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21 May 2026, 15:30

Analyst Says Solana And XRP Investors Are In Trouble, What’s Going On?

Crypto analyst Merlijn has delivered “bad news” to Solana and XRP investors, with Goldman Sachs offloading their exposure to these coins. The analyst highlighted this as a conviction statement as the top U.S. bank held on to its Bitcoin and Ethereum exposure. Analyst Delivers Bad News To Solana And XRP Holders In an X post , Merlijn called Goldman Sachs move to sell its Solana and XRP ETF holdings as bad news for investors in these coins. He stated that the U.S. bank just separated the winners from the losers, seeing as it held on to its Bitcoin and Ethereum exposure. The analyst added that this is not a market signal but a conviction statement. However, it is worth noting that Goldman Sachs trimmed its Bitcoin and Ethereum exposure alongside selling its Solana and XRP ETF holdings. The bank cut its holdings in BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF by almost 70% and now holds just over $100 million in the ETF shares. The bank’s Bitcoin exposure through BTC ETFs has dropped to just under $700 million. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs was among the largest XRP ETF holders among institutional investors, holding a $153 million position across four funds. At the same time, the bank’s Solana position was over $100 million held across SOL ETFs. The move to sell their holdings in the first quarter of this year came amid the crypto market downtrend, with these coins recording notable declines. XRP is currently down over 26% year-to-date (YTD) while Solana is down over 30% as the bear market persists. Bitcoin and Ethereum are also down 10% and 28%, respectively. Interestingly, Goldman Sachs initiated a new position in HYPE treasury firm Hyperliquid Strategies , gaining exposure to the Perp DEX token, which is up over 120% YTD and is the best-performing asset among the top 10 crypto assets. XRP Demand Not Concentrated In One Firm Crypto pundit X Finance Bull noted that XRP ETF flows remain positive despite Goldman Sachs, the largest institutional holder, selling its position. He declared that this means demand is not concentrated in one firm but distributed across multiple institutional buyers who continued to accumulate as the U.S. bank exited. The pundit also highlighted how the XRP ETFs have outperformed the Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, which he noted continue to see significant outflows. SoSoValue data shows that the BTC ETFs have recorded a monthly outflow of $800 million so far this month. The Ethereum ETFs are also in the red this month, with a $260 million outflow. Meanwhile, the XRP ETFs have taken in almost $100 million this month, while the Solana ETFs are outperforming with an inflow of $103 million. X Finance Bull stated that the XRP ETFs’ positive flows are a sign that a floor is being built by a broader base of institutional capital rather than by a single bank.

21 May 2026, 15:30

Bitget Doubles Down on Youth Skills: Funds Financial Literacy and AI for UNICEF Coalition

Bitget has extended its support for UNICEF’s Game Changers Coalition (GCC) into a second year, backing the initiative as it adds financial literacy and AI modules to its curriculum and prepares blockchain content for 2026. The coalition: run by UNICEF’s Office of Innovation has already reached more than 642,000 young people, parents, and teachers across eight countries (Armenia, Brazil, Cambodia, India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Morocco, and South Africa). It targets underserved communities and emphasizes gender balance: girls make up roughly 52% of participants to date. What Bitget is Bitget is a global crypto trading platform that positions itself as a Universal Exchange (UEX), combining access to cryptocurrencies, tokenized assets, and traditional financial products in one account. The company supports AI-driven trading tools and runs consumer-facing products like Bitget Wallet. Bitget joined the GCC in June 2025 through UNICEF Luxembourg and says education and digital inclusion are central to its mission as the crypto industry scales. Access Bitget here . What’s changing in year two Curriculum expansion: Bitget’s renewed support will help GCC roll out new financial literacy and AI modules, with blockchain-focused content slated for next year. The modules aim to give practical, career-oriented digital skills to young people in emerging economies. Geographic growth: The coalition plans to expand into three additional countries, broadening its regional reach and community programs. Ongoing engagement: Bitget will continue field visits, executive participation, and support for coalition-led events, building on activations from the first year such as a delegation visit to Cambodia and Bitget’s involvement in the UNICEF Game Jam. Why it matters The move reflects growing emphasis on practical digital skills: not just technology awareness in regions where young people are often mobile-first but underserved by formal tech education. By funding curriculum development and in-person programs, Bitget and UNICEF aim to convert interest into pathways for employment, entrepreneurship, and broader participation in the digital economy. A quote from the partnership“Technology is becoming part of everyday life faster than education systems can adapt,” Bitget CEO Gracy Chen said. She added that the goal is to build confidence and long-term digital and financial literacy that create opportunities beyond crypto. Thomas Davin, Global Director at UNICEF’s Office of Innovation, emphasized the coalition’s role in equipping youth with practical skills and noted that partnerships like Bitget’s help scale the program’s reach. Context and next steps The expansion aligns with Bitget’s wider education-focused initiatives and its public partnerships with organizations like LALIGA and MotoGP™, and with UNICEF to broaden blockchain and digital skills. The second-year funding will support curriculum rollout, fieldwork, and a larger footprint for GCC as it brings financial literacy and AI training to new communities.

21 May 2026, 15:30

Avalanche Foundation Launches $50,000 Grant Program for Decentralized Network Research

BitcoinWorld Avalanche Foundation Launches $50,000 Grant Program for Decentralized Network Research The Avalanche Foundation, the organization supporting the Layer 1 blockchain network Avalanche (AVAX), has announced the launch of a new grant initiative aimed at advancing academic research into the economics of decentralized networks. Dubbed the ‘Call For Research Program,’ the initiative will provide selected projects with funding of up to $50,000. Program Structure and Selection Process The foundation has established an independent selection committee to evaluate grant applications, a move designed to ensure impartiality and academic rigor in the review process. The committee will assess proposals based on their potential to contribute meaningful insights into the economic models underpinning decentralized networks, including tokenomics, incentive structures, and governance mechanisms. This structured approach marks a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between theoretical blockchain research and practical implementation, a gap that has often slowed innovation in the space. By funding independent academic work, the Avalanche Foundation aims to generate peer-reviewed, publicly available research that can benefit the entire blockchain ecosystem, not just its own network. Why This Matters for the Broader Crypto Ecosystem The economics of decentralized networks remain a relatively underexplored field compared to the rapid pace of technological development in blockchain engineering. Questions around sustainable token distribution, long-term incentive alignment, and network security models are still debated with limited empirical data. This grant program directly addresses that gap by incentivizing rigorous academic study. For the Avalanche network specifically, the research could inform future protocol upgrades and governance decisions. More broadly, the findings could influence how other Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks design their economic parameters, potentially leading to more stable and resilient blockchain ecosystems. Grant Details and Application Timeline Selected research projects will receive grants of up to $50,000, with funding allocated based on the scope and potential impact of the proposed work. The foundation has not yet announced a specific deadline for applications, but interested researchers are encouraged to monitor the Avalanche Foundation’s official channels for updates. The independent selection committee will include experts from both academia and the blockchain industry, ensuring a balanced evaluation. Conclusion The Avalanche Foundation’s Call For Research Program represents a significant investment in the intellectual foundation of decentralized network economics. By funding independent academic work with grants of up to $50,000 and establishing an impartial review committee, the initiative has the potential to produce valuable, peer-reviewed insights that could shape the future of blockchain design and governance. For researchers and the broader crypto community, this is a development worth watching closely. FAQs Q1: Who is eligible to apply for the Avalanche Foundation research grant? Academic researchers and institutions focused on the economics of decentralized networks are likely eligible. The foundation has not released detailed eligibility criteria, but the independent selection committee will evaluate proposals based on academic merit and potential impact. Q2: How much funding is available per project? Selected research projects can receive grants of up to $50,000. The exact amount will depend on the scope and potential contribution of the proposed research. Q3: What topics will the research program cover? The program focuses on the economics of decentralized networks, including tokenomics, incentive structures, governance models, and network security economics. The goal is to generate empirical, peer-reviewed research that addresses fundamental questions in the field. This post Avalanche Foundation Launches $50,000 Grant Program for Decentralized Network Research first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

21 May 2026, 15:19

JTO and Solana Liquid Staking: Can Jito Become Solana’s Lido?

Jito has become one of the most important infrastructure names in the Solana ecosystem. For users, it offers JitoSOL, a liquid staking token that allows SOL holders to earn staking rewards while keeping a token they can use across DeFi. For token researchers, it also introduces JTO, a governance token tied to decisions around Jito’s staking, MEV, treasury, and broader network direction. That naturally leads to a major question: can Jito become Solana’s version of Lido? The comparison is useful, but it is not perfect. Lido became a dominant Ethereum liquid staking protocol because it solved a major access problem: ETH staking required either technical setup or 32 ETH for solo validation. Solana staking is already more flexible, so Jito’s opportunity is not simply “Lido, but on Solana.” Its edge is more specific: MEV-aware staking, JitoSOL liquidity, validator infrastructure, DeFi integrations, and governance around a growing Solana staking economy. This guide explains how JitoSOL works, what JTO actually represents, how Jito compares with Lido, and what risks users should evaluate before treating JTO as a serious Solana infrastructure bet. Key Takeaways PointDetailsJitoSOL and JTO are different assetsJitoSOL represents staked SOL plus accrued staking and MEV rewards, while JTO is the governance token of the Jito Network.The Lido comparison is useful but imperfectBoth protocols use liquid staking tokens, but Solana’s staking design and market structure differ from Ethereum’s.Jito’s edge is MEV-aware stakingJito is not only a staking pool. It also connects staking, validator software, and Solana MEV infrastructure.JTO is not a simple yield tokenJTO gives governance exposure, but it should not be confused with holding JitoSOL or directly earning SOL staking rewards.Competition remains importantOther Solana LST projects, exchange staking products, and restaking platforms can all affect Jito’s long-term position.The main risks are DeFi-nativeSmart contract risk, liquidity risk, validator risk, governance risk, token unlocks, and regulatory uncertainty all matter. How JitoSOL Turns Staked SOL Into Usable DeFi Collateral Liquid staking solves a simple problem: native staking can earn rewards, but it limits what users can do with the staked asset. With Jito, SOL holders deposit SOL into the Jito stake pool and receive JitoSOL, a liquid staking token that represents their staked position. Jito describes JitoSOL as a token that earns both standard staking rewards and MEV rewards. The token is designed to accrue value through its exchange rate against SOL rather than requiring users to manually claim rewards. In practical terms, a user can hold JitoSOL, trade it, use it in supported DeFi protocols, or eventually convert it back into SOL, subject to liquidity, fees, and market conditions. ( Jito Documentation ) That design matters because Solana DeFi is highly composable. A liquid staking token can become collateral in lending markets, liquidity in DEX pools, or a building block for structured yield strategies. Jito’s website highlights DeFi use cases such as lending, liquidity provision, and yield farming with JitoSOL. ( Jito Network ) The important distinction is that JitoSOL is the user-facing staking asset. JTO is not the same thing. Buying JTO does not mean you have staked SOL. Holding JitoSOL gives exposure to staked SOL mechanics, while holding JTO gives exposure to governance and market expectations around the Jito ecosystem. For beginners, that distinction prevents a common mistake. If the goal is to earn SOL staking rewards while keeping liquidity, the relevant asset is JitoSOL. If the goal is to research the governance and infrastructure token associated with Jito’s growth, the relevant asset is JTO. Why the Lido Comparison Is Useful — and Where It Breaks Lido became a defining Ethereum liquid staking protocol because it made ETH staking easier and more liquid. Lido’s documentation explains that liquid staking lets users stake tokens while still using the resulting staked token in DeFi, and that Lido’s DAO manages protocol parameters, node operators, and other governance decisions. ( Lido Documentation ) That sounds similar to Jito at first glance. Both protocols issue liquid staking tokens. Both rely on validator infrastructure. Both have governance tokens. Both sit close to the center of their chain’s DeFi liquidity. But the analogy has limits. Ethereum and Solana have different staking frictions. Ethereum solo staking has historically required 32 ETH and validator operation, which made liquid staking especially attractive for smaller holders. Solana users can delegate SOL more easily, and unstaking periods are generally shorter. This means Jito does not need to copy Lido’s exact path to become important. Instead, Jito’s “Lido-like” opportunity depends on whether JitoSOL becomes the default liquid staking collateral across Solana DeFi and whether Jito’s MEV and restaking infrastructure become difficult to replace. FactorJito on SolanaLido on EthereumMain liquid staking tokenJitoSOLstETH / wstETHGovernance tokenJTOLDOCore networkSolanaEthereumMain user benefitLiquid SOL staking plus MEV-aware rewardsLiquid ETH staking without running a validatorKey growth driverSolana DeFi composability, MEV infrastructure, and restakingEthereum staking access, stETH liquidity, and DeFi integrationsMain concernSolana LST competition, validator concentration, and JTO value captureEthereum staking concentration, DAO governance, and node operator risk The better question is not whether Jito can become a perfect Lido clone. It is whether Jito can become Solana’s default staking liquidity layer. JTO Tokenomics: Governance Power Is Not the Same as Staking Yield JTO is the governance token of the Jito Network. According to Jito’s governance documentation, JTO holders participate in the Jito DAO, which oversees protocol upgrades, parameter changes, delegation strategies, treasury management, and other network decisions. ( Jito Governance Documentation ) That gives JTO a clear role, but it should not be confused with automatic yield rights. A protocol can generate fees without those fees flowing directly to token holders. Governance may control treasury decisions, fee parameters, incentives, and strategic development, but that is different from a token having explicit cash-flow rights. Jito’s official governance documentation states that JTO has a total supply of 1 billion tokens. The allocation included community growth, ecosystem development, investors, and core contributors, with vesting terms for investor and contributor allocations. These supply details matter because token performance can be affected by circulating supply, unlocks, liquidity, and market demand. ( Jito Governance Documentation ) For JTO researchers, this creates three practical questions: Are governance decisions increasing JitoSOL adoption and Jito Network relevance? Are treasury resources being used in ways that strengthen long-term protocol utility? Are unlocks, incentives, and circulating supply changes manageable relative to demand? A strong protocol does not automatically make every token entry attractive. JTO should be evaluated through both protocol fundamentals and token-specific supply dynamics. The Solana Liquid Staking Market Is Still Early Solana liquid staking has grown quickly, but it is still not as mature as Ethereum liquid staking. That creates opportunity and risk at the same time. On the opportunity side, a larger share of staked SOL could migrate into liquid staking tokens if DeFi usage expands. Users may prefer LSTs when lending markets, DEX liquidity, restaking vaults, and collateral integrations make them more useful than native delegated SOL. On the risk side, Solana has several liquid staking competitors. Marinade, Sanctum, Jupiter-related LSTs, exchange staking products, and newer restaking infrastructure can all compete for liquidity. DefiLlama lists Jito Liquid Staking among major liquid staking protocols, but the broader category remains competitive and changes quickly. ( DefiLlama ) Jito’s strongest advantage is that it is not only a staking pool. It also has MEV infrastructure. Jito’s documentation says JitoSOL provides additional rewards from MEV transactions on Solana and stakes with validators running software designed to improve network performance. ( Jito Documentation ) That makes Jito more than a simple yield wrapper. It is closer to a Solana infrastructure stack that connects stakers, validators, searchers, DeFi protocols, and governance. Still, liquidity is not guaranteed. In liquid staking, the winner is often the token that becomes easiest to use everywhere. That means JitoSOL must keep winning integrations, deep liquidity, reliable exits, and user trust. What Could Make Jito More Lido-Like Over Time Jito could become more Lido-like if several things happen together. JitoSOL becomes default Solana collateral JitoSOL would need to become a default collateral asset across Solana DeFi. That means deep liquidity on DEXs, broad lending-market support, low-slippage exits, and trusted integrations with major Solana