The crypto landscape is brimming with anticipation as major blockchain platforms Cardano, Ethereum, Polygon, and Binance Smart Chain are set to implement significant protocol upgrades.
Despite regulatory pressures from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), led by chairman Gary Gensler, institutional investment continues to pour into cryptocurrencies. Glassnode data reveals that both Bitcoin and Ethereum experienced substantial net outflows from exchanges, hinting at a reduction in selling pressure. Such trends could signify growing confidence in these cryptocurrencies.
Additionally, traditional financial institutions are progressively embracing the potential benefits of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. Deutsche Bank, the German banking giant with $1.4 trillion in assets, has recently applied for a crypto custody license, according to Bloomberg. This move marks a milestone for the crypto community as mainstream adoption gains momentum.
Furthermore, edx, a new institutional crypto exchange backed by industry giants like Fidelity, Schwab, and Citadel, has launched. This platform caters primarily to institutional traders and currently supports spot trading for Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Ethereum.
Ethereum Considers Raising Maximum Validator Limit
Ethereum is potentially looking at an upgrade that could significantly change its staking mechanism. The proposal suggests raising the maximum validator balance from the current 32 Ethereum to 2048 Ethereum per validator. Currently, validators are subject to an effective balance cap set at both the minimum and maximum of 32 ETH. The proposal aims to increase network efficiency.
Polygon Eyes Compatibility with Zero-Knowledge Technology
Polygon, renowned for its scaling solutions to Ethereum, has issued a pre-proposal discussion post regarding making its main chain compatible with zero-knowledge (ZK) technology. The proposed upgrade would transform the main chain into a ZK-EVM Validium, while still maintaining compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This upgrade could bring increased security and make the blockchain framework more future-proof, as suggested by Polygon’s co-founder.
Cardano Rolls Out Node Upgrade
Cardano has implemented an upgrade aimed at reducing epoch transitions to make the blockchain smoother for network users. Epochs in Cardano refer to time periods, each lasting roughly five days, during which new blocks are produced. The upgrade changes epoch calculations in a way that accelerates network processes during the change in epochs. This development comes despite the SEC’s recent classification of Cardano as a security, which rendered it unfit for American markets. Nonetheless, Cardano remains a global player, continuing to upgrade and expand.
Conclusion
These major protocol upgrades reflect the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency market and the relentless pursuit of innovation. With traditional financial institutions, such as Deutsche Bank, getting involved, and new trading platforms catering to institutional investors, the future seems bright for the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
