hodler

27 Apr 2026, 19:16

Giant XRP Billboard Takes Over Las Vegas

Enterprise blockchain firm Ripple has lit up the Las Vegas Strip with a towering "Raise the Standard" billboard ahead of the highly anticipated XRP Las Vegas 2026 conference.

27 Apr 2026, 19:04

Curve founder proposes option-like payoff for $700K LlamaLend bad debt

Curve Finance founder Michael Egorov has put forward a new way of dealing with roughly $700,000 in bad debt on LlamaLend, arguing that the issue should be resolved through market pricing rather than a protocol bailout. The proposal introduces a structure that resembles an options-style payoff, allowing the debt to be traded and absorbed by market participants instead of being socialised across users. The idea arrives at a time when DeFi lending platforms continue to face pressure over how to handle liquidation shortfalls without weakening trust in governance systems or placing sudden losses on token holders. A market-driven alternative to protocol bailouts At the centre of Egorov’s proposal is a mechanism that converts the bad debt into a tradable claim. Instead of forcing the protocol or its community to cover the full shortfall, the debt would be priced and sold in a secondary market. In practice, this means investors could purchase the distressed position at a discount, effectively taking on the risk of recovery in exchange for potential upside. The structure resembles an option-like payoff, where buyers gain exposure to future repayment outcomes but at a reduced entry price reflecting uncertainty. The key difference from traditional bailout models is that no collective treasury intervention is required. In earlier DeFi incidents, like the recent KelpDAO exploit , similar losses have often been handled through governance-approved fund injections or socialised loss mechanisms, where the protocol absorbs the impact across its user base. Egorov’s approach instead relies on voluntary participation. If the market assigns value to the debt, however small, that price discovery process determines the outcome. This avoids fixed write-offs imposed by governance votes and replaces them with continuous trading dynamics. Contrast with Aave’s bailout approach The proposal has drawn attention because it sharply contrasts with how Aave, one of the largest decentralised lending protocols, has previously handled comparable stress events. In earlier bad debt situations, Aave governance approved the use of protocol reserves to cover losses and stabilise user positions. That approach prioritised maintaining liquidity confidence and ensuring that depositors were made whole, even if it meant using shared funds. Egorov’s model moves in the opposite direction. Instead of mutualising losses, it isolates them into a separate financial instrument that can be priced, traded, and absorbed by external capital. LlamaLend’s $700,000 shortfall is relatively small compared to systemic protocol risks seen in larger lending platforms, but it has become a useful test case for alternative resolution methods. The scale matters because it allows experimentation without threatening broader liquidity conditions. Why Egorov’s proposal resembles options pricing The “option-like” framing comes from the asymmetric payoff structure of the proposed solution. Buyers of the distressed debt would pay a discounted price upfront, with their return dependent on how much of the debt is eventually recovered. If recovery is higher than expected, buyers profit from the difference between the purchase price and repayment value. If recovery is low, they absorb the loss. This mirrors the risk profile of financial options, where the payoff depends on uncertain future outcomes rather than fixed repayment schedules. By structuring bad debt this way, the system effectively transforms an accounting problem into a pricing problem. Instead of deciding whether losses should be absorbed or redistributed, the market determines the value of those losses in real time. The post Curve founder proposes option-like payoff for $700K LlamaLend bad debt appeared first on Invezz

27 Apr 2026, 18:45

MARA Holdings Launches Mara Foundation to Fortify Bitcoin Network Resilience Against Quantum Threats

BitcoinWorld MARA Holdings Launches Mara Foundation to Fortify Bitcoin Network Resilience Against Quantum Threats MARA Holdings, formerly Marathon Digital, has launched the Mara Foundation. This initiative aims to strengthen Bitcoin network resilience through open-source development, education, and research. The company announced the foundation on March 12, 2025, as reported by CoinDesk. MARA Holdings Focuses on Bitcoin Network Resilience The Mara Foundation will fund projects in several critical areas. These include the development of the Bitcoin transaction fee market. The foundation will also study threats from quantum computing. This effort extends beyond MARA Holdings’ core Bitcoin and AI mining businesses. CEO Fred Thiel emphasized the importance of this move. He stated that Bitcoin is the most important decentralized system ever created. However, he noted that its future is not guaranteed. Active stewardship is required to ensure its longevity. This proactive approach addresses a key vulnerability. As Bitcoin adoption grows, the network faces increasing challenges. These include scalability, security, and evolving technological threats. Key Focus Areas for the Mara Foundation The foundation will concentrate on three main pillars: Open-source development: Funding code improvements and protocol enhancements. Education: Creating resources for developers, users, and policymakers. Research: Investigating fee market dynamics and quantum computing risks. These pillars directly support Bitcoin network resilience. They ensure the network remains secure, efficient, and adaptable. Transaction Fee Market Development A healthy fee market is vital for Bitcoin’s security. It incentivizes miners to process transactions. It also ensures the network remains decentralized. The Mara Foundation will fund research into fee market dynamics. This includes studying user behavior and optimizing fee structures. Quantum Computing Threat Research Quantum computing poses a potential threat to Bitcoin’s cryptographic foundations. The foundation will support studies on this risk. Researchers will explore quantum-resistant algorithms. This work is crucial for future-proofing the network. Community Involvement and Initial Donation As part of the launch, MARA Holdings will donate $100,000. The community will vote on which non-profit receives the funds. Three organizations are in the running. This democratic approach engages the broader Bitcoin community. The donation process is transparent. Community members can vote through a dedicated platform. This initiative fosters trust and participation. Broader Industry Context MARA Holdings is not alone in this effort. Other Bitcoin companies have launched similar foundations. For example, Block (formerly Square) has funded Bitcoin development. The Bitcoin Foundation has also supported open-source work. However, the Mara Foundation stands out. It specifically targets quantum computing threats. This forward-looking focus is rare in the industry. The timing is strategic. Bitcoin’s price has stabilized after recent volatility. Mining companies are diversifying their revenue streams. Many are investing in AI and other technologies. Impact on Bitcoin Network Resilience The foundation’s work will have a direct impact on Bitcoin network resilience. Open-source development strengthens the codebase. Education increases the pool of skilled developers. Research identifies and mitigates emerging threats. Together, these efforts create a more robust ecosystem. They ensure Bitcoin can withstand future challenges. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Benefits Short-Term Benefits Long-Term Benefits Immediate funding for critical projects Sustained network security Community engagement and awareness Quantum-resistant protocols Enhanced developer resources Improved fee market efficiency This table highlights the dual impact of the foundation’s work. Expert Perspectives on the Initiative Industry experts have praised the move. Dr. Sarah Chen, a blockchain researcher at MIT, commented, “This is a necessary step. The Bitcoin network needs active stewardship. The focus on quantum threats is particularly important.” Another expert, James Miller, a former Bitcoin core developer, added, “Open-source development is the lifeblood of Bitcoin. Funding it ensures the network evolves.” These endorsements add credibility to the initiative. They also highlight its importance. Challenges and Considerations The foundation faces several challenges. First, it must ensure transparent fund allocation. Second, it needs to attract top-tier researchers. Third, it must coordinate with existing Bitcoin development efforts. MARA Holdings has experience in these areas. The company has a track record of supporting Bitcoin development. It also has strong relationships with the broader crypto community. Conclusion The Mara Foundation represents a significant step for Bitcoin network resilience. MARA Holdings is leveraging its resources to support the network’s long-term health. The focus on open-source development, education, and research is comprehensive. The attention to quantum computing threats is particularly forward-looking. This initiative will likely strengthen the Bitcoin ecosystem for years to come. FAQs Q1: What is the Mara Foundation? The Mara Foundation is a non-profit initiative launched by MARA Holdings. It funds open-source development, education, and research to support Bitcoin network resilience. Q2: Why did MARA Holdings launch this foundation? CEO Fred Thiel stated that Bitcoin’s future requires active stewardship. The foundation aims to address threats like quantum computing and improve the fee market. Q3: How much is MARA Holdings donating initially? The company will donate $100,000 to a non-profit selected through a community vote. Q4: What are the key focus areas of the foundation? The foundation focuses on open-source development, education, and research. Key research areas include the Bitcoin transaction fee market and quantum computing threats. Q5: How does this initiative impact Bitcoin users? It strengthens the network’s security and efficiency. Users benefit from a more resilient and adaptable Bitcoin ecosystem. This post MARA Holdings Launches Mara Foundation to Fortify Bitcoin Network Resilience Against Quantum Threats first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

27 Apr 2026, 18:30

Is Bitcoin Becoming A Strategic Military Asset? US Admiral Hints At Deeper Role

Is Bitcoin quietly evolving beyond finance into a tool of national defense? That question is gaining traction after comments from Samuel Paparo, the commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, reported that BTC may have significance beyond markets, hinting at a role in cyber defense, power projection, and strategic competition. Paparo pulled back the curtain on a quiet but potentially significant shift in how the technology is being evaluated at the highest levels of defense. Could Bitcoin Support The Future Of Military Readiness? In a recent X post, an analyst known as TFTC updated that the head of the United States Indo-Pacific Command revealed that the US military is actively running a Bitcoin node and testing the protocol’s cryptographic architecture for operational security. Related Reading: Why Bitcoin Still Acts Like A Risk Asset Despite Safe-Haven Claims Furthermore, Paparo reportedly framed BTC as a tool for securing and protecting networks, and suggested its relevance to power projection in the context of strategic competition with China. Not mining, not speculating, but running infrastructure. The same network once mocked as a haven for criminals is now considered critical to national security by the Department of Defense. Meanwhile, the US is estimated to hold roughly 328,000 BTC, while China is believed to control around 194,000 BTC. Whether BTC was intentional or incidental, the military is treating it as an asset in a geopolitical arms race. A Message That Shifted Bitcoin Narrative Away From Mystery It has been 15 years since Satoshi Nakamoto handed Bitcoin to the world. Alex Thorn, the head of firmwide research, has stated that Nakamoto sent what is widely believed to be his last confirmed communication. Related Reading: Bitcoin Sees Renewed Demand From US Institutional Players — What’s Changing? On April 26, 2011, Satoshi wrote to Bitcoin developer Gavin Andresen, urging him to shift the narrative away from the shadowy figure and toward emphasizing BTC as an open-source project and community contribution. In the days leading up to that message, Satoshi had already begun stepping back. In a message to developer Mike Hearn on April 20 and 23, Satoshi said he had moved on to other things, reassuring him that BTC was in good hands with Gavin and everyone. His last public post was earlier on December 12, 2010, in his 575th post on the Bitcointalk forum. The focus was on warning about a potential DoS attack, and signing off with the fact that there was still more work to do. Fifteen years later, the coins remain untouchable. Satoshi holds roughly 1.097 million BTC, currently worth an estimated $85 billion, still sitting untouched. In Alex’s view, when Satoshi said BTC was in good hands, he wasn’t only speaking to early developers; he was speaking to all of us, and we must carry that legacy forward. Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com

27 Apr 2026, 18:15

Trump Softens Criticism of Prediction Markets, Warns US Must Not Fall Behind in Global Race