applications. Jito remains central to Solana MEV infrastructure Jito’s validator and MEV infrastructure would need to remain central to Solana’s transaction economy. Jito’s MEV-related infrastructure is designed to manage MEV on Solana and distribute rewards to validators and users. ( Jito Network ) JTO governance proves useful JTO governance would need to show that it can coordinate protocol growth responsibly. That includes setting sustainable fees, managing treasury assets, supporting useful integrations, and avoiding decisions that harm stakers or weaken decentralization. Restaking becomes a real growth path Restaking could add a new growth path. Jito announced Jito Restaking as infrastructure involving vaults, vault receipt tokens, node consensus networks, operators, rewards, and slashing logic. The documentation describes it as liquid staking infrastructure for decentralized networks on Solana. ( Jito Restaking Announcement ) Restaking can increase capital efficiency, but it can also add complexity. If users do not understand what they are securing, what can be slashed, or where rewards come from, the risk profile becomes harder to evaluate. That is why Jito’s growth story should be framed as infrastructure expansion, not simply “higher yield.” Risk Checklist Before Using JitoSOL or Researching JTO Liquid staking is useful, but it is not risk-free. Before using JitoSOL or researching JTO, users should evaluate the following risks carefully. Smart contract and protocol risk JitoSOL depends on staking pool infrastructure and smart contracts. Audits and open-source code can reduce risk, but they do not eliminate it. Bugs, oracle issues, upgrade mistakes, and integration failures can still affect users. Liquidity and depeg risk JitoSOL is designed to accrue value relative to SOL, but secondary-market prices can move away from the expected exchange rate during stress. If users need instant liquidity through a DEX, slippage can matter more than the theoretical unstaking value. Validator and MEV risk Jito’s model depends partly on validators and MEV infrastructure. Poor validator performance, network congestion, MEV policy changes, or concentration concerns could affect returns or user perception. Governance risk JTO holders influence important protocol decisions. Poor treasury management, misaligned incentives, low voter participation, or governance capture could reduce confidence in the ecosystem. Token unlock and supply risk JTO’s total supply and vesting schedule matter. Even if Jito grows, token performance can be affected by unlocks, emissions, market liquidity, and changes in circulating supply. Restaking complexity Restaking can introduce additional rewards, but it also adds new failure modes. Users should understand slashing conditions, vault design, operator assumptions, and the risk of stacking multiple protocols on top of one another. Regulatory and tax uncertainty Liquid staking and token swaps may have tax consequences depending on jurisdiction. Regulatory treatment can also vary across countries. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as financial, legal, or tax advice. Practical Research Framework for Different Crypto Users Jito is not one product for one type of user. Different readers should evaluate it differently. For SOL holders The key question is whether JitoSOL improves your staking experience. Compare JitoSOL with native staking, exchange staking, Marinade, Sanctum-related LSTs, and other Solana staking options. Look at liquidity, fees, DeFi integrations, unstaking routes, validator strategy, and smart contract risk. Avoid chasing the highest displayed APY without understanding where the yield comes from. For DeFi users The key question is composability. Where can JitoSOL be used? Is there enough liquidity to exit? What happens if a lending market changes collateral factors? Are you exposed to liquidation risk? A conservative DeFi user should treat JitoSOL as staked SOL with extra protocol layers, not as a risk-free cash-like asset. For JTO token researchers The key question is value capture. JTO has governance relevance, but token demand depends on how markets value that governance, how the DAO uses fees and treasury assets, and whether Jito keeps expanding its role in Solana infrastructure. Useful metrics include JitoSOL TVL, JitoSOL liquidity, Jito tip activity, DAO revenue, governance participation, circulating supply, unlock schedule, and DeFi integrations. For active traders The key question is liquidity and narrative timing. JTO can react to Solana market