hodler

2 Mar 2026, 22:05

Solana Price Prediction: A Billion-Dollar Loss Didn’t Shake This SOL Whale — What Do They Know?

A billion dollars down. Most people would panic. Cut losses. Blame the market. This SOL whale did not flinch, fueling bullish price prediction . Forward Industries, now one of the largest institutional Solana holders, is sitting on nearly $1 billion in unrealized losses. They bought big. Around $230 per SOL on average. Today, SOL trades near $85. Do the math. Their original position cost roughly $1.59 billion. It is now worth close to $605 million. That is a brutal drawdown. And yet, no capitulation. No exit headlines. Instead, the company doubled down on a long term vision. CIO Ryan Nafi says the goal is to become the “Berkshire Hathaway of the Solana ecosystem.” Not a trader. A permanent capital vehicle built around SOL. “Our longer-term aspiration is to be the Berkshire Hathaway of the Solana ecosystem. We believe Solana is best positioned as the blockchain for the future of internet capital markets.” – Our CIO @RyanNavi Read the latest coverage on us in The Banker: https://t.co/Wyt0n2sHn1 — Forward Ind. | NASDAQ-$FWDI (@FWDind) February 26, 2026 They stake their holdings for 6% to 7% yield and issued a liquid staking token to keep capital productive. They even borrow against their position in DeFi to optimize returns. The structure is designed to survive volatility, not avoid it. There was drama. Chairman Kyle Samani stepped down from Multicoin but chose in kind redemption in company shares, increasing his exposure instead of cashing out. Despite controversy, he remained publicly bullish on Solana. The stock tied to this strategy has collapsed more than 90% from its highs. But the core bet has not changed. Solana Price Prediction: Is This The Time For SOL to Break $100? If an institutional holder can stomach a near $1 billion drawdown and still lean in, the question becomes simple. Are they early, or are they wrong? Solana just bounced hard from $75 and is now knocking on the $92 door. That reaction off support was not weak. Buyers defended the ascending trendline, printed a clean higher low, and pushed price up with momentum. Moves like that into resistance usually mean intent. Source: SOLUSD / TradingView Now it is all about $92. That level lines up with prior supply and the descending trendline. Break and hold above it, and the short-term structure flips bullish. That opens the way to $106 first, then $120 if continuation builds. If price gets rejected here, eyes go straight back to $75. That base already did heavy lifting. Another breakdown attempt there raises the odds of a deeper slide toward $70. Maxi Doge ($MAXI) Is Standing Out As One Of The Best Memecoins In 2026. Maxi Doge is not pretending to be the most advanced project in the room. It is leaning into what actually drives crypto cycles. Momentum. Memes. Conviction. The same mix that turned Dogecoin into a market phenomenon. It does not resist narratives. It amplifies them. Sharp branding. Loud positioning. A community-first mindset built for fast sentiment shifts and liquidity chasing hype, not technical papers. The traction is already there. The $MAXI presale has pulled in nearly $4.6 million, and early participants are seeing staking rewards up to 68% APY. If this cycle rewards attention more than perfection, Maxi Doge is playing directly into that reality. Visit the Official Maxi Doge Website Here The post Solana Price Prediction: A Billion-Dollar Loss Didn’t Shake This SOL Whale — What Do They Know? appeared first on Cryptonews .

2 Mar 2026, 22:00

Uniswap Lawsuit Dismissal: A Landmark Victory for DeFi Against Scam Token Allegations

BitcoinWorld Uniswap Lawsuit Dismissal: A Landmark Victory for DeFi Against Scam Token Allegations In a landmark decision with profound implications for the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed a pivotal class-action lawsuit against Uniswap and its founder, Hayden Adams, on February 27, 2025. This ruling directly addresses the contentious issue of platform liability for scam tokens, setting a crucial legal precedent for the entire cryptocurrency industry. Uniswap Lawsuit: Core Allegations and the Judicial Response The plaintiffs in the Uniswap lawsuit alleged significant financial losses from trading fraudulent cryptocurrencies on the Uniswap protocol. They contended that the platform’s design facilitated these scam tokens and that Uniswap Labs, as a core developer, should bear responsibility. However, Judge Katherine Polk Failla’s ruling presented a clear judicial boundary. The court determined that providing a neutral, automated trading protocol does not equate to aiding and abetting fraud under current U.S. law. Consequently, the legal responsibility for creating and promoting scam tokens rests solely with the anonymous token issuers themselves. Decentralized Exchange Liability in the Regulatory Crosshairs This Uniswap lawsuit dismissal arrives during a period of intense global scrutiny for decentralized exchanges. Regulatory bodies worldwide are actively grappling with how to apply traditional financial frameworks to permissionless, code-based systems. The court’s reasoning highlights a fundamental challenge: holding a decentralized protocol liable is exceptionally difficult when its creators do not control user funds, token listings, or individual transactions. This case starkly contrasts with actions against centralized exchanges, which exercise direct custody and listing authority. Expert Analysis: A Precedent for Protocol Neutrality Legal scholars specializing in fintech law view this dismissal as a critical precedent. “The court effectively recognized the principle of protocol neutrality,” explains Dr. Anya Petrova, a professor of blockchain law at Stanford University. “It distinguishes between creating a tool and misusing that tool. This is analogous to not holding the inventor of email liable for every phishing scam sent through the service. The ruling provides temporary but essential breathing room for DeFi innovation, though it certainly does not preclude future, more narrowly tailored regulations.” This analysis underscores the decision’s role in defining the limits of intermediary liability for automated software. The Ripple Effect: Implications for DeFi and Crypto Investors The immediate impact of this legal victory for Uniswap extends far beyond a single platform. It reinforces a foundational DeFi ethos: user self-custody and personal responsibility. For developers, it offers a clearer, though not absolute, signal that building open-source, non-custodial protocols carries different legal risks than operating centralized services. For investors, the ruling is a double-edged sword. It affirms the permissionless nature of DeFi but also reinforces that ultimate due diligence rests with the user. Platforms provide access, but they cannot guarantee asset legitimacy. Key Comparisons: Centralized vs. Decentralized Exchange Liability Aspect Centralized Exchange (e.g., Coinbase) Decentralized Exchange (e.g., Uniswap) Fund Custody Holds user assets User maintains self-custody Token Listings Curated, permissioned process Permissionless, automated Primary Legal Risk Securities law, fiduciary duty Secondary liability, technology regulation User Recourse Against the exchange entity Typically against anonymous token creators Navigating the Future: Security and Responsibility in DeFi Following the Uniswap lawsuit dismissal, the conversation shifts to practical risk mitigation. The DeFi community emphasizes that legal precedent does not eliminate the threat of scam tokens. Instead, it places greater emphasis on: Enhanced user education about blockchain analytics tools. Wider adoption of token due diligence platforms that audit contract code. Protocol-level innovations , such as voluntary token vetting frameworks or reputation systems. Hayden Adams, Uniswap’s founder, publicly stated that while the platform cannot prevent scams, the ecosystem must collectively build better tools for user protection. This approach aligns with a broader industry trend toward proactive, rather than purely reactive, security measures. Conclusion The dismissal of the class-action Uniswap lawsuit marks a seminal moment for decentralized finance. It establishes a judicial distinction between facilitating trade and facilitating fraud, providing a vital legal shield for neutral protocol developers. This victory, however, is not a blanket immunity. It underscores the enduring need for investor vigilance and industry-led safety solutions within the permissionless world of DeFi. The ruling likely sets the stage for the next evolution of cryptocurrency regulation, focusing more on the points of centralization that remain within decentralized systems. FAQs Q1: What was the main reason the court dismissed the Uniswap lawsuit? The court dismissed the lawsuit primarily because it found that merely providing a decentralized, automated trading protocol does not constitute aiding and abetting fraud. The responsibility lies with the anonymous creators of the scam tokens, not the neutral platform. Q2: Does this mean Uniswap is completely safe from future legal action? No, this dismissal does not grant complete immunity. It specifically addresses this case’s claims. Uniswap and other DeFi protocols still face potential regulatory actions on different legal grounds, such as securities law or operating as an unlicensed money transmitter. Q3: How does this ruling affect an average crypto investor using Uniswap? For investors, the ruling reinforces that using decentralized exchanges carries the risk of encountering scam tokens with little legal recourse against the platform itself. It heightens the importance of conducting independent token research and using available analytics tools before trading. Q4: What is the difference in liability between Uniswap and a centralized exchange like Binance? Centralized exchanges act as custodians and curators, giving them a higher degree of control and thus liability. Decentralized exchanges like Uniswap are non-custodial and permissionless, which significantly limits their direct legal responsibility for user losses, as affirmed by this ruling. Q5: What can DeFi platforms do to help protect users from scams after this ruling? Platforms can integrate more robust warning systems, partner with blockchain analytics firms to flag suspicious tokens, promote user education, and support the development of on-chain reputation or verification systems—all while maintaining their decentralized, permissionless nature. This post Uniswap Lawsuit Dismissal: A Landmark Victory for DeFi Against Scam Token Allegations first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

2 Mar 2026, 21:58

Best Bitcoin Mixers in 2026: How They Work

Bitcoin mixers are services designed to obscure the origin of BTC transactions, giving users an added layer of privacy. In this guide, we examine some of the leading Bitcoin mixers available today and explain how they work. Before exploring specific services, it’s essential to understand Bitcoin’s privacy model and its limitations, as well as how mixers attempt to enhance anonymity. Bitcoin isn’t completely private Many newcomers to cryptocurrency assume that Bitcoin is fully anonymous. In reality, that’s not the case. On the surface, Bitcoin can appear anonymous because users are not required to provide personal information to create a wallet or send transactions. The network itself does not store names or identities. Bitcoin addresses are simply alphanumeric strings with no built-in personal data. However, Bitcoin runs on a fully transparent blockchain. Every transaction ever made is permanently recorded on a public ledger. Anyone can use a blockchain explorer, such as Blockchain.com, to trace transactions all the way back to Bitcoin’s launch in 2009. This transparency means that your activity isn’t necessarily private just because your name isn’t publicly attached to your wallet address. For example, if you buy Bitcoin with fiat currencies like USD or EUR on a regulated exchange, you typically must complete identity verification (KYC). When you withdraw BTC to your own wallet, the exchange keeps a record linking your identity to that withdrawal address, even though that information doesn’t appear directly on the blockchain. Such records could potentially be exposed through data breaches, insider leaks, or legal requests. In short, while the Bitcoin protocol itself doesn’t require identity data, real-world interactions often create traceable connections. How Bitcoin mixers improve privacy Bitcoin mixers are designed to make blockchain analysis more difficult by obscuring the trail of funds. In simple terms, a mixer collects BTC from multiple users, pools the coins together, and redistributes equivalent amounts back to participants. To further complicate tracking, mixers often randomize transaction amounts and introduce time delays. The basic idea is straightforward: you send BTC to a mixer and later receive roughly the same amount back (minus fees). The coins you receive are much harder to link to your original transaction, making it more difficult for observers to trace their origin. The best Bitcoin mixers in 2026 Before using any mixing service, check the laws in your jurisdiction. Cryptocurrency regulations differ widely across countries, and a service that is legal in one region may be restricted in another. Below is an overview of some of the top Bitcoin mixers in 2026. 1. Mixero.io – Enhanced privacy with optional Monero bridge Mixero.io is a Bitcoin mixing service built around CoinJoin technology. It also offers an advanced mode that routes BTC through Monero (XMR) before converting it back to Bitcoin, adding another layer of obfuscation. This option comes with higher fees. Users can increase their fee to prioritize faster processing. Standard CoinJoin fees begin at 0.7% plus a fixed 0.0003 BTC. The advanced XMR bridge option starts at 1.6% and can rise to 4.7% for accelerated execution. Users may also delay payouts for up to 168 hours (7 days). Beyond Bitcoin, Mixero supports ETH mixing, which may appeal to users seeking privacy across multiple major cryptocurrencies. Key features: CoinJoin-based BTC mixing Optional Monero (XMR) bridge for additional privacy Adjustable fees for faster processing Fees from 0.7% (standard) and 1.6% (advanced) Optional delays up to 7 days Supports BTC and ETH 2. Tornado Cash – Decentralized Ethereum mixer Tornado Cash is a decentralized privacy protocol built primarily on Ethereum. It uses smart contracts to break the on-chain link between sender and recipient. Users deposit fixed amounts (for example, 1 ETH or 100 ETH) into shared pools and later withdraw to a different address. Because many participants deposit identical amounts, linking deposits to withdrawals becomes significantly more difficult. Tornado Cash supports multiple tokens and networks, though most usage takes place on Ethereum. By standardizing deposit amounts and pooling liquidity, the protocol strengthens anonymity as more users participate. As of December 2025, Tornado Cash holds over $1 billion in total value locked (TVL), with ETH representing the majority of funds alongside assets such as TORN, BNB, and DAI. Key features: Smart contract-based privacy protocol Fixed-denomination deposit pools Multi-token and multi-network support Over $1 billion in total value locked 3. Wasabi Wallet – Privacy-focused Bitcoin wallet Wasabi Wallet is a non-custodial Bitcoin wallet that includes built-in CoinJoin functionality. Because it is non-custodial, users retain control of their private keys at all times. CoinJoin transactions through Wasabi carry a 0.3% coordinator fee in addition to standard network fees. However, this coordinator fee is waived for CoinJoin transactions under 0.01 BTC. By default, Wasabi routes all traffic through the Tor network to enhance privacy, although users can choose to disable this setting. Key features: Integrated CoinJoin functionality Non-custodial wallet with full key control 0.3% coordinator fee (waived under 0.01 BTC) Tor-enabled by default 4. Mixer.money – Two distinct privacy modes Founded in 2016, Mixer.money is an established Bitcoin mixing service offering a straightforward interface and two main modes: standard mixing and “complete anonymity.” The standard option charges a randomized fee between 1% and 1.5% to enhance privacy and typically completes within two hours. It supports transactions from 0.001 BTC to 1 BTC and uses liquidity from its user base. The “complete anonymity” mode offers stronger privacy protections but costs between 4% and 5% and can take up to 10 hours. In this mode, liquidity is sourced from cryptocurrency exchanges. Mixer.money is accessible via both the regular web and the Tor network. It also provides a Telegram bot that allows users to initiate mixing directly within Telegram. As a centralized service, Mixer.money requires users to trust the operator. Key features: Operating since 2016 Two mixing modes (standard and enhanced) Accessible via Tor Telegram bot integration 5. Railgun – Smart contract-based privacy system RAILGUN is a smart contract-powered privacy system that shields transaction details directly on-chain. It hides information such as sender, recipient, token type, and amount using “Private Balances,” which create a shared anonymity pool. Within the Railgun ecosystem, transactions appear to originate from this collective pool, making it difficult to determine who initiated a transfer or which assets were involved. Privacy improves as the number of users and total value locked increases. Popular tokens like USDC or DAI generally provide stronger anonymity due to higher usage compared to less widely used assets. Railgun can be accessed through compatible wallets such as Railway Wallet , which enables zk-SNARK-powered private transactions without revealing balances. Key features: Conceals sender, recipient, token, and amount Uses Private Balances to expand anonymity Privacy increases with participation and TVL Accessible via zk-SNARK-enabled wallets Are Bitcoin mixers legal? In many jurisdictions, Bitcoin mixers are not explicitly illegal. However, because most do not implement Know Your Customer (KYC) or anti-money laundering (AML) procedures, they often operate in a regulatory gray area. Unless a service is specifically banned, users generally do not face legal consequences simply for using a mixer. That said, authorities have shut down numerous mixing services and prosecuted several operators. While mixers can serve legitimate privacy purposes, they have also been used by criminals — for example, to launder stolen funds. This association has made them controversial and subject to regulatory scrutiny. Notable enforcement actions include: Bestmixer.io shut down by Europol and Dutch authorities (2019) Bitcoin Fog operator arrested and charged in the U.S. (2021) Tornado Cash sanctioned by OFAC (2022), with sanctions lifted in 2025 ChipMixer shut down by U.S. and German authorities (2023) Are Bitcoin mixers safe? Safety depends largely on the specific service. Centralized mixers require users to trust that operators will not misuse deposited funds. It’s also important to understand that mixing does not guarantee complete anonymity. The effectiveness of privacy measures varies by implementation, and blockchain analytics tools continue to evolve. In some cases, investigators may still trace coins that have passed through mixing services. Additionally, some exchanges and crypto platforms may flag or restrict wallets that have interacted with mixers. Conclusion: Addressing Bitcoin’s privacy gaps Bitcoin is pseudonymous, not fully anonymous. Although wallet addresses are not directly tied to names on-chain, transactions can often be traced with sufficient analysis. Mixers attempt to make blockchain activity harder to follow, offering users greater financial privacy. However, because they are sometimes associated with illicit activity, they remain controversial and frequently attract regulatory attention even in regions where they are not explicitly prohibited.

