hodler

4 Jun 2026, 13:52

Not all Ethereum layer 2s are dying, but many general-purpose chains no longer have a reason to exist

In this week's edition of The Protocol Newsletter, we're looking at the state of the Ethereum layer-2 ecosystem.

4 Jun 2026, 13:45

Cosmos Labs Acquires Mintscan Explorer, Opens Seoul Subsidiary to Bolster Asian Presence

BitcoinWorld Cosmos Labs Acquires Mintscan Explorer, Opens Seoul Subsidiary to Bolster Asian Presence Cosmos Labs, the core development team behind the Cosmos (ATOM) blockchain ecosystem, has acquired Mintscan, a widely used blockchain explorer for the Cosmos network, and simultaneously launched a new South Korean subsidiary, Cosmos Labs Korea, in Seoul. The move, first reported by The Block, signals a strategic push to deepen the project’s operational footprint in Asia and integrate critical infrastructure more closely with its core team. Acquisition Details and Strategic Rationale Mintscan has long served as the primary block explorer for Cosmos-based chains, allowing users to track transactions, validate blocks, and monitor network activity. By bringing Mintscan in-house, Cosmos Labs gains direct control over a key piece of user-facing infrastructure. This acquisition also includes the transfer of several Mintscan employees to Cosmos Labs, ensuring continuity and deep technical knowledge retention. The establishment of Cosmos Labs Korea in Seoul further underscores the company’s commitment to the region. South Korea has historically been a vibrant hub for cryptocurrency trading and blockchain development, with a highly engaged user base and a supportive regulatory environment for blockchain technology. The new subsidiary is expected to facilitate local partnerships, talent acquisition, and community engagement. Implications for the Cosmos Ecosystem This vertical integration of a critical explorer tool is a notable step for Cosmos Labs. Previously, Mintscan operated as an independent service relied upon by the broader Cosmos community. Its acquisition centralizes a tool that many developers and users depend on for daily network interaction. While this could lead to more rapid feature development and tighter security integration, it also raises questions about the balance between centralization and the decentralized ethos of the Cosmos ecosystem. The move also positions Cosmos Labs to better compete with other layer-1 ecosystems that have long maintained in-house explorer tools, such as Etherscan for Ethereum. Having a dedicated, team-managed explorer can improve user experience and provide more direct feedback loops for network improvements. Market and Regional Context South Korea remains one of the most active cryptocurrency markets globally, with high retail participation and a growing number of blockchain projects. Cosmos Labs Korea will likely serve as a base for developer outreach, educational initiatives, and regulatory engagement. The timing aligns with broader industry trends where major blockchain projects are establishing physical presences in key jurisdictions to navigate regulatory landscapes and foster local innovation. Conclusion The acquisition of Mintscan and the launch of Cosmos Labs Korea represent a significant operational expansion for the Cosmos ecosystem. By integrating a critical explorer tool and establishing a dedicated subsidiary in a major crypto market, Cosmos Labs is reinforcing its infrastructure and regional commitment. The long-term impact on network decentralization and community trust will depend on how the team manages the balance between centralized development and open participation. FAQs Q1: What is Mintscan and why is it important? Mintscan is a blockchain explorer specifically designed for the Cosmos ecosystem. It allows users to search and verify transactions, view block details, check validator information, and monitor network activity across Cosmos-based chains. It is a fundamental tool for transparency and usability. Q2: Why did Cosmos Labs establish a subsidiary in South Korea? South Korea has a highly active cryptocurrency community and a supportive environment for blockchain development. Establishing Cosmos Labs Korea allows the team to tap into local talent, form strategic partnerships, engage with regulators, and better serve the Korean user base. Q3: Will the acquisition affect how users access Mintscan? In the short term, users should see no disruption. The integration is expected to bring more resources and faster updates to Mintscan. Long-term, Cosmos Labs may introduce new features and tighter integration with the core Cosmos ecosystem, potentially improving the user experience. This post Cosmos Labs Acquires Mintscan Explorer, Opens Seoul Subsidiary to Bolster Asian Presence first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

4 Jun 2026, 13:43

Asian Food Company DDC Now Holds 2,804 BTC After Adding 90 More Bitcoin

DDC Enterprise Limited, the NYSE-listed Asian food platform behind the Daydaycook brand, disclosed on June 3, 2026, that it acquired an additional 90 BTC, bringing total corporate bitcoin holdings to 2,804 BTC. Another Dip Buy as Holdings Near 3,000 BTC The company announced the purchase via its official X account with the note: “When the

4 Jun 2026, 13:42

Standard Chartered’s Kendrick keeps $100,000 Bitcoin call amid crypto turmoil

Geoffrey Kendrick, Global Head of Digital Assets Research at Standard Chartered and one of the cryptocurrency industry's most outspoken supporters, has reaffirmed his forecast that bitcoin will reach $100,000 by the end of next year despite a sharp market downturn that he described as a difficult period for digital assets. Kendrick's comments came after a challenging week for the cryptocurrency market, during which bitcoin fell more than 15% from levels seen earlier in the week. The decline followed a disclosure by Michael Saylor’s Strategy, the largest corporate holder of bitcoin, that it had sold a portion of its holdings for the first time since 2022. Kendrick calls recent market action ‘Painful’ In a note to clients, Kendrick acknowledged the severity of the recent selloff. Bitcoin has now lost more than half of its value since reaching a peak in October last year. The decline has occurred even as the administration of US President Donald Trump has implemented policies viewed as supportive of the cryptocurrency industry. Despite the weakness, Kendrick said he remains focused on the longer-term outlook for the asset. Risks remain if Bitcoin calls further Kendrick warned that additional selling pressure could emerge if Bitcoin drops below the $60,000 level. However, he argued that the cryptocurrency’s significant underperformance relative to equities this year may reduce the amount of speculative positioning that could still be unwound. Bitcoin was last trading at around $62,540. The cryptocurrency has fallen approximately 30% so far this year. By comparison, the S&P 500 index has gained 10.4% during the same period. According to Kendrick, the weaker performance relative to traditional financial markets could ultimately help stabilise the market by reducing the number of remaining bullish positions vulnerable to liquidation. Long-term optimism remains intact While acknowledging near-term challenges, Kendrick reiterated his conviction in bitcoin’s long-term trajectory. "When we look back at the end of 2026 with bitcoin at $100k, we will say this was the buying zone we all wanted," he said. The strategist also expects Strategy to return to purchasing Bitcoin aggressively. He noted that the company previously resumed buying after selling part of its holdings in the past. Strategy sale draws market attention Strategy’s bitcoin holdings have long been regarded as a reflection of Michael Saylor’s confidence in the cryptocurrency sector. Saylor has been among bitcoin’s most prominent advocates and has frequently encouraged investors to maintain their exposure to the asset. The company disclosed on Monday that proceeds from the bitcoin sale would be used to fund distributions on its preferred stock. The move, however, attracted criticism from some users on social media. Strategy’s shares have declined roughly 17% in 2026. The stock had gained nearly 14% between January and October of the previous year before later declining alongside the broader fall in bitcoin prices. Despite the recent turbulence, Kendrick’s latest comments indicate that he continues to view the current downturn as a temporary setback rather than a change in bitcoin’s longer-term outlook. The post Standard Chartered’s Kendrick keeps $100,000 Bitcoin call amid crypto turmoil appeared first on Invezz

4 Jun 2026, 13:39

74% of Strategy's Bitcoin Holdings Enter Loss Territory

Strategy has suffered losses of over $7 billion as about 74% of its total Bitcoin holdings are currently held at a loss with Bitcoin sliding below $65,000.

4 Jun 2026, 13:36

Bitcoin plunges over 14% in just one week! What are the critical levels investors are now watching?

🚨 Bitcoin plunged over 14 percent in just seven days as the $72,650 support collapsed. 📉 Charts now highlight the $50,000 zone as the next big support for $BTC. 🔍 This move could be pivotal for the entire crypto market’s next direction. Continue Reading: Bitcoin plunges over 14% in just one week! What are the critical levels investors are now watching? The post Bitcoin plunges over 14% in just one week! What are the critical levels investors are now watching? appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .