chain mechanism. Instead of minting a synthetic “wrapped BTC,” the system likely uses cryptographic proofs to verify Bitcoin state on the Sui chain, enabling the smart contracts to recognize and manage the collateral without actual BTC leaving its native chain. This method, if implemented robustly, minimizes bridge attack surfaces. The Sui Foundation has invested heavily in formal verification for its core protocols, suggesting similar rigor will apply to Hashi’s contracts. Institutional Adoption and Market Impact Notably, major industry institutions have signaled early support before Hashi’s official launch. Companies like BitGo, a leading digital asset custodian; Bullish, a regulated cryptocurrency exchange; FalconX, a prime brokerage; and Ledger, a hardware wallet manufacturer, have reportedly expressed intention to participate. This early institutional interest provides a strong signal of market confidence. It suggests that Hashi is not merely a theoretical protocol but a product built with real-world integration in mind. The involvement of regulated entities like Bullish could also pave the way for compliant financial products that bridge traditional and decentralized finance. Market analysts project that successful implementation could attract a meaningful percentage of Bitcoin’s over $1 trillion market cap into productive DeFi applications, thereby increasing overall liquidity and stability in the crypto financial system. Key announced features of the Hashi primitive include: Trustless Collateralization: Users retain control of private keys while proving ownership for loans. Native BTC Integration: Avoids the risks associated with wrapped token bridges. DeFi Service Access: Enables stablecoin minting, leveraged positions, and yield strategies. Automated Management: Smart contracts handle collateral ratios and liquidation processes. Institutional-Grade Infrastructure: Designed for integration by custodians and exchanges. Comparison with Existing Bitcoin DeFi Solutions Platform/Protocol Chain Core Mechanism Custodial Risk Hashi (Announced) Sui Native primitive, proof-based verification Minimal (Trustless) Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) Ethereum, others Centralized custodian holds BTC, mints ERC-20 High (Custodian dependent) Threshold Bitcoin (tBTC) Ethereum Overcollateralized, decentralized node group Low (Decentralized) Bitcoin Lightning Network Bitcoin (Layer 2) Payment channels for fast, cheap transactions None (Native) This comparison highlights Hashi’s proposed positioning as a native, trust-minimized solution. Unlike WBTC, it does not rely on a single entity. Furthermore, compared to solutions on other smart contract platforms, it is built as a core primitive on Sui, potentially offering deeper integration and performance benefits specific to that chain’s architecture. The Role of the Sui Blockchain Sui, developed by Mysten Labs, is a relatively new Layer 1 blockchain known for its high transaction speed and unique object-oriented data model. The choice to build Hashi on Sui is strategic. Sui’s parallel processing capability is theoretically well-suited for handling the high volume of oracle updates and liquidation checks required by a large-scale lending market. Additionally, Sui’s focus on move programming language, which emphasizes resource safety, aligns with the security-critical nature of managing billions in Bitcoin collateral. The success of Hashi could serve as a major use case driving further adoption and development on the Sui network itself, creating a synergistic relationship between the blockchain and its flagship financial primitive. Development Timeline and Next Steps The Hashi project is scheduled to launch its development network, or devnet, in the coming weeks. This devnet phase will allow developers, auditors, and early institutional partners to test the protocol’s functionality, security, and economic incentives in a risk-free environment. Following successful devnet testing and security audits, a mainnet launch will occur. The Sui team has not provided a specific mainnet date, emphasizing a security-first approach. The pre-launch commitment from major industry players suggests that the transition from devnet to mainnet could involve immediate real-world testing and integration, accelerating the path to meaningful total value locked (TVL). Conclusion The announcement of Hashi by the Sui blockchain marks a pivotal attempt to solve Bitcoin’s capital efficiency problem through decentralized finance. By constructing a native Bitcoin-backed lending layer, Sui aims to unlock billions in dormant BTC capital for productive use within the DeFi ecosystem. The early backing of major institutions underscores the project’s potential market significance. However, its ultimate success will depend on the rigorous security of its cross-chain verification, the scalability of the Sui network under load, and widespread adoption by both retail and institutional Bitcoin holders. If successful, the Sui Hashi Bitcoin lending primitive could establish a new standard for integrating store-of-value assets into programmable finance, fundamentally expanding the utility of the world’s largest cryptocurrency. FAQs Q1: What is Hashi on the Sui blockchain? Hashi is a decentralized primitive, or fundamental building block, being developed on the Sui network. It is specifically designed to enable Bitcoin holders to use their native BTC as collateral to access decentralized finance (DeFi) services like loans and yield products, without relying on traditional, custodial wrapping methods. Q2: How is Hashi different from Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC)? Unlike WBTC, which requires a centralized custodian to hold Bitcoin and mint a representative token on another chain, Hashi aims for a trustless model. It uses cryptographic proofs and smart contracts on Sui to verify Bitcoin collateral ownership without the BTC leaving its native chain, thereby minimizing custodial risk. Q3: Which companies support the Hashi project? Even before its official launch, major industry institutions including BitGo (custody), Bullish (exchange), FalconX (prime brokerage), and Ledger (hardware wallets) have expressed their intention to participate and integrate with the Hashi protocol. Q4: When will Hashi be available to users? The Hashi development network (devnet) is scheduled to launch soon for testing. A date for the mainnet launch, where real assets can be used, has not been publicly announced. The team is following a security-first approach with audits after devnet testing. Q5: What are the main benefits of using Hashi for Bitcoin holders? The primary benefits are increased capital efficiency and access to DeFi. Holders can potentially borrow stablecoins or access other financial services against their Bitcoin holdings without selling them, all within a framework designed to be more secure and decentralized than previous solutions. This post Sui Launches Revolutionary Hashi: A Bitcoin-Backed Lending Layer That Unlocks Billions in Dormant BTC Capital first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

