Sei Labs, the core development team behind Sei (SEI), has proposed SIP-3 to shift the network to an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-only model. The proposal aims to streamline Sei's ecosystem by focusing solely on EVM-based architecture, phasing out CosmWasm and native Cosmos transactions. SIP-3 suggests that only EVM addresses can initiate transactions, with essential features like staking and governance remaining available. The transition will occur in three phases, gradually moving towards EVM exclusivity. Phillip Su, Engineering Manager at Sei Labs, highlighted the network's impressive growth since introducing EVM support in Sei v2. While the dual architecture posed challenges, the shift to EVM aims to simplify user experience, reduce infrastructure overhead, and enhance community cohesion. However, users, developers, and infrastructure teams will need to adapt to the changes for a successful transition.
Japanese investment firm Metaplanet, fresh from its recent Bitcoin purchase, is raising additional funds via a bond issue to grow its crypto treasury. The firm plans to allocate all funds from the $21.25 million '0% Ordinary Bonds' issue towards buying Bitcoin. These zero-coupon bonds, issued at a discount, offer no interest but pay the full value upon maturity. Metaplanet aims to issue a 14th Stock Acquisition Rights to EVO Fund, potentially buying 206 Bitcoin with the full $21.25 million. The company, already Asia's largest public corporate Bitcoin holder, has seen its stock surge over 1,600% in the past year. With plans to establish a US subsidiary and raise $250 million for Bitcoin investments, Metaplanet joins a growing list of companies adding Bitcoin to their balance sheets, following the lead of MicroStrategy. Other firms, like Strive Asset Management and GameStop Corporation, are also embracing Bitcoin in their financial strategies.
Taiwanese legislator Ko Ju-Chun has proposed that the government consider adding Bitcoin to its national reserves as a hedge against global economic uncertainty. Ko highlighted Bitcoin's potential as a hedge amid economic risks and suggested Taiwan include it alongside gold and foreign exchange reserves for financial resilience. He emphasized Taiwan's export-driven economy and currency fluctuations, stating that Bitcoin's fixed supply and decentralization make it a valuable asset. Ko recommended allocating a small portion of Bitcoin to diversify assets and hedge risks. Taiwan's move towards crypto-friendly regulations contrasts with China's strict stance on cryptocurrencies. Ko's advocacy for Bitcoin in reserves aligns with global trends, emphasizing the need for flexible financial strategies in uncertain times.
Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has obtained regulatory clearance to broaden its crypto derivatives trading operations in Europe. The exchange has been granted a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) license by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), enabling it to provide crypto derivatives within the European Union. This development marks a significant step in Gemini's European growth, bringing it closer to offering derivatives to both retail and institutional clients. Gemini's forthcoming derivatives offerings in the EU and EEA will cater to advanced users and include perpetual futures. The exchange's recent licensing in Malta follows its strategic decision to comply with the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. This move aligns with the broader trend of increasing interest in derivatives within the global crypto industry, as evidenced by recent acquisitions and expansions by major players like Coinbase and Kraken.
Sygnum, a crypto bank group, suggests that Solana has not yet proven itself as a superior blockchain to Ethereum for institutions. Despite Solana's transaction volumes and fee generation dominance, traditional financial institutions may still prefer Ethereum due to its security, stability, and longevity. Solana's revenue heavily relies on memecoins, making it less stable compared to Ethereum. While Solana leads in layer-1 fee generation, most fees do not benefit the value of its token. The company also highlights Solana's tokenomics as an area of concern, as it may hinder the token's value growth. However, Solana has shown progress in decentralized finance protocols, which could potentially challenge Ethereum's market share in the future. Despite this, Ethereum remains strong in use cases like tokenization and decentralized finance, with support from governments and regulators.
TapSwap is a tap-to-earn Web3 application embedded in Telegram, eliminating the need for a separate download. Launched in mid-2024, the game has gained immense popularity with over 72 million users and 3 million daily active participants by February 2025. Operating within the Telegram Mini Apps ecosystem, TapSwap's simple tapping mechanics have attracted a large user base. The platform, built on The Open Network (TON), is expanding its gaming catalog with new releases like Treasure Hunt and Warrior’s Legacy. Moreover, TapSwap aims to become a developer-friendly gaming hub by introducing an SDK for third-party developers. Despite its success, users should exercise caution and stay updated on official announcements to avoid potential scams. With its evolution into a multi-game platform, TapSwap is poised to become a significant player in the Web3 gaming industry.
