hodler

31 Mar 2026, 13:52

Number of XRP millionaire addresses hits almost 2,000

The number of high-value XRP holders has climbed, with on-chain data showing that addresses holding at least one million XRP are now approaching the 2,000 mark. Data indicates that 1,333 accounts currently hold between 1 million and 5 million XRP, while an additional 166 addresses control between 5 million and 10 million XRP. A further 176 accounts hold between 10 million and 20 million XRP, and 234 wallets contain between 20 million and 100 million XRP. At the upper end, 63 addresses hold between 100 million and 500 million XRP, 19 wallets fall in the 500 million to 1 billion range, and just 6 accounts hold more than 1 billion XRP. Taken together, these figures show that the number of XRP millionaire addresses, defined as those with holdings of at least 1 million XRP, stands at 1,997. XRP number of accounts. Source: Rich-List The distribution also highlights the significant amount of XRP controlled by these large holders. Addresses with balances between 100 million and 500 million XRP collectively hold over 12.07 billion XRP, while those in the 500 million to 1 billion range account for more than 10.15 billion XRP. Wallets holding over 1 billion XRP together control approximately 9.23 billion XRP. Meanwhile, mid-tier holders continue to form a substantial portion of the network. 2,021 accounts are holding between 500,000 and 1 million XRP, and 28,034 addresses with balances ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 XRP. Lower balance tiers dominate in terms of wallet count, with over 2.55 million addresses holding between 20 and 500 XRP, and nearly 3.8 million accounts containing less than 20 XRP. XRP distribution gap At the same time, percentile data further illustrates the distribution gap between top holders and the broader user base. The top 1% of accounts, numbering 77,479, each hold at least 45,801 XRP. Moving higher, the top 0.1%, consisting of 7,748 accounts, hold no less than 285,865 XRP, while the top 0.01%, just 775 addresses, each control more than 3.83 million XRP. The data reflects a familiar pattern in digital asset markets, where a relatively small number of large holders command a disproportionate share of supply. At the same time, the expanding base of smaller accounts suggests continued retail participation, even as wealth concentration at the top intensifies. XRP holding percentile distribution. Source: Rich-List However, in the nature of cryptocurrency , it is inherently difficult to determine actual beneficial owners due to pseudonymity. Many of the whales are likely tied to Ripple’s internal wallets and its massive escrow holdings, which continue to unlock up to 1 billion XRP monthly . Significant portions are also held by centralized exchanges on behalf of users. XRP price analysis Indeed, the distribution of holdings has likely been affected by recent XRP price volatility, with the asset plunging significantly in line with the broader market, and the loss of the $1 support level remains a possibility. By press time, XRP was trading at $1.32, down more than 2% in the past 24 hours, while on a weekly basis, the asset has declined by nearly 6%. As things stand, XRP’s immediate support lies at $1.30, a critical psychological and technical floor. XRP seven-day price chart. Source: Finbold A daily close below this level could trigger further downside toward $1.27, with $1.25 acting as the next major support zone. On the upside, resistance stands at $1.38 and $1.40, where selling pressure has repeatedly emerged. A break above this range would improve sentiment and open the path toward $1.44, followed by the more significant $1.50 barrier. The post Number of XRP millionaire addresses hits almost 2,000 appeared first on Finbold .

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, 13:44

Bhutan Transfers 375 BTC in Latest Sovereign Bitcoin Drawdown

The Royal Government of Bhutan moved approximately 375 BTC, valued at roughly $25.18 million, on March 31, 2026, pushing the country’s total bitcoin outflows over the past seven days past 1,000 BTC, according to onchain data from Arkham Intelligence. Bhutan Government Sells $70 Million in Bitcoin in One Week Amid Gelephu City Push The transfer

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, 13:39

"Can’t Prove Its Me," Cardano Founder Raises Concerns Over Proving Identity Online

Cardano founder charles Hoskinson highlights identity verification challenge on social platforms.

31 Mar 2026, 13:35

Google Drops Quantum Bombshell — Bitcoin, Ethereum Easier to Break than Previously Thought

Google has another update: major digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are even more vulnerable to Quantum attacks than previously thought.