19 Mar 2026, 14:25

Ether.fi’s Strategic $25M Investment in Plume’s Nest RWA Protocol Unlocks Revolutionary Yield Opportunities

BitcoinWorld Ether.fi’s Strategic $25M Investment in Plume’s Nest RWA Protocol Unlocks Revolutionary Yield Opportunities In a landmark move for decentralized finance, the leading liquid restaking protocol Ether.fi has committed a substantial $25 million strategic investment into Nest, the pioneering tokenized real-world asset yield protocol developed by Plume. This significant capital infusion, announced today, aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and DeFi by providing users with direct, streamlined access to institutional-grade yields derived from tangible assets. The partnership represents a major step in the maturation of the crypto ecosystem, addressing growing investor demand for sustainable, diversified returns beyond volatile crypto-native yields. Ether.fi’s Strategic $25M Investment in Plume’s Nest RWA Protocol The $25 million commitment from Ether.fi to Plume’s Nest protocol marks one of the most substantial strategic investments in the real-world asset tokenization sector this year. Ether.fi, a dominant force in the liquid restaking arena with billions in total value locked, is strategically diversifying its yield-generating offerings. Consequently, this move directly responds to evolving user behavior. Investors increasingly seek stability and correlation with traditional markets, especially as regulatory frameworks mature. The investment will fuel Nest’s development and facilitate a deep technical and economic integration between the two platforms. This integration will proceed through a deliberate, two-phase rollout designed to ensure security and user experience. Initially, Ether.fi will focus on asset reallocation into the nBASIS vault. This vault is fundamentally backed by the USCC fund managed by Superstate, a registered investment adviser specializing in real-world asset management. Following this initial phase, the partnership will integrate Nest’s entire suite of curated, custom RWA vaults directly into the Ether.fi user interface. This seamless integration promises to democratize access to sophisticated investment vehicles previously reserved for large institutions. The Mechanics of Real-World Asset Tokenization Real-world asset tokenization involves converting rights to a physical or financial asset into a digital token on a blockchain. This process unlocks unprecedented liquidity and fractional ownership. For instance, assets like treasury bills, real estate, private credit, and commodities can be represented as tokens. These tokens can then be traded, used as collateral, or deposited into yield-bearing protocols like Nest. The underlying asset’s performance generates yield, which is distributed to token holders. Key components of a robust RWA protocol like Nest include: Asset Originators: Regulated entities that source and manage the physical assets. Legal Wrappers: Structures ensuring token holders have enforceable rights to the underlying asset. On-Chain Infrastructure: Smart contracts that mint, manage, and distribute yields for the tokens. Compliance Modules: Systems to verify investor eligibility and adhere to jurisdictional regulations. This infrastructure creates a transparent, auditable, and efficient bridge between off-chain value and on-chain utility. The yield generated is typically more stable and predictable than purely speculative crypto yields, offering a compelling value proposition for risk-adjusted portfolio management. Expert Insight on Market Trends and Demand Teddy Pornprinya, co-founder of Plume, provided critical context for the partnership. He observed that platforms like Ether.fi successfully aggregate significant retail capital. However, users now demonstrate a clear appetite for yield sources that extend beyond simple decentralized finance mechanisms. “Users are looking beyond simple DeFi for sustainable and diversified yield sources like RWAs,” Pornprinya stated. He further identified two powerful macro-trends fueling this sector’s growth. Firstly, increasing regulatory clarity in major markets like the United States provides a more stable environment for structured products. Secondly, the massive proliferation of stablecoins has created a vast pool of capital seeking yield while maintaining a stable unit of account. These stablecoins naturally flow towards RWA vaults that offer yields above traditional savings rates. Pornprinya concluded that these converging trends will drive exponential demand for the underlying vault infrastructure that protocols like Nest provide. Comparative Analysis: RWA Yield vs. Traditional DeFi Yield The yield profile of RWA-based protocols differs fundamentally from that of traditional DeFi lending or liquidity provision. The table below outlines the core distinctions: Aspect RWA Protocol Yield (e.g., Nest) Traditional DeFi Native Yield Yield Source Real-world economic activity (e.g., loan interest, rental income, bond coupons) Crypto-native activity (e.g., lending/borrowing fees, trading fees, protocol incentives) Volatility & Correlation Generally lower volatility; often uncorrelated or negatively correlated with crypto markets High volatility; strongly correlated with crypto market cycles and sentiment Risk Profile Counterparty, legal, and off-chain operational risk Smart contract, oracle, and systemic DeFi risk Regulatory Status Often involves regulated off-chain entities; evolving compliance landscape Largely unregulated or navigating new frameworks This comparison highlights why the integration is strategic for Ether.fi. By offering RWA yields, it provides its user base with a powerful tool for diversification. This can reduce overall portfolio risk while maintaining exposure to the innovative crypto ecosystem. The partnership effectively turns Ether.fi from a single-product platform into a more comprehensive yield gateway. The Future Impact on DeFi and Traditional Finance The Ether.fi and Plume collaboration signals a broader industry shift towards interoperability between traditional and decentralized finance. As more institutional-grade capital enters the space via regulated vehicles, the demand for compliant, high-quality yield infrastructure will surge. Protocols that successfully navigate the legal and technical complexities, as Nest aims to do, will likely become critical pillars of the future financial system. Furthermore, this investment validates the RWA narrative as a primary growth vector for blockchain technology. It moves beyond speculation to tangible utility in capital formation and allocation. Success in this venture could prompt similar strategic moves from other major DeFi protocols, accelerating the entire sector’s convergence with TradFi. The ultimate beneficiary is the end-user, who gains access to a broader, more resilient, and potentially more profitable set of financial tools. Conclusion Ether.fi’s $25 million strategic investment in Plume’s Nest RWA protocol represents a pivotal development in decentralized finance. This partnership directly addresses the growing demand for sustainable, diversified yield by building a secure bridge to tokenized real-world assets. The two-stage integration plan, starting with the nBASIS vault and expanding to custom RWA offerings, demonstrates a thoughtful approach to combining innovation with risk management. As regulatory clarity improves and stablecoin adoption grows, infrastructure like Nest is poised to become essential. This move not only strengthens Ether.fi’s product suite but also underscores the accelerating and profound convergence of traditional and decentralized finance, setting a new standard for what users can expect from a comprehensive DeFi platform. FAQs Q1: What is the main goal of Ether.fi’s investment in Plume’s Nest? The primary goal is to provide Ether.fi users with access to yields generated by real-world, institutional-grade assets like treasury funds and private credit. This diversifies the yield sources available on the platform beyond crypto-native activities. Q2: What is the nBASIS vault mentioned in the integration plan? The nBASIS vault is a specific yield vault on the Nest protocol. It is backed by the USCC fund, a real-world asset fund managed by the regulated asset manager Superstate. It will be the first RWA product integrated for Ether.fi users. Q3: How does a Real-World Asset protocol like Nest work? Nest works by tokenizing off-chain assets (like bonds or loans) into digital tokens on a blockchain. These tokens represent ownership and entitle the holder to a share of the yield generated by the underlying asset. Smart contracts automate the distribution of this yield. Q4: Why are Real-World Assets considered an important trend in DeFi? RWAs offer yields that are often more stable and uncorrelated with the volatile crypto market. They provide diversification, attract institutional capital, and represent a multi-trillion-dollar opportunity by bringing traditional finance onto blockchain infrastructure. Q5: What role does regulatory clarity play in the growth of RWA protocols? Clearer regulations provide legal certainty for asset originators, protocol developers, and investors. This reduces legal risk and encourages more traditional financial institutions to participate, which in turn increases the supply and quality of tokenizable assets available to protocols like Nest. This post Ether.fi’s Strategic $25M Investment in Plume’s Nest RWA Protocol Unlocks Revolutionary Yield Opportunities first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

19 Mar 2026, 13:41

BTQ Technologies Launches Quantum-Resistant Protocol on Bitcoin Quantum Testnet

BTQ Technologies piloted a quantum-resistant protocol with the launch of Bitcoin Quantum testnet. P2MR model enhances transaction security without exposing public keys or disrupting compatibility. Continue Reading: BTQ Technologies Launches Quantum-Resistant Protocol on Bitcoin Quantum Testnet The post BTQ Technologies Launches Quantum-Resistant Protocol on Bitcoin Quantum Testnet appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .