Category: Business

  • On-Chain Analytics Company Swissblock Announces: ‘Bitcoin May Be Entering a New Uptrend!’ Here Are the Details

    On-Chain Analytics Company Swissblock Announces: ‘Bitcoin May Be Entering a New Uptrend!’ Here Are the Details

    On-chain analytics company Swissblock announced that Bitcoin (BTC) has emerged from its capitulation phase following recent sharp sell-offs and is beginning to regain upward momentum.

    According to the company’s assessment, while signs of recovery are beginning to appear in the market, current data is not yet at a level to confirm a strong and lasting trend reversal.

    An analysis shared by Swissblock states that Bitcoin has entered a “transitional phase” again. Analysts note that selling pressure has significantly decreased and upward momentum is beginning to re-emerge, highlighting that the market is at a critical juncture. Accordingly, the current process could signal the beginning of a new uptrend, or it could be a temporary recovery phase before the continuation of a bear market.

    A capitulation period is defined as a time when investors engage in heavy selling and a significant portion of market participants close their positions at a loss. While Bitcoin has historically shown strong recoveries following such periods, it cannot be said that every capitulation directly triggers a new bull market. Therefore, analysts emphasize the need to carefully monitor current data.

    According to Swissblock, recent price movements and on-chain indicators reveal that the negative market sentiment is weakening. In particular, the improvement in investor behavior and the decrease in selling pressure suggest that Bitcoin is beginning to regain strength. However, the company notes that it is still too early to say whether this outlook has turned into a permanent uptrend.

    Experts say that both macroeconomic developments and institutional investor flows will be decisive in determining Bitcoin’s direction in the coming weeks. If upward momentum continues to strengthen and technical indicators support it, the current transition period could lay the foundation for a new bull trend.

    However, it is assessed that if momentum weakens, Bitcoin may face renewed selling pressure and the bear market may continue. Therefore, investors are advised to follow on-chain data and market dynamics together, rather than just short-term price movements.

    *This is not investment advice.

  • Bitcoin Exchange Binance Announces It Will Deliste Seven Spot Trading Pairs from Its Platform!

    Bitcoin Exchange Binance Announces It Will Deliste Seven Spot Trading Pairs from Its Platform!

    Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, announced that it has decided to delist certain trading pairs as part of its periodic reviews aimed at maintaining the quality of spot market transactions and providing users with a more efficient trading environment. The exchange stated that following recent evaluations based on various criteria such as low liquidity and trading volume, seven spot trading pairs will be delisted.

    According to a statement by Binance, trading on the ACX/$USDC, $ALGO/$BTC, CVC/$USDC, $LPT/$USDC, ONG/$BTC, $RVN/$USDC, and $XRP/BNB trading pairs will be suspended as of July 24, 2026, at 06:00. These trading pairs will no longer be available on the Binance Spot platform after that date.

    The exchange emphasized that the removal of certain trading pairs does not mean that the related crypto assets have been completely delisted. Users will continue to be able to buy and sell assets such as ACX, $ALGO, CVC, $LPT, ONG, $RVN, and $XRP through other trading pairs that remain supported on Binance Spot. Therefore, only specific pairs will be removed, and the general trading access of the tokens on the platform will continue.

    Binance also announced that its Spot Trading Bots service, which operates based on the trading pairs to be removed, will be terminated on the same date and time. In this context, investors using automated trading strategies are advised to update or cancel their bots in advance to prevent potential losses.

    Cryptocurrency exchanges periodically review and remove trading pairs with low trading volume or insufficient liquidity from their platforms. This practice is said to aim at improving market efficiency, enhancing price formation, and protecting the user experience.

    Experts emphasize that investors should closely monitor such announcements, and point out that users of automated trading systems, in particular, should check their open orders and bot settings for the pairs being delisted. Binance is expected to continue similar periodic reviews in the future.

    *This is not investment advice.

  • Bitcoin Whale That Accumulated for Six Years Moves $52.2M to Cumberland in Potential Sell Signal

    Bitcoin Whale That Accumulated for Six Years Moves $52.2M to Cumberland in Potential Sell Signal

    A Bitcoin wallet that had been steadily accumulating the cryptocurrency over the past six years moved 800 $BTC, valued at approximately $52.2 million, to Cumberland, a prominent crypto market maker and over-the-counter (OTC) trading platform, according to onchain analytics firm Onchain Lens. The transfer occurred about one hour ago and is typically interpreted as a potential selling activity.

    Whale Activity and Market Implications

    Onchain Lens reported that the whale externally moved a total of 2,000 $BTC worth about $130 million today. This includes the transfer to Cumberland and an additional 1,200 $BTC, worth roughly $78.3 million, sent to a new address. The movement of such a significant amount of Bitcoin from a long-term holder to a trading platform often signals an intention to sell, which could influence market sentiment in the short term.

    Understanding the Accumulation Pattern

    This particular wallet had been accumulating Bitcoin consistently for six years, a strategy often associated with patient, long-term investors. The decision to move a portion of these holdings to Cumberland, a platform known for facilitating large block trades, suggests the whale may be looking to realize gains or rebalance their portfolio. The simultaneous transfer of a larger amount to a new address also indicates that the whale is not liquidating entirely, but rather managing their exposure.

    Why This Matters to the Market

    Whale transactions, especially from long-term holders, are closely watched by traders and analysts because they can precede price movements. Cumberland’s role as an OTC desk means the sale could occur off-exchange, reducing direct market impact, but the overall signal of distribution can still weigh on sentiment. This event adds to a broader narrative of long-term holders taking profits after Bitcoin’s significant rally from its 2022 lows.

    Conclusion

    The transfer of 800 $BTC to Cumberland by a six-year accumulator is a notable onchain event that warrants attention. While not a definitive sell signal, the pattern of moving coins to a trading venue suggests potential distribution. Investors should monitor further movements from this wallet and broader market reactions.

    FAQs

    Q1: What is Cumberland and why does this transfer matter?
    Cumberland is a major cryptocurrency market maker and OTC trading desk. Transfers to such platforms are often seen as a precursor to selling, as they provide liquidity for large block trades without causing immediate slippage on public exchanges.

    Q2: How much Bitcoin did the whale move in total today?
    According to Onchain Lens, the whale moved a total of 2,000 $BTC, valued at approximately $130 million. This includes 800 $BTC to Cumberland and 1,200 $BTC to a new address.

    Q3: Does this mean the whale is selling all their Bitcoin?
    Not necessarily. Moving coins to a new address while also sending a portion to Cumberland suggests a strategic rebalancing rather than a full exit. The whale may be taking partial profits while retaining a core position.

  • Spot Ethereum ETFs Extend Inflow Streak With $38M on July 20, Led by BlackRock

    Spot Ethereum ETFs Extend Inflow Streak With $38M on July 20, Led by BlackRock

    U.S. spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds recorded $38 million in net inflows on July 20, according to data from Farside Investors, extending a positive streak to a second consecutive trading day after a period of mixed activity.

    Breakdown of July 20 Inflows

    The inflows were led by BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), which attracted $34.3 million. Fidelity’s Ethereum Fund (FETH) added $2.8 million, while the 21Shares Core Ethereum ETF contributed $0.9 million. The remaining spot $ETH ETFs saw no net inflows or outflows for the day.

    This marks the second straight session of positive flows following last Friday’s modest gains, suggesting a cautious but steady return of institutional interest after weeks of volatile trading in the broader crypto market.

    Context and Market Implications

    The two-day inflow streak comes amid a period of relatively subdued Ethereum price action, with $ETH trading in a narrow range between $3,400 and $3,500. Analysts point to the inflows as a signal that institutional investors are gradually allocating to Ethereum exposure through regulated fund structures, even as retail sentiment remains mixed.

    Since their launch in late May 2024, spot Ethereum ETFs have experienced uneven demand compared to their Bitcoin counterparts. However, recent data indicates a potential shift: cumulative net inflows across all spot $ETH ETFs have now surpassed $1.5 billion, according to Farside Investors.

    Why This Matters for Investors

    Sustained inflows into spot Ethereum ETFs are viewed as a barometer of institutional confidence in $ETH as an asset class. Unlike direct cryptocurrency holdings, these ETFs offer exposure through traditional brokerage accounts, making them accessible to a broader range of investors, including pension funds and endowments.

    The concentration of inflows in BlackRock’s and Fidelity’s products also underscores the importance of brand trust and fee structures in the competitive ETF landscape. Both funds offer among the lowest expense ratios in the category.

    Conclusion

    While two days of inflows do not constitute a trend, the $38 million figure on July 20 provides a constructive data point for the Ethereum ETF market. Investors and analysts will be watching closely to see if the momentum can be sustained through the end of the month, particularly as the broader macroeconomic environment — including potential Federal Reserve rate decisions — continues to influence risk appetite.

    FAQs

    Q1: What are spot Ethereum ETFs?
    Spot Ethereum ETFs are exchange-traded funds that hold actual Ether ($ETH) rather than futures contracts. They allow investors to gain exposure to Ethereum’s price movements through a traditional stock exchange, without needing to directly buy or store cryptocurrency.

    Q2: Why are inflows into spot $ETH ETFs significant?
    Inflows indicate that investors are actively buying shares, which typically reflects positive sentiment and demand for Ethereum exposure through regulated products. Sustained inflows can support the price of $ETH and signal growing institutional adoption.

    Q3: How do spot $ETH ETF inflows compare to Bitcoin ETF inflows?
    Bitcoin spot ETFs, launched in January 2024, have seen significantly larger cumulative inflows — exceeding $15 billion as of mid-2024. Ethereum ETFs have attracted a smaller share, partly due to lower institutional familiarity and different market dynamics, but recent data suggests a gradual increase in interest.

  • Bitcoin hits a two-week high near $65,500 as the chip trade turns back into a tailwind

    Bitcoin hits a two-week high near $65,500 as the chip trade turns back into a tailwind

    Two other supports lined up behind the move. U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs have now drawn inflows for five straight sessions totaling more than $600 million, the most sustained institutional buying since mid-July and a reversal of the eight-week outflow run that ran through late June.

    And oil, which had climbed for two days on the war, pulled back, with Brent falling 1% to about $88.58 as Iran said mediators were circulating proposals to ease hostilities, including a reported suggestion for a 10-day halt in strikes.

    “Current bitcoin and ether prices are low but fair, given the macro uncertainties pervading markets,” said Jeff Mei, chief operating officer at BTSE, who pointed to the Fed meeting as the event traders are positioned around.

    “Traders expect rates to hold steady but are looking for more signals as to what’s to come later in the year,” Mei added.

    The read on that meeting is where the rally meets its limit. The Federal Reserve gathers July 28 and 29, and markets put the odds of a July rate increase at about 15%, though a September move is still live.

    Spot-market volume across crypto stayed subdued even as prices rose, the sign of a tape lifted by returning risk appetite rather than fresh conviction, and higher oil and Treasury yields remain the levers that could keep the Fed hawkish and cap risk assets.

  • Bank of Korea Scales Up CBDC Pilot With Half a Million Users

    Bank of Korea Scales Up CBDC Pilot With Half a Million Users

    In brief

    • The Bank of Korea will launch Phase 2 of its CBDC pilot in September, expanding to nine banks and a cap of 500,000 users for live deposit token testing.
    • Phase 1 (April–June 2025) processed 114,880 transactions across 81,000 wallets.
    • Phase 2 adds biometric payments, person-to-person transfers, and real government subsidy disbursements.

    South Korea’s Bank of Korea ran a central bank digital currency, or CBDC, pilot for three months last year. Eighty-one thousand people opened wallets, but only 42% actually spent anything.

    The next phase of its CBDC push starts in September—with nine banks involved, up to 500,000 users spending the tokens, and real government money on the line this time.

    The central bank announced the expansion of Project Hangang—its CBDC (a government-issued, blockchain-based version of the paper won) initiative—on Monday, per a Yonhap News Agency report. “From the second phase, we will lay the groundwork for commercialization,” a Bank of Korea official told Yonhap.

    Phase 1 ran from April to June 2025 with seven banks and 12,000 merchants producing 114,880 transactions. According to a review by the HRF CBDC tracker, banks had collectively put up around 30–35 billion won building the infrastructure for that result.

    Phase 2 addresses the engagement problem with functionality that resembles actual banking. New features include biometric fingerprint approvals, person-to-person wallet transfers, automatic top-ups (your linked bank account converts funds into deposit tokens automatically when the balance runs low), recurring auto-payments, cash receipt generation, and interest payments.

    For the first time, the pilot will also test government subsidy disbursements using programmable tokens.

    The Bank of Korea issues a wholesale CBDC—a digital currency used only between financial institutions to settle transactions behind the scenes, not something ordinary people hold directly. Commercial banks then create deposit tokens (a blockchain-based version of the money already in your bank account) that consumers and merchants use for actual payments. Kim Dong-seop, head of the bank’s Digital Currency Planning Team, called the design “a middle ground between a CBDC and a stablecoin.”

    For regular users, that architecture could eventually mean receiving government benefits directly into a digital wallet instead of waiting for a voucher or a check. For small businesses and retailers, the test will measure whether deposit token payments can undercut the interchange fees that card networks charge on every transaction—a cost that compounds quickly for high-volume merchants.

    Phase 2 will run programmable deposit tokens with spending rules baked in: funds locked to permitted purposes, vendors, and time windows, replacing the paper trail of manual audits and cutting fraud at the point of disbursement.

    In other words, this implementation gives the Bank of Korea broader control into how citizens spend money given by the government for a specific purpose.

    Joining the original seven banks—KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, Nonghyup, Industrial Bank of Korea, and BNK Busan—are Gyeongnam Bank and iM Bank. The pilot will run open-ended rather than with a fixed close date.

    South Korea’s new Bank of Korea Governor, Shin Hyun-song, made Project Hangang a centerpiece of his first policy address after taking office in April 2026. Hana Bank, meanwhile, has started designing systems for a won-backed stablecoin—a privately issued digital token pegged 1:1 to the Korean won—ahead of legislation that has been at the center of a stablecoin debate in Seoul since mid-2025. The Ministry of Economy and Finance has also announced plans to update a 76-year-old national asset law to classify cryptocurrencies as national assets.

    CBDCs, however, are not without controversy. The same programmability that makes deposit tokens attractive to regulators is exactly what worries critics. Rules that lock government funds to specific vendors can just as easily be extended beyond subsidies—expiring balances, spending category restrictions, or wallet freezes without a court order. Unlike cash, every CBDC transaction is logged on a ledger the central bank and its partners can read.

    Civil liberties organizations have flagged this as a structural problem with CBDCs as a category, not just South Korea’s version. China’s digital yuan has already been rolled out with expiry dates on certain stimulus payments—Beijing frames it as anti-hoarding policy, critics call it financial coercion. Researchers at Lawfare have warned the e-CNY could set a global precedent for state-controlled financial surveillance. The concern is the same regardless of who’s running the system: programmable money is money with conditions attached, and those conditions can always be expanded.

    Meanwhile, the United States is heading the other direction. The four-year ban on CBDC issuance became law on July 11—the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act took effect without President Donald Trump’s signature when the constitutional 10-day window expired, after Trump declined to sign it over unrelated demands on voting legislation.

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  • Sui blockchain hits 4.5 billion cumulative transactions, network activity accelerates

    Sui blockchain hits 4.5 billion cumulative transactions, network activity accelerates

    Sui, the Layer-1 blockchain designed for high-throughput decentralized applications, has surpassed 4.5 billion cumulative transactions, according to data from blockchain analytics platform Chainspect. The milestone reflects sustained network activity and growing adoption since the mainnet launch.

    Network growth and transaction volume

    Reaching 4.5 billion transactions places Sui among the more active blockchain networks in terms of on-chain activity. The figure includes all transactions processed since the network’s genesis, covering transfers, smart contract interactions, and decentralized application usage. Chainspect’s data confirms the tally as of today, marking a steady increase from previous milestones. The network has consistently added hundreds of millions of transactions in recent months, indicating ongoing developer and user engagement.

    Market context and $SUI token performance

    According to CoinMarketCap, $SUI, the native token of the Sui blockchain, was trading at approximately $0.7634 at the time of reporting, reflecting a 1.33% increase over the previous day. The modest price movement comes amid broader market conditions where many cryptocurrencies have seen mixed performance. The transaction milestone may contribute to positive sentiment, though token prices remain influenced by a range of factors including overall market trends, protocol developments, and investor sentiment toward Layer-1 projects.

    Why this matters for the blockchain ecosystem

    Transaction volume is a key metric for evaluating blockchain network usage and health. High cumulative transaction counts suggest that a network is being actively used for real-world applications, not just speculative activity. For Sui, which differentiates itself through parallel execution and object-centric data modeling, reaching 4.5 billion transactions provides evidence that its technical design can support substantial on-chain activity. This milestone also positions Sui as a contender among emerging Layer-1 blockchains competing for developer mindshare and user adoption.

    Broader implications for Layer-1 competition

    The achievement comes at a time when multiple Layer-1 networks are vying for dominance in the smart contract platform space. Sui’s focus on high throughput and low latency has attracted projects in gaming, decentralized finance, and social applications. While transaction count alone does not measure network value or security, it serves as a useful indicator of adoption trends. Continued growth in transaction volume may signal that Sui is gaining traction as a viable alternative to more established platforms.

    Conclusion

    Sui’s surpassing of 4.5 billion cumulative transactions marks a notable milestone in the network’s development. The data underscores sustained usage and technical capability, while the $SUI token’s modest price uptick reflects cautious market optimism. As the blockchain landscape evolves, Sui’s transaction growth will be one of several metrics to watch for assessing its long-term viability and competitive position.

    FAQs

    Q1: What is Sui blockchain?
    Sui is a Layer-1 blockchain platform designed for high throughput and low latency, using a parallel execution model and object-centric architecture to support decentralized applications, particularly in gaming, DeFi, and social media.

    Q2: How does the 4.5 billion transaction milestone compare to other blockchains?
    While 4.5 billion cumulative transactions is significant, it is lower than networks like Ethereum or Solana, which have processed many more transactions over longer periods. However, Sui’s growth rate indicates increasing adoption relative to its launch timeline.

    Q3: Does transaction volume affect the $SUI token price?
    Transaction volume can influence sentiment and perceived network utility, which may indirectly affect token price. However, price is determined by many factors including market conditions, investor demand, and broader macroeconomic trends.

  • London Stock Exchange to launch overnight trading venue in 2027 as crypto competition grows: FT

    London Stock Exchange to launch overnight trading venue in 2027 as crypto competition grows: FT

    The London Stock Exchange (LSE), operator of the UK’s flagship equities market, plans to offer an overnight trading platform in the first half of 2027 in a bid to attract global retail investors accustomed to round-the-clock access to crypto exchanges, the Financial Times reported Monday.

    The platform will function as a standalone market alongside the LSE’s main exchange and initially focus on listing exchange-traded products.

    In mid-2024, months after US spot Bitcoin ETFs debuted, the LSE joined the crypto ETP space, launching physically backed Bitcoin and Ethereum ETNs. While access was initially restricted to professional investors, Financial Conduct Authority rule changes have since opened the products to retail buyers.

    The planned overnight trading platform will operate outside the LSE’s normal market hours, running from 5:00 p.m. to 7:50 a.m. with a brief nightly pause, giving international retail investors greater flexibility to trade London-listed products. Exchange executives said the move is intended to capitalize on London’s global position while responding to changing investor expectations shaped by digital asset markets.

    Alongside extended trading hours, the LSE plans to integrate agentic AI functionality into the venue, allowing AI systems to support portfolio evaluation, market analysis and trade execution. The launch follows similar moves by major US exchanges like Nasdaq, NYSE, CME, and Cboe as traditional financial markets adapt to around-the-clock investing.

  • Jito jumps 12% after JIP-38 buyback proposal – Can JTO reach $0.80?

    Jito jumps 12% after JIP-38 buyback proposal – Can JTO reach $0.80?

    Jito [$JTO] climbed 11.59% over the previous 24 hours to $0.6087 as of writing, while its market capitalization reached $304.67 million as investor interest strengthened. Trading activity also accelerated, with daily volume surging 142.17%, indicating that buyers returned aggressively after recent weakness.

    The rally followed growing optimism surrounding JIP-38, a proposal that established Jito as a token-centric network by directing 100% of the Jito DAO’s revenue share from JTX Trade toward programmatic $JTO buybacks and burns for at least one year.

    Positive sentiment surrounding Solana’s [SOL] institutional adoption and capital rotation into Solana ecosystem tokens further supported the move. As a result, market participants increasingly viewed the proposal as a long-term value driver rather than a short-lived catalyst.

    $JTO’s leveraged traders return

    Derivatives traders also increased their exposure as Open Interest (OI) rose 14.53% to $52.05 million at press time, during the rally. The increase suggested that fresh positions entered the market instead of existing contracts simply closing.

    Rising OI alongside double-digit price gains often reflected stronger market conviction because both spot and futures participants committed additional capital.

    Unlike rallies driven by declining derivatives exposure, $JTO‘s advance attracted broader participation across multiple trading segments. The combination suggested traders expected the bullish narrative surrounding JIP-38 to continue influencing price action.

    However, expanding leveraged exposure also increased the probability of sharper volatility should sentiment reverse or profit-taking accelerate after the recent advance.

    Source: CoinGlass

    Buyers maintained control across spot markets

    Spot market activity also favored buyers throughout the latest recovery.

    At the time of writing, the 90-day Futures Taker CVD remained buy dominant, showing that aggressive market buyers consistently absorbed available sell orders. The behavior aligned with the sharp increase in trading volume, which expanded 142.17% over the previous day.

    Stronger buying pressure supported the price recovery instead of allowing sellers to regain control after recent weakness.

    In addition, the sustained demand complemented improving sentiment surrounding Jito’s revised tokenomics and the broader Solana ecosystem. Although buyers held the advantage, continued demand would remain necessary to absorb future profit-taking as speculative participation increased across both spot and derivatives markets.

    Source: CryptoQuant

    Can $JTO reclaim $0.80 next?

    $JTO rebounded from the $0.5332 support area after breaking below its broader ascending channel earlier.

    Buyers pushed the token back toward $0.6500, which now represented the nearest resistance before a possible move toward $0.8000. The Directional Movement Index (DMI) also reflected improving conditions.

    At press time, the +DI stood at 21.23, remaining above the -DI at 20.56, while the ADX measured 19.43, suggesting bullish strength had started improving but remained below the threshold associated with a strong trend.

    If buyers reclaimed $0.6500, the chart suggested a retest of $0.8000 could follow. However, failure to hold above $0.5332 would likely expose $JTO to another test of the $0.4054 support level.

    Source: TradingView

    Conclusively, $JTO’s rally reflected improving fundamentals, stronger buying pressure, and increasing trader participation rather than a purely speculative bounce.

    If buyers continue defending support and overcome the $0.6500 barrier, the token could challenge $0.8000 in the sessions ahead. However, weakening demand would likely delay that recovery and shift attention back toward the $0.5332 support zone.

    Final Summary

    • $JTO’s rally gained support from stronger buying activity and growing confidence after the JIP-38 proposal.
    • Rising Open Interest and steady spot demand kept bullish pressure intact, though $0.6500 remains the next key hurdle.
  • Cardano Triggers Hard Fork With First Community-Voted Upgrade

    Cardano Triggers Hard Fork With First Community-Voted Upgrade

    In brief

    • Cardano activated the Van Rossem hard fork on July 18, reaching protocol version 11 with zero downtime.
    • It’s the network’s first major upgrade ratified entirely through on-chain community governance, without any centralized company directing the process.
    • The fork lowers Plutus smart contract execution costs and bundles five technical improvements, including new cryptographic tools and a security fix requiring every stake pool to use a unique cryptographic key.

