hodler

15 Apr 2026, 10:39

What Are the Best Crypto Cards to Spend Bitcoin & Altcoins in 2026?

Cryptocurrencies are often primarily seen as an investment vehicle. This is not wrong but it would also be inaccurate to say that crypto is only an asset class for trading and holding for the long term. 2025 taught us that cryptocurrencies, via stablecoins, transitioned into a full fledged payment settlements rail. For everyday transactions, crypto is increasingly being used not just to invest, but to spend. How Do Crypto Cards Work? The easiest method to off ramp crypto into a local currency and spend today is through crypto cards. These are debit cards that bridge crypto wallets, exchanges and traditional payment networks like Visa and Mastercard. These cards not only make it extremely easy and efficient to spend your crypto but oftentimes also reward users with cashback. Integrations with Visa and Mastercard enable seamless payment across millions of merchants worldwide. As spending volumes on crypto cards increase year on year, this is a trend worth watching closely in 2026. This article highlights some of the top crypto cards available on the market today. Each of these cards on the list are categorized based on the type of user it may be most relevant for. What Are the Best Crypto Cards in 2026? The best crypto cards in 2026 include: COCA Card – Best overall crypto card Oobit – Best Non-Custodial Crypto Card Ether.fi : Best DeFi-Native Crypto Card Coinbase Card – Best for beginners Wirex Card – Best for EU users Nexo Card – Best hybrid credit-style card COCA Card – Best Overall Crypto Card Why it ranks #1 COCA offers a Visa-branded crypto card designed to make spending stablecoins as seamless and rewarding as spending cash at millions of merchants worldwide. Users can tap into everyday purchases and earn one of the most competitive reward rates in the space of up to 8% cashback paid directly in stablecoins (USDT, USDC or EURC). Unlike many competitors that reward users with native tokens or points, COCA’s cashback effectively removes exposure to volatility and can be used instantly. COCA’s crypto card is paired with a fully non-custodial wallet, meaning there’s no third party holding or managing their crypto all while providing one of the best stablecoin rewards structures. The COCA card is live and trusted by over 1 million users globally, supported by and an active telegram community and ecosystem partners like Stellar, FunFair and Wirex. Key Features The COCA card allows users to spend their crypto anywhere where Visa is accepted, both online and in physical stores, while charging no joining, annual or monthly fees. Card transactions incur zero foreign-exchange fees and users can also withdraw cash with no ATM fees for amounts up to $200 per month. In addition, COCA offers free virtual card issuance, making it easy for users to start spending immediately. Other than everyday payments, COCA extends its utility to lifestyle benefits. Users receive 50% cashback on popular subscriptions like Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime and ChatGPT, along with discounts of up to 65% on hotel booking through COCA Travel, supplemented by additional cashback on stays. Funds held on the card can also earn up to 6% APY on stablecoin balances, with no lockups and full liquidity at all times. The platform also enables zero-fee token swaps across more than 15 blockchains, using smart routing to achieve optimal execution. Looking ahead, COCA plans to introduce fiat deposits and withdrawals, card to card transfers and dynamic APY features, further expanding its financial toolkit. Best For The COCA Card is best suited for users who want to spend stablecoins in real-world settings while retaining self-custody, earning meaningful rewards, and benefiting from a low-fee, globally accepted Visa payment experience. Oobit – Best Non-Custodial Crypto Card Why it stands out Oobit is far more than a traditional cryptocurrency card designed to remove the friction between self-custody wallets and real-world spending. Backed by Tether, the platform enables payments across Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, and an expanding portfolio of leading digital assets at over 150 million Visa merchants globally. Crucially, users can pay with crypto without giving up custody of their assets until the moment of purchase. In practice, this means users can make everyday payments directly from their self-custodial wallets, retaining full control over their funds, with no need for merchants to integrate new payment systems. As Oobit’s pay functionality acts as a bridge between private wallets and everyday payments, this allows crypto to be used as easily as mobile wallets like Apple and Google Pay. Users can also earn up to 10% cashback in eligible token, making it one of the highest reward offerings among crypto payment solutions in 2026. Key Features Self-Custody Payments Most crypto cards force users to transfer funds to a custodial wallet first. Extra step. Extra risk. Extra friction. Oobit connects directly to external self-custody wallets. MetaMask. Trust Wallet. Phantom. Users spend crypto instantly. No transfers. No custodial balance. Full control until the moment of payment. Global Merchant Acceptance Oobit payments work at millions of Visa terminals worldwide. In-store. Online. Real-time crypto-to-fiat conversions mean merchants receive local currency. No additional integration required. Seamless for users. Frictionless for businesses. Instant Peer-to-Peer Transfers Oobit Pay 2.0 enables users to send and receive 40+ cryptocurrencies globally using only a mobile phone number. Transfers between Oobit users are free, bypass blockchain network fees, and settle in 1–3 seconds. Crypto transfers as fast as sending a text. Under the hood, Oobit is powered by DePay’s decentralized payment protocol , a Web3-native infrastructure layer that enables direct wallet-to-merchant crypto transactions. Built on smart contract architecture across networks including BNB Chain and Polygon , DePay facilitates secure, non-custodial payments initiated directly from users’ self-custodial wallets. When a transaction is authorized, the payment is executed on-chain from the user’s wallet. The crypto is then converted and settled through traditional Visa rails, enabling seamless payments at over 150 million merchants worldwide without requiring merchants to integrate crypto-native payment infrastructure. This hybrid architecture bridges decentralized blockchain networks with global card schemes, preserving user custody until the moment of payment while enabling real-world usability at scale. Together, these capabilities position Oobit as a Web3-native payment ecosystem built around decentralized settlement, non-custodial spending, and global acceptance. Best For The Oobit app is best suited for users who want to spend crypto directly from self-custody wallets without preloading funds, while earning high cashback rewards and enjoying a seamless Tap-to-Pay experience across Visa’s global merchant network. Ether.fi : Best DeFi-Native Crypto Card Why it stands out The Ether.fi Cash Card is built by one of the largest liquid staking protocols in the space that has over $5 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL). That DeFi-native footprint shows up in how the card actually works. Users hold their funds in a self custodial Gnosis Safe wallet rather than handing over control or their assets to a centralized party. There are other non-custodial crypto card offerings on this list but what makes this different is that in the point of purchase most crypto cards, including non custodial ones, convert your crypto holdings into fiat the moment you swipe or tap to pay. This essentially means you’re selling. With Ether.fi ’s Borrow Mode, your crypto stays in the vault, continues to earn yield and acts as collateral for a credit line. Since you’re borrowing against the crypto held rather than selling, this also avoids triggering a tax event. Apart from this, there is also the Direct Pay mode which works as a standard debit function, drawing directly from stablecoins held in the vault. This dual structure means long-term holders can preserve their crypto exposure, continue earning staking rewards and still access liquidity for everyday spending. Key Features The card offers 3% cashback on all purchases across every membership tier, paid out in wETH. There’s no annual fee regardless of which tier you’re on. For users who opt into Borrow Mode, the current promotional rate is 0% APR on borrowed funds through Q2 2026, after which it reverts to floating market rates tied to AAVE. The card also comes with full Visa Signature benefits, including $2,000 in price protection, $10,000 in purchase protection, global rental car insurance and access to Visa’s concierge services. On the fee side, non-USD transactions carry a 1% foreign exchange fee and ATM withdrawals cost 2%. The card works with Apple Pay and Google Pay, and is built on Scroll’s zk-rollup infrastructure which keeps on-chain transaction costs below one cent. There are four membership tiers in total (Core, Luxe, Pinnacle and VIP), each unlocking higher daily spending limits, more virtual cards and additional perks like crypto conference lounge access as users move up. Best For The Ether.fi Cash Card is well suited for DeFi-native users who want to maintain full custody of their assets while still having access to real-world spending power. The ability to borrow against crypto without triggering a taxable sale event is a major draw for holders looking to stay long on their positions. That said, Borrow Mode does require users to understand collateral ratios, liquidation thresholds and interest mechanics. If the value of collateral drops too far, there’s a risk of automatic liquidation. For users less familiar with lending protocols, the Direct Pay debit mode offers a simpler path. The card is available across most of Europe, Asia, South America and select U.S. states, though notable exclusions include India, Netherlands, Turkey and around 20 U.S. states. Availability continues to expand, so users should check the official site for the latest supported regions. Coinbase Card – Best for Beginners Why it’s included Coinbase as a crypto exchange is known for its simplicity and user friendly interface. This design thinking extends to its crypto card service as well. For beginners looking to use crypto cards, coinbase offers a visa debit card that links directly to a users’ coinbase wallet. There is minimal setup and no staking requirements. Accessibility is a strong point for the Coinbase Card as it is available across key markets. It is currently available in the United States (all states except Hawaii) and many European countries including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and others. Limitations Although users can earn rewards on purchases, the rates are lower compared with tiered reward systems like Crypto.com ’s structure. Another drawback is that in many markets, a conversion spread applies every time crypto is sold to fund a purchase or ATM withdrawal, which essentially increases the cost of transactions relative to flat-fee cards. Wirex Card – Best for EU Users Why it works The Wirex platform is built as an everything app where users can grow, borrow and spend their crypto. The Wirex crypto debit card is widely available across Europe, including the UK and many EU member states. Users can earn instant rewards of up to 8% cashback on everyday spending. Apple pay and google pay integration also enables tap and pay functionality across merchants worldwide. One of its core strengths is its multi-currency account model. Users can hold, convert and spend a variety of both cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies within one wallet. Nexo Card – Best Hybrid Credit-Style Crypto Card Why it’s different This list thus far has highlighted some of the top crypto debit cards. The Nexo Card, however, stands out because it offers both a credit and debit mode in one crypto payment card. In the credit mode, users can make everyday purchases using funds drawn from a crypto-backed credit line rather than having to sell their digital assets. The crypto you hold acts as collateral for the credit line, allowing you to spend fiat without selling your crypto. Therefore, the Nexo can function like a credit card but with your crypto value behind it. This gives users access to liquidity while keeping their longer term positions intact. While there is an in-built debit mode, the credit feature is inherently more complex. Users must understand how borrowing works, how collateral affects credit availability and how repayments and interest are factored in. Top 6 Crypto Cards Compared Card Network Rewards Fees Best For COCA Card Visa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Low Overall Oobit Visa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Low Non-custodial spending Ether.fi Cash Card Visa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Low DeFi users Coinbase Card Visa ⭐⭐⭐ Medium Beginners Wirex Card Visa ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Low EU users Nexo Card Mastercard ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Variable Credit-style use

15 Apr 2026, 04:30

Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD Holds Bullish Bias Despite Correction from One-Month High

BitcoinWorld Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD Holds Bullish Bias Despite Correction from One-Month High Global silver markets experienced a notable correction this week as XAG/USD retreated from its one-month peak near the critical $80.00 level. The precious metal’s price action reflects broader market dynamics while maintaining underlying bullish momentum according to technical indicators. Market analysts monitor several key factors influencing silver’s trajectory, including industrial demand signals and monetary policy expectations. This analysis provides comprehensive context about the current correction phase within silver’s larger market structure. Silver Price Forecast: Technical Correction Within Bullish Trend XAG/USD recently pulled back from its highest level in over thirty trading sessions. This correction represents a natural market movement following significant gains. Technical analysts observe that silver maintains support above several key moving averages. The 50-day exponential moving average currently provides dynamic support around $76.50. Furthermore, the relative strength index (RSI) has cooled from overbought territory above 70 to more neutral levels near 60. This healthy reset creates potential for renewed upward momentum. Market participants generally view the correction as constructive rather than concerning. Several technical patterns suggest the bullish bias remains intact despite recent selling pressure. The metal continues trading above its 200-day moving average, a key long-term trend indicator. Additionally, silver has established a series of higher lows since its most recent significant low in late 2024. This pattern typically indicates underlying strength in trending markets. Volume analysis reveals that selling volume during the correction has been relatively modest compared to buying volume during the preceding rally. This divergence often signals temporary profit-taking rather than fundamental deterioration. Key Technical Levels for XAG/USD Traders closely monitor specific price levels that may determine silver’s near-term direction. Immediate resistance resides at the recent high of $79.85, followed by the psychological $80.00 barrier. A decisive break above this level could trigger accelerated buying. Conversely, support appears at $77.20, corresponding to the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of the recent rally. Further support exists at $76.50 near the 50-day moving average. The following table summarizes critical technical levels: Resistance Levels Support Levels $79.85 (Recent High) $77.20 (Fibonacci 38.2%) $80.00 (Psychological) $76.50 (50-day EMA) $81.50 (Previous Resistance) $75.80 (Trendline Support) Fundamental Drivers Behind Silver Market Movements Multiple fundamental factors contribute to silver’s price dynamics beyond technical patterns. Industrial demand represents a significant component of silver’s value proposition. The metal serves crucial functions in various technologies, particularly in renewable energy applications. Solar panel manufacturing consumes substantial silver quantities, creating structural demand growth. Additionally, electronics production relies heavily on silver’s conductive properties. These industrial applications provide a demand floor distinct from purely monetary or speculative interest. Monetary policy developments significantly influence precious metals pricing. Central bank decisions regarding interest rates directly impact opportunity costs for holding non-yielding assets like silver. Recent commentary from major central banks suggests a cautious approach to further rate hikes. This environment typically supports precious metals by reducing the attractiveness of interest-bearing alternatives. Furthermore, currency fluctuations, particularly in the US dollar index (DXY), create inverse correlations with silver priced in dollars. A weaker dollar generally supports higher silver prices for international buyers. Industrial Versus Investment Demand Dynamics Silver’s unique market position stems from its dual role as both industrial commodity and monetary asset. This duality creates complex price drivers that analysts must consider simultaneously. Industrial demand typically follows economic growth patterns and technological adoption rates. Meanwhile, investment demand responds to financial market conditions and inflation expectations. Currently, both sectors show supportive signals for silver prices. Manufacturing indicators suggest stable industrial consumption, while financial market volatility enhances silver’s safe-haven appeal. This convergence of supportive factors underpins the maintained bullish bias despite recent correction. Comparative Analysis with Other Precious Metals Silver’s performance often relates to movements in gold markets, though not perfectly correlated. The gold-to-silver ratio, currently near 85:1, provides context about relative valuations between the two metals. Historically, this ratio has averaged closer to 60:1 over recent decades. Some analysts interpret the elevated ratio as suggesting silver may have catch-up potential relative to gold. However, silver typically exhibits greater volatility than gold during both upward and downward market movements. This characteristic makes silver attractive to certain traders seeking amplified price movements within precious metals sectors. Platinum and palladium markets also influence silver sentiment indirectly. These industrial precious metals share some demand drivers with silver, particularly in automotive applications. Recent strength in platinum group metals has provided supportive sentiment across the broader precious metals complex. However, silver maintains distinct advantages through its more diverse industrial applications and stronger retail investment markets. These differences create independent price trajectories while maintaining some correlation during broad commodity market movements. Market Structure and Trading Volume Analysis Exchange data reveals important insights about silver market participation. COMEX silver futures show increased open interest despite recent price correction. This pattern often indicates new positions entering the market rather than widespread liquidation. Additionally, physical silver holdings in exchange-traded products (ETPs) have remained relatively stable. Major silver-backed ETPs report consistent investor interest without significant outflows. This stability in physical investment vehicles suggests longer-term confidence in silver’s value proposition despite short-term price fluctuations. Geopolitical and Macroeconomic Considerations Global economic conditions create important context for silver price analysis. Several factors currently influence market sentiment: Inflation Expectations: Persistent inflation concerns support precious metals as traditional hedges Geopolitical Tensions: Regional conflicts and trade uncertainties enhance safe-haven demand Supply Constraints: Mining production faces challenges from regulatory and environmental factors Currency Markets: Dollar weakness typically benefits commodities priced in USD Central Bank Policies: Balance sheet management affects liquidity and asset allocations These interconnected factors create a complex environment for silver price determination. Analysts must weigh competing influences when developing forecasts. Currently, the balance appears tilted toward supportive conditions for precious metals generally and silver specifically. However, unexpected shifts in any major driver could alter this assessment rapidly. Market participants therefore maintain vigilance across multiple data streams. Historical Context and Seasonal Patterns Silver markets exhibit recognizable seasonal tendencies that informed traders consider. Historically, the metal often demonstrates strength during the first quarter of the year. This pattern relates to manufacturing cycles and investment reallocations. Additionally, silver has shown resilience during periods of stock market volatility. The metal’s negative correlation with equities occasionally breaks down but generally reasserts during risk-off environments. Understanding these historical relationships helps analysts distinguish between typical market behavior and structural changes. Current price action aligns with historical patterns of consolidation following significant rallies. Expert Perspectives on Silver Market Outlook Financial institutions and commodity analysts provide varied but generally constructive assessments of silver’s prospects. Major banks have published research noting silver’s attractive risk-reward profile at current levels. These institutions cite both fundamental supply-demand dynamics and technical chart patterns. Independent analysts highlight silver’s undervaluation relative to historical ratios with other assets. However, cautionary voices note potential headwinds from reduced industrial activity during economic slowdowns. The consensus suggests a balanced approach recognizing both opportunities and risks in silver markets. Mining industry executives provide additional insights from the production perspective. Several major silver producers report stable operating conditions despite cost pressures. These companies continue investing in exploration and development, suggesting confidence in medium-term demand. However, permitting challenges and environmental regulations create uncertainty about future supply growth. This potential constraint on production could support prices if demand remains robust. The intersection of mining economics and financial markets creates complex feedback loops that influence silver pricing. Conclusion The silver price forecast remains cautiously optimistic as XAG/USD experiences a healthy correction from recent highs. Technical indicators suggest the bullish bias remains intact despite the pullback from the $80.00 level. Fundamental drivers, including industrial demand and monetary policy expectations, continue supporting silver’s value proposition. Market structure analysis reveals stable investor interest through both futures markets and physical holdings. While volatility may persist, the overall framework suggests silver maintains constructive positioning within commodity markets. Traders should monitor key technical levels and fundamental developments for confirmation of the next sustained directional move. FAQs Q1: What caused silver to correct from its one-month high? The correction represents natural profit-taking after a significant rally, combined with temporary dollar strength and minor adjustments in risk sentiment across financial markets. Q2: Why do analysts maintain a bullish bias despite the correction? Technical indicators show the metal holding above key support levels, fundamental demand drivers remain intact, and market structure suggests accumulation rather than distribution. Q3: How does industrial demand affect silver prices compared to gold? Silver has substantial industrial applications that create consistent underlying demand, making it more sensitive to economic growth expectations than gold, which relies more on monetary and investment demand. Q4: What key levels should traders watch for XAG/USD? Critical resistance sits at $80.00, while support appears at $77.20 and $76.50. A break above $80.00 could signal renewed bullish momentum, while a break below $76.50 might indicate deeper correction. Q5: How does the gold-to-silver ratio impact trading decisions? The ratio, currently near 85:1, suggests silver may be relatively undervalued compared to gold based on historical averages, potentially attracting value-oriented precious metals investors. This post Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD Holds Bullish Bias Despite Correction from One-Month High first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

15 Apr 2026, 01:25

Polygon sPOL Launch: A Strategic $330 Million Injection Reshapes DeFi Staking

BitcoinWorld Polygon sPOL Launch: A Strategic $330 Million Injection Reshapes DeFi Staking In a significant move for decentralized finance, the Polygon network has officially launched its native liquid staking token, sPOL. This strategic initiative aims to unlock approximately 3.6 billion POL tokens, valued at $330 million, for enhanced utility across the broader DeFi ecosystem. Consequently, users can now stake their POL tokens and receive sPOL at a direct one-to-one ratio, maintaining liquidity while earning staking rewards. Understanding the Polygon sPOL Launch Mechanics The launch of sPOL represents a pivotal evolution for the Polygon ecosystem. Fundamentally, liquid staking solves a critical problem in proof-of-stake networks. Traditionally, staked assets remain locked and illiquid. However, the sPOL model changes this dynamic completely. Users deposit their POL tokens into the official staking contract. Subsequently, they receive an equivalent amount of sPOL tokens. These derivative tokens are freely transferable and usable across various DeFi applications. Therefore, stakers can simultaneously earn network rewards and participate in lending, borrowing, or providing liquidity. This mechanism directly targets capital efficiency. The initial injection targets 3.6 billion POL tokens. Importantly, this represents a substantial portion of the circulating supply. Market analysts immediately recognized the scale of this deployment. Furthermore, the $330 million valuation underscores the significant economic weight of this launch. The Polygon development team designed sPOL to integrate seamlessly. Consequently, existing DeFi protocols on Polygon can easily adopt sPOL as collateral. The Broader Impact on DeFi and Liquid Staking Trends The introduction of sPOL enters a competitive and rapidly growing liquid staking sector. Platforms like Lido on Ethereum have demonstrated massive demand for liquid staking solutions. Polygon’s entry, however, is notable for several key reasons. Primarily, it leverages the network’s established position as a leading Ethereum scaling solution. The Polygon ecosystem already hosts hundreds of applications. Therefore, sPOL arrives with a ready-made utility landscape. This existing infrastructure could accelerate adoption dramatically. Industry experts point to several potential impacts. First, increased staking participation could enhance the overall security of the Polygon network. Second, the influx of liquid capital might boost Total Value Locked (TVL) across Polygon DeFi. Third, sPOL could become a fundamental building block for new financial products. For instance, developers might create yield-optimizing vaults or structured products using sPOL. The timeline for this rollout appears carefully staged. The core staking contract has undergone multiple security audits. Additionally, the team has established clear governance parameters for future upgrades. Expert Analysis and Market Implications Financial analysts highlight the strategic timing of the sPOL launch. The broader cryptocurrency market shows renewed interest in staking and real yield. Polygon’s move capitalizes on this trend directly. By providing a native solution, the network reduces reliance on third-party liquid staking providers. This control offers greater alignment with the network’s long-term economic security. Data from blockchain analytics firms indicates a steady rise in Polygon staking over the past year. The sPOL launch is poised to accelerate this trend significantly. Comparatively, the design of sPOL incorporates lessons from other liquid staking tokens. The one-to-one minting ratio ensures simplicity and transparency. Moreover, the redemption process is designed to be straightforward. Users burn sPOL to reclaim their underlying POL plus accrued staking rewards. This model avoids complex rebasing mechanisms used by some competitors. The table below outlines key distinctions between traditional staking and the new sPOL model. Feature Traditional POL Staking sPOL Liquid Staking Liquidity Assets are locked and illiquid Assets remain liquid via sPOL token DeFi Utility Cannot be used in other protocols Can be used as collateral across DeFi Reward Mechanism Rewards accrue to staked balance Rewards increase the value of sPOL vs POL Unstaking Period Subject to an unbonding delay Instant liquidity via secondary markets The potential $330 million injection is not merely a number. It represents unlocked economic potential. This capital can now flow into lending markets on Aave, liquidity pools on Uniswap v3, or yield strategies on Beefy Finance. Ultimately, this could create a more vibrant and interconnected Polygon economy. Network validators also stand to benefit from increased staking participation. A larger staked supply contributes directly to network robustness and decentralization. Conclusion The launch of the Polygon sPOL liquid staking token marks a strategic and substantial advancement for the network. By unlocking $330 million in capital, Polygon empowers its community to engage more deeply with DeFi without sacrificing staking rewards. This move aligns with broader industry trends toward liquid staking solutions and capital efficiency. The success of sPOL will likely depend on its integration across the ecosystem and its adoption by both retail and institutional stakers. As the DeFi landscape continues to evolve, the introduction of native liquid staking assets like sPOL represents a critical step toward more mature and flexible blockchain economies. FAQs Q1: What is Polygon sPOL? sPOL is the native liquid staking token of the Polygon network. It represents staked POL tokens and is freely transferable, allowing users to earn staking rewards while using the token in other DeFi applications. Q2: How do I get sPOL tokens? Users can obtain sPOL by staking their POL tokens through the official Polygon liquid staking portal. The process mints sPOL at a one-to-one ratio with the staked POL. Q3: What are the benefits of using sPOL over traditional staking? The primary benefit is liquidity. Traditional staking locks your POL tokens, while sPOL tokens can be traded, used as collateral, or supplied to liquidity pools, all while still accruing staking rewards. Q4: Is there a risk to using the sPOL liquid staking system? As with any smart contract-based system, there are inherent risks, including potential smart contract vulnerabilities. However, the Polygon sPOL contracts have undergone rigorous security audits by reputable firms to mitigate these risks. Q5: How does the sPOL launch affect the overall Polygon ecosystem? The launch is designed to increase the utility and capital efficiency of the POL token. It aims to boost Total Value Locked (TVL) in Polygon DeFi, enhance network security through increased staking, and foster the development of new financial products built around sPOL. This post Polygon sPOL Launch: A Strategic $330 Million Injection Reshapes DeFi Staking first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

14 Apr 2026, 16:00

Foundry captures 30% of Zcash hashrate at launch – Is ZEC becoming too centralized?

With a drop in miner's revenue to $28-$35 million range in just 3 months is the launch of Foundry Zcash Pool strategically timed?

14 Apr 2026, 14:02

Foundry Captures 29% of Zcash Hashrate Within a Month of Pool Launch

Foundry Digital’s newly launched Zcash (ZEC) mining pool captured approximately 29% of the network’s total hashrate within a month of going live, a rate of consolidation that rivals what ViaBTC, the prior dominant pool, took considerably longer to establish. The pool went public in April 2026 after Foundry announced the initiative on March 11, onboarding institutional miners ahead of the public launch. The speed of that hashrate capture is the signal worth examining. Foundry didn’t inch into Zcash mining, it arrived and immediately held roughly the same share that ViaBTC had built as the incumbent leader, sitting at around 30% of network hashrate before Foundry’s entry. Key Takeaways: Hashrate Capture: Foundry’s Zcash pool seized ~29% of network hashrate within one month of launch, per company data and the new Zcashinfo.com block explorer. Zcash Network Context: Zcash’s total hashrate had risen from 8.1 GSol/s to 13.8 GSol/s since early September 2025 before Foundry’s entry, with ViaBTC previously holding ~30% dominance. Pool Structure: The pool uses a PPLNS payout model, distributes rewards via transparent ZEC addresses, enforces KYC/AML checks, and requires no minimum hashrate, a deliberate institutional access design. Compliance Infrastructure: Foundry’s pool mirrors the SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 compliance framework of Foundry USA Pool, its dominant Bitcoin mining operation. Zcashinfo.com Launch: Foundry released a dedicated Zcash block explorer alongside the pool, providing real-time hashrate distribution, pool rankings, and mining difficulty tracking. What to Watch: Whether Foundry’s share continues climbing past 30% – the threshold at which centralization risk becomes a live network security debate – is the next data point that matters. Discover: How sovereign and institutional actors are reshaping proof-of-work network economics What Does 29% Hashrate Capture in One Month Actually Mean for Zcash Network Security? A single pool controlling 29% of a PoW network’s hashrate is not inherently dangerous, but it concentrates block production risk in ways that demand monitoring. At 29%, Foundry cannot unilaterally execute a 51% attack, but it is close enough to the threshold that any further organic growth changes that calculus. The fact that ViaBTC was already sitting at ~30% before Foundry launched means the network now has two pools each holding roughly three-tenths of total hashrate. That’s a different concentration structure than existed six months ago. Foundry Zcash Pool is officially live! Since our announcement last month, we've seen rapid hashrate growth reaching ~30% of network hashrate. Institutional miners have been looking for compliant, purpose-built $ZEC infrastructure, and we're proud to deliver it. Additionally,… pic.twitter.com/GOXyKrqhhH — Foundry (@FoundryServices) April 13, 2026 Foundry CEO Mike Colyer framed the launch as an infrastructure gap play: Zcash has “matured into an institutional-grade asset, but the mining infrastructure supporting it hasn’t kept pace.” The data supports the premise that Zcash’s hashrate growth from 8.1 GSol/s to 13.8 GSol/s since September 2025 reflects expanding miner interest that the existing pool infrastructure wasn’t built to absorb at an institutional scale. What Foundry has built operationally is notable for its compliance architecture. The pool’s PPLNS payout model, mandatory KYC/AML checks, SOC 1 and SOC 2 audit equivalency, and 24/7 U.S.-based support aren’t features designed for hobbyist miners. Foundry’s $ZEC mining pool is live today as one of the largest Zcash pools by hashrate, with multiple institutional customers already actively mining. The financial privacy ecosystem is growing. https://t.co/d39CYMltI6 — Barry Silbert (@BarrySilbert) April 13, 2026 No minimum hashrate requirement means the access floor is low, but the compliance overhead signals this is targeting miners who need defensible regulatory positioning, the same institutional cohort driving volume on Foundry USA Pool in Bitcoin. Zooko Wilcox, Zcash founder and now Chief Product Officer at Shielded Labs, directly addressed the centralization angle: “This will spread out the Zcash mining hashpower from its current concentration in a single pool, and hopefully it will bring in new Zcash miners who trust Foundry to operate a high-quality service.” That framing treats Foundry’s entry as a decentralization event relative to ViaBTC’s prior dominance. Whether it remains that depends on where Foundry’s share stabilizes. If it climbs past 35%, the narrative flips. Source: Foundry The data shows rapid institutional onboarding. That implies pre-existing demand from miners who were waiting for a compliant U.S.-based option, not that Foundry manufactured the hashrate from scratch. The post Foundry Captures 29% of Zcash Hashrate Within a Month of Pool Launch appeared first on Cryptonews .

14 Apr 2026, 01:01

Foundry launches Zcash mining pool, notches 29% hashrate in first month

The launch of Foundry Zcash Pool has cut ViaBTC’s mining pool hashrate dominance from around 65% to 37%.