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27 Mar 2026, 10:55
Ethereum Foundation Sets 2029 Target for L1 Quantum Upgrade
The Ethereum Foundation launched pq.ethereum.org on 24 March 2026, a public hub consolidating post-quantum research, EIPs, and a technical roadmap. The Foundation projects core Layer 1 protocol upgrades could be complete by 2029.
27 Mar 2026, 10:30
Upbit Announces Crucial ATOM Suspension for Major Cosmos Network Upgrade
BitcoinWorld Upbit Announces Crucial ATOM Suspension for Major Cosmos Network Upgrade SEOUL, South Korea – In a significant operational update, leading South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Upbit has announced a temporary suspension of all deposit and withdrawal services for the Cosmos (ATOM) token. This crucial maintenance window begins precisely at 9:00 a.m. UTC on April 1, 2025, to facilitate the blockchain’s scheduled network upgrade. Consequently, traders and investors must prepare for this planned service interruption. Upbit ATOM Suspension Details and Timeline Upbit formally notified its user base about the impending ATOM service pause. The exchange will halt all inbound and outbound ATOM transactions starting at the specified time. However, trading of ATOM against Korean Won (KRW) and other paired cryptocurrencies will continue uninterrupted on the platform. This distinction is vital for active traders. The suspension specifically affects the movement of tokens on and off the exchange. Therefore, users cannot deposit ATOM from external wallets or withdraw their holdings to private wallets during this period. Network upgrades, often called hard forks or chain upgrades, require coordinated action from all network participants. Exchanges like Upbit must pause services to ensure wallet software compatibility and to safeguard user funds during the transition. This proactive measure prevents transaction failures or potential loss. The Cosmos development team typically announces upgrade parameters weeks in advance, allowing exchanges ample preparation time. Understanding the Cosmos Network Upgrade The Cosmos network, frequently dubbed the “Internet of Blockchains,” undergoes periodic upgrades to enhance functionality, security, and performance. These upgrades are community-governed proposals that ATOM stakeholders vote on before implementation. The upcoming upgrade likely includes protocol improvements, new module integrations, or critical security patches. Cosmos utilizes the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol, making seamless upgrades essential for the entire ecosystem’s interoperability. Historically, Cosmos upgrades have introduced features like liquid staking, improved governance mechanics, and enhanced validator security. Each upgrade aims to strengthen the network’s position as a leading hub for connecting independent blockchains. The temporary suspension by Upbit reflects standard industry practice for handling such events. Major global exchanges follow similar protocols during blockchain maintenance. Expert Analysis on Exchange Protocol During Upgrades Industry analysts consistently emphasize the importance of exchange diligence during network upgrades. “A temporary suspension of deposits and withdrawals is the hallmark of a responsible exchange,” notes blockchain infrastructure expert, Dr. Lena Cho. “It eliminates the risk of users sending transactions to an outdated chain version, which could result in permanent fund loss. Upbit’s clear communication and defined timeline align with global best practices for asset security.” This operational pause allows Upbit’s technical team to complete several critical tasks. First, they must update the exchange’s internal node software to the latest Cosmos chain version. Next, they perform comprehensive testing to ensure the new wallet infrastructure operates flawlessly. Finally, they conduct a security audit before reopening services. This meticulous process, while causing temporary inconvenience, fundamentally protects user assets. Practical Impact on Traders and Investors The immediate effect of this announcement is straightforward. Any user planning to move ATOM tokens should complete their transactions before 9:00 a.m. UTC on April 1. Furthermore, users expecting ATOM deposits from external sources should inform senders about the suspension window to avoid delayed transactions. The table below summarizes key actions for Upbit users: User Action Recommendation Before April 1 Planned Withdrawals Execute all ATOM withdrawals to private wallets before the deadline. Planned Deposits Send ATOM to your Upbit deposit address well in advance. Active Trading No action needed; KRW and crypto trading pairs remain active. Staking via Upbit Check if staking rewards will accrue during the suspension; they typically do. Market volatility