    Cardano has hard forked, implementing the Van Rossem upgrade over the weekend and transitioning the network to protocol version 11.

    It’s not the first time Cardano has executed a hard fork—but it is the first time it’s done so without the intervention of the blockchain’s founding development company, Input Output. That makes how it happened at least as important as what the upgrade does.

    A hard fork—a permanent, mandatory update to a blockchain’s core rules, applied simultaneously across every computer running the network—is a pretty serious deal. Throughout Cardano’s history, it’s been Input Output that’s decided on these kinds of network changes.

    Van Rossem, which sets the stage for improved scalability and lower costs on the network, is the first major Cardano upgrade ratified entirely through on-chain governance, meaning elected community members, server operators, and an oversight committee voted it live.

    The fork carries the name of Max van Rossem, a Dutch Cardano contributor who passed away in October 2025. A developer, elected representative, node operator, and constitutional delegate, Van Rossem helped design the very governance system that just activated this upgrade.

    Three separate bodies signed off. Delegated representatives known as “DReps”—community members elected to vote on behalf of Cardano holders, similar to elected delegates in a parliament—approved it at 77.63%, clearing the 60% threshold. Stake pool operators—the companies and individuals running the servers that keep Cardano running—backed it at 52.7%, just above the required 51%.

    The Constitutional Committee, a seven-member board that verifies upgrades comply with Cardano’s founding document, also approved the proposal. Cardano has been building toward this governance model since the Chang hard fork in 2024, which first introduced on-chain voting, followed by the Plomin hard fork in early 2025, which gave token holders real decision-making power.

    What the upgrade actually does

    Van Rossem is an intra-era upgrade—a targeted improvement that doesn’t rebuild Cardano’s core structure. Its main goal is lowering Plutus execution costs. Plutus is Cardano’s smart contract programming language—the code engine behind every DeFi app, NFT marketplace, and on-chain payment tool built on the network.

    Cheaper execution means developers can run more complex apps for less.

    The upgrade bundles different technical proposals, including new cryptographic tools for verifying digital signatures faster and a security fix requiring every stake pool to use a unique cryptographic key—closing a known attack path.

    For everyday users, nothing changes today.

    Last week, Input Output (the firm that built Cardano’s core codebase) announced it would hand off development to outside specialist teams starting in August. Van Rossem is the first upgrade executed under that transition.

    The next target is Ouroboros Leios—Cardano’s planned overhaul of how it processes transactions, targeting 30 to 65 times current throughput with a stated goal of exceeding 1,000 transactions per second. Van Rossem is a technical prerequisite.

    Cardano (ADA) price: Flat but not falling

    As exciting as this news may be for Cardano fans, the markets don’t seem to think the hard fork provides enough hopium to move the needle just yet.

    Cardano, which trades as ADA ,has been essentially flat for three days, hovering around the $0.1662 mark at a $6 billion market capitalization. Bulls are pushing, but the overall weight is still bearish—the hard fork announcement appears to have steadied prices and prevented a retest of deeper support.

    The 50-day exponential moving average (a trend-tracking line weighted toward recent price action) sits below the 200-day, a classic bearish configuration. RSI—a momentum score from 0 to 100, where above 70 signals overbought and below 30 means oversold—reads 48.8, which is considered neutral. ADX, which measures trend strength, sits at 16.1, weak, though its directional component has shifted from bearish to bullish—an early signal traders watch for potential turning points.

    Whales holding between 100,000 and 100 million ADA tokens pushed their balances to the highest level since 2023, per Santiment data. Smaller holders reduced exposure.

    Charlies Hoskinson, Cardano’s founder, expects Leios to reach mainnet before the end of 2026, and the public testnet (dubbed Musashi Dojo) launched June 23.

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