Ethereum and Bitcoin, two of the world’s largest blockchains, are facing significant challenges in scaling their networks. As more users and transactions move to layer two (L2) solutions, these systems could undermine the security and sustainability of the base layer (L1), with fees and rewards for miners and validators dwindling. Growing L2 Adoption Raises Concerns…
This year, Bitcoin layer two (L2) solutions and sidechains have gained incredible traction, with the top ten Bitcoin-based sidechains or L2 protocols now controlling a combined $1.31 billion in total value locked (TVL). The latest figures reveal that more than 56% of this total is held within two prominent networks: Core and Bitlayer. Core and…
The Bitcoin Lightning Network’s Stacks protocol has completed its Nakamoto upgrade, finalizing a series of enhancements that began in April 2024. This latest phase, delivered on August 28, 2024, introduces stronger transaction finality guarantees, reduces miner extractable value (MEV) opportunities, and improves network resilience. Additionally, the upgrade prepares the network for the introduction of sbtc,…
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong reflects on the past decade of the cryptocurrency industry, highlighting his initial expectation that payments would be the primary application for crypto. Instead, trading became the dominant force. Looking ahead, Armstrong remains optimistic about the future of crypto payments, citing advancements in stablecoins, layer two technologies, and simpler onboarding processes as…