2 Mar 2026, 21:46

Monad Integrates Chainlink CCIP: A Revolutionary Leap for Cross-Chain cbBTC Transfers

BitcoinWorld Monad Integrates Chainlink CCIP: A Revolutionary Leap for Cross-Chain cbBTC Transfers In a significant development for blockchain interoperability, the EVM-compatible layer-1 blockchain Monad has officially integrated Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP). This integration, confirmed in a report by Cointelegraph, establishes a secure communication channel between the Monad chain and the Base network. Consequently, it enables the direct transfer of Coinbase’s wrapped Bitcoin token, cbBTC, marking a pivotal moment for asset mobility and decentralized finance (DeFi) infrastructure. This move strategically positions Monad within the expanding multi-chain ecosystem as of late 2024. Monad Chainlink CCIP Integration: Technical Breakdown The integration of Chainlink CCIP by Monad represents a sophisticated technical achievement. Fundamentally, CCIP acts as a standardized messaging layer. It allows smart contracts on Monad to send and receive data and tokens from other supported blockchains. For this specific use case, the protocol creates a verifiable and secure bridge for cbBTC. The process involves several key components working in concert. Firstly, a user locks their cbBTC tokens in a smart contract on the Base network. Subsequently, the Chainlink Decentralized Oracle Network (DON) attests to this lock event. The DON then relays a cryptographically verified proof to a corresponding smart contract on the Monad chain. Finally, this contract mints an equivalent representation of cbBTC on Monad. This entire flow is managed by Chainlink’s Risk Management Network, which actively monitors for anomalies. The system provides a robust security framework far exceeding simple bridge designs. Why CCIP Was the Chosen Solution Monad’s selection of Chainlink CCIP over other bridging solutions was likely driven by multiple factors. Chainlink has established itself as the industry standard for oracle services, with a proven track record of security and reliability. The CCIP protocol is built with a defense-in-depth approach, incorporating features like: Decentralized Execution: Transactions are validated by a independent network of nodes. Risk Management Network: A separate layer that monitors for malicious activity. Programmable Token Transfers: Allows for complex logic alongside simple asset transfers. This level of security is paramount when handling a Bitcoin-backed asset like cbBTC, where any exploit could lead to significant financial loss. Furthermore, CCIP’s design as a generalized messaging protocol means future integrations with other chains or data types become significantly easier for Monad developers. The Impact of cbBTC on the Monad Ecosystem The ability to transfer cbBTC onto the Monad chain is not merely a technical feature; it is a strategic catalyst for ecosystem growth. cbBTC is a fully collateralized representation of Bitcoin on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) ecosystem, originally issued on Ethereum and available on Base. By bringing this major asset to its network, Monad unlocks several immediate possibilities. Primarily, it introduces a deep source of liquidity from the world’s largest cryptocurrency. Developers building decentralized applications (dApps) on Monad can now design products that utilize Bitcoin’s value without relying on synthetic or less-trusted versions. This includes lending and borrowing protocols, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and yield-generating strategies. The table below outlines potential immediate use cases: Use Case Description Potential Benefit for Monad Collateralized Lending Users deposit cbBTC as collateral to borrow other assets. Attracts capital, increases Total Value Locked (TVL). Liquidity Pools cbBTC paired with MON or other native tokens on DEXs. Improves trading depth and reduces slippage. Yield Aggregation Automated strategies to earn yield on cbBTC deposits. Creates new financial products, attracts users. Moreover, this integration connects Monad directly to the vibrant Base ecosystem, which is backed by Coinbase and hosts a wide array of popular applications. It facilitates a smoother user experience for individuals holding assets on Base who wish to explore Monad’s high-performance environment. Expert Perspective on Interoperability Trends Industry analysts view integrations like Monad’s adoption of CCIP as part of a broader, irreversible trend toward a multi-chain future. Sergey Nazarov, Co-Founder of Chainlink, has frequently emphasized that the future of smart contracts is cross-chain. He states that applications will need to operate seamlessly across multiple environments to access unique users, liquidity, and features. Monad’s implementation aligns perfectly with this vision. By leveraging a standardized protocol like CCIP, Monad avoids building isolated, fragile bridges and instead plugs into a growing cross-chain highway. This decision reduces development overhead and enhances long-term security for its users. Monad’s Position in the EVM Landscape Monad is entering a competitive landscape of EVM-compatible blockchains, including giants like Ethereum, Avalanche, and Polygon. Its key differentiator is a focus on extreme performance while maintaining full bytecode compatibility with Ethereum. This means developers can port their existing Solidity smart contracts to Monad with minimal changes but experience significantly higher throughput and lower fees. The Chainlink CCIP integration serves as a critical piece of infrastructure that complements this technical vision. High performance is less valuable if the chain is an isolated silo. By ensuring secure and easy access to major assets like cbBTC, Monad addresses the liquidity and connectivity challenges that often hinder new layer-1 networks. This strategic move demonstrates that the Monad team is building not just a fast blockchain, but a fully-fledged and connected ecosystem. It signals to developers and users that Monad is serious about providing a viable, high-performance home for the next generation of dApps. Conclusion The integration of Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol by Monad is a foundational upgrade with far-reaching implications. It successfully enables the secure transfer of cbBTC from Base, injecting Bitcoin-based liquidity into the nascent Monad ecosystem. This technical decision, leveraging Chainlink’s battle-tested security model, underscores Monad’s commitment to robust and developer-friendly infrastructure. Ultimately, the Monad Chainlink CCIP integration is more than a bridge; it is a strategic declaration that Monad intends to be a connected, liquid, and secure player in the multi-chain world, positioning itself for substantial growth as interoperability becomes the standard. FAQs Q1: What is the primary benefit of Monad integrating Chainlink CCIP? The primary benefit is enabling secure, trust-minimized cross-chain transfers. Specifically, it allows users to move Coinbase’s cbBTC token from the Base blockchain directly onto the Monad chain, unlocking Bitcoin liquidity for Monad’s DeFi ecosystem. Q2: How does Chainlink CCIP ensure the security of cross-chain transfers? CCIP uses a decentralized oracle network and a separate Risk Management Network to validate and monitor all cross-chain messages. This multi-layered, defense-in-depth approach is designed to prevent exploits and provide robust security for transferred assets like cbBTC. Q3: Can other assets besides cbBTC be transferred using this integration? While the initial announcement highlights cbBTC, Chainlink CCIP is a generalized interoperability protocol. The same infrastructure can be configured to support the transfer of other tokens and even arbitrary data between Monad and other CCIP-supported chains in the future. Q4: Why is bringing cbBTC to Monad important for its ecosystem? Introducing cbBTC provides a major source of deep, Bitcoin-backed liquidity. This allows developers on Monad to build sophisticated DeFi applications like lending markets and decentralized exchanges that can utilize the world’s largest cryptocurrency as a core asset. Q5: Does this integration mean Monad is competing with Base or Ethereum? Not directly. The integration promotes interoperability, not competition. It allows assets and users to move fluidly between ecosystems. Monad aims to be a high-performance EVM environment, and connectivity via CCIP helps it leverage the liquidity and users of established networks like Base while offering its unique advantages. This post Monad Integrates Chainlink CCIP: A Revolutionary Leap for Cross-Chain cbBTC Transfers first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

