Ethereum’s validator exit queue has clocked its highest level in more than a year, with more than 625,000 ETH, worth roughly $2.3 billion, awaiting withdrawal as of Wednesday, according to data from validatorqueue.com. The uptick in mass exits from Ethereum’s staking began on July 16 when Ether began its price rally to its 2025 high at $3,844. Since April, ETH has surged from a low of $1,500 to nearly $3,800 , prompting stakers to lock in profits. Exit queue wait time reaches 10 days On-chain analytics show the wait time to exit Ethereum’s validator network has extended to around eight to ten days, the longest since late 2023. As seen on validatorqueue.com, the spike dwarfs previous high points, including a notable withdrawal rush in January 2024. Staking exit queue wait times. Source: validatorqueue.com Validators are Ethereum nodes that lock up ETH and operate specialized software to validate transactions and propose new blocks. In return, they receive rewards in ETH. Still, exiting the validator role involves a queue mechanism designed to maintain network stability. The latest chart from the analytics platform shows that between July 16 and July 22, the exit queue wait time jumped from under one day to over eight. More than half a million ETH, approximately $1.9 billion at current market prices, was added to the exit queue within just six days. “When prices go up, people unstake and sell to lock in profits. We’ve seen this pattern for retail and institutional levels through many cycles,” explained Andy Cronk, co-founder of staking service provider Figment. On the flipside, the entry queue is also on the rise. As of Wednesday, over 359,500 ETH, worth about $1.3 billion at current prices, was lined up to enter the staking network, per validatorqueue.com. That’s resulted in a six-day wait time for new validators attempting to join. SEC clarity adds to institutional staking demand The US Securities and Exchange Commission’s May guidance stated that Ethereum is not a security because “staking does not constitute a securities offering.” Market analysts believe this helped push Ether to its 62.9% price rise and make it more attractive to traditional financial institutions. BlackRock, among others, has since added ETH staking language into its applications. At the same time, Joseph Lubin-backed SharpLink Gaming and Thomas Lee-affiliated BitMine Immersion have both launched ETH treasury programs with incentives to generate yield for shareholders. About 29.4% of Ethereum’s total circulating supply, equivalent to an all-time high of 36.39 million ETH, was locked in staking pools as of Tuesday. The amount surpassed the previous peak of 35 million on June 17. Data from a Dune Analytics dashboard showed that as of Wednesday, around 237,000 ETH was queued for withdrawal on Lido, the largest liquid staking platform. That withdrawal surge has also contributed to the rising exit times network-wide. A network observer on X noted that Tron DAO founder Justin Sun withdrew 60,000 ETH from Lido on Friday, and an undisclosed amount from Aave. This, according to head of data at Entropy Advisors Tom Wan, created a “domino effect” that forced others to liquidate looping strategies, recursive borrowing to amplify yield, once profitability diminished. Justin Sun’s address activity. Source: Arkham Intelligence “Lenders are stuck in the position for potentially ~18 days as that’s the ETH unstake queue right now. We may end up seeing some stETH liquidations from interest accrual which will only make the situation worse by de-pegging stETH further,” darkpools wrote on X. Cryptopolitan Academy: Want to grow your money in 2025? Learn how to do it with DeFi in our upcoming webclass. Save Your Spot
BitcoinWorld Proton Lumo: Unveiling the Revolutionary Privacy-First AI Assistant for Encrypted Chats In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, where data privacy often takes a backseat, the introduction of Proton Lumo marks a pivotal moment. For cryptocurrency enthusiasts and anyone deeply invested in digital security, the promise of a truly private AI assistant is not just appealing—it’s essential. As we navigate a world increasingly reliant on AI, concerns over how our conversations and data are handled by these powerful tools are paramount. Proton, a name synonymous with digital privacy, has stepped forward with Lumo, an innovative privacy-first AI assistant designed from the ground up to safeguard your most sensitive information. Unpacking Proton Lumo’s Commitment to Privacy-First AI Proton’s latest offering, Lumo, is not just another AI chatbot; it’s a testament to the company’s unwavering dedication to user data protection. At its core, Lumo embodies the principles of privacy by design, a philosophy that ensures security and confidentiality are baked into every layer of its operation. The company explicitly states that Lumo keeps no logs of your conversations, a crucial distinction from many mainstream AI services that routinely store and analyze user interactions. This commitment extends to how your chat history is managed. End-to-End Encryption: Lumo employs end-to-end encryption for storing chat histories, meaning your conversations are encrypted on your device before they even leave it and can only be decrypted on your device. This ensures that even Proton itself cannot access the content of your stored chats. Zero-Access Encryption: Building on its robust security framework, Lumo utilizes zero-access encryption, a method already integrated into other Proton products like Proton Mail and Proton Drive. This technology guarantees that your data is encrypted in such a way that no one, not even Proton, can access it without your explicit permission and decryption key. Ghost Mode: For those moments when absolute ephemerality is desired, Lumo offers a “ghost mode.” Conversations initiated in this mode disappear as soon as you close the window, leaving no trace behind. This feature is particularly valuable for sensitive inquiries where even a temporary record is undesirable. These foundational elements underscore Lumo’s position as a leading privacy-first AI solution, setting a new standard for how AI assistants should handle user information. Why Encrypted AI Chat Matters in a Data-Driven World In an era where personal data is often considered the new oil, the importance of encrypted AI chat cannot be overstated. Traditional AI assistants, while convenient, frequently operate on models that collect vast amounts of user data, often without explicit consent or clear transparency regarding its usage. This data can be used for training future models, targeted advertising, or even be susceptible to breaches. Proton Lumo directly addresses these concerns by ensuring that your interactions remain private and secure. To better understand the distinct advantages, consider this comparison: Feature Proton Lumo (Privacy-First) Typical Mainstream AI (Data-Driven) Chat Logs No logs kept by Proton; user-controlled, encrypted storage on device. Logs often stored on servers for training and analysis. Encryption End-to-end and zero-access encryption for stored chats. Encryption in transit, but often unencrypted on servers or accessible by provider. Data for Training User data explicitly NOT used for model training. Relies on open-source. User data frequently used to train and improve models. Third-Party Sharing Queries never sent to third parties. Often partners with other AI companies, sharing data. Jurisdiction European Union (strong privacy laws like GDPR). Primarily US/China (varying data protection laws). This table clearly illustrates why encrypted AI chat , as offered by Proton Lumo, is a significant leap forward for digital privacy. Consider the broader implications: Protection Against Data Breaches: If an AI service stores unencrypted chat logs, a data breach could expose highly personal and sensitive information. With Lumo’s end-to-end and zero-access encryption, even if a breach were to occur on Proton’s servers, your conversation history would remain unreadable. Prevention of Model Training Misuse: Many AI models improve by learning from user interactions. While this can enhance performance, it also means your personal queries, opinions, and data might inadvertently become part of the AI’s public knowledge base. Proton has explicitly stated that Lumo will “only depend on [open-source models] for research and development going forward without utilizing user data to train its models,” ensuring your conversations don’t contribute to a broader data pool. Maintaining Confidentiality: For professionals, journalists, or anyone discussing sensitive topics, an encrypted AI chat offers peace of mind. Whether you’re uploading a confidential document for analysis or discussing personal health information, Lumo’s design ensures that your data remains solely yours. This approach stands in stark contrast to many US and Chinese AI companies, which often operate under different regulatory frameworks and business models that prioritize data collection for commercial purposes. Proton Lumo’s Accessibility and Open-Source Advantage Beyond its robust privacy features, Proton Lumo is designed for broad accessibility. Available via a web client, as well as dedicated Android and iOS apps, Lumo ensures that you can access a secure AI assistant wherever you are. A notable convenience is that Lumo doesn’t require you to have an account to use the chatbot and ask questions, further lowering the barrier to private AI interactions. Key functionalities include: File Uploads: Users can upload files and have Lumo answer questions about their content, making it a powerful tool for research, analysis, or understanding complex documents without compromising their privacy. Proton Drive Integration: For existing Proton Drive users, Lumo offers seamless integration, allowing you to connect your cloud storage and access files directly from Lumo to facilitate inquiries. A significant differentiator for Proton Lumo is its foundation on open-source models . Proton emphasizes that this choice provides “much greater transparency into the way Lumo works than any other major AI assistant.” Unlike partnerships with proprietary models from companies like OpenAI, Lumo’s reliance on open-source technology means its underlying mechanisms can be scrutinized by the broader community, fostering trust and accountability. Furthermore, Proton’s European base offers a significant advantage, operating under stringent data protection laws like GDPR, which gives it a “leg up over AI companies based in the U.S. and China when it comes to privacy.” The Emergence of No-Log AI Assistant Technology The concept of a no-log AI assistant represents a paradigm shift in how we interact with artificial intelligence. Historically, “logging” user data has been a standard practice across digital services, often justified for improving service quality or debugging. However, for privacy-conscious individuals, this practice is a significant concern. Proton Lumo’s commitment to “no logs” means that your conversations are not stored on their servers in any identifiable or retrievable format once the session concludes (unless you choose to save them with encryption, which only you can decrypt). This “no-log” policy is complemented by Lumo’s “ghost mode,” where conversations vanish upon closing the window. This dual approach ensures maximum control over your digital footprint. In a landscape where even major tech players like Apple are integrating AI (e.g., Apple Intelligence), Proton’s explicit stance against sending queries to third parties like OpenAI or other American/Chinese AI companies highlights a crucial distinction. Your queries remain within Proton’s secure, European datacenters, processed in a manner that respects your privacy from start to finish. This level of data sovereignty is particularly appealing to those who understand the value of privacy in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space, where decentralization and user control are core tenets. Proton’s Legacy of Secure AI Chatbot Development The launch of Proton Lumo is not an isolated event but rather a continuation of Proton’s long-standing commitment to building secure, privacy-focused tools. Proton has a well-established reputation for its encrypted email (Proton Mail), VPN (Proton VPN), and cloud storage (Proton Drive) services, all designed with user privacy as the paramount concern. Their foray into the fast-developing AI tools space began even before Lumo. Last year, Proton rolled out an AI-powered writing assistant for its Mail product. Crucially, this assistant also runs on the user’s device, demonstrating Proton’s consistent philosophy of client-side processing to minimize data exposure. This history reinforces the credibility of Proton Lumo as a truly secure AI chatbot , built upon years of expertise in encryption and privacy technology. While Lumo prioritizes privacy and security, it’s important to note that like any new technology, there might be trade-offs. The article mentions, “While the chatbot has access to the web, it might not find you the latest results if you use it to search.” This indicates a focus on data integrity and privacy over potentially faster, but less secure, real-time information retrieval from the broader internet. This deliberate choice underscores Proton’s commitment to its core values, even if it means a slight compromise on immediate “freshness” of information. Conclusion: Embracing a Private AI Future with Proton Lumo In a world increasingly reliant on AI, Proton Lumo stands out as a beacon of privacy and security. By offering end-to-end encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and the innovative ghost mode, Lumo redefines what users can expect from an AI assistant. Its foundation on open-source models and operation from secure European datacenters further solidify its position as a trustworthy alternative to mainstream AI offerings. For individuals and organizations prioritizing data sovereignty and digital confidentiality, Proton Lumo is not just an option; it’s a compelling necessity. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Proton’s commitment to user privacy in AI development provides a vital safeguard against the pervasive data collection practices of the modern internet, empowering users to interact with AI on their own terms. To learn more about the latest AI market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping AI features. This post Proton Lumo: Unveiling the Revolutionary Privacy-First AI Assistant for Encrypted Chats first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
