Project Progress

Ripple CTO Emeritus David Schwartz critiqued Omid Malekan's stablecoin prediction, questioning the feasibility of a non-intervention model in complying with legal obligations. Schwartz's inquiries highlighted potential challenges in redeeming stablecoins if issuers don't intervene, as well as implications for fractional reserve practices.

Gate News message, April 3, the Nasdaq-listed blockchain-native capital markets Figure Technology Solutions released its 2026 Q1 operating data report. The report shows that its subsidiary stablecoin YLDS circulating supply has increased to $598 million, up 2% from last month; in addition, transaction volume in its platform consumer lending marketplace is close to $1.2 billion.

Naoris Protocol launched a quantum-resistant blockchain, designed to secure transactions against future quantum threats. It utilizes post-quantum cryptography and has validated over 100 million transactions, preparing to protect digital assets despite vulnerabilities in existing systems like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Naoris Protocol has launched a quantum-resistant blockchain, ensuring security against future quantum computers that could compromise modern cryptography. Its mainnet has already validated over 100 million post-quantum transactions, distinguishing it with built-in post-quantum cryptography to protect users' assets.

Gate has introduced copy trading for its TradFi segment, enabling users to replicate strategies of experienced traders in non-crypto assets. This feature enhances accessibility to global markets, incorporates performance tracking tools, and supports risk management, solidifying Gate's position in traditional finance.

After Naoris Protocol goes live on the quantum blockchain mainnet, it uses NIST-approved post-quantum cryptography technology to ensure protection against quantum computers cracking mainstream blockchains. Users need to migrate their assets to receive quantum-safe security assurances, while Bitcoin and Ethereum developers are also exploring solutions to resist quantum attacks.

GoPlus announced on April 3 that SafuSkill would launch the Launchpad feature, aiming to build the underlying infrastructure for issuing AI Skills and generating revenue. This feature integrates the marketplace, a token launchpad, and a rewards system. It supports developers in issuing Skill tokens and connecting them to liquidity pools, providing security safeguards and enabling reward withdrawals. SafuSkill is intended to help AI Skills shift toward asset-like characteristics and to promote the growth of the Skill Economy ecosystem.

Pi Network rolls out a security update, requiring Pioneers to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect users’ account and wallet security and prevent loss of funds during the mainnet migration. This move addresses ongoing scam threats and ensures that sensitive actions are approved only by the account owner. At the same time, node operators have upgraded to protocol 21.2 to improve system performance. Users must complete the mainnet migration step by step to safeguard their assets.

Wirex and Ultra Stellar have launched a native payment system on the Stellar blockchain, designed to streamline transactions for over 7 million Wirex users while integrating AI-powered financial services. This system enables direct on-chain settlements, global payment integration, and supports autonomous AI transactions, marking a significant advancement in crypto payments.

Clanker announced the launch of the Clanker Ecosystem Fund (CEF), aiming to support creators contributing to the Clanker and Farcaster ecosystems. It has already acquired $8 million worth of 14% CLANKER tokens, and in the future it will return protocol fees to fund infrastructure development. Clanker is an AI-driven Token Bot that simplifies DIY token deployment.

Pudgy Penguins disrupts the $31.7B licensed toy market by using a "Negative CAC" model, achieving over 2M unit sales in 10,000 retail locations. It has gained cultural significance through partnerships and aims for $120M revenue in 2026 ahead of a possible IPO.

MARA Holdings announced layoffs of 15% and sold 15,133 bitcoins, raising about $1.1 billion to repurchase debt and support its transition, with the CEO calling it a strategic adjustment. The company is shifting its focus to artificial intelligence and energy infrastructure, reducing its bitcoin holdings by 28%. This move reflects a reshaping of the business logic of mining companies, gradually evolving toward diversification.

Grayscale Investments has filed a revised S-1 form, planning to convert the Bittensor trust into an ETF, involving the TAO token. If approved, it would be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, boosting liquidity and transparency and attracting more institutional investors. This move reflects growing interest in the decentralized AI space, and it also means institutional capital is looking for new investment opportunities.

DeFi lending protocol Aave, after launching its V4 upgrade in 2026, despite significant technical optimizations, saw the token price fall to a 52-week low point, reflecting the market’s focus on macro liquidity and risk appetite. While Aave’s V4 upgrade strengthens its position as core infrastructure, it is difficult in the short term to translate into demand for the token, showing a disconnect between the price and the protocol’s evolution.

Pi Network has introduced a key security update for its users, known as Pioneers. The network now requires two-factor authentication (2FA) to complete both first and second mainnet migrations. This step is part of the Mainnet Checklist. It focuses on protecting user accounts before real Pi tokens m

The NFT market is undergoing a restructuring, and a small number of projects such as Pudgy Penguins and Doodles are shifting from speculation to sustainable brand operations, demonstrating their ability to convert to real businesses. The industry is clearly diverging; NFT projects that rely on scarcity are losing their appeal, and a complete business model needs to be built. Game mechanics are also shifting from “Play-to-Earn” to “Play-to-Own,” emphasizing asset ownership. The trend of tokenizing NFT IP is gaining traction, but there are risks of fragmented governance and declining loyalty. Going forward, projects that can establish genuine demand and form a closed-loop business cycle are more likely to survive.

Tom Zschach, SWIFT's chief innovation officer, resigns, citing a "trust gap" in financial tech that hinders AI and asset tokenization. He plans to work with scientists and entrepreneurs to address these issues.

Axelar Network, a decentralized blockchain designed to enhance interoperability and scalability across different blockchain ecosystems, today announced a strategic partnership with Solana, a high-performance blockchain known for scalability, rapid transaction speed, and low fees. The partnership