2 Mar 2026, 21:40

Buterin Says Ethereum’s Biggest Bottlenecks Are State Tree and VM, Proposes Deep Fix

Vitalik Buterin has proposed execution-layer changes that could fundamentally reshape Ethereum’s core architecture. The project’s co-founder argued that deep modifications to the network’s state tree and virtual machine are necessary to remove what he described as the chain’s biggest proving bottlenecks. In a detailed post on X, Buterin said that the state tree and VM together account for more than 80% of the constraints that affect proof efficiency and called them “basically mandatory” targets if Ethereum wants to enable scalable client-side and zero-knowledge proving use cases. Ethereum Overhaul He pointed to EIP-7864, a proposal developed by Guillaume Ballet and others, which would replace Ethereum’s current hexary Keccak-based Merkle Patricia Tree with a binary tree built on a more efficient hash function. According to Buterin, the change would shorten Merkle branches by roughly four times, by cutting bandwidth requirements and making client-side branch verification significantly cheaper. This could reduce data costs for tools such as Helios and private information retrieval systems by 4x, Buterin added. Proving efficiency could also be improved by 3-4 times from shorter branches alone. He expects additional gains if Ethereum shifts to hash functions such as BLAKE3, which is estimated to be three times more efficient than Keccak. Meanwhile, a Poseidon variant could offer up to 100 times improvement, though he noted further security work would be required. The proposed binary design would also group storage slots into 64-256-slot “pages” and allow more efficient loading and editing of adjacent storage, potentially saving more than 10,000 gas per transaction for applications that access early storage slots. Buterin explained that a prover-friendly state tree would also allow zero-knowledge applications to compose directly with Ethereum’s state instead of building independent trees, while at the same time simplifying the structure and enabling metadata additions for future state expiry mechanisms. Beyond the state tree overhaul, Buterin made the case for eventually replacing the Ethereum Virtual Machine with a RISC-V-based VM, as he described the idea as longer-term and non-consensus. But he expressed high conviction that it would become “the obvious thing to do” after state roadmap upgrades are complete. Possible Deployment Roadmap The Ethereum co-founder said that a RISC-V VM would be more execution-efficient, more prover-friendly, and simpler, while noting that many existing provers are already written in RISC-V and that an interpreter could be implemented in only a few hundred lines of code. He detailed a phased transition plan beginning with using the new VM for precompiles, then allowing developers to deploy contracts directly in the new VM, and ultimately retiring the EVM into a compatibility layer written as a smart contract in the new system. Under that roadmap, users would retain full backward compatibility apart from gas cost changes, which Buterin said would likely be overshadowed by scaling improvements in the coming years. Buterin’s latest push comes just days after he introduced a quantum-resistance roadmap, which included proposals to replace consensus-layer BLS signatures with hash-based schemes such as Winternitz variants. The post Buterin Says Ethereum’s Biggest Bottlenecks Are State Tree and VM, Proposes Deep Fix appeared first on CryptoPotato .

2 Mar 2026, 21:21

Monad's cbBTC bridge may add $5B in Bitcoin-backed liquidity

Chainlink’s protocol enables Coinbase’s cbBTC to move from Base to Monad, boosting Bitcoin-backed liquidity into the layer-1’s DeFi ecosystem.