The post Top Altcoins Poised for the Biggest Gains in 2025 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News The crypto market is stepping into the second half of 2025 with strong momentum, thanks to political calm and rising institutional investments. Well-known crypto analyst Ali Martinez ran an interesting experiment, he asked Super Grok, an advanced AI, to think like Polymarket and spot which altcoins could see the biggest gains this year. Here’s what that bold test revealed. Top Altcoin for Biggest Gain Here’s the list of top altcoin with biggest gain in 2025. Solana (SOL): The Top Contender Solana (SOL) takes the top spot with a 14% probability of being 2025’s best-performing altcoin. Solana has made a name for itself as the “speed king” of crypto, thanks to upgrades like Alpenglow driving swift transactions. Its lively “meme coin” scene and exciting tech have turned heads with year-to-date gains of +11%. Pudgy Penguin (PENGU): Meme Magic Meets Mainstream Coming in second is Pudgy Penguin isn’t just a memecoin; it’s breaking into the real world. Thanks to viral videos (over 180 billion views!), toy deals, and even a tie-up with NASCAR, PENGU now trades at $0.043 with 24% YTD gain. With an ETF application filed and strong brand buzz, “Super Grok” gives it a promising 12% chance of top returns. Bittensor (TAO): The AI Blockchain Contender AI is transforming crypto, and Bittensor is at the forefront. There’s strong developer activity, low supply, and a focus on Web3 artificial intelligence. TAO is up 37% YTD, now at $437.7. However, Grok’s model gives it a 10% shot of leading the pack, assuming the AI narrative keeps surging. Ondo (ONDO): Real-World Assets Pioneer Similarly, Ondo (ONDO), leading the Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization trend, is gaining favor with institutions. Currently, ONDO is priced trading at $1.02 , reflecting a 14% YTD it offers unique upside if institutions favor it in the next bull run, with an 8% chance of top performance. Hyperliquid (HYPE): The Quiet L1 Climber Hyperliquid flies under the radar but boasts fast trading and no new coins unlocking until the year’s end. Its current price is $43.7, seeing a rise of 1259% YTD, with a 7% probability it’s the year’s dark horse. Sui ($SUI): Infrastructure with Breakout Potential Sui, with its focus on privacy and user experience, lingers below past highs, priced at $3.84 (+359% YTD). If the underlying tech catches on, SUI could “10x” and deliver outsized returns of 6% probability. Ali Martinez and Grok’s playful “prediction market” exercise says Solana and Pudgy Penguin have the best shot at leading 2025 gains, but in crypto, staying curious and early matters just as much as picking the right token.
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VERT, a Brazilian securitization and fund manager, said on Wednesday it debuted a blockchain-based platform to handle private credit transactions on the XRP Ledger (XRP) and its Ethereum-compatible sidechain, bringing more tokenized real-world assets to the ecosystem. The platform’s first transaction was the issuance of a BRL 700 million, or $130 million, Agribusiness Receivables Certificate (CRA), a regulated instrument used to finance agricultural production, according to a press release. The CRA pools future cash flows owed by agribusinesses such as loan repayments into securities for investors. Agriculture accounts for over 20% of Brazil’s GDP, making the sector a key testbed for digital financial tools. The issuance underscores the accelerating trend of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, using blockchain rails to handle transactions with traditional financial instruments like bonds, credit and funds. The process promises faster and more efficient settlements and broader investor access compared to traditional banking channels, especially in emerging economies with less developed capital markets. XRP Ledger's role as a tokenized RWA hub has been growing, with Dubai selecting the network for its ambitious real estate tokenization plan to put $16 billion of property deeds on-chain by 2033. By recording the asset's issuance and lifecycle events directly on-chain, VERT said its system improves transparency and traceability for structured credit operations. The platform integrates with Brazil’s regulated financial infrastructure and uses off-chain redundancy to meet compliance standards, the firm said. "It is a concrete step towards the evolution of tokenization as a structural pillar of the modern capital market," Gabriel Braga, digital assets director at VERT, said in a statement. "Tokenization also addresses the demand for greater transparency of operations, coming mainly from foreign investors." Ripple, a key contributor to the XRP Ledger, also contributed in the project. "Agribusiness plays an essential role in Brazil’s economy, and improving how credit is structured and tracked in this sector is a meaningful advancement," said Silvio Pegado, Ripple's managing director of the Latin America region. "This milestone demonstrates how blockchain technology, through the XRP Ledger, can serve as reliable infrastructure for modernizing financial markets that are foundational to national growth." VERT said future plans include to expand the platform to additional asset classes and structured credit deals worth over $500 million. Read more: Backed Finance's Tokenized Stocks Product Volume Jumps to $300M
This content is provided by a sponsor. PRESS RELEASE. CALGARY, Alberta–(BUSINESS WIRE)–DevvStream Corp. (Nasdaq: DEVS) (“DevvStream” or the “Company”), a leading carbon management firm specializing in the development, investment, and sale of environmental assets, today announced that it has entered into a securities purchase agreement for the issuance of up to (US)$300 million in senior
July 23rd, 2025 – San Francisco, California Today, Everclear , the cross-chain clearing and settlement protocol for digital assets, announced a strategic investment and partnership with the NEAR Foundation . This partnership entails a long-term commitment by both teams to advance cross-chain clearance and settlement with NEAR’s tech. NEAR Foundation’s capital deployment includes provision of solver capital aimed at unlocking liquidity to meet the growing demand for Everclear’s offerings and a multi-faceted strategic investment, signaling support for the CLEAR community. Powering Intents-Based Interoperability The cross-chain intents market is seeing significant momentum with new chains coming in and a stablecoin explosion–transaction fees are already often as low as 0.01% and settlement times are often seconds, which creates a perfect set-up for further growth. Everclear, which recently surpassed $1B in total transaction volume, introduces a DeFi primitive that enables clear and net-off bi-directional cross-chain liquidity flows at zero cost. To further strengthen its robust clearing and netting infrastructure, Everclear will integrate with the NEAR technology stack and scale the amount of available liquidity in the protocol with additional resources. Illia Polosukhin , NEAR co-founder, stated: “Unifying liquidity for both human and AI users is a key mission for NEAR and the Intents ecosystem. We’re happy that Everclear will utilize NEAR Intents for cross-chain clearing and settlement amidst the proliferation of stablecoins, chains, and new asset types in the market today – we see a great opportunity in our work together.” “Partnering with the NEAR Foundation enables Everclear to scale liquidity and target billions in monthly volume over the next 12 months,” said Dima Khanarin , Everclear Foundation CEO. “With hundreds of stablecoins and new appchains like Robinhood launching, the cross-chain clearing market for digital assets is poised to surpass $1Trillion.” Everclear’s Accelerating Momentum Since March 2025, Everclear has: Achieved 111% growth in Q2, >50x growth from January Surpassed $1B in total transaction volume Expanded to 23 supported chains, including Solana Onboarded top DeFi protocols such as Li.Fi and Across About Everclear Everclear is the first cross-chain clearing and settlement protocol, enabling efficient movement of liquidity across blockchain networks. Like Visa and SWIFT in traditional finance, Everclear coordinates liquidity flows across decentralized ecosystems—eliminating fragmentation and unlocking a more connected digital asset economy. Everclear is backed by NEAR Foundation, Pantera Capital, Polychain, 1kx, Hashed, ConsenSys, and the Ethereum Foundation. X: https://x.com/everclearorg Website: https://www.everclear.org/ About NEAR Protocol NEAR Foundation is the blockchain for AI. A high-performance, AI-native platform built to power the next generation of decentralized applications and intelligent agents. It provides the infrastructure AI needs to transact, operate, and interact across Web2 and Web3. NEAR combines three core elements: User-Owned AI, which ensures agents act in users’ best interests; Intents and Chain Abstraction, which eliminate blockchain complexity for seamless, goal-driven transactions across chains; and a sharded blockchain architecture that delivers the scalability, speed, and low-cost execution needed for real-world AI and Web3 use. This integrated stack makes NEAR the foundation for building secure, user-owned, AI-native applications at internet scale. Contact CEO Dima Khanarin ops@connext.network This content is sponsored and should be regarded as promotional material. Opinions and statements expressed herein are those of the author and do not reflect the opinions of The Daily Hodl. The Daily Hodl is not a subsidiary of or owned by any ICOs, blockchain startups or companies that advertise on our platform. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in any ICOs, blockchain startups or cryptocurrencies. Please be advised that your investments are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility. Follow Us on X Facebook Telegram Check out the Latest Industry Announcements The post Everclear Secures Strategic Investment From NEAR Foundation to Scale Cross-Chain Clearing appeared first on The Daily Hodl .
Among standout names in the market, BlockDAG, BNB, Toncoin (TON), and Tron (TRX) are showing strength across tech and usage. As top crypto projects, each brings a different advantage. BlockDAG’s presale is entering its last phase, BNB remains key to Binance operations, and TON gains from Telegram’s reach. TRX adds speed with low-cost payments and increasing visibility. While each follows a different path, all four projects are active in staking, finance, or app development. Their diverse roles show how different strategies can succeed, even as new entries and adoption barriers shape the broader market. 1. BlockDAG: 3,025% Potential Reflects Ongoing Momentum BlockDAG is priced at $0.0016 until August 11, creating one of the few low-cost entries among top crypto projects. With a confirmed launch price of $0.05, this creates room for a 3,025% return from presale to launch. So far, the project has raised over $350 million and sold more than 24.1 billion BDAG coins, along with 18,600+ miners already distributed. The mining system is gaining attention. Over 2 million users are mining daily using the X1 mobile app. BlockDAG (BDAG) plans to pair this with the new X10 Miner, which is currently shipping. This setup is designed to speed up mining and increase rewards by using both devices at once. A live demo set for Wednesday will show the combined process in action. The X10 device is small and made for ease of use. When linked with the X1 app using Bluetooth, it can mine up to 200 BDAG each day. It’s the size of a Wi-Fi extender and comes with Wi-Fi and Ethernet features, a power supply, and Type-C support. With new hardware rolling out and the presale closing soon, BlockDAG is positioning itself among early-phase projects with clear tech and growing demand. 2. BNB: Ecosystem Growth Backed by Real Usage BNB is maintaining steady momentum, with current trading levels near $770. It plays a core role in the Binance ecosystem, supporting fee discounts, acting as gas on the Binance Smart Chain, and enabling platform-level features. Known as one of the top crypto projects, BNB stays relevant through consistent use across DeFi, project launches, and NFT applications. The network carries out regular burns to reduce supply, helping keep price movement in check. While some markets are tightening rules on exchanges, BNB continues to stand strong with its liquidity, strong user base, and expanding cross-chain functionality. With a fixed supply and Binance entering new regions, BNB remains well-positioned for the long term. 3. Toncoin: Expanding Through Telegram Integration Toncoin trades around $3.35 and is gaining traction through Telegram’s large global audience. Built to power apps, transactions, and encrypted file storage, it connects directly to Telegram’s growing ecosystem. As one of the top crypto projects drawing attention, TON benefits from Telegram’s built-in crypto features and more users transacting on-chain. Its proof-of-stake system and the recent addition of Ethereum bridge tools make it more attractive. While use beyond Telegram is still forming, its technical foundation and platform link suggest long-term presence. 4. Tron: Reliable Performance in Digital Payments TRX is holding steady at around $0.315 and continues to lead in processing fast and inexpensive transactions. It plays a major role in supporting USDT transfers across various exchanges, especially for on-chain operations. Ranked among top crypto projects, Tron shows strength through its high daily transaction volumes and rising wallet counts. Its focus on practical, low-fee usage keeps it active in the payments space. Even as stablecoin regulations evolve, Tron’s active community and steady development keep it in focus. Final Say BlockDAG, BNB, TON, and TRX each show strong fundamentals, from exchange functionality and user reach to practical use and innovation. Among these top crypto projects , BlockDAG leads with its 3,025% price window and upcoming dual miner demo showcasing real-world use. BNB continues to offer utility in its ecosystem. Toncoin connects with Telegram’s network, and TRX keeps building on its core strength in fast payments. Together, these projects highlight different paths to growth as the next market cycle takes shape. The post Top Crypto Projects in 2025: Why BlockDAG, BNB, TON, and TRX Are Gaining Momentum appeared first on TheCoinrise.com .