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Circle, the second largest stablecoin issuer, is considering an IPO in early 2024 amidst improving market conditions in the space. This comes on the heels of crypto exchange Coinbase acquiring a stake in Circle. The plans also come during debates on the need for stablecoin regulation in the US. Currently, USDC has a market cap of $24.43 billion, while Tether, the largest stablecoin issuer, has a market cap of $86 billion.
Crypto exchange Kraken is reportedly exploring introducing an L2 solution similar to the Base network developed by its rival Coinbase. This speculation came after a job listing was posted by Kraken for a senior cryptography engineer who would oversee the design and execution of cryptographic protocols and "layer-2 solutions”. The company has yet to confirm whether it is actually working on an L2 network or not.
The Graph, a blockchain data indexing and query protocol, is launching a new suite of tools to aid in web3 development. These tools will enable advanced data streaming services, AI-assisted querying, new query languages, and verifiable data. The "New Era" aims to improve its data services, augment tooling, improve performance, and reduce costs. The Graph will also offer a solution for accessing historical data on the Ethereum blockchain once EIP-4444 is implemented.
The Nil Foundation has launched zkSharding for Ethereum, a scaling solution engineered to speed up transaction processing while enhancing the network's economic security. The technology utilizes zero-knowledge proofs to verify the validity of transactions across different layer-2 shards before their submission to the Ethereum mainnet. As stated by Nil Foundation's CEO Misha Komarov, zkSharding is expected to particularly benefit high-load and data-intensive environments.
SlowMist, a blockchain security company, has published a detailed roadmap for training smart contract security auditors. The roadmap covers topics from blockchain basics to complex DeFi protocol analysis and includes advanced skills like EVM research. It also presents some of the non-technical skills that are necessary to become a successful auditor.
This article dives into the ideal User Experience for web3 and crypto games, drawing upon practices in mainstream games for pointers. The author shares lessons from the mobile game 'Marvel Snap', such as letting users try your product first, simplifying gameplay, focusing on progression, and only introducing administrative tasks once user buy-in is achieved for a highly efficient onboarding process.
In the context of warfare, allegations of treaty breaches can escalate conflicts. Intelligence that could clarify these situations is often too sensitive to publicize. Zero Knowledge Proofs could potentially solve this issue by allowing intelligence to be proven without giving away sensitive information. Utilizing this technology on the battlefield could help minimize conflict expansion by providing evidence without exposing important details.
Centrifuge and MakerDAO have focused on bringing real-world assets as collateral for its decentralized stablecoin, Dai. They have established a system to connect smart contracts with regulated financial assets after facing significant legal hurdles. Centrifuge built legal structures to execute DAO's on-chain resolutions, orchestrated a transparent and real-time financial overview, and broadened public oversight. Despite some progress, significant challenges remain in the development of RWAs.
Moody's Analytics has launched an AI tool, Digital Asset Monitor, to assess risks in DeFi by tracking stablecoin volatility. It reported 609 large cap depegs in the past year.
SK Telecom is partnering with Aptos and Atomrigs Lab to launch 'T Wallet,' aiming to boost crypto and NFT adoption in South Korea.
Consumer NFT projects often neglect post-mint utility, focusing instead on scarcity. NFT projects need scalable, utility-focused models to enhance user engagement and value.
Robinhood is expanding its crypto trading arm in the EU and UK, despite regulatory changes and a significant drop in its crypto revenue.