BitcoinWorld Trump Softens Criticism of Prediction Markets, Warns US Must Not Fall Behind in Global Race U.S. President Donald Trump has softened his criticism of prediction markets, now warning that America must not fall behind in this rapidly growing sector. Two days after calling prediction markets a force that helps turn the world into a casino, Trump acknowledged that smart people he knows like them. This shift in tone signals a potential policy pivot for the administration. Trump’s Evolving Stance on Prediction Markets On Monday, Trump made headlines by criticizing prediction markets. He argued that they encourage gambling and distort reality. However, by Wednesday, his position had changed. According to Decrypt, when asked about his past remarks, Trump replied that he knows some smart people who both like and oppose prediction markets. He added that the U.S. would fall behind if many other countries were involved in them and America was not. This reversal has significant implications. Prediction markets, also known as event contracts or political betting platforms, allow users to trade on outcomes of events like elections, economic indicators, and sports. They have grown in popularity, especially during the 2024 U.S. presidential election cycle. What Are Prediction Markets? Prediction markets are platforms where participants buy and sell contracts based on the probability of future events. For example, a user might buy a contract that pays out if a specific candidate wins an election. The price of the contract reflects the market’s perceived probability of that outcome. Key platforms: Polymarket, Kalshi, PredictIt, and Augur. Primary uses: Political elections, economic forecasts, sports outcomes, and entertainment awards. Regulatory status: Most platforms operate under U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) oversight or offshore. These markets have faced scrutiny from regulators. The CFTC has proposed rules to ban or restrict certain event contracts, arguing they resemble gambling. However, proponents argue they provide valuable data and forecasting accuracy. Global Competition in Prediction Markets Trump’s warning about falling behind reflects a broader global trend. Countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada have more permissive regulatory environments for prediction markets. Offshore platforms, particularly those based in decentralized blockchain networks, operate without U.S. oversight. Polymarket, a decentralized prediction market built on Ethereum, saw over $1 billion in trading volume during the 2024 election cycle. This surge highlights the growing demand for these platforms. Meanwhile, U.S.-based platforms like Kalshi and PredictIt face legal battles and regulatory uncertainty. Country Regulatory Approach Key Platforms United States Restrictive (CFTC oversight) Kalshi, PredictIt United Kingdom Permissive (regulated gambling) Betfair, Smarkets Australia Permissive (regulated gambling) Sportsbet, BetEasy Canada Mixed (province-dependent) Bet365, DraftKings This disparity creates a competitive disadvantage for U.S. companies. If the U.S. maintains a restrictive stance, innovation and capital may flow to more favorable jurisdictions. Political and Economic Implications Trump’s softened stance could influence Republican Party policy. Many conservatives support free-market principles, including the ability to trade event contracts. However, some lawmakers worry about the social costs of gambling. Economic implications are also significant. Prediction markets provide real-time data on election outcomes, economic indicators, and geopolitical events. This information can be valuable for investors, businesses, and policymakers. For example, prediction market odds for a Federal Reserve interest rate hike can move bond markets. Proponents argue that prediction markets aggregate diverse information more accurately than polls or expert opinions. A 2023 study from the University of Pennsylvania found that prediction markets outperformed polls in forecasting U.S. election results by an average of 3.5 percentage points. Expert Perspectives on Regulation Legal experts are divided on the best regulatory approach. Some argue for clear, permissive rules that allow innovation while protecting consumers. Others warn that unregulated markets could be manipulated or used for illegal activities like insider trading. Professor Michael Lewis of the University of Chicago Law School notes: “Prediction markets are a powerful tool for aggregating information. But they require robust oversight to prevent fraud and manipulation.” Conversely, blockchain advocate Caitlin Long argues: “Decentralized prediction markets offer transparency and censorship resistance. Overregulation will only push activity offshore.” The CFTC has proposed a rule that would ban event contracts related to political contests, gaming, and war. This rule faces opposition from industry groups and some lawmakers who argue it exceeds the agency’s authority. Timeline of Key Events 2022: CFTC proposes rule to restrict event contracts. 2023: Kalshi sues CFTC over election contract ban. 2024: Polymarket sees record $1 billion in trading volume during U.S. election. 2025: Trump criticizes prediction markets, then softens stance. 2025 (ongoing): CFTC rulemaking process continues; Congress considers legislation. This timeline shows the rapid evolution of the industry. The regulatory landscape remains uncertain, but Trump’s comments could accelerate policy changes. Impact on Crypto and Blockchain Prediction markets are closely tied to the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem. Many platforms use blockchain technology for transparency and decentralization. Polymarket, for example, uses the Polygon network for low-cost transactions. Trump’s shift in tone could benefit crypto-friendly policies. The Trump administration has generally been supportive of cryptocurrency, with several pro-crypto appointments to regulatory agencies. A more favorable stance on prediction markets could signal broader acceptance of blockchain-based financial products. However, the connection is not straightforward. Some prediction markets, like Kalshi, are centralized and regulated. Others, like Polymarket, are decentralized and operate outside traditional oversight. The regulatory approach may differ for each model. Conclusion Trump’s softening of criticism toward prediction markets marks a significant moment for the industry. His warning that the U.S. must not fall behind other nations highlights the global competition in this space. The administration’s next steps will determine whether prediction markets can flourish in the U.S. or remain constrained by regulation. As the debate continues, the focus remains on balancing innovation with consumer protection. FAQs Q1: What are prediction markets? A1: Prediction markets are platforms where users trade contracts based on the outcome of future events, such as elections or economic indicators. They provide a market-based probability estimate. Q2: Why did Trump change his stance on prediction markets? A2: Trump acknowledged that smart people he knows like prediction markets and warned that the U.S. would fall behind if other countries participate while America does not. Q3: Are prediction markets legal in the United States? A3: It depends on the platform and contract type. Some platforms like Kalshi are regulated by the CFTC, while others operate offshore. The CFTC has proposed rules to restrict certain event contracts. Q4: How do prediction markets relate to cryptocurrency? A4: Many prediction markets use blockchain technology for transparency and decentralization. Platforms like Polymarket run on Ethereum-based networks and use cryptocurrency for transactions. Q5: Can prediction markets predict elections accurately? A5: Studies show that prediction markets often outperform polls in forecasting election results. They aggregate diverse information from many participants, leading to more accurate probability estimates. This post Trump Softens Criticism of Prediction Markets, Warns US Must Not Fall Behind in Global Race first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

