hodler

31 Mar 2026, 14:31

XRP Price Prediction as $12 Trillion Retirement Market Eyes Crypto Entry

XRP’s 1.31 Breaking Point Emerges XRP may be nearing a pivotal moment, both technically and fundamentally. Market analyst Dark Defender points to a tightening structure on the chart, calling it one of the clearest signals in months that the current consolidation is close to exhaustion. After a prolonged stretch of sluggish price action, XRP is now trading around $1.32, sitting just above the critical $1.31 level. Well, this zone has become a key battleground, and a decisive breakout with sustained support above it could trigger a stronger, more directional move. What stands out right now is the squeeze. Price has tightened, volatility has faded, and XRP looks primed for a breakout. Therefore, a clean hold above $1.31 could open the door to stronger upside momentum and a push into higher resistance. But it’s a fragile setup, if that level fails, the move could quickly unwind. Nevertheless, caution still dominates the outlook. XRP’s recent rebounds have lacked strength, raising doubts about whether the market has fully reset. There’s growing talk of a deeper pullback toward the $1.09 zone, a move that could shake out weak hands and lay a more solid foundation for a sustained rally. XRP at a Tipping Point as 401(k) Crypto Access Enters the Spotlight While XRP’s technical outlook remains mixed, the broader macro story is gaining serious momentum. A pivotal shift is unfolding in the United States where the Department of Labor has proposed allowing 401(k) retirement plans to include alternative assets like cryptocurrencies. If approved, this move could unlock access to an enormous capital pool, estimated at $10–$12 trillion, positioning XRP and the wider crypto market for a potential long-term influx of institutional investment. The March 30, 2026 proposal has officially entered the rulemaking stage, with a 60-day public comment period running through late May. A finalized version could emerge this year, with implementation possibly starting in 2027. This isn’t just a regulatory update, it’s a signal that institutional barriers around crypto are gradually falling. Major banks are ramping up their interest in stablecoins, further validating blockchain finance. Ripple’s CEO even called this “crypto’s ChatGPT moment,” hinting that mainstream adoption may be near. For XRP, the alignment of a tightening technical structure and expanding institutional access could be pivotal. Whether it breaks above $1.31 or retests $1.09, one thing is certain that the quiet phase is ending, and a major move may be on the horizon. Conclusion XRP sits at a critical crossroads. Its chart is coiled, with $1.31 as the immediate breakout point and $1.09 looming as a potential reset. At the same time, a macro shift is underway, opening the door to trillions in institutional capital flowing into digital assets. This moment is unusually pivotal. Clearing resistance could free XRP from its cycle of weak rebounds, while a deeper retest might set the stage for a stronger, more sustainable rally. Beyond price action, the bigger story is unfolding. Regulatory clarity is improving, institutional interest is accelerating, and XRP is positioning itself for the next phase of crypto adoption. Its next move won’t just dictate a trend, it could define its role in the evolving financial landscape.

31 Mar 2026, 14:07

New EUR pairs available for margin trading: BNB, W, HYPE, HBAR, JUP!

