hodler

17 May 2026, 21:00

Crypto Systems Could Be Outpaced By Quantum Tech By 2033, Says Hoskinson

Crypto may need a major overhaul sooner than most people think. Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson pointed to a specific proposal — Bitcoin Improvement Proposal BIP-361 — as a potential path forward for gradually moving Bitcoin users away from older wallet addresses toward ones built to resist quantum attacks. Speaking at Consensus Miami, Hoskinson said the window to prepare may be closing faster than the industry has assumed. A Deadline The Industry Cannot Ignore Hoskinson put the odds of a capable quantum computer arriving before 2033 at above 50%. That kind of machine, he said, would be powerful enough to crack the cryptographic systems that currently protect digital wallets, private keys, and transaction signatures across most major blockchain networks. If that happens, bad actors could potentially access wallets without authorization, forge transaction signatures, or disrupt how blockchains reach agreement. He was direct: this is no longer a problem for the next generation to solve. Hoskinson Says There’s Over a 50% Chance Quantum Systems Could Threaten Digital Security by 2033 According to Crowdfund Insider, Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson said at Consensus Miami that there is a more than 50% chance commercial quantum systems capable of challenging… pic.twitter.com/UOB5htKCwr — Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) May 16, 2026 Most blockchains today — Bitcoin included — rely on traditional encryption methods that were never designed with quantum computing in mind. Those systems work by making certain math problems extremely difficult for classical computers to solve. A sufficiently advanced quantum machine could blow through those same problems in a fraction of the time. Cardano’s Quantum Defense Plan Cardano is not waiting around. According to Hoskinson, the network already has a research program focused on quantum security, with partners involved and specific technical goals in place. The main focus is lattice-based cryptography, a form of encryption that quantum systems would find far harder to break than older models. Cardano also plans to adopt federal quantum-resistant standards — known as FIPS 203 through 206 — which were developed to protect digital systems against future quantum-powered attacks. Hoskinson noted that rolling out these changes on Cardano would be relatively straightforward. The network runs scheduled hard fork upgrades annually, which gives it a built-in mechanism for adopting new security standards without major disruption. Crypto Faces A Longer Road For Bitcoin, the path is less clear. BIP-361 has been proposed as a way to phase in quantum-resistant wallet addresses over several years, but Bitcoin’s upgrade process is slower and more contested than Cardano’s. Hoskinson acknowledged the difficulty but said a migration of that kind is achievable. He suggested Cardano could carry out a similar transition with relative ease given its existing upgrade structure. Whether Bitcoin moves fast enough remains an open question — one the broader crypto industry may not be able to put off much longer. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

15 May 2026, 11:30

Cardano Founder Says ‘Leios Is Coming’ As Proposal Heads To DReps

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson signaled renewed momentum behind Leios, the network’s next major consensus upgrade, as Input Output moved a ₳27.7 million funding proposal toward DRep approval. The proposal seeks to mature Leios from an early public testnet prototype into a mainnet-ready release candidate, positioning the upgrade as a central piece of Cardano’s 2030 scaling strategy. “Leios is coming,” Hoskinson wrote on X, quoting Sebastian Nagel, who said: “Cardano, if your governance permits, we’ll ship Leios.” The short exchange framed the next phase of Cardano’s scaling roadmap as both a technical delivery question and a governance decision. Cardano’s Biggest Scaling Bet The proposal , authored by Carlos Lopez de Lara and Nagel, asks DReps to approve a treasury withdrawal of ₳27,714,342 to fund six to nine months of development. The work is intended to move Leios from its current prototype and testnet phase toward a release candidate suitable for mainnet integration. According to the proposal, each milestone would be independently assured, while undisbursed ada would be returned to the treasury. Leios is designed to enhance, rather than replace, Ouroboros Praos, Cardano’s existing consensus protocol. The proposal says the upgrade introduces endorser blocks and committee-based validation to increase transaction capacity while preserving Praos’s security model. IO frames the design as a way to scale Cardano without undermining decentralization or making stake pool operations economically unviable. “Cardano needs a step change in throughput to meet its 2030 ambitions, and Leios is how it gets there. This proposal funds the path from public testnet to a mainnet-ready release candidate — delivering a 10–65x increase in transaction capacity ,” the proposal states. “Why this scale matters: Cardano’s 2030 strategy targets growth from roughly 800,000 monthly transactions to over 27 million.” That 2030 target is a key justification for the funding request. The proposal argues that sustainable utilization at that level would require at least 6x current capacity, while Leios is expected to deliver 10x or more under validated parameter settings. Elsewhere, the accompanying IO article says Leios could support a phased throughput increase from 2x to 30x current capacity on mainnet, with full capacity demonstrated on testnet before broader rollout. The work is organized around three objectives. The first is a release candidate, including a substantial rewrite of consensus components, implementation of the Leios block structure for the Dijkstra era, conformance testing against the Agda formal specification, and integration into the primary node by the fourth quarter of 2026. The second is “high confidence,” built through parameter exploration, continuous load testing, adversarial testing, red-team exercises, and an updated threat model. The third is hard-fork enablement, covering client interfaces, technical documentation, SPO and developer workshops, support for adjacent infrastructure such as DB-Sync, Mithril and Blockfrost , testnet hard forks, governance artifacts and contingency procedures. The proposal is careful to separate work within IO’s control from external dependencies. A mainnet hard fork would still depend on broader ecosystem readiness, governance action submission and a community vote. The document explicitly describes those as risks rather than promises. Funding would be administered through Intersect’s treasury reserve smart contract framework, with milestone-based disbursements and third-party assurance. The budget allocates ₳23.83 million, or 86%, to development, with smaller portions assigned to infrastructure, security and audits, legal and compliance, ecosystem support, operations, governance and other costs. The risk section is direct. It identifies community readiness, hard-fork timing, final cardano-node integration and possible governance constraints as factors that could delay or limit activation. It also notes technical limitations, including potential higher operational costs for SPOs, greater chain growth, and high-throughput assumptions tied to adversarial stake conditions. At press time, ADA traded at $0.2661.

15 May 2026, 08:25

Upbit to Temporarily Halt POL and GMT Transactions Ahead of Polygon Hard Fork

BitcoinWorld Upbit to Temporarily Halt POL and GMT Transactions Ahead of Polygon Hard Fork South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Upbit has announced a temporary suspension of deposits and withdrawals for two tokens—POL and GMT—in preparation for an upcoming hard fork on the Polygon network. The scheduled maintenance will begin at 11:00 a.m. UTC on May 21. Timeline and Scope of the Suspension According to an official notice from Upbit, the suspension will affect all transactions involving POL and GMT, the native tokens of the Polygon ecosystem. The halt is a standard precautionary measure taken by exchanges to ensure network stability and prevent potential losses during the hard fork. The exchange has not yet specified an exact end time for the suspension, stating that services will resume once the network upgrade is confirmed to be stable. Why This Matters for Traders Hard forks involve significant changes to a blockchain’s protocol, often requiring nodes to upgrade their software. During this period, transactions can be delayed, or in rare cases, lead to splits in the network. By suspending deposits and withdrawals, Upbit aims to protect user funds from any technical issues that may arise. Traders holding POL or GMT on Upbit should be aware that they will not be able to move their assets in or out of the exchange during the maintenance window. Impact on Polygon Ecosystem and Market Sentiment Polygon, a layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum, has undergone several upgrades in the past. While hard forks are generally routine events, they can cause short-term volatility in token prices. Market participants often watch such announcements closely, as they may indicate upcoming improvements or changes to the network’s functionality. For now, the suspension is a procedural step, but it serves as a reminder for users to stay informed about network upgrades affecting their holdings. Conclusion Upbit’s decision to temporarily halt POL and GMT transactions is a standard operational measure aligned with the Polygon hard fork. Users should plan their trading activities accordingly and expect services to resume shortly after the upgrade is completed. As always, keeping an eye on official exchange announcements is crucial during such network events. FAQs Q1: When exactly will Upbit suspend POL and GMT deposits and withdrawals? A: The suspension begins at 11:00 a.m. UTC on May 21. Q2: How long will the suspension last? A: Upbit has not provided an exact end time. Services will resume once the Polygon hard fork is confirmed to be stable. Q3: Will trading of POL and GMT still be possible during the suspension? A: The notice only mentions deposits and withdrawals. Trading pairs may still be active, but users should check Upbit’s platform for specific trading status updates. This post Upbit to Temporarily Halt POL and GMT Transactions Ahead of Polygon Hard Fork first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

14 May 2026, 21:31

Tezos Ecosystem Unveils Quantum-Resistant Private Payment Testnet

BitcoinWorld Tezos Ecosystem Unveils Quantum-Resistant Private Payment Testnet Developers within the Tezos (XTZ) ecosystem have launched a prototype for a private blockchain payment testnet designed to be resistant to quantum computing attacks, according to a report from Cointelegraph. The prototype, named TzEL, leverages zk-STARK proofs to protect transaction data and encrypted payment metadata, marking a significant step toward future-proofing blockchain privacy against emerging computational threats. What Is TzEL and How Does It Work? TzEL is a testnet prototype developed by Tezos ecosystem contributors. It utilizes zero-knowledge Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge (zk-STARKs), a cryptographic proof system that allows one party to prove possession of certain information without revealing that information itself. Unlike zk-SNARKs, zk-STARKs do not require a trusted setup, making them more transparent and potentially more resistant to quantum attacks. The testnet focuses on private payments, encrypting transaction metadata such as amounts and addresses while still enabling verification on the Tezos blockchain. This approach aims to provide users with both privacy and security, particularly against the hypothetical threat of quantum computers breaking current cryptographic standards. Why Quantum Resistance Matters Now Quantum computing remains in its early stages, but the cryptographic community has been actively preparing for a future where quantum machines could break widely used encryption algorithms like RSA and ECDSA. For blockchain networks, this poses a direct risk to the security of private keys and transaction integrity. Tezos, known for its on-chain governance and ability to upgrade without hard forks, is positioning itself to address this challenge proactively. The TzEL prototype is not yet a live mainnet feature, but it demonstrates the network’s capability to integrate advanced cryptographic methods before quantum threats become practical. Implications for the Broader Crypto Ecosystem The development of quantum-resistant privacy solutions is becoming a competitive differentiator among blockchain platforms. While many projects are exploring post-quantum cryptography, Tezos’ implementation of zk-STARKs for private payments adds a layer of privacy that could appeal to enterprises and users concerned about long-term data confidentiality. If successful, TzEL could influence how other networks approach both privacy and quantum readiness. It also highlights the growing intersection of privacy-focused cryptography and post-quantum security, two areas that have historically been addressed separately. Conclusion The launch of the TzEL testnet represents a forward-looking development in blockchain security and privacy. While still a prototype, it underscores Tezos’ commitment to adaptability and cryptographic innovation. As quantum computing advances, such proactive measures may become essential for maintaining trust in decentralized systems. FAQs Q1: What is zk-STARK and how does it differ from zk-SNARK? zk-STARK stands for Zero-Knowledge Scalable Transparent Arguments of Knowledge. Unlike zk-SNARKs, zk-STARKs do not require a trusted setup, making them more transparent and generally more resistant to quantum computing attacks. They are also scalable and produce proofs that are larger but faster to verify. Q2: Is TzEL available for public use on the Tezos mainnet? No, TzEL is currently a testnet prototype. It is not yet deployed on the Tezos mainnet. The development is intended to demonstrate feasibility and gather feedback before any potential integration into the live network. Q3: Why is quantum resistance important for blockchain privacy? Quantum computers, if realized at scale, could break many of the cryptographic algorithms that secure blockchain transactions today, including those protecting private keys and transaction data. Quantum-resistant cryptography ensures that private payments remain secure even in a future where quantum attacks are possible. This post Tezos Ecosystem Unveils Quantum-Resistant Private Payment Testnet first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

14 May 2026, 03:25

Binance to Temporarily Halt Base Network Deposits and Withdrawals on May 21 for Scheduled Upgrade

BitcoinWorld Binance to Temporarily Halt Base Network Deposits and Withdrawals on May 21 for Scheduled Upgrade Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has announced a temporary suspension of deposits and withdrawals for tokens operating on the Base network. The pause is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. UTC on May 21 to accommodate a planned network upgrade and hard fork. Why Binance Is Suspending Base Network Transactions The suspension is a standard precautionary measure taken by centralized exchanges during significant blockchain network upgrades. Base, an Ethereum Layer-2 scaling solution incubated by Coinbase, requires periodic upgrades to improve performance, security, and functionality. A hard fork introduces changes that are not backward-compatible, meaning nodes must update to continue participating in the network. Binance’s move aligns with industry best practices: halting deposits and withdrawals during the upgrade window prevents transactions from being lost or processed incorrectly while the network is in flux. Trading of Base-based tokens on Binance’s spot market may continue, but users will be unable to move assets on or off the exchange until the upgrade is complete and the network is deemed stable. Timeline and What Users Should Expect The suspension begins at 17:00 UTC on May 21. Binance has not specified an exact end time, as the duration depends on the network’s stability post-upgrade. Historically, similar suspensions last between one and four hours, though delays can occur if unexpected issues arise during the fork. Users holding tokens on the Base network within Binance are advised to complete any necessary deposits or withdrawals before the cutoff. After the suspension begins, pending transactions may fail and need to be resubmitted once services resume. Binance typically announces resumption of services via its official support channels and social media accounts. Implications for Traders and DeFi Users For active traders and decentralized finance (DeFi) participants who rely on Base for low-cost transactions, the temporary halt introduces a brief period of reduced liquidity on the exchange. Arbitrage opportunities between Binance and decentralized exchanges on Base may narrow during the window. However, the impact is expected to be short-lived and limited to the upgrade window. Base has grown rapidly since its mainnet launch, attracting a significant share of DeFi activity and meme coin trading. Binance’s support for the network has been a key factor in its adoption among retail users. The exchange’s proactive communication about the suspension reflects a broader trend of improved transparency around network maintenance events. Conclusion The scheduled suspension on May 21 is a routine but necessary step to ensure the Base network’s continued reliability and security. While it may cause minor inconvenience for users needing to move funds during that window, the temporary halt is a standard operational measure that protects both the exchange and its customers. Binance users should plan accordingly and monitor official announcements for updates on when services will be restored. FAQs Q1: Will my Base tokens be safe during the suspension? Yes. Your tokens remain safely held in your Binance account. The suspension only affects deposits and withdrawals; your balance is unaffected. Q2: Can I still trade Base tokens on Binance during the suspension? Spot trading of Base-based tokens may continue as normal, but you will not be able to deposit or withdraw those tokens until the network upgrade is complete. Q3: How long will the suspension last? Binance has not provided a specific end time. The suspension typically lasts until the network upgrade is confirmed stable, which usually takes between one and four hours. Check Binance’s official status page for real-time updates. This post Binance to Temporarily Halt Base Network Deposits and Withdrawals on May 21 for Scheduled Upgrade first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

13 May 2026, 15:00

Fireblocks Opens Institutional Access to Cardano Staking and Governance

BitcoinWorld Fireblocks Opens Institutional Access to Cardano Staking and Governance Digital asset infrastructure provider Fireblocks has partnered with Iagon, an enterprise-grade node service provider for the Cardano ecosystem, to offer institutional investors secure access to ADA staking, on-chain governance voting, and native token management. The integration, first reported by Crypto Briefing, marks a significant step in bridging institutional capital with Cardano’s proof-of-stake network. What the Fireblocks-Iagon Partnership Entails Through this collaboration, institutional clients of Fireblocks can now directly stake ADA tokens, participate in Cardano’s decentralized governance votes, and manage native tokens—all within Fireblocks’ existing secure custody and operational environment. Iagon provides the underlying enterprise-grade node infrastructure, ensuring reliable connectivity and compliance with institutional standards. For Fireblocks, which serves over 1,800 financial institutions, this expands its supported asset ecosystem beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum into Cardano’s growing DeFi and governance landscape. The move reflects increasing institutional demand for diversified crypto exposure that includes staking yields and governance rights, not just passive holding. Why This Matters for Institutional Adoption Cardano has long been viewed as a technologically rigorous blockchain, but institutional participation has been limited by the complexity of staking and governance processes. By packaging these functions into a familiar, regulated infrastructure, Fireblocks and Iagon lower the barrier for asset managers, hedge funds, and banks. Staking ADA offers yields typically in the 3–5% annual range, while governance voting gives institutions a voice in protocol upgrades—a feature increasingly valued by long-term holders. The partnership also addresses security concerns, as Iagon’s node service is designed to meet enterprise compliance and uptime requirements. Broader Implications for the Crypto Infrastructure Market This development signals a maturing of the crypto custody and staking sector. Competitors like Coinbase Prime and Binance Institutional already offer staking services, but Fireblocks’ approach—partnering with specialized node operators rather than building in-house—may become a model for other blockchain networks seeking institutional access. It also positions Cardano more competitively against Ethereum and Solana for institutional capital allocation. Regulatory clarity remains a factor, particularly around staking classification. However, the partnership’s focus on governance voting and native token management suggests an awareness of evolving compliance frameworks in the U.S. and Europe. Conclusion The Fireblocks-Iagon partnership represents a practical step toward integrating Cardano into mainstream institutional finance. By simplifying staking, governance, and token management within a secure environment, the collaboration addresses key friction points that have historically kept large investors on the sidelines. As the crypto infrastructure race intensifies, such partnerships may define which blockchain networks gain sustained institutional traction. FAQs Q1: What exactly does Fireblocks’ new partnership with Iagon enable? A: It allows institutional investors to stake ADA tokens, participate in Cardano on-chain governance voting, and manage native ADA tokens securely within Fireblocks’ custody infrastructure. Q2: Why is institutional access to Cardano staking significant? A: Cardano has a large market cap but limited institutional tools. This partnership provides regulated, secure access to staking yields and governance rights, making ADA more attractive to asset managers and banks. Q3: Is this service available to retail investors? A: No, the partnership is designed for institutional clients of Fireblocks, such as hedge funds, asset managers, and banks. Retail investors would need to use other platforms or wallets for Cardano staking. This post Fireblocks Opens Institutional Access to Cardano Staking and Governance first appeared on BitcoinWorld .