Vitalik Buterin calls for Ethereum to ossify

Vitalik Buterin calls for Ethereum to ossify

During the Devconnect conference in Buenos Aires, Vitalik Buterin stated that the Ethereum network should now enter a phase of “ossification.” According to him, the base layer has reached a sufficient level of maturity for major structural changes to stop. Reducing the frequency of major updates would help stabilize the ecosystem, reduce technical surprises, and strengthen confidence among both users and developers.

Buterin believes innovation should now shift toward second-layer solutions. Rollups and Layer 2 systems are, in his view, the ideal space for experimenting, improving scalability, testing new models, or integrating advanced features without disrupting the core protocol. The EVM could continue to evolve marginally, but without undermining the solidity of the base layer.

This stance marks a turning point. Ethereum, long characterized by constant evolution, is now looking to consolidate its foundations. Such stability could attract more institutional actors, who often hesitate when faced with deep and frequent upgrades. It is also a sign that the protocol considers itself mature enough to function as long-term infrastructure.

Still, uncertainty remains. Full ossification could restrict some innovations or, conversely, lead to a clear separation between the core network and upper layers. The community will have to find the right balance between stability and flexibility to ensure that this new phase strengthens the growth of the entire Ethereum ecosystem.

Aave launches its iOS mobile app

Aave has taken a major step forward by launching its mobile app on iOS, paving the way for much more accessible decentralized finance. The app offers a simple interface allowing users to deposit funds in minutes and earn up to 9% annual yield, with real-time interest tracking. The goal is clear: deliver an experience similar to a traditional savings account, but with DeFi-level performance.

The app is also designed to reassure users who are less familiar with crypto. It highlights balance protection up to one million dollars and provides smooth deposits and withdrawals with no lock-up period. By combining ease of use, transparency, and attractive yields, Aave hopes to attract a new wave of users beyond the usual DeFi insiders.

However, the model does not eliminate the inherent risks of DeFi. The yields depend on market conditions, protocol activity, and available liquidity. They can change quickly and do not come with the guarantees of regulated financial products. Technical risks, especially those linked to smart contracts, also remain despite the announced protection mechanisms.

The launch of this app reflects a broader movement: DeFi seeks to become more understandable, intuitive, and attractive to the general public. If Aave succeeds in combining ease of use with perceived security, this initiative could accelerate the integration of decentralized tools into everyday financial life.

Tether’s gold reserves reach a historic level

Tether now holds nearly 116 tons of gold, a volume equivalent to or even higher than that of several European central banks. Valued at around 13.7 billion dollars, this reserve places the USDT issuer among the largest private holders of physical gold in the world. The company even surpasses Greece and Hungary, whose official reserves stand at 114 and 110 tons respectively.

This accumulation marks a major shift in Tether’s strategy. The company is no longer limiting itself to backing its stablecoin with traditional financial assets; it is strengthening its balance sheet with a tangible asset highly sought after during periods of uncertainty. The purchase of physical bars, rather than gold-linked derivatives, reinforces the material and secure nature of its reserves.

The goal is clear: increase the credibility and robustness of USDT, often criticized for its lack of transparency. By diversifying reserves with an internationally recognized asset, Tether aims to strengthen investor confidence and stand out in an increasingly competitive stablecoin market.

However, such a presence in the precious metals market raises questions. The fact that a private company is accumulating so much gold sparks concerns about global liquidity, the origin and storage of the bars, and the governance behind them. This escalation confirms Tether’s ambition to become a systemic force at the crossroads of digital finance and physical assets.

Kraken reaches a 20 billion dollar valuation

Kraken has completed a major fundraising round of 800 million dollars, bringing its total valuation to around 20 billion dollars. In less than two months, the exchange has gained roughly 33%, confirming growing institutional interest in the most established crypto companies. The operation was conducted in two phases and gathered several major financial players, including alternative funds and a particularly notable strategic participant.

With this capital injection, Kraken clearly signals its ambition to expand. The platform aims to strengthen its infrastructure, further develop derivatives products, accelerate its international presence, and invest in tokenized assets. It also intends to position itself in emerging segments where competition is intensifying and technical resilience is key.

This fundraising marks a turning point for the sector. The exchange proves it can attract large-scale capital even within an uncertain macroeconomic environment. The confidence shown by traditional investors reflects both the company’s resilience and the growing maturity of the crypto ecosystem. The new capital should allow Kraken to continue its expansion without slowing its pace of innovation.

A central challenge now remains: turning this valuation into sustainable growth. Expectations are high, and markets will closely watch Kraken’s ability to maintain technological leadership, adapt to future regulations, and preserve user trust in a constantly evolving sector.