Margin trading is now available for five new trading pairs: Pair base Pair name Available leverage Long limit Short limit BNB BNB/EUR 3 75 75 W W/EUR 3 5,000,000 0 HYPE HYPE/EUR 3 4,000 4,000 HBAR HBAR/EUR 3 400,000 400,000 JUP JUP/EUR 3 700,000 700,000 Get Started with Kraken Here’s some more information about the tokens: BNB (BNB) is the native token of BNB Chain, a blockchain network developed by Binance. Originally launched as a utility token for the Binance centralised exchange, BNB now powers a broad ecosystem of decentralised applications, DeFi protocols, and NFT platforms. It is used to pay for transaction fees on the network, participate in token launches on Binance Launchpad, and access a wide range of services across the Binance ecosystem. Wormhole (W) is a cross-chain messaging protocol enabling the transfer of assets and data across more than 30 blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche. W is the native governance token of the Wormhole protocol, used for voting on protocol upgrades and network parameters. Wormhole serves as one of the most widely used interoperability layers in decentralised finance, facilitating billions in cross-chain asset transfers. Hyperliquid (HYPE) is the native token of Hyperliquid, a high-performance decentralised exchange built on its own Layer 1 blockchain. The platform specialises in on-chain perpetual futures trading and is known for its fast transaction finality and fully on-chain orderbook model. HYPE is used for staking, governance, and as a fee mechanism within the Hyperliquid ecosystem. Hedera (HBAR) is the native cryptocurrency of the Hedera network, an enterprise-grade public distributed ledger that uses a hashgraph consensus mechanism rather than a traditional blockchain. Hedera offers high throughput and low, predictable transaction fees, making it suitable for enterprise and consumer applications. HBAR is used to pay for network services, run smart contracts, and participate in network security through staking. The network is governed by a council of major global organisations. Jupiter (JUP) is the leading decentralised exchange aggregator on Solana, routing trades across multiple liquidity sources to provide users with the best available prices. JUP is the governance token of the Jupiter protocol, enabling holders to vote on protocol decisions and participate in the platform’s DAO. Jupiter also supports perpetuals trading, limit orders, and dollar-cost averaging functionality. Before you start, what you should know: In order to trade using margin , you will need to hold at least one collateral currency . The availability of margin trading services is subject to certain limitations and eligibility criteria . Margin trading incurs additional fees for opening, closing and holding a position. Learn more about the different rates and fees . Will Kraken offer more pairs on margin? Yes! But our policy is to never reveal any details before launch – not even which pairs we are considering. All of Kraken’s listed margin pairs are available on our website . Our client engagement specialists cannot answer any questions about which pairs we may be listing in the future. Trade with caution There is no guarantee that a limit order will execute. There is no guarantee of margin pool availability at all times. There is also no guarantee of a market order executing at a certain price. The availability and liquidity of the particular digital asset will impact these types of orders. Ready to trade but don’t have a Kraken account yet? Sign up today ! Get Started with Kraken Availability of margin trading services is subject to certain limitations and eligibility criteria . Trading using margin involves an element of risk and may not be suitable for everyone. Read Kraken’s Margin Disclosure Statement to learn more. The post New EUR pairs available for margin trading: BNB, W, HYPE, HBAR, JUP! appeared first on Kraken Blog .

31 Mar 2026, 13:45

Robinhood Lists NEAR Protocol for Spot Trading: A Strategic Expansion for Millions of Users

BitcoinWorld Robinhood Lists NEAR Protocol for Spot Trading: A Strategic Expansion for Millions of Users In a significant move for cryptocurrency accessibility, Robinhood Markets, Inc. announced on March 15, 2025, that it has listed NEAR Protocol (NEAR) for spot trading on its platform. This strategic addition marks another expansion of the popular trading app’s cryptocurrency offerings, potentially exposing the layer-1 blockchain protocol to Robinhood’s extensive user base of over 23 million funded accounts. The listing enables immediate buying, selling, and holding of NEAR tokens alongside traditional stocks and other digital assets. Robinhood NEAR Listing Expands Crypto Portfolio Robinhood’s decision to list NEAR Protocol represents a calculated expansion of its cryptocurrency services. The Menlo Park-based financial services company has gradually increased its digital asset offerings since first introducing cryptocurrency trading in 2018. Consequently, NEAR becomes one of approximately 20 cryptocurrencies available on the platform. This selection includes major assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum alongside other altcoins. The listing process typically involves rigorous security reviews, compliance checks, and technical integration. Furthermore, Robinhood must ensure regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions where it operates. The NEAR listing follows Robinhood’s pattern of adding blockchain protocols with strong developer communities and technological innovation. NEAR Protocol distinguishes itself through several technical features. These include its unique sharding implementation called Nightshade and a user-friendly account model. The platform’s focus on developer accessibility has attracted numerous decentralized applications. Additionally, NEAR’s proof-of-stake consensus mechanism offers environmental benefits compared to proof-of-work systems. Market Impact and Trading Implications The immediate market response to the listing announcement showed measured optimism. Trading volumes for NEAR increased moderately across multiple exchanges following the news. However, the true impact may unfold gradually as Robinhood users discover the new asset. Historically, listings on major retail platforms have provided sustained exposure rather than dramatic price spikes. Robinhood’s user-friendly interface could introduce NEAR to investors who previously found cryptocurrency exchanges intimidating. Several factors make this listing particularly noteworthy. First, Robinhood’s commission-free trading model removes a significant barrier for small investors. Second, the platform’s fractional share capability extends to cryptocurrencies. This means users can purchase fractions of a NEAR token with as little as one dollar. Third, Robinhood integrates educational resources alongside trading features. These resources could help users understand NEAR’s technology and use cases. Regulatory Context and Compliance Framework Robinhood operates within a complex regulatory environment for cryptocurrency services. The company maintains licenses and registrations across multiple U.S. states. These include money transmitter licenses and cryptocurrency-specific approvals. For the NEAR listing, Robinhood likely conducted extensive legal analysis regarding securities classification. The Howey Test framework guides these determinations. Recent regulatory guidance has provided clearer parameters for cryptocurrency listings. The company’s compliance infrastructure includes several key components. Advanced monitoring systems detect suspicious trading patterns. Identity verification processes meet anti-money laundering requirements. Transaction reporting follows Financial Crimes Enforcement Network guidelines. Additionally, Robinhood maintains robust cybersecurity measures to protect user assets. These protections extend to both hot and cold wallet storage solutions. NEAR Protocol Technology and Ecosystem NEAR Protocol represents a third-generation blockchain platform designed for usability and scalability. The network utilizes several innovative technologies. Nightshade sharding divides the blockchain into multiple segments called chunks. These chunks process transactions in parallel, significantly increasing throughput. The system currently handles approximately 100,000 transactions per second in test conditions. This capacity surpasses many competing layer-1 solutions. The platform’s account model simplifies user experience through several features. Human-readable account names replace cryptographic addresses. Users can recover accounts through social connections. Smart contracts pay for their own storage costs through storage staking. These features collectively lower barriers for mainstream adoption. The NEAR ecosystem has grown substantially since its 2020 mainnet launch. Key ecosystem components include: Decentralized Applications: Over 800 dApps across DeFi, gaming, and social sectors Developer Tools: Comprehensive SDKs, testing frameworks, and deployment pipelines Interoperability: Rainbow Bridge connecting to Ethereum and other networks Governance: Community-driven improvement proposals and treasury management Comparative Analysis with Competing Platforms NEAR Protocol competes in the crowded layer-1 blockchain space. Several metrics differentiate it from alternatives. Transaction costs typically range between $0.01 and $0.10, significantly lower than Ethereum during peak periods. Finality times average approximately two seconds, faster than many proof-of-work networks. The platform’s carbon-neutral operations appeal to environmentally conscious investors and developers. Layer-1 Blockchain Comparison (2025 Data) Platform TPS Capacity Avg. Fee Consensus Smart Contracts NEAR Protocol 100,000+ $0.01-$0.10 Proof-of-Stake Rust, AssemblyScript Ethereum 15-45 $1-$50 Proof-of-Stake Solidity, Vyper Solana 65,000 $0.00025 Proof-of-History Rust, C, C++ Avalanche 4,500 $0.05-$0.10 Proof-of-Stake Solidity, Rust Historical Context of Robinhood Crypto Expansion Robinhood’s cryptocurrency journey began cautiously with limited offerings. The company added Bitcoin and Ethereum trading in 2018, followed by gradual expansion. Each new listing followed a similar pattern of regulatory review and technical implementation. The 2021 cryptocurrency market surge accelerated Robinhood’s expansion plans. However, regulatory scrutiny increased simultaneously. Robinhood currently faces ongoing discussions with the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding certain aspects of its cryptocurrency services. The company’s cryptocurrency revenue has become increasingly important financially. Cryptocurrency transaction-based revenues accounted for approximately 38% of total revenues in recent quarters. This percentage has fluctuated with market conditions. The NEAR listing represents part of Robinhood’s strategy to diversify revenue streams beyond equity trading. Additionally, cryptocurrency services help attract younger demographic users to the platform. Conclusion Robinhood’s listing of NEAR Protocol for spot trading represents a significant development for both the platform and the cryptocurrency ecosystem. This strategic addition provides millions of retail investors with simplified access to a prominent layer-1 blockchain protocol. The listing reflects Robinhood’s continued commitment to cryptocurrency services despite regulatory complexities. Furthermore, it demonstrates growing institutional recognition of NEAR Protocol’s technological innovations and ecosystem development. As cryptocurrency adoption progresses, such integrations between traditional finance interfaces and blockchain networks will likely increase. The Robinhood NEAR listing serves as an important milestone in this convergence process. FAQs Q1: What does Robinhood listing NEAR Protocol mean for users? Robinhood users can now buy, sell, and hold NEAR tokens directly through the platform’s interface. This provides simplified access without needing separate cryptocurrency exchange accounts. Q2: Can users transfer NEAR tokens to external wallets from Robinhood? Currently, Robinhood supports cryptocurrency transfers for select assets. The company typically enables external transfers after establishing sufficient security infrastructure for each cryptocurrency. Q3: How does Robinhood ensure the security of cryptocurrency holdings? Robinhood utilizes a combination of hot and cold wallet storage, insurance coverage, and advanced security protocols. Most assets remain in cold storage, disconnected from the internet. Q4: What makes NEAR Protocol different from other cryptocurrencies? NEAR Protocol features unique sharding technology, human-readable accounts, and a developer-friendly environment. The platform focuses on scalability and usability for mainstream adoption. Q5: Are there trading fees for NEAR on Robinhood? Robinhood offers commission-free cryptocurrency trading. The company generates revenue through spread margins and optional subscription services rather than per-trade fees. This post Robinhood Lists NEAR Protocol for Spot Trading: A Strategic Expansion for Millions of Users first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

31 Mar 2026, 13:40

Base Tokenization Strategy: Coinbase’s Layer 2 Network Unveils Ambitious 2025 Roadmap for Independence

BitcoinWorld Base Tokenization Strategy: Coinbase’s Layer 2 Network Unveils Ambitious 2025 Roadmap for Independence San Francisco, March 2025 – Coinbase’s Layer 2 scaling solution, Base, has announced a definitive strategic pivot for the year, centering its development on three core pillars: the tokenization of real-world assets, the expansion of stablecoin payment systems, and a significant bolstering of its developer ecosystem. Furthermore, the network confirmed plans to transition from its current reliance on the Optimism OP Stack to a proprietary, in-house infrastructure layer. This move aims to enhance both the network’s operational independence and its long-term scalability, marking a pivotal evolution for one of the cryptocurrency sector’s most prominent Layer 2 platforms. Base Tokenization Initiative Aims to Bridge Digital and Physical Assets The primary focus for Base in 2025 is the acceleration of asset tokenization. Tokenization refers to the process of converting rights to a physical or financial asset into a digital token on a blockchain. Consequently, this initiative positions Base not just as a scaling solution for Ethereum but as a foundational layer for a new generation of financial instruments. The network will prioritize creating the technical and regulatory frameworks necessary for tokenizing diverse assets. These assets include real estate, private equity, and government bonds. Industry analysts view this as a logical progression. For instance, the global tokenized assets market is projected to reach trillions of dollars in value by 2030. Base’s integration with Coinbase’s regulated ecosystem provides a unique advantage. It offers a potentially compliant on-ramp for institutional capital. The network’s low transaction fees and high throughput are critical technical prerequisites for handling high-volume, fractionalized asset trading. Stablecoin Payments and Developer Ecosystem Expansion Parallel to its tokenization drive, Base will heavily invest in stabilizing and expanding its payment corridors. The network plans to deepen integrations with major dollar-pegged stablecoins like USDC, which is issued by Circle, a company co-founded by Coinbase. This focus aims to make Base a premier network for fast, low-cost, cross-border settlements and everyday commerce. Simultaneously, Base is committing substantial resources to grow its developer community. This expansion involves several key initiatives: Enhanced Grant Programs: Increasing funding for projects building decentralized applications (dApps) focused on finance and social utility. Superior Tooling: Releasing more robust software development kits (SDKs) and application programming interfaces (APIs). Educational Resources: Expanding documentation and hosting global hackathons to onboard new talent. A thriving developer base is essential for creating the applications that will leverage Base’s new tokenization and payment features. Therefore, this ecosystem growth is not a secondary goal but a fundamental requirement for the network’s overall strategy. The Infrastructure Transition: From OP Stack to Independence The most technically significant announcement is Base’s planned architectural transition. Since its launch, Base has operated as a Layer 2 chain using the OP Stack, the open-source development stack powering the Optimism network. This provided a fast launchpad. However, the roadmap now calls for migrating to a proprietary, Base-controlled infrastructure stack. This strategic shift serves two primary purposes. First, it grants Base greater independence in its development cycle and governance decisions. Second, it allows engineers to optimize the underlying code specifically for Base’s unique needs, particularly the high-throughput demands of tokenized asset markets and micropayments. The transition will be gradual, ensuring network stability and minimizing disruption for existing users and applications. The following table outlines the key differences between the current and proposed future states: Aspect Current State (OP Stack) Future State (Base Stack) Development Control Shared roadmap with Optimism Collective Autonomous, Base-led roadmap Technical Optimization Generalized for multiple chains Specialized for tokenization & payments Sequencer Revenue Shared mechanism Fully retained by Base ecosystem Upgrade Timing Tied to broader OP Stack releases Determined by Base’s internal priorities Market Context and Competitive Landscape Base’s 2025 roadmap arrives during a period of intense competition within the Layer 2 blockchain sector. Networks like Arbitrum, Polygon, and Starknet are also aggressively pursuing market share in decentralized finance and scaling solutions. By focusing on tokenization, Base is carving a distinct niche. This niche leverages the regulatory familiarity and institutional trust associated with its parent company, Coinbase. Moreover, the decision to build independent infrastructure mirrors a broader industry trend toward specialization. As the market matures, generic scaling solutions face pressure from chains optimized for specific verticals like gaming, social media, or, in Base’s case, tokenized finance. This specialization could prove to be a key differentiator in attracting dedicated developer communities and targeted user bases. Conclusion Base’s 2025 strategy represents a maturation from a general-purpose scaling layer to a specialized blockchain for the future of tokenized finance. By concentrating on tokenization , stablecoin payments, and developer growth while building its own infrastructure, Base is positioning itself for long-term independence and relevance. The success of this ambitious plan will depend on execution, regulatory developments, and adoption by both institutions and developers. Ultimately, it signals a significant step toward integrating blockchain technology with the broader global financial system. FAQs Q1: What exactly is asset tokenization on Base? Asset tokenization on Base involves creating digital tokens on the blockchain that represent ownership of real-world assets like real estate, art, or company shares. This process aims to make these assets more liquid, divisible, and easier to trade globally. Q2: Why is Base moving away from the OP Stack? Base is transitioning to its own infrastructure stack to gain greater control over its development, optimize its technology specifically for tokenization and payments, and retain all revenue from its network operations, thereby enhancing its long-term scalability and independence. Q3: How will this affect existing apps and users on Base? The network has stated the transition will be gradual and designed to minimize disruption. Developers and users should experience no service interruptions. The core goal is to improve performance and capability behind the scenes. Q4: What role will USDC play on Base? USDC, a regulated dollar stablecoin, is expected to be the primary medium of exchange and settlement for tokenized assets and payments on Base. Its integration is crucial for providing price stability and regulatory clarity. Q5: How does Base’s focus compare to other Layer 2 networks? While many Layer 2s compete on general transaction speed and cost, Base is differentiating itself by specializing in the vertical of real-world asset tokenization and institutional-grade payments, leveraging its connection to Coinbase’s regulated ecosystem. This post Base Tokenization Strategy: Coinbase’s Layer 2 Network Unveils Ambitious 2025 Roadmap for Independence first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

31 Mar 2026, 13:32

Encrypt Is Coming to Solana to Power Encrypted Capital Markets

BitcoinWorld Encrypt Is Coming to Solana to Power Encrypted Capital Markets Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, March 31st, 2026, Chainwire Encrypt brings FHE to Solana to enable fast, fully confidential, and composable applications on Solana Encrypt is coming to Solana with a clear vision: Encrypted Capital Markets. Solana is the number one ecosystem for blockchain developers and the most used blockchain in the world. It is where the fastest teams ship, where breakout consumer products launch, and where Internet Capital Markets are being built in real time. Encrypt introduces a new cryptographic capability to the Solana ecosystem: Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE). This enables developers and institutions to build applications that can perform computations directly on encrypted data. In practical terms, this allows data to remain private while application logic is executed onchain. With Encrypt, developers and institutions are building high-performance financial applications on Solana, can add native cryptographic privacy to those applications natively. These may include use cases such as trading venues, lending markets, auctions, prediction markets, and other application categories that previously faced difficulties on public blockchains due to privacy limitations. Encrypted Capital Markets Blockchains are recognized for their composability, though they have historically faced limitations in supporting data privacy. Most existing approaches to onchain privacy force tradeoffs. Some rely on trusted operators or specialized hardware, others can hide information for a single user, but do not allow applications shared by multiple users to be confidential, and some sacrifice composability between applications. Additionally, many privacy systems are simply too slow or too limited for real financial applications. Encrypt changes that model by bringing FHE to Solana. FHE is a breakthrough cryptographic primitive that allows computation to happen on encrypted data without decrypting it first. Instead of exposing balances, positions, orders, or application state to the public, developers can build programs where sensitive information remains encrypted throughout execution. This opens the door to a new design space for Solana builders: financial applications that are fast, composable and confidential by default. Confidential trading, hidden liquidity, private collateral, sealed-bid auctions, private prediction markets, encrypted strategy vaults, FHE-TLS application with confidential and verifiable read/write API calls, and other privacy-preserving applications can now be built in a way that feels native to Solana’s execution environment. “Solana already has the performance, developer energy, and market structure to become the home of the next generation of onchain finance,” said Dolev Mutzari, Co-Founder of Encrypt. “Encrypt adds a missing primitive: the ability to build applications that keep sensitive data encrypted while still running on a public blockchain. That is what Encrypted Capital Markets means.” A New Primitive for Solana Developers At the core of Encrypt is a developer platform that allows teams to write encrypted Solana programs. Instead of treating privacy as a bolt-on feature, Encrypt makes confidentiality part of the application itself. Developers and institutions can build programs that operate on encrypted inputs and encrypted state, while preserving the composability and programmability that make Solana powerful. For users, that means public blockchains no longer need to mean fully public financial behavior. For developers, it means entirely new product categories become practical on Solana: markets with hidden intent, lending systems with confidential positions, marketplaces with sealed bidding, and applications where privacy is part of the user experience rather than a compromise. For institutions, it removes one of the biggest barriers to adoption, allowing the institution to enjoy the benefits of a public, permissionless and composable blockchain, without having to share or reveal sensitive data. Just as importantly, Encrypt is designed for real applications, not just demos. Its architecture is built to make confidential execution practical for the kinds of high-throughput, low-latency composable environments that modern onchain markets require. Why It Matters Today, much of crypto finance still assumes that every action, position, and strategy must be visible by default. That transparency has benefits, but it also creates clear limitations. Traders expose intent before execution. Liquidity providers reveal positions. Institutions face barriers to participating in public markets where every move is immediately visible. And many applications that require confidential shared state simply cannot exist in a fully transparent environment. Encrypt gives Solana builders a way to overcome those limits without sacrificing the openness and composability of public blockchains. That is the foundation for Encrypted Capital Markets: a world where sensitive financial logic can move onchain without forcing users, institutions, and applications to reveal everything in public. “Solana has already proven that markets can move onchain,” said David Lachmish, Co-Founder of Encrypt. “The next frontier is cryptographic guarantees for private state on a public blockchain, and Encrypt brings FHE to Solana to make confidentiality a native building block for composable applications.” With Encrypt, Solana can support a future where markets are still onchain, programmable, and globally accessible, but where confidentiality becomes part of the infrastructure. Encrypt will be live on Solana devnet in early Q2, and will launch on mainnet later this year. About Encrypt Encrypt is building the infrastructure for Encrypted Capital Markets on Solana. By bringing Fully Homomorphic Encryption to the Solana Virtual Machine, Encrypt enables developers to build applications that compute on encrypted data directly onchain, unlocking a new generation of confidential DeFi, markets, and financial applications. Encrypt is built by the team behind Ika, and uses Ika as infrastructure on Solana as part of its broader vision for next-generation onchain financial systems. Users can learn more here . Contact Encrypt [email protected] This post Encrypt Is Coming to Solana to Power Encrypted Capital Markets first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

31 Mar 2026, 13:19

Google says a quantum attack on Bitcoin could take 9 minutes with a 41% success rate

Google’s Quantum AI team has proved that a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could derive a Bitcoin ( BTC ) wallet’s private key in approximately nine minutes, fast enough to intercept and redirect a transaction before it is confirmed on the blockchain in an estimated 41% of cases. Quantum computers’ attack speed vs network variance: Source: Google The research , published as a whitepaper co-authored with the Ethereum Foundation and Stanford University, estimates that cracking the elliptic curve cryptography protecting Bitcoin wallets may require fewer than 500,000 physical qubits, a roughly 20-fold reduction from prior published estimates. The researchers determined that a quantum attacker could extract a victim’s public key from the network’s mempool and apply Shor’s algorithm to derive the corresponding private key. Given Bitcoin’s average block confirmation time of approximately 10 minutes, a 9-minute quantum derivation window creates an overlap during which an attacker could complete the process before a transaction is finalised. As such, the Google research team urged the Bitcoin network to migrate from its Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) before the end of this decade. Bitcoin quantum computing attack worsened by Taproot upgrade Reportedly, about 6.9 million BTCs, currently valued at $466 billion, are held in wallets whose public keys are already permanently visible on-chain. The Bitcoin Taproot upgrade, activated in November 2021, may have increased this exposure by making more public keys visible on-chain. While Taproot improved transaction efficiency and privacy through Schnorr signatures, it implemented a structure in which public keys are made visible on-chain by default, increasing the number of wallets whose public keys are visible and potentially making more wallets vulnerable than in legacy formats. What’s the reaction of BTC users? The revelation of an imminent threat to the Bitcoin network from quantum computing attacks elicited different responses. For instance, Justin Drake, a Bitcoin security researcher, urged the community to start preparing for post-quantum encryption. “There’s at least a 10% chance that by 2032, a quantum computer could recover a secp256k1 ECDSA private key from an exposed public key. While a cryptographically-relevant quantum computer (CRQC) before 2030 still feels unlikely, now is undoubtedly the time to start preparing,” Drake stated . Charles Guillemet, CTO of Ledger, highlighted that the Bitcoin community has the cryptographic tools required for a post-quantum migration but must act promptly, warning that the network’s long-term security model is under increasing scrutiny as the threat timeline shortens. ​ The post Google says a quantum attack on Bitcoin could take 9 minutes with a 41% success rate appeared first on Finbold .