hodler

13 May 2026, 17:25

Societe Generale deploys stablecoins on Canton Network for institutional finance

BitcoinWorld Societe Generale deploys stablecoins on Canton Network for institutional finance French banking giant Societe Generale has taken a significant step into digital asset infrastructure by deploying its stablecoins, EURCV and USDCV, on the Canton Network. The move, executed through its regulated digital asset subsidiary SG-FORGE, marks one of the most direct integrations of traditional banking-grade stablecoins into a permissioned blockchain network designed for institutional finance. What the deployment means The Canton Network is a blockchain platform tailored for regulated financial institutions, offering privacy, scalability, and interoperability. By placing EURCV and USDCV on this network, Societe Generale aims to streamline several high-value use cases: collateral management for tokenized assets, repurchase agreement (repo) financing, and inter-institutional settlement. These are workflows that typically involve multiple intermediaries, manual reconciliation, and settlement delays. The stablecoin layer could reduce friction and operational costs. Why this matters for institutional crypto Stablecoins have largely been associated with retail trading and decentralized finance. Societe Generale’s move signals a shift toward regulated, bank-issued digital currencies operating on institutional networks. Unlike public blockchains, the Canton Network allows for identity management and compliance controls that meet banking standards. This could encourage other major banks to explore similar deployments, particularly in Europe where the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework is providing clearer guidelines. Broader implications for settlement and repo markets The repo market is a cornerstone of short-term institutional funding, with trillions of dollars in daily volume. Using stablecoins on a programmable network could automate collateral swaps, reduce counterparty risk, and enable near-instant settlement. Societe Generale’s initiative is a real-world test of whether blockchain-based stablecoins can handle the scale and compliance requirements of traditional finance. If successful, it may accelerate the adoption of digital currencies for wholesale banking operations. Conclusion Societe Generale’s deployment of EURCV and USDCV on the Canton Network represents a concrete step toward bridging traditional banking with blockchain-based settlement. It demonstrates that established financial institutions are actively building the infrastructure for tokenized assets and stablecoin-based workflows, rather than waiting on the sidelines. The coming months will reveal how other banks and regulators respond to this model. FAQs Q1: What are EURCV and USDCV? EURCV is a euro-denominated stablecoin issued by Societe Generale’s subsidiary SG-FORGE, and USDCV is a U.S. dollar-denominated stablecoin. Both are designed for regulated, institutional use on permissioned blockchain networks. Q2: What is the Canton Network? The Canton Network is a blockchain platform developed by Digital Asset Holdings, focused on privacy, interoperability, and compliance for regulated financial institutions. It allows banks to transact with each other while maintaining control over data access. Q3: How does this differ from public blockchain stablecoins like USDC or USDT? Public stablecoins operate on open, permissionless networks where anyone can transact. EURCV and USDCV on Canton Network are deployed on a permissioned network with identity verification and regulatory compliance built in, making them suitable for inter-bank and institutional workflows that require know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) controls. This post Societe Generale deploys stablecoins on Canton Network for institutional finance first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

13 May 2026, 16:48

The Protocol: Solana’s ‘Alpenglow’ upgrade is live for testing

Also: LayerZero apology, Ronin layer-2 transition and ‘Clear Signing’

13 May 2026, 16:40

BlackRock COO: Cryptocurrency Demand Surpasses Firm’s Expectations, Signaling a Shift in Value

BitcoinWorld BlackRock COO: Cryptocurrency Demand Surpasses Firm’s Expectations, Signaling a Shift in Value BlackRock Chief Operating Officer Rob Goldstein revealed that demand for cryptocurrency has significantly exceeded the firm’s initial projections, marking a notable shift in institutional sentiment toward digital assets. Speaking during a Binance online stream, Goldstein addressed the market’s reception of BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), IBIT, and outlined the asset manager’s broader strategic outlook on blockchain-based finance. Demand Driven by Value Proposition, Not Speculation Goldstein emphasized that the global demand for IBIT was stronger than anticipated, describing the interest not as fleeting speculative enthusiasm but as a recognition of a new value proposition rooted in emerging technology. He noted that investors are increasingly viewing cryptocurrency as a distinct asset class with potential for long-term portfolio diversification, rather than a short-term trading vehicle. This perspective aligns with BlackRock’s broader push to integrate digital assets into traditional investment frameworks. Tokenization and the Future of Capital Markets Goldstein predicted that the tokenization of capital market instruments remains in its early stages, with future growth expected to be measured in multiples rather than incremental percentages. He argued that blockchain infrastructure could fundamentally reshape how assets are issued, traded, and settled, reducing friction and increasing transparency. This view is consistent with growing industry interest in real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, a trend that major financial institutions are beginning to explore. AI Agents and Digital Rail Transactions In a forward-looking comment, Goldstein suggested that artificial intelligence agents will eventually conduct transactions directly via digital rails, or blockchain infrastructure, rather than logging into traditional bank accounts. This vision points to a future where automated systems interact with decentralized finance protocols, potentially streamlining operations across supply chains, payments, and asset management. While still conceptual, the statement underscores BlackRock’s attention to the convergence of AI and blockchain technologies. The Education Gap Remains a Key Obstacle Goldstein identified the primary barrier to broader adoption as a lack of investor education regarding the technical aspects of virtual assets and efficient portfolio allocation. Many institutional and retail investors remain uncertain about how to evaluate cryptocurrencies, assess risks, and integrate them into existing investment strategies. BlackRock’s emphasis on education suggests that the firm sees informed participation as critical to sustainable market growth. Conclusion BlackRock’s acknowledgment that cryptocurrency demand has exceeded expectations carries significant weight, given the firm’s status as the world’s largest asset manager with over $10 trillion in assets under management. Goldstein’s comments reflect a maturing institutional perspective that views digital assets not as a passing trend but as a structural evolution in finance. For investors, the key takeaway is that major financial players are moving beyond skepticism and actively building infrastructure for a tokenized future, even as educational gaps persist. FAQs Q1: What did BlackRock’s COO say about cryptocurrency demand? Rob Goldstein stated that demand for cryptocurrency, particularly through BlackRock’s IBIT Bitcoin ETF, has exceeded the firm’s expectations, driven by a recognition of its value as an emerging technology rather than mere speculation. Q2: What is BlackRock’s view on tokenization? Goldstein described tokenization of capital market tools as still in its infancy, with future growth expected to be exponential. He believes blockchain infrastructure will play a key role in transforming how assets are managed and traded. Q3: What is the biggest obstacle to cryptocurrency adoption according to BlackRock? The main challenge is a lack of investor education on the technical aspects of virtual assets and how to allocate them effectively within a portfolio, according to Goldstein. This post BlackRock COO: Cryptocurrency Demand Surpasses Firm’s Expectations, Signaling a Shift in Value first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

13 May 2026, 16:37

$1.88M Reportedly Drained in TransitFinance Exploit that Exposes Hidden Risks of Legacy Smart Contracts

In yet another incident in the growing ecosystem of decentralized finance (DeFi), TransitFinance has reportedly suffered a smart contract hack, which resulted in an estimated loss of around $1.88 million. This incident, recently reported by blockchain security monitor PeckShield Alert, is a reminder that while current infrastructure may be robust, legacy code continues to proliferate in embedded form within blockchain networks. #PeckShieldAlert @TransitFinance seems to have been hacked for ~$1.88M The stolen funds are currently sitting in the following address in $DAI : 0x8a634DfA2609358849D7D65FFA270C8A57a8abA5 pic.twitter.com/9RSQkgdfX6 — PeckShieldAlert (@PeckShieldAlert) May 13, 2026 TransitFinance says the hack came from an early smart contract deployed to the TRON network. This contract was officially deprecated in 2022 but still lingered on-chain and malicious actors were able to exploit the dormant vulnerability.This case study demonstrates an ongoing problem within DeFi: even when old contracts are not, and cannot, be used, they stay propagating because they can still get called upon unless made completely nonoperational or destroyed. This attack takes advantage of the vulnerabilities built into a legacy contract, impacting only a subset of users.This case is an example of how “inactive” components can still provide a significant attack surface, unlike many exploits that affect live protocols. This way, the attacker has not hacked the current system but to hack an unprotected legacy contract remains open. All Stolen Funds Have Been Merged Into A Single Address The no reward analysis of the exploit considers consolidating original assets, which total follows $1.88 million, to a single wallet. Funds are deposited in DAI which is a popular, more stable and liquid stablecoin in DeFi. This is a consolidation pattern showing us an orchestrated and systematic siphoning rather than a disordered, rapid, pointillistic theft across addresses. This also makes the trail of stolen money easier to follow, possibly allowing investigators to follow or even promptly intercept additional transfers. But DAI could be used to launder via decentralized exchanges or cross-chain bridges, which would further complicate recovery and obscure the path of funds. Immediate Response and Containment Measures ॑ TransitFinance reacted quickly when they detected the exploit. Following the incident, an official statement on TransitFinance Announcement indicates that the team had conducted extensive internal investigations, segregating compromised components. The protocol stressed that the contract in question is not a part of its current operating framework. Your smart contract is still secure, backed by four plus years of uninterrupted audits, testing and monitoring with the latest version.The team conducted additional reviews and remediation, during which they reiterated that the platform’s active infrastructure was never compromised. That meant users were told that there was no urgent action required, signalling confidence in the containment process. Transit Announcement Regarding a recent incident related to historical legacy risks, we would like to share the following update: 1⃣ Cause of the Incident The issue was related to an early-version smart contract previously deployed on TRON. Although this legacy contract had… — Transit (@TransitFinance) May 13, 2026 To regain the trust of their user base, TransitFinance promised to fully compensate all affected users. Exact timelines and processes have yet to be provided, but the team promised to update through official channels. Though compensation has emerged as a customary response to DeFi breaches, the manner in which it is executed will be critical for long-term community trust. TransitFinance is presumably acting swiftly to protect its reputation and gain user confidence.Still, the cost of these reimbursements could add strain on to protocols struggling with balancing what they have in their treasuries against their ongoing operational needs. Wider Impacts on DeFi Security There is growing pressure on developers to keep a “clean” contract environment, meaning the old code can’t be used as a path for attack. This requires not just forward looking audits of active deployments but also retrospective scrutiny of all historical contracts. The incident is a reminder to users that the risk in DeFi lives beyond visible interfaces. Vulnerabilities can remain dormant until used for an attack. TransitFinance later even published a security alert warning users that they could face scams. This often leads to malicious actors taking advantage by posing as trusted news outlets, or sending fraudulent emails. NEVER share your keys or seed phrases with anyone, as this information gives access to your funds and cannot be recovered if lost. The team recommends that officials only use verified messaging platforms to ensure they do not fall for further attacks since it is common for a secondary attack to happen after a high-profile breach. Conclusion: Call to Protocol Hygiene The exploit of TransitFinance may not be one of the biggest DeFi hacks, but its impact is heavy. This indicates that even well-maintained platforms can conceal risks if legacy systems are not being secured. With the DeFi ecosystem expanding, it is time to transition focus away from pure innovation and growth into a protracted upkeep of existing infrastructure. Given that code is static and visible, your attack surface includes every contract deployed in a domain instead of just active contracts. In the immediate crisis, it seems that TransitFinance has contained the damage. This is the message for the wider DeFi community: that security does not stop with upgrades but requires constant attention during the whole lifetime of a protocol. Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services. Follow us on Twitter @nulltxnews to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, Distributed Computing, and Metaverse news !

13 May 2026, 16:35

Origin Lab raises $8M to bridge video game data with AI world-model builders

BitcoinWorld Origin Lab raises $8M to bridge video game data with AI world-model builders As artificial intelligence expands beyond text and images into the physical world, a new class of AI systems known as world models is emerging. These models, designed to understand and simulate physical environments, require vast amounts of data that capture how objects move, interact, and behave in three-dimensional space. Unlike large language models, which can draw from the open web, there is no readily available dataset for physical-world training data. That gap is now attracting startups willing to build the infrastructure from scratch. A marketplace for synthetic physical data Origin Lab, a startup founded by Anne-Margot Rodde and her team, has identified an unlikely but abundant source of this data: the video game industry. The company announced an $8 million seed funding round led by Lightspeed Ventures, with participation from SV Angel, Eniac, Seven Stars, and FPV. Angel investors include Twitch co-founder Kevin Lin and Cruise founder Kyle Vogt. The startup aims to create a marketplace where AI labs building world models can purchase high-quality, licensed data extracted from video game assets. “The AI systems that are being built now need to understand how the physical world works and how things move,” Rodde told Bitcoin World. “That data essentially lives in video games.” The process involves converting video game assets—such as 3D environments, object physics, and character animations—into structured training data. This can range from simple rendering runs to complex automation that generates hours of walkthrough footage. Why video game data matters for AI World models, like those being developed by Yann LeCun’s AMI Labs or Fei-Fei Li’s World Labs, require data that simulates real-world physics, object permanence, and spatial relationships. Video games, particularly those with realistic physics engines and open-world environments, already contain this information in a structured, repeatable format. Licensing these assets, however, has historically been a barrier. In December 2024, OpenAI faced scrutiny when its Sora video-generation model appeared to reproduce footage from popular video games and Twitch streams, raising questions about training data provenance. Origin Lab positions itself as a bridge between two industries that have not traditionally collaborated. “It became clear that the video game industry was sitting on some incredibly valuable data, but there was no real way or infrastructure to basically connect AI labs and the video game industry,” Rodde said. “So essentially, we built that bridge.” Investor confidence in data infrastructure The funding round signals growing investor interest in the data supply chain for AI. Faraz Fatemi, a partner at Lightspeed who led the investment, drew parallels to the success of companies like Scale AI, which provides data labeling and management services to major AI labs. “We’ve seen how sharp the revenue scaling can be for data vendors that are serving the major labs,” Fatemi told Bitcoin World. “These are very well-capitalized businesses, and the bottleneck for all of them is data.” Origin Lab’s approach offers video game companies a new revenue stream from existing digital assets, while AI labs gain access to clean, licensed data that reduces legal and ethical risks. The startup’s ability to secure backing from prominent investors suggests that the market for physical-world training data is maturing rapidly. Conclusion Origin Lab’s $8 million seed round highlights a critical inflection point in AI development: the shift from text-based models to systems that must understand and interact with the physical world. By connecting the video game industry with AI labs, the startup is addressing a fundamental data bottleneck. As world models become central to robotics, autonomous systems, and simulation, the demand for high-quality, licensed training data will likely intensify. Origin Lab’s marketplace model could become a template for how specialized data is sourced in the AI era. FAQs Q1: What are world models in AI? World models are AI systems designed to understand and simulate physical environments, including how objects move, interact, and behave in three-dimensional space. They are used in robotics, autonomous vehicles, and simulation training. Q2: Why is video game data valuable for training world models? Video games contain structured, physics-based environments with realistic object interactions, spatial relationships, and movement patterns. This data is difficult and expensive to collect from the real world but is readily available in game engines. Q3: How does Origin Lab make money? Origin Lab operates as a marketplace, charging fees for converting video game assets into training data and facilitating transactions between game companies and AI labs. The company handles licensing, data formatting, and quality assurance. This post Origin Lab raises $8M to bridge video game data with AI world-model builders first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

13 May 2026, 15:30

Animoca Brands and Nuva Labs Launch NUVA to Bridge Real-World Asset Tokens with DeFi

BitcoinWorld Animoca Brands and Nuva Labs Launch NUVA to Bridge Real-World Asset Tokens with DeFi Animoca Brands and Nuva Labs have officially launched NUVA, an Ethereum-based marketplace designed to connect real-world asset (RWA) tokens with decentralized finance (DeFi) liquidity. The platform, as reported by CoinDesk, integrates approximately $19 billion in RWA tokens issued by Figure Technologies on the Provenance blockchain, bringing them into the Ethereum DeFi ecosystem. Bridging Traditional Assets and Blockchain Liquidity NUVA represents a significant step in the ongoing convergence of traditional finance and blockchain technology. By enabling RWA tokens—digital representations of assets like real estate, loans, or private credit—to be used within DeFi protocols, the marketplace aims to unlock new liquidity and utility for institutional-grade assets. Figure Technologies, a fintech firm specializing in blockchain-based lending and asset tokenization, provides the underlying asset pool, which is already established on the Provenance blockchain. NUVA effectively creates a bridge, allowing these tokens to be traded, lent, or used as collateral on Ethereum, the largest smart contract platform. Market Implications and Industry Context The launch comes at a time when the tokenization of real-world assets is gaining momentum among both traditional financial institutions and crypto-native firms. According to data from various industry trackers, the total value of tokenized assets has grown steadily, with projections suggesting a multi-trillion-dollar market in the coming decade. Animoca Brands, best known for its investments in Web3 gaming and the metaverse, is diversifying its portfolio by entering the RWA infrastructure space. Nuva Labs, the technical developer behind the platform, brings expertise in cross-chain interoperability and DeFi protocol design. What This Means for DeFi and Institutional Adoption For the DeFi sector, access to high-quality, yield-bearing real-world assets could attract more institutional capital, which has historically been cautious due to volatility and regulatory uncertainty in crypto-native assets. RWA tokens often offer stable returns tied to real economic activity, making them appealing for lending pools and yield strategies. However, the integration also raises questions about regulatory compliance, custody, and the legal status of tokenized assets across jurisdictions. The partnership between Animoca Brands and Nuva Labs suggests a focus on building compliant infrastructure, though specific regulatory frameworks for the platform have not been detailed. Conclusion The NUVA marketplace marks a notable development in the effort to bridge traditional finance and DeFi. By connecting $19 billion in RWA tokens to Ethereum, Animoca Brands and Nuva Labs are positioning themselves at the forefront of a trend that could reshape how institutional assets interact with blockchain-based financial systems. The success of the platform will likely depend on user adoption, regulatory clarity, and the ability to maintain secure and efficient cross-chain operations. FAQs Q1: What is NUVA? NUVA is an Ethereum-based marketplace jointly developed by Animoca Brands and Nuva Labs. It connects real-world asset (RWA) tokens from Figure Technologies, originally issued on the Provenance blockchain, to the Ethereum DeFi ecosystem. Q2: What are real-world asset (RWA) tokens? RWA tokens are digital representations of physical or financial assets, such as real estate, loans, or private credit, that are recorded on a blockchain. They allow these traditional assets to be traded, lent, or used as collateral in decentralized finance protocols. Q3: How does NUVA benefit DeFi users? By bringing $19 billion in RWA tokens to Ethereum, NUVA provides DeFi users with access to stable, yield-bearing assets that are backed by real-world economic activity. This could attract more institutional capital and reduce reliance on volatile crypto-native assets. This post Animoca Brands and Nuva Labs Launch NUVA to Bridge Real-World Asset Tokens with DeFi first appeared on BitcoinWorld .