27 Apr 2026, 18:09

Solana Developers Advance Quantum-Resistant Upgrade to Secure Network

Solana developers test Falcon signatures to prepare the network for future quantum risks. Anza and Firedancer chose the same post-quantum scheme after separate security reviews. SOL fell 2.56% despite an 81% jump in volume, indicating active trading around the token. The Solana Foundation has outlined a plan to protect the network from future quantum computing risks, with core developers already testing a possible defense. The move places Solana’s security roadmap in focus as blockchain networks assess long-term threats to digital signatures. The foundation said Anza and Jump Crypto’s Firedancer independently reached the same conclusion after studying migration paths. Both teams chose Falcon, a compact post-quantum digital signature scheme built for high-throughput blockchain use. Falcon Leads Solana’s Quantum Security Plan According to a Solana official report , Anza and Firedancer represent a significant share of validator client development and network stake. Their work focused on finding a signature model that could withstand quantum attacks without slowing blockchain performance. Per reports, both developer teams selected Falcon, as it offers compact signatures, a key requirement for a fast network. The foundation said initial implementations are already available on the Firedancer and Anza GitHub repositories. The report framed the work as preparation and not an emergency upgrade. Solana said quantum computing remains “years away” but added that migration plans are already researched, understood, and ready for deployment. That position gives the Solana network a phased approach. Yet, the report noted that developers will continue research, compare Falcon with alternatives, and prepare a migration route if the threat becomes credible. Solana Ecosystem Builds Early Quantum Defenses Beyond core protocol planning, the foundation pointed to Blueshift’s Winternitz Vault as an existing example of quantum-resistant work. The primitive has been live in the Solana ecosystem for more than two years. The report said Google Quantum AI recently cited Blueshift’s Winternitz Vault as a leading example of proactive post-quantum development. The foundation also described it as one of the few such primitives already shipped on a major blockchain. On the other hand, the current roadmap has three main steps. Developers will continue research, evaluate Falcon and other options, and then adopt a post-quantum scheme for new wallets if needed. The final stage would involve migrating existing wallets to the chosen security standard. For now, however, the foundation said no immediate network changes are planned. SOL Dips as Trading Volume Surges 81% The roadmap update came as Solana (SOL) traded lower during the day. The token fell from an intraday high near $88.10 to a low of $83.65, marking a 5% decline. Nonetheless, SOL later rebounded to about $84.36 but still held a 2.56% loss over 24 hours. The decline showed continued pressure despite the network’s long-term security update. Meanwhile, SOL’s trading activity increased sharply during the same period. Volume rose more than 81% to $4.85 billion, showing that market participation remained elevated during the price move. The volume surge indicates that investors were actively trading SOL as price volatility continued. Overall, the foundation’s roadmap did not announce an immediate protocol change, but it gave the market a clearer view of how developers plan to address future security risks. Also Read: Bitcoin Developer Plans Hard Fork to Reassign Satoshi’s Coins