TLDR CRYPTO 2023-06-20

FIDELITY RUMORED TO MAKE “SEISMIC” CRYPTO MOVE SOON

Fidelity, the third-largest global asset manager, is rumored to be planning a big move in the crypto markets. This could involve either buying out Grayscale or filing an application for a Bitcoin spot ETF. Such a move, along with BlackRock's recent filing of a Bitcoin spot ETF application, could position these firms to dominate the US digital asset space. Grayscale, which operates several cryptocurrency trusts, has been unsuccessful in its attempts to convert its Bitcoin Trust into a spot Bitcoin ETF due to regulatory obstacles.

UK CRYPTO, STABLECOIN LAWS APPROVED BY PARLIAMENT'S UPPER HOUSE

The UK Parliament has approved the Financial Services and Markets Bill, which could help set a regulatory framework for the country. Introduced to leverage post-Brexit freedoms and empower regulators over the UK financial system, the bill is now entering its final stages before enactment. While the bill initially proposed to regulate stablecoins, amendments to cover all crypto activities and supervise promotions were later included. With the bill's approval, specific rules for the crypto sector could arrive within a year, as the UK seeks to align with the EU's crypto regulations.

BNB CHAIN LAUNCHES EVM-COMPATIBLE LAYER 2 NETWORK OPBNB ON TESTNET

BNB Chain has launched an L2 network, opBNB, on testnet. opBNB is based on the Optimism OP Stack, uses optimistic rollups, and aims to enhance transaction speed and lower fees. In comparison to BNB Smart Chain's 2,000 tps and average cost of $0.109 per transaction, opBNB is expected to support over 4,000 tps and cost less than $0.005 per transaction. The EVM-compatible nature of opBNB will allow for seamless interaction with Ethereum-based applications. OpBNB’s mainnet is anticipated to launch in the third quarter of this year.

CONTRACT SOURCE CODE

Ethereum blockchain explorer Etherscan has introduced an AI tool to help users understand smart contract source code. Developed using OpenAI's technology, the tool allows users to query the entirety or parts of a smart contract's code and understand the "read" and "write" functions of the contract. This allows users to make better decisions when interacting with the contracts and understand how to use these contracts in their applications.

HOW TO BREAK INTO WEB3 (WHILE WORKING FULL-TIME JOB)

This blog explains from a firsthand account how to get into web3 while working a demanding full-time job. Key lessons learned in this process included identifying a reason or purpose for the career change, setting clear and achievable goals, and structuring daily routines to maximize efficiency. Staying focused on one learning journey and contest at a time helped this engineer manage his workload, and acknowledging that everyone's journey is different allowed him to take inspiration from others without trying to mimic them.

FUNGIBLE - AN ARTHUR HAYES ESSAY

In this essay, Hayes examines the US financial system, discussing why long-term bonds continue to be held in portfolios despite low returns. He discusses the difference between the behaviors of the "mass affluent" and the "extremely wealthy," and how capital's fungibility supports crypto despite regulatory uncertainties. He also highlights the ongoing trade war between China and Japan and its potential to boost crypto. Despite uncertainties around regulations and market downturns, Hayes has high conviction and sees the potential devaluation of the Chinese Yuan as a catalyst for crypto.

2,048 ETH

Ethereum core developers are contemplating increasing the maximum validator balance from 32 ETH to 2,048 ETH, while the minimum would remain at 32 ETH. This change would help larger node operators manage their resources more efficiently and provide auto-compounding validator rewards, boosting staking yields. However, it also carries risks such as higher penalties for errors. Currently, the network has 600,000 active validators and 90,000 more waiting for activation. If this proposal were to go through, it would decrease the count of individual validator nodes running, giving a more accurate picture of the number of entities actually staking.

A debate is set to occur among financial institutions like the Bank of England, JPMorgan, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore on the topic of stablecoins vs tokenized bank deposits. Contrary to the commonly held view that stablecoins are riskier, this thread previewing the debate suggests that tokenized deposits may carry more risk due to their fractional reserve models. Further, it's argued that the future of stablecoins could likely incorporate aspects of tokenized deposits and Treasury Bills as the market strives to deliver perceived stability and increased yield.

HOW WE RESCUED FUNDS FROM A BRICKED SAFE WITH EIP-1271

Yearn's "yTrades" multisig contract was recently compromised, leading to an unusable Gnosis Safe and trapping about $1M in assets. The situation was resolved using EIP-1271, leaving all user funds completely intact.

HE WENT AFTER CRYPTO COMPANIES. THEN SOMEONE CAME AFTER HIM.

In 2022, successful cryptocurrency litigator Kyle Roche was secretly recorded discussing his potentially unethical relationship with client Ava Labs during a business meeting. The recordings, later released, insinuated Roche had manipulated cases for Ava Labs' benefit. This led to lawsuits, a damaged reputation, and Roche's resignation from his own firm.

EXPECT ‘TRIPLE-A CONSOLE-STYLE’ WEB3 GAMES IN 2024

Animoca Brands CEO Robby Yung is predicting a shift towards triple-A console-style games in the web3 gaming space is around the corner.