Ethereum’s staking network is facing unprecedented strain as validator withdrawal queues hit record levels, creating 42-day delays for $10.5 billion in locked ETH. The growing backlog has sparked concerns about systemic vulnerabilities across DeFi ecosystems where liquid staking tokens serve as critical collateral. Analysts warn the situation could trigger a ‘vicious unwinding loop’ during market stress, testing the delicate balance between network security and liquidity.
about Ethereum's $11B Staking Withdrawal Delays Spark Systemic Risk FearsKiln
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekCrypto Hacks Drop 22% in September But $127M Lost
Blockchain security firm PeckShield has revealed that September 2025 saw $127 million stolen across 20 major cryptocurrency exploits, representing a 22% decrease from August’s $163 million losses. Despite this monthly improvement, the digital asset sector continues to face significant security challenges, with UXLINK, SwissBorg, and Venus Protocol suffering nearly $100 million in combined breaches. The data underscores persistent vulnerabilities that continue to plague the industry even as overall theft numbers show temporary relief.
about Crypto Hacks Drop 22% in September But $127M LostSwissBorg Loses $41M in Solana Hack via Kiln API Breach
SwissBorg, a Swiss crypto wealth platform, suffered a $41 million loss after hackers compromised the API of its staking partner Kiln, draining 193,000 SOL from its Solana Earn program. The breach impacted only 1% of users and 2% of assets, with no effect on SwissBorg’s core app or other Earn products. Kiln, which provides staking infrastructure for blockchains like Solana and Ethereum, was identified as the source of the vulnerability. This incident underscores the risks associated with third-party integrations in DeFi and the critical need for robust security protocols in crypto yield services.
about SwissBorg Loses $41M in Solana Hack via Kiln API BreachBotanix Launches First Decentralized Bitcoin L2 Mainnet
Botanix Labs has officially launched its EVM-equivalent Bitcoin Layer 2 (L2) mainnet, making it the first decentralized Bitcoin L2 from inception. The network, governed by a federation of 16 independent node operators including Galaxy and Fireblocks, drastically improves Bitcoin’s utility with 5-second block times and $0.02 average fees. Key ecosystem partners like Chainlink, GMX, and Dolomite are already live, while new Bitcoin-native apps such as Arch and Bitzy are launching exclusively on Botanix. The team also unveiled ‘Bitcoin 2100,’ an immersive game where users earn bitcoin while exploring DeFi applications on the network. CEO Willem Schroé emphasized Botanix’s commitment to self-custody and decentralization, addressing past issues with centralized platforms. With over 26M testnet transactions since December 2024, Botanix aims to expand its node operator set beyond 100 in 2026.
about Botanix Launches First Decentralized Bitcoin L2 MainnetKraken Elected as TRON Super Representative, Boosting Institutional Trust
TRON DAO announced Kraken’s election as a Super Representative (SR), marking a significant step in strengthening TRON’s decentralized governance. Kraken’s institutional-grade staking infrastructure will validate transactions and produce blocks, improving network security and efficiency. The partnership signals growing institutional trust in TRON, with Kraken joining other major players like Google Cloud and Binance as SRs. Kraken’s non-custodial staking services offer automated payouts and enterprise-grade reliability, making TRON more accessible to institutional investors. This collaboration underscores TRON’s commitment to scalable, secure blockchain solutions for real-world financial applications.
about Kraken Elected as TRON Super Representative, Boosting Institutional TrustEthereum’s OptimumP2P Testnet Aims to Cut Latency by 10x
Ethereum’s networking bottleneck may soon see relief as key validators, representing 14% of the network’s stake, begin testing OptimumP2P. This new solution leverages MIT-developed Random Linear Network Coding to optimize data propagation, replacing traditional gossip protocols with algebraic equations for efficiency. Initial tests demonstrate 10x lower latency, support for larger message sizes (up to 10MB vs. Gossipsub’s 4MB), and zero message loss under stress. OptimumP2P’s summer deployment on Ethereum’s Hoodi testnet could pave the way for broader Layer 1 blockchain adoption.
about Ethereum's OptimumP2P Testnet Aims to Cut Latency by 10xIOTA Rebased Upgrade Launches May 5, 2025
The IOTA blockchain network is preparing for its major Rebased protocol upgrade, scheduled for May 5, 2025. This update will transition IOTA into a fully decentralized, delegated Proof-of-Stake network, with 13 highly trusted validators overseeing the Genesis Ceremony to ensure a seamless migration of funds and data from the current Stardust network. The validators, including IOTA Foundation and other key entities, will independently verify the Genesis state to ensure a 1:1 transfer of balances. Post-ceremony, the network will open to new validators, with transaction fees introduced to sustain operations. IOTA anticipates processing over 50,000 transactions per second post-upgrade while expanding its initiatives in Africa.
about IOTA Rebased Upgrade Launches May 5, 2025Hong Kong Approves Staking for Ethereum ETF Launch
Hong Kong’s SFC has approved staking services, enabling ChinaAMC to collaborate with OSL Digital Securities on a staking-enabled Ethereum ETF set for launch by May 15. The ETF transforms from a passive investment into an active participant in Ethereum’s ecosystem, allowing investors to earn staking rewards. OSL, Hong Kong’s first licensed digital asset platform, provides custody and insurance, while Kiln manages validator nodes. This development follows Bosera International and HashKey Capital’s staking-enabled ETF launch on April 25, reinforcing Hong Kong’s push to become a digital asset hub.
about Hong Kong Approves Staking for Ethereum ETF LaunchTRON Q1 2025: Record Revenue & $19B Daily USDT Volume
Messari’s ‘State of TRON Q1 2025’ report reveals the network’s robust performance, including a 2.7% QoQ revenue increase to $760.2 million and $19 billion in average daily USDT transfers. TRON’s Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS) mechanism and technical upgrades, such as gas-free USDT transfers and Smart Wallets, underpin its efficiency. The ecosystem expanded through collaborations with Wintermute and T3 FCU, which froze $126 million in criminal assets. With $65.7 billion in USDT (+13.9% QoQ) and over 300 million user accounts, TRON solidifies its position as a DeFi and stablecoin leader.
about TRON Q1 2025: Record Revenue & $19B Daily USDT Volume