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6 May 2026, 16:10
What to Expect From Stable’s v1.3.0 Mainnet Upgrade
p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Stable’s v1.3.0 is an upgrade focused on execution safety, EVM consistency, and stronger RPC reliability. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> EIP-7702 support is being hardened with stricter authorization and rollback checks. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Several edge-case fixes target gas accounting, failed ERC20 behavior, COINBASE handling, and blocked precompile ranges. As the global stablecoin market pushes toward a record-breaking $316 billion capitalization , the underlying infrastructure is undergoing a massive “safety-first” recalibration. This morning, the development team behind Stable announced the upcoming v1.3.0 Mainnet protocol upgrade, set for activation on May 13, 2026. This mandatory, non-backward compatible release is designed to transform the network into a production-grade highway for institutional stablecoin transactions, focusing on execution security and network-wide consistency. Scheduled for approximately 07:00 UTC at block height 24,077,500, the v1.3.0 upgrade marks a critical technical pivot. Following the recent regulatory shifts in the CLARITY Act , which moved stablecoins closer to the traditional financial “plumbing,” the Stable protocol is tightening its internal validation logic to prevent the edge-case vulnerabilities that often haunt high-volume blockchains. Hardening the Execution Layer: EIP-7702 and Beyond The centerpiece of the Stable Mainnet v1.3.0 upgrade is a significant hardening of the network’s execution safety. Developers have introduced enhanced system transaction handling that validates not just the sender, but also the destination and method selector. This granular approach effectively closes execution gaps that could theoretically be exploited in complex smart contract interactions. Perhaps most importantly for the 2026 landscape, Stable is doubling down on its support for EIP-7702, a proposal that allows externally owned accounts (EOAs) to temporarily adopt smart contract features . The v1.3.0 release introduces stricter checks on structure and authorization handling for these formats. By aligning EIP-7702 authorization rollback with the official specification, Stable ensures that as users transition toward “Smart Accounts,” their security remains anchored in a predictable, verifiable framework. EVM Refinements and Protocol-Level Protections Beyond transaction safety, the upgrade addresses several lingering edge cases within the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) execution environment. Notable fixes include corrected gas accounting for failed stateful precompile calls and improvements to refund behavior following internal failure of ERC20 calls—a critical fix for stablecoin transfers that require absolute precision. The update also aligns the COINBASE opcode behavior with the latest industry standards, ensuring that rewards and block-level data remain consistent across the network. To further insulate the network from unintended execution paths, Stable is introducing a new range of blocked addresses, specifically covering the Prague precompile address range. Unknown precompile methods will now require query gas, a move that reduces the risk of low-level contract interactions being used to drain network resources or bypass traditional safety checks. This “defensive programming” approach is aimed directly at the institutional partners who require the same level of predictability from a blockchain that they expect from a legacy wire system. Elevating RPC Reliability for Production Infrastructure For indexers, explorers, and backend application developers, the RPC layer is where the “real world” meets the blockchain. Stable v1.3.0 brings a much-needed wave of reliability improvements to this layer. The upgrade ensures that non-public namespaces are no longer exposed by default, and signing APIs are strictly limited to secure configurations. Address formatting will now enforce EIP-55 standards, adding a layer of checksum protection that helps prevent costly human errors during manual address entry. The team has also resolved several system transaction response issues—notably fixing the “from = 0x0” error—and improved error logging for fee history. These changes are designed to provide a more stable foundation for the developers building the next generation of on-chain settlement products that global payment firms like Worldpay and Mastercard are now deploying on-chain. Action Plan for Node Operators and Partners Because v1.3.0 is a non-backward compatible upgrade, node operators must act before the May 13 deadline. Nodes running older versions after activation at block 24,077,500 will essentially be cut off from the network, losing the ability to process transactions or sync new blocks. Self-hosted infrastructure partners are advised to stage the new binary in advance, especially if utilizing tools like Cosmovisor for automated transitions. For those managing nodes manually, the team recommends a scheduled restart at the upgrade height to avoid any disruption in deposit or withdrawal flows. Importantly, the upgrade does not involve a chain reset or state migration; all existing chain data will be preserved, ensuring a seamless experience for end-users and holders of the $STABLE token. The Era of Mature Stablecoin Infrastructure The v1.3.0 upgrade is more than just a routine patch; it is a statement of intent. As Stable continues to scale for real-world usage, the move toward stricter validation and EVM consistency highlights the protocol’s maturity. By hardening the network against edge-case risks today, Stable is positioning itself as the preferred destination for the trillions of dollars in global liquidity that are expected to move on-chain over the next five years. For node operators and partners, the message is simple: upgrade now or risk being left behind as the network enters its most secure and consistent phase to date. The future of decentralized finance is built on execution safety, and on May 13, Stable is setting the new gold standard.
6 May 2026, 15:35
Ethos raises $22.75M from a16z to transform expert networks with voice-powered AI onboarding
BitcoinWorld Ethos raises $22.75M from a16z to transform expert networks with voice-powered AI onboarding London-based startup Ethos has secured $22.75 million in Series A funding led by a16z, with participation from General Catalyst, XTX Markets, Evantic Capital, and Common Magic. The company is building an expert network that uses voice-powered AI onboarding to match businesses with specialized professionals, moving beyond the traditional job-title-based approach used by platforms like LinkedIn and GLG. Rethinking expert matching with voice AI Traditional expert networks rely on static forms and job titles to categorize professionals, often missing nuanced skills and sub-specializations. Ethos aims to solve this by using voice-based interviews during onboarding, allowing experts to describe their knowledge in detail. The platform then uses this richer data to match companies with individuals who possess specific capabilities, not just relevant job titles. For example, a pharmaceutical company could search for doctors who have published research on a particular disease and also understand drug development processes. Similarly, a client could ask: ‘Find me people who worked at a funded startup by A-grade investors solving for finance automation.’ Ethos claims its voice-driven data capture makes such complex queries possible. Founders bring complementary expertise Ethos was founded in 2024 by James Lo and Daniel Mankowitz. Lo previously worked at McKinsey and Softbank, where he was involved in the transformation of companies like WeWork and Arm. Mankowitz, a former AI researcher at DeepMind, contributed to YouTube’s video compression algorithm, Gemini, and the AlphaDev sorting algorithm. Lo explained that traditional platforms focus on job titles, but clients and employers increasingly seek specific skills and capabilities. ‘We observed that, over time, looking for a skill and capability is going to gradually merge between the human economy and the agent economy,’ he said. Mankowitz added that the economy is a knowledge graph of people, companies, and products, and that the right algorithms can match these entities effectively. How Ethos scales its network Beyond voice-based onboarding, Ethos supplements its data with public sources such as blogs, academic papers, and social links. The platform also conducts interviews using its own AI voice agents to extract deeper insights. While competitors like Listen Labs and Outset offer conversational AI for interviews, Ethos believes its curated expert network gives it an edge for certain clients. The company has not disclosed its exact client list but says top hedge funds, private equity firms, leading AI labs, and enterprise consulting firms are already using the product. Ethos charges a per-project fee of 30% or more, depending on the project’s nature. It reports being on track for ‘eight-figure annualized revenue’ but declined to provide specific figures. Growth and challenges Ethos has not revealed how many experts are on its platform but says roughly 35,000 people are joining each week. The startup sends invitations to individuals it believes can benefit from the network. One key challenge is growing a user base that remains relevant to client needs. The company notes that AI labs’ increasing investment in mapping human talent is a tailwind, as these labs seek experts across law, health, finance, and management to train models and gather feedback. With a compact team of eight employees, Ethos plans to scale its platform while keeping the team lean. The company’s focus remains on deepening its data capture and improving matching accuracy, rather than expanding headcount rapidly. Why this matters The expert network industry has long relied on superficial signals like job titles, leaving companies struggling to find truly qualified advisors. Ethos’s voice-driven approach could set a new standard for how professionals are discovered and matched, particularly as AI labs and enterprises demand more precise talent mapping. The investment from a16z and other prominent backers signals confidence in this model, though scaling the expert base and maintaining relevance will be critical to long-term success. Conclusion Ethos’s $22.75 million Series A round marks a significant bet on voice-powered AI to transform expert networks. By capturing deeper knowledge through voice interviews, the startup aims to solve a persistent problem in talent matching. As AI continues to reshape industries, platforms like Ethos may become essential for companies seeking specialized human expertise. FAQs Q1: What is Ethos? Ethos is a London-based startup that uses voice-powered AI onboarding to match companies with specialized experts, moving beyond traditional job-title-based matching. Q2: How does Ethos differ from LinkedIn or GLG? Instead of relying on static forms and job titles, Ethos uses voice interviews to capture deeper knowledge and skills, enabling more precise matching for complex client queries. Q3: Who are the founders of Ethos? Ethos was founded by James Lo, formerly of McKinsey and Softbank, and Daniel Mankowitz, a former AI researcher at DeepMind. Q4: How much funding has Ethos raised? Ethos raised $22.75 million in Series A funding led by a16z, with participation from General Catalyst, XTX Markets, Evantic Capital, and Common Magic. Q5: What industries does Ethos serve? Ethos serves top hedge funds, private equity firms, leading AI labs, and enterprise consulting firms, among others. This post Ethos raises $22.75M from a16z to transform expert networks with voice-powered AI onboarding first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
6 May 2026, 15:25
Upbit to Temporarily Halt XLM Deposits and Withdrawals for Stellar Network Upgrade
BitcoinWorld Upbit to Temporarily Halt XLM Deposits and Withdrawals for Stellar Network Upgrade South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Upbit has announced a temporary suspension of deposit and withdrawal services for Stellar (XLM), alongside withdrawals for two related tokens, AQUA and Mobius (MOBI). The scheduled pause, set to begin at 3:30 p.m. UTC on May 6, is attributed to a planned upgrade of the Stellar network. Details of the Service Suspension According to Upbit’s official notice, the suspension will affect all XLM deposits and withdrawals. Additionally, withdrawals for AQUA and MOBI, which operate on the Stellar network, will also be temporarily unavailable during the upgrade window. The exchange has not specified the exact duration of the pause but stated that services will resume once the network upgrade is complete and stability is confirmed. Why the Stellar Network Upgrade Matters The Stellar network upgrade is a routine but critical event aimed at improving the blockchain’s performance, security, or functionality. For users, such upgrades often require temporary halts in exchange services to prevent transaction errors or asset loss. This type of maintenance is standard across major exchanges and is generally resolved within a few hours to a day, depending on the complexity of the upgrade. Impact on Traders and Users For traders holding XLM, AQUA, or MOBI on Upbit, the key takeaway is to plan accordingly. Anyone needing to move these assets before the suspension should do so prior to the 3:30 p.m. UTC cutoff on May 6. After the pause, no deposits or withdrawals will be processed until the exchange reopens the services. Price volatility around such events is possible, though typically limited, as the suspension is temporary and driven by technical improvements rather than market factors. Conclusion Upbit’s temporary suspension of XLM, AQUA, and MOBI services is a precautionary measure aligned with a scheduled Stellar network upgrade. Users should expect a brief interruption and monitor Upbit’s announcements for updates on service resumption. The event underscores the importance of network maintenance in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, where exchange operations are directly tied to blockchain health. FAQs Q1: Why is Upbit suspending XLM deposits and withdrawals? Upbit is suspending these services due to a planned upgrade of the Stellar network, which requires temporary halts to ensure transaction safety and network stability. Q2: How long will the suspension last? Upbit has not provided a specific end time. Services will resume once the network upgrade is completed and the exchange confirms system stability, typically within a few hours to a day. Q3: Will my XLM, AQUA, or MOBI funds be safe during the suspension? Yes. Your assets held on Upbit remain safe during the suspension. Only deposits and withdrawals are affected; trading on the exchange may continue as normal for other pairs. This post Upbit to Temporarily Halt XLM Deposits and Withdrawals for Stellar Network Upgrade first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
6 May 2026, 15:18
The Protocol: AI Agents form their own firm
Also: Alpenglow upgrade update, Ripple on North Korea hacking threat, Cloudflare on AI agents and web economics
6 May 2026, 15:03
LayerZero and KelpDAO trade accusations over $292M North Korea-linked hack
Bryan Pellegrino, founder and CEO of LayerZero Labs, has fired back at KelpDAO after the liquid restaking protocol published a long post alongside screenshots that it claims are proof that LayerZero personnel approved the single-verifier bridge configuration that was exploited in the $292 million hack on April 18. Pellegrino said KelpDAO’s account of the events is largely untrue and that Kelp itself downgraded from a more secure default setup. The public pointing of accusing fingers between both platforms fractures what has shaped up to be a unified front by DeFi projects that took it upon themselves to contain the fallout of the exploit, rallying under the banner “DeFi United.” LayerZero pledged more than 10,000 ETH to Aave-led recovery efforts on April 28, according to a post from the protocol’s official account. However, the latest development begs the question of who bears responsibility for the exploit’s root cause, and so far, it seems to have turned former allies into adversaries. Why are LayerZero and KelpDAO beefing? In a thread posted on X on May 5, Pellegrino challenged three specific claims KelpDAO made in its announcement that it would migrate rsETH bridging from LayerZero to Chainlink’s CCIP. “A ton of this is just completely untrue,” Pellegrino wrote . He said Kelp originally deployed with LayerZero’s default multi-DVN (Decentralized Verifier Network) configuration and “manually migrated to a 1/1 config later.” Pellegrino said KelpDAO downgraded itself from a more secure default setup. Source: @PrimordialAA via X/Twitter. A 1-of-1 DVN setup means a single verification signature is enough to authorize cross-chain token transfers, removing the redundancy that multi-DVN provides. Pellegrino added that “almost 100% of the volume on a 1/1 config was rsETH,” pointing to Kelp as the dominant user of the setup that was exploited. He also noted that LayerZero’s documentation warns against using a single-verifier configuration for production applications. In an earlier post on May 4, Pellegrino acknowledged personal conflict over the situation. “I still carry a huge amount of cognitive dissonance here,” he wrote. Pellegrino stated that he was wrong on the assumption that someone manually changing the configs that they had helped them to set up to a 1/1 was impossible. Based on Pellegrino’s admission, the protocol provided the infrastructure, but each application chose how to configure it. While he stated that it was easy to sit back and do nothing, he acknowledged that it was not the right approach. KelpDAO says LayerZero signed off on the setup KelpDAO’s May 5 post took a different position. According to Cryptopolitan’s earlier reporting , Kelp published Telegram screenshots showing a LayerZero team member writing “No problem on using defaults either” during discussions about Kelp’s L2 expansion. Kelp says those exchanges span eight discussions over 2.5 years without objection from LayerZero personnel. Kelp announced it is migrating rsETH to Chainlink’s CCIP, calling the move a direct response to the exploit. The migration is already in progress. Kelp’s GitHub repository lists a new “CCIP (Chainlink) RSETH” contract alongside the legacy LayerZero RSETH_OFT contract, according to Cryptopolitan’s earlier coverage. The exploit and its scale The April 18 attack drained 116,500 rsETH, roughly 18% of the liquid restaked token in circulation, from Kelp’s LayerZero-powered bridge. At the time of the exploit, 47% of active LayerZero OApp contracts used a 1-of-1 DVN setup, according to data cited in earlier reporting. LayerZero has since banned the configuration and is pushing migrations across its application base. DeFi is at a crossroads The Pellegrino-Kelp dispute will likely shape how DeFi protocols negotiate security responsibilities with infrastructure providers going forward. LayerZero faces pressure to explain why nearly half its application base ran a configuration it now calls unacceptable. Kelp faces scrutiny over why it downgraded from a multi-verifier default, if Pellegrino’s account is accurate. The frozen ETH on Arbitrum remains in legal limbo, and the 10,000 ETH DeFi United recovery contribution from LayerZero is disappearing in the rearview mirror. Your bank is using your money. You’re getting the scraps. Watch our free video on becoming your own bank
6 May 2026, 14:56
TON Jumps 65% In Days As Telegram Tightens Control Over The Network
TON has posted one of its strongest rallies in the past year, climbing nearly 65% over the last several days as investors reacted to a series of major announcements tied to Telegram and the future of the network. The token surged from around $1.36 to nearly $2.27 , breaking out of a long-term downtrend that had been in place since mid-2025. On the daily chart, the rally stands out sharply against months of weakening price action. The move gained momentum after Telegram founder Pavel Durov introduced the MTONGA initiative: “Make TON Great Again”, alongside a broader push to increase Telegram’s direct involvement in the ecosystem. Telegram Takes A Bigger Role In TON On May 4, Durov announced that transaction fees on the TON network had been reduced to almost zero, with transfers now costing roughly 0.00039 TON, or about $0.0005 per transaction. He also confirmed that Telegram plans to become the network’s primary driver and largest validator, marking a significant shift in TON’s governance structure The statements were later repeated by TON’s official channels and quickly drew attention across crypto markets. The technical foundation for the changes was established through the Catchain 2.0 upgrade, first announced by Durov on April 9. According to TON’s documentation , the update reduced block times from around 2.5 seconds to roughly 400 milliseconds, while transaction finalization dropped from about 10 seconds to nearly one second. Durov described the improvement as a “10x” increase in speed. TON Breakout Puts Focus Back On Telegram’s Crypto Ambitions Before the rally, TON had traded mostly between $1.35 and $1.55 for several months while gradually trending lower. That changed rapidly in early May as buyers pushed the token above several resistance levels in a short period of time. The breakout carried TON back toward price levels not seen since early autumn 2025. Market participants also pointed to several additional bullish narratives supporting the move, including reports of Multicoin Capital exposure to ZEC, growing speculation around future TON-related products, and increasing interest in Telegram’s blockchain ecosystem. Another factor attracting attention is the amount of TON supply held in shielded or less active wallets. Some traders believe lower circulating liquidity could amplify price swings during periods of rising demand. TON’s Rally Also Raises Bigger Questions The latest rally has renewed debate around the relationship between Telegram and TON. TON’s history has already gone through several major shifts. In 2020, Telegram stepped away from the project under regulatory pressure, while independent developers and community contributors later continued building the network. Now, Telegram appears to be moving back toward the center of the ecosystem. Supporters argue the tighter integration could accelerate adoption by exposing TON to Telegram’s massive user base. Critics, however, believe the growing influence of a single company may increase concerns around centralization and regulatory pressure. Telegram has already taken steps to prioritize TON inside its ecosystem. Earlier this year, the platform reportedly restricted access to mini-apps connected to competing blockchains, reinforcing TON’s role within Telegram’s broader strategy. For now, traders are focused on whether TON can maintain momentum above recent breakout levels. But the longer-term discussion may center on a different question entirely: whether TON is evolving into a fully independent blockchain ecosystem or becoming more tightly integrated into Telegram’s own financial infrastructure.