sentiment, staking narratives, restaking announcements, governance changes, and unlock events. Traders should monitor volume, volatility, exchange liquidity, and broader SOL price action. Leverage can amplify both gains and losses. It is especially dangerous around token unlocks, governance catalysts, and volatile Solana market conditions. For beginners The key question is whether you understand the difference between SOL, JitoSOL, and JTO. SOL is the native asset of Solana. JitoSOL is a liquid staking token representing staked SOL. JTO is a governance token. They are connected, but they do not behave the same way. Crypto Daily View: Follow the Infrastructure, Not the Slogan The “Solana’s Lido” label is useful as a starting point, but it can also oversimplify the story. Jito’s strongest case is not that it copies Lido. It is that it sits at the intersection of liquid staking, MEV infrastructure, validator economics, DeFi collateral, and potentially restaking. That makes Jito one of the more important Solana infrastructure projects to watch. It also means JTO requires careful analysis. The protocol can be strategically important while the token still faces valuation, unlock, governance, and regulatory risks. Crypto Daily will continue tracking liquid staking, Solana DeFi, and infrastructure tokens through a practical lens: what the protocol does, where the value flows, what risks users take, and what data supports the narrative. Frequently Asked Questions Is Jito the same as Lido? No. Jito and Lido are both liquid staking protocols, but they operate in different ecosystems and solve different problems. Lido is best known for Ethereum liquid staking through stETH, while Jito focuses on Solana liquid staking through JitoSOL and adds Solana-specific MEV infrastructure. What is the difference between JTO and JitoSOL? JitoSOL is the liquid staking token users receive when staking SOL through Jito. It represents staked SOL and accrues staking plus MEV-related rewards. JTO is the governance token used to participate in decisions around the Jito Network. Does JTO earn staking rewards? JTO itself is not the same as staking SOL. JitoSOL is the asset tied to SOL staking rewards. JTO gives governance exposure to the Jito ecosystem, but users should not assume that holding JTO directly earns JitoSOL staking yield. Can Jito become Solana’s dominant liquid staking protocol? It could remain one of Solana’s most important liquid staking and MEV infrastructure protocols, but dominance is not guaranteed. Competition from other LSTs, exchanges, restaking platforms, and changing Solana DeFi trends could affect its position. What are the main risks of using JitoSOL? The main risks include smart contract risk, liquidity risk, slippage, validator risk, governance risk, DeFi integration risk, and potential tax consequences. Using JitoSOL across multiple DeFi protocols can add additional layers of risk. Is JTO a good long-term crypto investment? That depends on the buyer’s risk tolerance, valuation assumptions, and view of Solana infrastructure growth. JTO has governance relevance, but it also faces token unlocks, volatility, competition, and uncertain value capture. It should be researched carefully rather than treated as a simple proxy for JitoSOL growth. What metrics should investors watch for Jito? Useful metrics include JitoSOL TVL, JitoSOL liquidity, Solana LST market share, Jito MEV tips, DAO revenue, governance activity, DeFi integrations, validator distribution, JTO circulating supply, and token unlock schedules. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

21 May 2026, 15:18

Flare CEO Outlines Plans to Boost XRP Utility with FAssets Upgrade

Flare CEO Hugo Philion outlined how Flare plans to expand XRP’s institutional and retail utility through its upgraded FAssets system and upcoming confidential compute infrastructure. Specifically, Philion explained how the XRP Ledger can function as the issuance and settlement layer, while Flare provides the programmable, privacy-focused compute environment required for institutional-grade DeFi applications. Visit Website

21 May 2026, 15:14

Bitcoin demand hits 4-month low as ETF outflows spike

🚨 Bitcoin demand just fell to a 4-month low with ETF outflows. Heavy sell pressure is visible in spot markets and in $BTC ETFs. 📉 Critical data: Demand measured at -3,138 BTC this week. Continue Reading: Bitcoin demand hits 4-month low as ETF outflows spike The post Bitcoin demand hits 4-month low as ETF outflows spike appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .