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18 Mar 2026, 10:42

Ethereum targets 13-second deposit times with new fast confirmation rule

Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin has revealed that the network is preparing to slash deposit times to about 13 seconds, down from minutes. The update, known as the Fast Confirmation Rule (FCR), is now being implemented by consensus layer client teams and does not require a hard fork. Currently, when transferring assets from Ethereum to Layer 2 networks or centralized exchanges, users have to wait for several minutes for confirmations. During that time, funds are locked, which leads to trading and bridge friction. According to a blog post by an Ethereum developer, “FCR is set to be the new industry standard for L2s and exchanges.” Once deployed, deposit times are expected to reduce from a range of 2 to 13 minutes to about 1 slot, or about 13 seconds. This translates into an estimated reduction of 80% to 98%, depending on the destination and use case. Exchanges and layer 2 network s ga in faster transaction flow The update is expected to transform the way multiple participants interact with Ethereum. Centralized exchanges stand to benefit immediately, as they can credit user deposits after a single slot instead of waiting for multiple confirmations. At the same time, Layer 2 networks such as Arbitrum and Base will experience faster deposit processing. Reduced delays mean less capital is tied up in bridging contracts, which, in turn, supports liquidity flows across scaling solutions. In addition, tighter risk controls and lower operational costs are available to cross-chain solvers and bridge operators. Buterin further noted, “So one step below economic finality, but very strong for many use cases.” Attestation mode l to strengthen confirmation logic FCR replaces traditional methods of verifying depth of knowledge with an attestation-driven system. Previously, transactions were deemed safe once they reached a certain number of blocks, which was often called the “k-deep” method. Additionally, the update is incorporated into the existing infrastructure of Ethereum. The system reuses the “safe” block tag in the context of the JSON-RPC, making it possible for RPC providers and exchanges to implement the improvement without making any significant technical changes. The Fast Confirmation Rule is expected to be rolled out in the next few months. The developers are also liaising with exchanges, Layer 2 platforms, and infrastructure providers to facilitate an easy transition. Notably, Buterin recently laid out a multi-year roadmap with several protocol upgrades to enhance speed, scalability, and security. Among the proposed changes is a step-by-step reduction in slot times from 12 seconds to a long-term goal of 2 seconds. That roadmap also includes improvements like native privacy features and post-quantum cryptographic protections. In addition, Buterin emphasized that Ethereum’s design aims to have the best of both worlds. This news comes as Ethereum (ETH) has recovered to the $2,300 level for the first time since early February, gaining more than 12% in the past week. Still letting the bank keep the best part? Watch our free video on being your own bank .

18 Mar 2026, 10:18

Ethereum aims to cut bridge times by 98% to 13 seconds with new rule

Ethereum’s FCR aims to reduce bridge times by up to 98%, bringing L1-to-L2 and exchange deposits down to 13 seconds without a hard fork.

12 Mar 2026, 09:40

Bithumb HBAR Suspension: Critical Network Upgrade Halts Hedera Trading Temporarily

BitcoinWorld Bithumb HBAR Suspension: Critical Network Upgrade Halts Hedera Trading Temporarily SEOUL, South Korea – March 17, 2025 – The prominent South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb has announced a temporary suspension of all deposit and withdrawal services for the Hedera (HBAR) token. This significant operational pause will commence precisely at 9:00 a.m. UTC on March 18, 2025. Consequently, the exchange is implementing this measure to provide full technical support for a scheduled and substantial Hedera network upgrade. This proactive step ensures network stability and safeguards user assets during the critical transition period. Bithumb HBAR Suspension Details and Timeline Bithumb communicated the suspension details through its official website and user notification systems. The exchange will halt all HBAR-related transaction services at the specified time. However, spot trading for HBAR trading pairs will remain fully operational throughout the maintenance window. This distinction is crucial for traders to understand. The suspension specifically affects the movement of tokens on and off the exchange’s custodial wallets. Furthermore, the exchange has not provided a definitive end time for the service restoration. Instead, Bithumb stated that services will resume once the Hedera network upgrade is complete and the exchange’s systems are fully verified. Typically, such maintenance periods for network upgrades range from several hours to a full day. Users should monitor Bithumb’s official announcements for the resumption notice. Understanding the Hedera Network Upgrade The temporary suspension is directly tied to a planned upgrade of the Hedera network. Hedera Hashgraph, the governing council behind the HBAR cryptocurrency, periodically deploys network upgrades. These upgrades often include performance enhancements, new feature implementations, and critical security patches. Exchanges like Bithumb must synchronize their systems with the new network protocol. Therefore, pausing deposits and withdrawals during this window is a standard industry practice. It prevents transaction failures, potential loss of funds, or chain splits that could occur if the exchange’s nodes are not fully compatible with the upgraded network. This practice demonstrates responsible custodianship and technical diligence. The Technical Rationale Behind Exchange Maintenance Blockchain network upgrades require precise coordination from all network participants. When a decentralized network like Hedera undergoes a consensus change or a hard fork, all validating nodes must update their software simultaneously. Crypto exchanges operate some of the largest and most active nodes. They must meticulously test the new software in a controlled environment before enabling live transactions. During the upgrade, the network may experience brief instability or temporary forks. Processing deposits or withdrawals during this phase could result in transactions being sent to an incorrect chain or becoming irrecoverable. By suspending services, Bithumb eliminates this risk entirely. The exchange can then safely update its node software, validate the new network’s stability, and reopen services with confidence. Impact on Traders and HBAR Holders The immediate impact of this announcement is clear for Bithumb users. Anyone planning to deposit HBAR from an external wallet or withdraw HBAR to a private wallet must complete those transactions before 9:00 a.m. UTC on March 18. Failure to do so will result in delayed transaction processing until after the maintenance concludes. However, the suspension does not affect all platform activities. Users can continue to engage in several key functions: Spot Trading: Buying and selling HBAR against other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) or Korean Won (KRW) will continue uninterrupted. Portfolio Management: Viewing HBAR balances and overall portfolio valuation remains fully functional. Order Placement: Users can still place, modify, or cancel limit and market orders for HBAR pairs. This partial functionality allows traders to react to market movements during the upgrade. It also provides liquidity within the exchange’s internal ecosystem. Bithumb’s History of Protocol Support Bithumb, as one of South Korea’s largest and most established digital asset exchanges, has a documented history of supporting major network upgrades. The exchange has previously managed similar suspensions for tokens like Ethereum (ETH) during its transition to proof-of-stake and for Cardano (ADA) during its major hard fork events. These past instances typically followed a smooth process with services restored as announced. The exchange’s communication for this HBAR event follows its established protocol. Bithumb consistently provides users with advance notice, clear instructions, and timely updates. This operational consistency helps build user trust and minimizes market uncertainty during technical events. Other global exchanges listing HBAR are likely to issue similar notices, aligning their maintenance schedules with the Hedera network’s official timeline. Comparative Analysis of Exchange Upgrade Procedures Different exchanges handle network upgrades with varying procedures. A brief comparison highlights industry standards: Exchange Type Typical Action User Communication Trading Impact Major Exchanges (Bithumb, Binance, Coinbase) Suspend deposits/withdrawals before upgrade; resume after confirmation. Official blog post, email, in-app notification 24-48 hours in advance. Spot trading usually continues; derivatives may pause. Decentralized Exchanges (DEXs) Protocol may pause or continue; depends on smart contract design. Governance proposals, developer announcements on social channels. Trading may halt if liquidity pools rely on upgraded token. Smaller Centralized Exchanges May suspend all services (trading included) as a precaution. Short notice via Twitter or Telegram, sometimes less than 12 hours. Full trading halt is more common. Bithumb’s approach aligns with the best practices of major, regulated exchanges. This method prioritizes asset security while maintaining market liquidity where possible. The Broader Context of Hedera Hashgraph Development Hedera’s scheduled upgrade is part of its ongoing roadmap to enhance network speed, reduce costs, and introduce new decentralized service capabilities. The Hedera Governing Council, which includes corporations like Google, IBM, and Deutsche Telekom, oversees these upgrades. Network improvements are essential for maintaining Hedera’s competitive edge in the enterprise blockchain sector, particularly for use cases in supply chain tracking, payments, and identity verification. For the HBAR cryptocurrency, successful network upgrades are bullish fundamental indicators. They demonstrate active development, a commitment to scalability, and responsiveness to community and enterprise needs. While temporary exchange suspensions are short-term operational hurdles, they facilitate long-term network health and token utility. The crypto market often views such necessary maintenance as a positive sign of a project’s maturity and an exchange’s operational rigor. Conclusion Bithumb’s temporary suspension of HBAR deposits and withdrawals is a standard, precautionary measure tied to a significant Hedera network upgrade. The action, beginning March 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. UTC, prioritizes the security of user assets and ensures technical compatibility. While the movement of HBAR tokens will pause, trading activity on the platform will continue unaffected. Users should plan accordingly and await official confirmation from Bithumb before attempting post-upgrade transactions. This event underscores the intricate relationship between cryptocurrency exchanges and the underlying blockchain networks they support, highlighting the ongoing technical evolution within the digital asset ecosystem. FAQs Q1: Can I still trade HBAR on Bithumb during the suspension? Yes, spot trading for all HBAR pairs will continue normally. Only deposits to and withdrawals from your Bithumb wallet are suspended. Q2: How long will the HBAR deposit and withdrawal suspension last? Bithumb has not specified an exact end time. The suspension will remain in effect until the Hedera network upgrade is complete and Bithumb’s systems are fully validated. Monitor official Bithumb announcements for the resumption notice. Q3: What happens if I send HBAR to my Bithumb deposit address during the suspension? Transactions sent during the suspension will not be credited automatically and will be at significant risk. The funds may be lost or require manual recovery by support after the upgrade, which can be a lengthy process. Always verify that deposit services are active before sending assets. Q4: Will other exchanges also suspend HBAR services? It is highly likely. Most major exchanges supporting HBAR will announce similar maintenance periods to align with the Hedera network upgrade. Check the announcements page of your specific exchange for confirmation. Q5: Is my HBAR stored on Bithumb safe during this upgrade? Yes. The suspension is a proactive security measure. Your HBAR balance on the exchange remains secure in Bithumb’s custody. The upgrade process is designed to enhance network security and stability, not compromise it. This post Bithumb HBAR Suspension: Critical Network Upgrade Halts Hedera Trading Temporarily first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

12 Mar 2026, 01:35

Quantum Computing Bitcoin Risk Analysis: Why Experts Reveal No Immediate Threat

BitcoinWorld Quantum Computing Bitcoin Risk Analysis: Why Experts Reveal No Immediate Threat Recent analysis from leading investment research firm Ark Invest provides crucial insights into quantum computing’s potential impact on Bitcoin, revealing no immediate threat to the world’s largest cryptocurrency despite growing concerns about advanced computing technologies. Quantum Computing Bitcoin Risk Assessment Ark Invest on-chain analyst David Puell recently published comprehensive research examining quantum computing’s potential effects on Bitcoin’s cryptographic foundations. His analysis presents a measured perspective that contrasts with sensationalized media reports about quantum threats. Puell emphasizes that while quantum computing represents a theoretical long-term concern, current technological limitations prevent any immediate danger to Bitcoin’s security architecture. The research methodology examines multiple dimensions of quantum computing capabilities against Bitcoin’s existing cryptographic protocols. Puell’s team analyzed current quantum system specifications, projected development timelines, and economic feasibility factors. Their findings indicate that even if quantum systems achieved sufficient power to challenge Bitcoin’s cryptography, the process would require extensive time and prohibitive financial resources. Current Quantum Computing Limitations Existing quantum systems face significant technical constraints that prevent them from threatening Bitcoin’s security. Current quantum computers operate with limited qubit counts and suffer from high error rates that make complex cryptographic attacks impractical. The technology remains in experimental stages, with researchers focusing on basic proof-of-concept applications rather than sophisticated cryptographic breaking. Several key factors contribute to quantum computing’s current limitations: Qubit stability issues preventing sustained complex calculations Error correction requirements consuming substantial computational resources Temperature control demands necessitating specialized infrastructure Algorithm development gaps in quantum attack methodologies Industry experts note that quantum computing development follows predictable technological progression patterns. Breakthroughs typically occur incrementally rather than through sudden revolutionary advances. This gradual evolution provides adequate warning time for cryptographic systems to implement necessary upgrades. Economic and Practical Considerations Beyond technical limitations, economic factors create substantial barriers to quantum attacks on Bitcoin. Puell’s analysis calculates that mounting a successful quantum attack would require resources exceeding the potential rewards. The infrastructure costs alone for maintaining quantum systems capable of breaking Bitcoin’s cryptography would reach billions of dollars, while the attack process itself might take months or years to complete. Furthermore, quantum computing advancements would likely affect general internet security systems before specifically targeting Bitcoin. This broader impact creates natural early warning systems and coordinated response mechanisms across the technology sector. The interconnected nature of digital security ensures that vulnerabilities in one system prompt protective measures across multiple platforms. Bitcoin’s Vulnerable Address Landscape Current analysis identifies specific categories of Bitcoin addresses potentially vulnerable to future quantum attacks. According to Puell’s research, approximately 1.7 million BTC resides in addresses presumed permanently lost, while another 5.2 million BTC remains in certain vulnerable address types. These figures represent theoretical exposure rather than immediate risk, as quantum systems capable of exploiting these vulnerabilities do not currently exist. Bitcoin Address Vulnerability Analysis Address Type BTC Amount Vulnerability Level Notes Presumed Lost 1.7 million High (if recoverable) Keys likely inaccessible to owners Reused P2PKH 2.4 million Medium Address reuse creates exposure Other Vulnerable 2.8 million Low-Medium Depends on specific usage patterns Quantum-Resistant Increasing Low New address types emerging The Bitcoin community actively monitors these vulnerability metrics while developing mitigation strategies. Network participants increasingly adopt best practices for address management, including avoiding address reuse and implementing newer, more secure address formats. These proactive measures reduce potential exposure even before quantum-resistant cryptography becomes standard. Quantum-Resistant Cryptography Implementation The transition to quantum-resistant cryptography represents Bitcoin’s primary defense against future quantum threats. Research institutions and cryptographic experts worldwide develop post-quantum cryptographic algorithms designed to withstand quantum computing attacks. These algorithms undergo rigorous testing and standardization processes before implementation in production systems. Bitcoin’s open-source development model facilitates gradual, community-driven upgrades to quantum-resistant protocols. The network’s governance structure allows for methodical testing and deployment of cryptographic improvements without disrupting existing functionality. This approach ensures backward compatibility while progressively enhancing security against emerging threats. Several post-quantum cryptographic candidates show particular promise for blockchain applications: Lattice-based cryptography offering strong security proofs Hash-based signatures with proven quantum resistance Multivariate cryptography providing efficient verification Code-based cryptography with established security history Community Response and Development Timeline The Bitcoin development community maintains active research into quantum-resistant solutions while monitoring quantum computing advancements. Regular conferences and working groups address cryptographic evolution, ensuring coordinated responses to technological developments. This proactive approach contrasts with reactive security measures common in traditional financial systems. Implementation timelines for quantum-resistant cryptography depend on multiple factors, including algorithm standardization, testing completion, and community consensus. Most experts project a 5-10 year window for comprehensive deployment, providing ample time for careful development and testing. This gradual transition minimizes disruption while maximizing security improvements. Comparative Analysis with Traditional Systems Bitcoin’s potential quantum vulnerability must be understood within the broader context of global digital infrastructure. Traditional financial systems, government databases, and corporate networks face similar quantum threats, often with less transparent upgrade pathways. Bitcoin’s open development process and incentive-aligned security model provide unique advantages in addressing cryptographic evolution. Unlike centralized systems requiring top-down security mandates, Bitcoin’s decentralized nature allows for organic adoption of improved protocols. Network participants naturally gravitate toward more secure practices as threats become apparent, creating distributed intelligence in security implementation. This bottom-up approach often proves more resilient than centralized security directives. Conclusion Current analysis clearly indicates that quantum computing presents no immediate threat to Bitcoin’s security. The gradual nature of quantum computing development provides adequate time for implementing quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions. The Bitcoin community’s proactive approach to security research and development ensures continued network resilience against emerging technological challenges. While quantum computing remains a long-term consideration for all digital systems, Bitcoin’s adaptable architecture positions it well for cryptographic evolution. FAQs Q1: When will quantum computing become a real threat to Bitcoin? Experts estimate quantum computing won’t pose practical threats for at least 5-10 years, providing ample time for implementing quantum-resistant cryptography. Q2: What makes some Bitcoin addresses more vulnerable to quantum attacks? Addresses using older cryptographic standards or those with reused public keys present higher theoretical vulnerability, though current quantum systems cannot exploit these weaknesses. Q3: How is the Bitcoin community preparing for quantum computing? Developers actively research post-quantum cryptographic algorithms while monitoring quantum computing advancements, ensuring timely implementation of necessary upgrades. Q4: Will quantum computing affect other cryptocurrencies similarly? Most blockchain systems face similar quantum considerations, though implementation details and upgrade timelines vary across different cryptocurrency projects. Q5: Can Bitcoin’s cryptography be upgraded without disrupting the network? Yes, Bitcoin’s development process allows for backward-compatible upgrades through soft forks, enabling gradual adoption of improved cryptographic standards. This post Quantum Computing Bitcoin Risk Analysis: Why Experts Reveal No Immediate Threat first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

11 Mar 2026, 23:25

Optimism Announces Major Workforce Restructuring, Laying Off Over 20% of Staff

BitcoinWorld Optimism Announces Major Workforce Restructuring, Laying Off Over 20% of Staff The Ethereum Layer 2 scaling solution, Optimism, has initiated a substantial corporate restructuring, resulting in layoffs for more than 20% of its total workforce. This significant workforce reduction, first reported by BeInCrypto, directly impacts teams responsible for core protocol development and ecosystem operations. The announcement marks a pivotal moment for one of the most prominent networks in the blockchain scalability sector. Optimism Layoffs Signal Strategic Shift Optimism’s decision to reduce its workforce by over one-fifth represents a major strategic recalibration. The company has not yet disclosed the precise number of employees affected. However, the scale indicates a profound internal shift. This move follows a broader trend of consolidation within the cryptocurrency and technology sectors throughout 2024 and early 2025. Many projects are now prioritizing sustainable growth over rapid expansion. Consequently, the restructuring focuses on streamlining operations. The teams dedicated to protocol development and ecosystem support are facing the brunt of the cuts. These groups are fundamental to maintaining and improving the Optimism network’s performance. Therefore, their reduction suggests a potential re-prioritization of development roadmaps and community initiatives. Context of the Ethereum Layer 2 Landscape The Layer 2 ecosystem on Ethereum has become intensely competitive. Several networks, including Arbitrum, zkSync, and Base, vie for market share and developer mindshare. This environment demands efficient capital allocation and agile operations. Optimism’s restructuring may reflect a strategic pivot to enhance operational efficiency amidst this rivalry. The network must maintain its technological edge while managing costs effectively. Furthermore, the broader crypto market has experienced fluctuating conditions. After the bullish cycles of previous years, many organizations are implementing more conservative financial strategies. Workforce adjustments have become a common tool for extending corporate runways. For instance, other tech and crypto firms announced similar measures in late 2024. Optimism’s action aligns with this industry-wide trend toward financial sustainability. Analyzing the Impact on Development and Operations The specific targeting of protocol development and ecosystem operations teams warrants close examination. Protocol developers build the core infrastructure of the Optimism network. Their work ensures security, scalability, and innovation. A reduction here could slow the pace of major technical upgrades or the implementation of Optimism’s ambitious “Superchain” vision. Ecosystem operations teams, meanwhile, manage grants, partnerships, and developer relations. They are crucial for fostering a vibrant application layer on the network. Streamlining these functions might lead to a more focused, but potentially less broad, support system for builders. The long-term effect on the network’s growth and developer adoption remains a key question for observers. Key areas potentially affected include: Protocol Upgrade Timelines: Major technical improvements may experience delays. Ecosystem Funding: Grant programs and developer incentives could be scaled back. Community Engagement: Direct support and marketing initiatives may become less frequent. Strategic Partnerships: The capacity to form and manage new alliances might be reduced. Broader Implications for the Blockchain Sector Optimism’s restructuring serves as a bellwether for the maturing blockchain industry. It highlights the transition from a phase of venture capital-fueled hyper-growth to one emphasizing sustainable unit economics. Projects are now being judged not just on technological merit but also on operational discipline and clear paths to profitability or sustainability. This event may prompt other Layer 2 networks to evaluate their own staffing and burn rates. Investors and community token holders are increasingly scrutinizing project treasuries and expenditure. The move could pressure rivals to demonstrate similar fiscal responsibility. Alternatively, it might create an opportunity for competitors to attract displaced talent, potentially accelerating their own development cycles. Recent Workforce Adjustments in Crypto/Web3 (2024-2025) Company/Project Sector Approx. Reduction Stated Reason Optimism (OP) Ethereum Layer 2 >20% Corporate Restructuring Multiple Exchange Platforms Cryptocurrency Trading 5-15% Market Consolidation NFT-Focused Startups Digital Assets & Media 10-30% Market Correction Web3 Infrastructure Firms Blockchain Development Varied Strategic Realignment Conclusion The Optimism layoffs, affecting over 20% of the workforce, mark a significant moment for the Ethereum Layer 2 network. This restructuring reflects strategic adjustments aimed at ensuring long-term viability in a competitive and evolving blockchain landscape. While the immediate impact centers on protocol development and ecosystem operations, the broader implications signal an industry-wide shift toward operational maturity and financial sustainability. The network’s ability to navigate this transition will be closely watched by the entire cryptocurrency community. FAQs Q1: What percentage of Optimism’s workforce is being laid off? Optimism is laying off more than 20% of its total employees. The company has not released the exact number of affected staff members. Q2: Which teams at Optimism are most affected by the layoffs? The restructuring primarily impacts teams involved in protocol development and ecosystem operations, which are core to the network’s technical infrastructure and community growth. Q3: Why is Optimism implementing these layoffs? While Optimism has not issued a detailed public statement, the move is consistent with a broader industry trend toward corporate restructuring and financial sustainability following a period of rapid expansion. Q4: How might this affect the Optimism network and its users? Potential effects could include slower protocol upgrade timelines, scaled-back ecosystem funding programs, and changes in community engagement, though the network’s core operations are expected to continue. Q5: Is this part of a larger trend in the cryptocurrency industry? Yes, throughout 2024 and into 2025, multiple companies across the cryptocurrency and technology sectors have announced workforce reductions to streamline operations and extend financial runways. This post Optimism Announces Major Workforce Restructuring, Laying Off Over 20% of Staff first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

10 Mar 2026, 13:45

Vitalik Buterin pushes for Frame Transactions as Ethereum devs debate account abstraction

Ethereum’s developer community is currently debating on how to implement native account abstraction (AA) as planning for the upcoming Hegota hard fork continues. Several proposals have emerged in recent weeks, with EIP-8141, known as “Frame Transactions,” gaining attention. The proposal has been formally introduced as a possible main feature of the upgrade. Following the discussion , Vitalik Buterin publicly responded to the proposal, stating that Frame Transactions could support a wider range of privacy and censorship-resistant use cases while potentially simplifying wallet architecture. Native account abstraction debate gains momentum The push for native account abstraction has intensified over the past month, with multiple Ethereum Improvement Proposals introduced. EIP-8141 proposes a model known as Frame Transactions, which differs from traditional transaction formats by removing embedded signature fields. Instead, signatures and authorization logic are passed as data to smart contracts that validate transactions. The proposal introduces a new opcode, APPROVE, that enables smart contracts to authorize sending transactions, paying gas, or both. In addition, this design enables transaction authorization to be processed by programmable logic rather than fixed transaction fields. According to the proposal, this structure is capable of supporting alternative signature systems, conditional gas sponsorship and privacy-focused transaction mechanisms. https://t.co/8L45rn3Zgx — Derek Chiang | ZeroDev (@decentrek) March 9, 2026 For example, gas sponsorship could be arranged through contracts that pay network fees in return for token transfers, while authorization logic could be implemented using multisignature or alternative cryptographic schemes. At the same time, the model presents new operational challenges. Due to the possibility of executing smart contract code during transaction validation, Ethereum clients would need additional protection against denial-of-service attacks from mempools. Frame Transactions versus Tempo Transactions The debate over native account abstraction implies two distinct design philosophies in Ethereum development . One approach, represented by Tempo Transactions, is to embed commonly used account abstraction features directly into the protocol. These include gas abstraction, atomic batching multiple operations, transaction scheduling, and sponsored transaction fees. Tempo-style transactions organize these features right into the transaction format. Fields like arrays of calls allow for atomic batching, and timestamp parameters can be used to support scheduled execution. Another signature field allows a third party to cover the gas costs by co-signing the transaction. Developers promoting this model contend that having features built right into the protocol is simpler to integrate and enhances the user experience. However, the approach may be somewhat extensible because new features would require protocol upgrades. Frame Transactions takes the opposite approach by having generalized primitives instead of predefined features. Authorization and gas payment logic can be implemented in smart contracts, allowing developers to create custom systems for signatures, permissions, and transaction validation. Vitalik Buterin highlights privacy and wallet design implications Responding to the ongoing discussion, Vitalik Buterin stated that Frame Transactions could also enable privacy-focused applications to operate without the need for public transaction broadcasters. According to Buterin, the design enables privacy systems such as Railgun and other protocols to directly interact with network functionality, such as FOCIL, while preserving censorship resistance. It's a good post, and thanks for your contributions to improving frame txs! I would also add: * Frame txs are also meant to cover a long-tail of privacy and censorship resistance use cases. They enable Railgun, PP, etc to work without public broadcaster intermediaries, and… — vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) March 9, 2026 He also identified potential changes to the wallet architecture. Buterin said the idea of “every wallet being a smart contract” has already been successfully implemented in other ecosystems, citing Bitcoin’s multisignature wallet design. In his opinion, wallets built using EIP-8141 could be relatively simple and execute only a few operations, as Bitcoin scripts do. Buterin said that many wallet features currently implemented in large smart contracts, such as transaction batching and signature hash calculations, could be moved out of wallet code using the proposed structure. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .