A controversial change in Bitcoin Core will remove relay limits on the OP_RETURN field, allowing larger data payloads to spread across the network. Critics fear spam and bloat; supporters say it's already happening—and making it visible will improve fee markets and mempool consistency.
A new stablecoin staking protocol boosts yields by rewarding users based on how long they’re willing to lock up their funds. The system, dubbed a blockchain-based fractional reserve model, balances liquidity with yield optimization and introduces layered risk management to protect liquid depositors.
A new blockchain, Plasma, is positioning itself as purpose-built for stablecoins. The chain will be fully EVM-compatible and promises zero fees on USDT transfers. But beyond marketing appeal, what core features do stablecoins truly need from the underlying blockchain?
The Ethereum Foundation is entering a new phase with a structured treasury policy, shifting from passive ETH holdings to strategic deployment. Guided by “Defipunk” values, EF plans to support privacy-first, trust-minimized DeFi while improving financial transparency and counter-cyclical engagement
Cork Protocol offers a novel way to hedge depeg risks through tokenized derivatives like Depeg Swaps and Cover Tokens. The model drew attention across DeFi, though a recent $12M exploit revealed critical vulnerabilities in its implementation.
A controversial change in Bitcoin Core will remove relay limits on the OP_RETURN field, allowing larger data payloads to spread across the network. Critics fear spam and bloat; supporters say it's already happening—and making it visible will improve fee markets and mempool consistency.
The U.S. Senate has passed the GENIUS Act, a sweeping bill to regulate dollar-backed stablecoins while promoting private-sector leadership in digital finance. Backed by the Trump administration, the bill now heads to the House—marking a pivotal moment in the future of digital dollars.
The spike in activity is primarily attributed to the rapid growth of Avalanche’s Coqnet subnet, which has seen an unusual surge in volume. However, other subnets, including the main Avalanche C-Chain, have also experienced significant increases in activity.
Switzerland will adopt the OECD's Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework in 2026, automatically sharing crypto data with 74 partner countries. While tough on foreign tax evasion, Swiss residents continue to enjoy tax-free capital gains and a clear, favorable crypto policy.
The new safety module significantly enhances the Aave Protocol’s protection against potential shortfall events, representing a major upgrade over the original safety module introduced in 2020.
Worldcoin’s new Layer 2 network, Worldchain, is built to prioritize real users, with features like free gas and priority blockspace for verified humans. While still early, the network is showing steady growth and has started to attract meaningful onchain activity.
x402 is a new open-source protocol from Coinbase that enables on-chain payments directly over HTTP using the long-unused 402 status code. It allows apps, APIs, and autonomous agents to pay per request without accounts or third-party gateways, aiming to power the machine-payable internet.
Pakistan has launched its first government-led Bitcoin reserve, following a rapid policy shift in early 2025. Backed by high-level advisors and U.S. crypto ties, the move mirrors growing global interest—despite warnings from the IMF and World Bank about volatility and financial stability risks.
Circle's IPO opens the door for public investors to benefit from stablecoin seigniorage for the first time. Unlike crypto miners or exchanges, Circle profits from monetary demand for USDC—a zero-interest asset backed by interest-bearing reserves—and now shares that upside through equity.
An ECB research paper on CBDC adoption strategies and cross border CBDC projects in Asia. Another digital note from HSBC as a new report on the state of tokenization reveals surging trading volumes and a spike in experimentation.
Happy Sunday Observers!
Hamster Kombat’s “largest crypto airdrop ever” turned out to be one of the worst airdrops in crypto history. Users were disappointed, as everything that could fail failed, and the rewards of months of tapping turned out much smaller than users anticipated.
Things started going south when
Tether’s mining business faced legal turmoil as Swan Bitcoin accused it of stealing trade secrets. The dispute over their joint venture, 2040 Energy, escalated into a lawsuit, with Swan alleging Tether conspired to poach employees and proprietary data. Tether denies wrongdoing.
Swiss nonprofit BIO Association plans to launch BIO tokens for its biotech network.
Ohio state senator introduces bill requiring Ohio to accept Bitcoin for taxes.
Ocean launches decentralized mining protocol to combat Bitcoin centralization.
FTX restructuring hearing set for October 7.
Taiwan's FSC permits pro investors to invest
The U.S. Senate has passed the GENIUS Act, a sweeping bill to regulate dollar-backed stablecoins while promoting private-sector leadership in digital finance. Backed by the Trump administration, the bill now heads to the House—marking a pivotal moment in the future of digital dollars.
The spike in activity is primarily attributed to the rapid growth of Avalanche’s Coqnet subnet, which has seen an unusual surge in volume. However, other subnets, including the main Avalanche C-Chain, have also experienced significant increases in activity.
Switzerland will adopt the OECD's Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework in 2026, automatically sharing crypto data with 74 partner countries. While tough on foreign tax evasion, Swiss residents continue to enjoy tax-free capital gains and a clear, favorable crypto policy.
The new safety module significantly enhances the Aave Protocol’s protection against potential shortfall events, representing a major upgrade over the original safety module introduced in 2020.
Worldcoin’s new Layer 2 network, Worldchain, is built to prioritize real users, with features like free gas and priority blockspace for verified humans. While still early, the network is showing steady growth and has started to attract meaningful onchain activity.
x402 is a new open-source protocol from Coinbase that enables on-chain payments directly over HTTP using the long-unused 402 status code. It allows apps, APIs, and autonomous agents to pay per request without accounts or third-party gateways, aiming to power the machine-payable internet.
Pakistan has launched its first government-led Bitcoin reserve, following a rapid policy shift in early 2025. Backed by high-level advisors and U.S. crypto ties, the move mirrors growing global interest—despite warnings from the IMF and World Bank about volatility and financial stability risks.