around upgrade events is common. Some traders might liquidate positions to avoid being locked in, while others may see it as a buying opportunity. However, Upbit’s continued trading service allows market sentiment to be expressed freely. The exchange has a strong track record of promptly resuming services post-upgrade, often within hours of the network confirming stability. Broader Context of Crypto Exchange Maintenance Upbit’s announcement is not an isolated event. Global exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken regularly issue similar notices for various blockchain networks. These maintenance periods ensure the secure integration of new features like Ethereum’s Dencun upgrade or Bitcoin’s Taproot activation. The cryptocurrency industry has matured to view these planned suspensions as routine operational hygiene, akin to traditional banking system updates. South Korea’s regulatory environment also influences exchange behavior. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) mandates strict user protection measures. Upbit’s transparent communication and controlled maintenance window demonstrate compliance with these regulations. This approach builds trust with its user base and regulators alike. Other Korean exchanges, such as Bithumb and Korbit, typically announce parallel suspensions for the same network upgrades, creating a unified national market response. Technical Safeguards and User Security During the suspension, Upbit employs several technical safeguards. The exchange isolates its ATOM wallets from the live network to prevent any accidental broadcast of transactions. Engineers monitor the Cosmos network’s upgrade progress in real-time, often through dedicated communication channels with the project’s developers. Once the upgrade is finalized and the network reaches a predetermined block height with stability, Upbit begins its internal verification process. Users should be aware of increased phishing attempts during such announcements. Scammers may send fake emails pretending to be from Upbit, requesting private keys or funds for “upgrade verification.” Upbit will never ask for passwords, private keys, or two-factor authentication codes. Official communications only come through the exchange’s verified website and announcement board. Conclusion Upbit’s temporary suspension of ATOM deposits and withdrawals represents a standard, security-first procedure for the upcoming Cosmos network upgrade. This planned maintenance protects user funds and ensures seamless integration with the upgraded blockchain. Traders should plan their ATOM movements accordingly before April 1. The event underscores the mature, procedural nature of major cryptocurrency exchanges in managing complex blockchain evolution. Consequently, this operational pause highlights the industry’s continued commitment to security and reliability for all participants. FAQs Q1: Can I still trade ATOM on Upbit during the suspension? A1: Yes. The suspension only affects deposits and withdrawals. Trading ATOM against KRW and other cryptocurrencies on the Upbit platform will continue without interruption. Q2: How long will the ATOM deposit and withdrawal suspension last? A2: Upbit has not announced a specific end time. Suspensions typically last until the network upgrade is stable and the exchange completes its internal testing, often ranging from a few hours to a full day. Users should monitor Upbit’s official announcements for the resumption notice. Q3: What happens if I send ATOM to my Upbit deposit address during the suspension? A3: Transactions sent to the blockchain during the suspension will not be credited to your Upbit account immediately. The funds will likely be credited once deposits are re-enabled and the exchange’s nodes have fully synced with the upgraded chain, but delays are possible. It is strongly advised to avoid sending deposits during the maintenance window. Q4: Will staking rewards for ATOM on Upbit be affected? A4: Typically, staking rewards continue to accrue on the blockchain itself during an upgrade. Since Upbit pools user assets for staking, rewards should not be impacted by the temporary service suspension. However, the distribution of rewards to user accounts might experience a brief delay until services fully resume. Q5: Are other Korean exchanges also suspending ATOM services? A5: It is highly probable. Major exchanges globally, and especially within the same regulatory jurisdiction like South Korea, usually coordinate for network upgrades. Users should check announcements from Bithumb, Korbit, and other platforms they use for official confirmation regarding ATOM service status. This post Upbit Announces Crucial ATOM Suspension for Major Cosmos Network Upgrade first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
27 Mar 2026, 10:06
Aave Labs Plots Sweeping Shift To Direct Protocol Revenue To DAO Treasury
Aave Labs aims to redirect all protocol revenue to the Aave DAO treasury. The proposal requests operational funding and includes strict accountability measures for grants. Continue Reading: Aave Labs Plots Sweeping Shift To Direct Protocol Revenue To DAO Treasury The post Aave Labs Plots Sweeping Shift To Direct Protocol Revenue To DAO Treasury appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
27 Mar 2026, 09:44
BlackRock Tokenized BUIDL Fund Adds Chronicle Verification Layer
BlackRock BUIDL fund, the largest crypto tokenized onchain Treasuries vehicle with approximately $1.7 billion in assets under management, has added oracle provider Chronicle Protocol as a new verification layer, the two parties announced Tuesday. This is a structural attestation layer designed to give institutional allocators and DeFi protocols independently verifiable, real-time proof of what backs BUIDL’s tokens. The move signals that tokenized RWA infrastructure is converging on auditable, machine-readable transparency as a baseline requirement, not a differentiator. Chronicle’s Proof of Asset system will source holdings-level data directly from BUIDL’s custodians and administrators, publishing continuous on-chain attestations covering the fund’s valuation, asset composition, custody verification, and data freshness. The Chronicle Dashboard makes those attestations publicly viewable in real time. Key Takeaways: Verification Layer: Chronicle’s Proof of Asset will provide continuously updated, independently verified holdings data for BUIDL , covering valuation, composition, custody, and asset existence — viewable on the Chronicle Dashboard. Institutional Context: Chronicle’s Proof of Asset currently secures approximately $5 billion in total value across funds including Janus Henderson’s Anemoy Treasury Fund and Superstate’s USTB. Market Signal: The integration by BlackRock and Securitize establishes a transparency benchmark for institutional-grade tokenized funds targeting DeFi and TradFi composability. Discover: The best crypto presales gaining institutional momentum right now What Chronicle Actually Adds to Blackrock BUIDL Crypto Architecture Chronicle’s integration replaces a core trust assumption in tokenized fund infrastructure with a cryptographically secured, continuous data feed. Previously, investors holding BUIDL tokens had to rely on periodic disclosures from Securitize and BlackRock to understand what backed their position. Chronicle Proof of Asset changes that by sourcing data directly from custodians, including BNY Mellon, and publishing tamper-evident attestations on-chain in near real time. We've integrated @ChronicleLabs as the Proof of Asset verification layer for the BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL). This unlocks deeper onchain utility for BUIDL's $2.1B in assets, enabling protocols to integrate with confidence. pic.twitter.com/S2f9Y3SICF — Securitize (@Securitize) March 26, 2026 The system provides what Niklas Kunkel, Chronicle’s founder, describes as an “integrity layer” delivering “more granular and transparent data” across four dimensions: valuation inputs, holdings composition, custody confirmation, and asset existence. Daily NAV calculations and specific Treasury holdings verification flow through a 24/7 public audit trail consumable by both smart contracts and human auditors. Securitize CEO Carlos Domingo put the operational logic plainly: “Tokenization becomes meaningful when investors and protocols can independently verify what’s actually backing the product.” That framing matters, it positions Chronicle not as an analytics add-on but as a prerequisite for BUIDL’s broader DeFi composability. Robert Mitchnick, BlackRock’s head of digital assets, confirmed the strategic intent: “Data oracles are a critical layer of market infrastructure for tokenized assets… We’re excited by Chronicle’s ability to unlock this for platforms and allocators seeking BUIDL fund data on-chain, strengthening confidence and transparency around tokenized assets.” That statement frames oracles as infrastructure, not feature. That distinction matters for how the market prices verification capability going forward. Chronicle is not entering this space without a track record. Its Proof of Asset system already secures approximately $8 billion in total value, covering funds including the Janus Henderson Anemoy Treasury Fund and Superstate’s Short Duration US Government Securities Fund. Securitize has also deployed Chronicle verification for its Tokenized AAA CLO Fund. BUIDL is the largest mandate yet — and the most visible. Discover: The best crypto to diversify your portfolio with The post BlackRock Tokenized BUIDL Fund Adds Chronicle Verification Layer appeared first on Cryptonews .
27 Mar 2026, 09:25
Bithumb ATOM Suspension: Essential Guide to the Critical Cosmos Network Upgrade
BitcoinWorld Bithumb ATOM Suspension: Essential Guide to the Critical Cosmos Network Upgrade SEOUL, South Korea – March 31, 2025 – Bithumb, a leading South Korean cryptocurrency exchange, has announced a critical temporary suspension of all deposit and withdrawal services for Cosmos (ATOM). This essential maintenance window begins precisely at 9:00 a.m. UTC on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The suspension directly supports a significant network upgrade for the Cosmos blockchain ecosystem. Consequently, all ATOM traders and holders on the Bithumb platform must prepare for this planned service interruption. Bithumb ATOM Suspension: Timeline and Operational Details The Bithumb ATOM suspension represents a standard yet crucial procedure for blockchain infrastructure. Exchanges globally routinely implement these temporary halts during network upgrades. This practice ensures user asset security and prevents transaction failures. The suspension affects only ATOM deposits and withdrawals. Importantly, trading of ATOM against other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) or Korean Won (KRW) will continue uninterrupted on the Bithumb order books. Users can still place, modify, and cancel ATOM trading orders during this period. However, they cannot move tokens onto or off of the Bithumb platform. The exchange has not specified an exact end time for the maintenance. Typically, such upgrades require several hours. Bithumb advises users to monitor its official announcements for the resumption notice. This proactive communication aligns with industry best practices for transparency. Understanding the Cosmos Network Upgrade The Cosmos network, often called the “Internet of Blockchains,” undergoes periodic upgrades to enhance functionality, security, and performance. These upgrades, achieved through on-chain governance proposals, require validator consensus. Exchanges like Bithumb must pause services to synchronize their nodes with the new protocol. This specific upgrade likely involves key improvements to the Cosmos Hub, the central blockchain in the ecosystem. Potential upgrade focuses include: Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) Protocol Enhancements: Improving the core technology that allows independent blockchains to transfer assets and data. Validator Security Updates: Implementing new slashing conditions or staking mechanics to strengthen network consensus. Governance Module Improvements: Streamlining the proposal and voting process for the decentralized community. Performance Optimizations: Increasing transaction throughput or reducing finality times for better user experience. Network upgrades are vital for long-term blockchain health and competitiveness. They demonstrate active development and community stewardship. The Cosmos ecosystem has a strong track record of successful upgrades, minimizing disruption for end-users. Expert Analysis on Exchange Protocol Compliance Industry analysts consistently highlight the necessity of exchange maintenance during blockchain upgrades. “When a foundational layer-1 protocol like Cosmos upgrades, all services built on it must follow suit,” explains a blockchain infrastructure report from CoinMetrics. Exchanges operate full nodes that validate transactions according to network rules. A node running outdated software would reject valid transactions from the upgraded chain, causing funds to be lost or stuck. Bithumb’s announcement follows a clear pattern observed across major exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken. These platforms routinely publish similar notices for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other asset upgrades. The standardized process involves: Phase Exchange Action User Impact Pre-Announcement Exchange monitors blockchain governance forums and developer channels. None. Official Notice Exchange publishes suspension timeline, as Bithumb has done. Users are informed to plan transactions. Suspension Window Exchange halts deposits/withdrawals, upgrades its node software, and tests connectivity. External ATOM transfers are paused. Resumption Exchange re-enables services after confirming network stability. Full functionality restored. This methodical approach prioritizes fund safety over convenience. It prevents the chaos that could ensue if users sent tokens during a chain split or consensus change. Practical Impacts and User Recommendations For the average Bithumb user holding or trading ATOM, the immediate impact is manageable but requires attention. Users planning to deposit ATOM from an external wallet for trading should complete that transaction before 9:00 a.m. UTC on April 1. Similarly, users wanting to withdraw ATOM to a private wallet for staking or other uses must initiate the withdrawal before the deadline. Transactions already in progress at the suspension time may be delayed until services resume. Bithumb assures users that all funds remain secure in cold and hot wallet storage during maintenance. The suspension affects network connectivity, not account balances. Users should beware of phishing attempts that often spike around such announcements. Official communications will only come from Bithumb’s verified website and social media channels. No legitimate exchange will ever ask for private keys or passwords via email or direct message. This event also highlights the importance of understanding blockchain fundamentals. Cosmos utilizes a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. Therefore, ATOM holders who stake their tokens directly through a validator continue to earn staking rewards during the upgrade. Only the transferability of tokens is temporarily restricted on the exchange. This distinction between network operation and exchange service is crucial for informed participation in the crypto economy. Historical Context and Market Implications Temporary suspensions for upgrades rarely cause significant long-term market impacts. Historical data from previous Cosmos upgrades and similar events for other assets show a typical pattern. Short-term price volatility may occur due to reduced liquidity from paused withdrawals. However, prices usually stabilize quickly after services resume, especially for a fundamental upgrade that improves the network. The Cosmos ecosystem has grown substantially since its launch. Its IBC protocol has connected over 50 independent blockchains, facilitating billions in cross-chain value transfer. Each successful upgrade strengthens this position. For Bithumb, handling this process smoothly reinforces its reputation as a reliable and compliant exchange in the competitive South Korean and global markets. South Korea maintains strict digital asset regulations, and exchanges must demonstrate operational rigor. Conclusion The Bithumb ATOM suspension on April 1, 2025, is a standard, safety-focused operational procedure. It enables the exchange to securely support the latest Cosmos network upgrade. Users should plan their ATOM transfers accordingly and rely only on official channels for updates. This event underscores the evolving and maturing nature of blockchain infrastructure, where planned maintenance is a sign of proactive development rather than dysfunction. The seamless execution of such upgrades is essential for the continued growth and stability of the entire cryptocurrency sector. FAQs Q1: Can I still trade ATOM on Bithumb during the suspension? Yes. The Bithumb ATOM suspension applies only to deposits and withdrawals. Trading ATOM on the Bithumb spot markets will continue as normal throughout the maintenance period. Q2: How long will the ATOM deposit and withdrawal suspension last? Bithumb has not announced a specific end time. The duration depends on the complexity of the Cosmos network upgrade and subsequent testing. Similar upgrades typically take several hours. Users should monitor Bithumb’s official announcement page for the resumption notice. Q3: Are my ATOM tokens safe on Bithumb during this time? Yes. The suspension is a network connectivity measure. All user funds remain securely stored in Bithumb’s custody systems. The temporary halt prevents transactions from being broadcast to a changing network, which is a standard security practice. Q4: What happens if I try to deposit ATOM to Bithumb after the suspension starts? The transaction may not be credited to your Bithumb account immediately. It could be delayed until after the upgrade is complete and services resume. The safest action is to complete all deposits before the 9:00 a.m. UTC deadline on April 1. Q5: Does this affect ATOM staking rewards? If you stake ATOM directly on the Cosmos network through a validator, your staking rewards are unaffected. The upgrade occurs at the protocol level. If your ATOM is simply held on Bithumb (not staked through their service or elsewhere), it does not earn staking rewards regardless of the maintenance. This post Bithumb ATOM Suspension: Essential Guide to the Critical Cosmos Network Upgrade first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
27 Mar 2026, 07:54
Startale Group Raises $63 Million Series A Backed by SBI and Sony
Startale Group has closed a $63 million Series A backed by SBI Group and Sony Innovation Fund, positioning the Web3 infrastructure company at the center of Japan’s institutional push into tokenized securities and stablecoin rails. A Japanese mega-bank and a global entertainment conglomerate writing nine-figure checks into a single Web3 infrastructure stack is not a coincidence. It is a capital concentration signal. Key Takeaways: Round Size: Startale closed a $63 million Series A in two tranches — a $13 million first close from Sony Innovation Fund and a $50 million second close from SBI Group. Lead Investors: SBI Group, one of Japan’s largest financial conglomerates with access to over 80 million customers , anchored the round alongside Sony, with whom Startale co-developed Ethereum Layer 2 Soneium . Strategic Context: Capital goes directly toward scaling Strium (a Layer 1 for tokenized securities), expanding JPYSC and USDSC stablecoins, and building a consumer SuperApp — a full-stack institutional and retail Web3 infrastructure play. Discover: The best crypto presales gaining institutional momentum right now The Deal: SBI’s $50 Million Bet on Onchain Finance SBI Group’s $50 million second close is the dominant force in this round. SBI is not a passive financial sponsor, it is a strategic co-builder. LATEST: Startale has closed a $63 million Series A backed by SBI Group and Sony Innovation Fund to scale its blockchain, stablecoin and consumer app operations in Japan. pic.twitter.com/cvq2OOI0SV — CoinMarketCap (@CoinMarketCap) March 26, 2026 The two companies have already shipped Strium, a Layer 1 blockchain built specifically for tokenized securities and real-world asset trading, and JPYSC, described as the first trust bank-backed Japanese yen stablecoin. SBI Chairman Yoshitaka Kitao said Startale “possesses extensive expertise in the field of on-chain integration and offers capabilities that complement those of the SBI Group,” framing the investment as vertical integration in digital finance rather than a passive bet. Startale also unveiled USDSC, a dollar-pegged stablecoin designed to enable fiat-to-crypto integration, onchain dividends, and yield distribution for both retail and institutional users. Sony’s $13 million first close, announced previously, originated from the companies’ existing collaboration on Soneium — Sony’s Ethereum Layer 2 — developed through Sony Block Solutions Labs. Fresh capital will also fund an upgrade of the Startale App into a SuperApp running on Soneium, integrating tokenized assets, stablecoins, payments, Mini Apps, and social features into a single consumer interface. CEO Sota Watanabe said the round “reflects the strong conviction our partners have in the vision we are building,” adding that the SBI collaboration will “accelerate the adoption of tokenized stocks, centered on Japanese equities and JPY stablecoin, this year.” Discover: The best crypto to diversify your portfolio with The Signal: Institutional Capital Finds Its Layer This is not a DeFi protocol raise. This is infrastructure. The capital is targeting the settlement layer — the part of the crypto stack that processes tokenized equities, stablecoin transfers, and RWA trades at institutional scale. That is precisely where institutional demand is concentrating across global crypto markets right now. SBI’s distribution network of over 80 million customers gives Strium and JPYSC a deployment path that most Web3 infrastructure projects cannot access in a decade of organic growth. The Sony angle is equally deliberate. Soneium gives Startale a live Ethereum Layer 2 with a global entertainment brand attached, a consumer distribution wedge for a product suite that would otherwise struggle to cross the mainstream threshold. The SuperApp model collapses the distance between a retail user and onchain asset management. That matters for adoption velocity. Sony Innovation Fund has invested an additional $13 million in Startale Group, marking the first tranche of its Series A round. Startale is the co-developer of the Soneium blockchain. Previously, it received $3.5 million in seed funding from Sony in 2023 and a $3.5 million seed… — Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) January 29, 2026 Regulatory tailwinds are real. Japan has moved faster than most jurisdictions on stablecoin legislation, and the broader regulatory framework supporting institutional crypto participation is maturing across major markets. Startale is building into that window. Discover: The best crypto presales gaining institutional momentum right now The post Startale Group Raises $63 Million Series A Backed by SBI and Sony appeared first on Cryptonews .
