Ethena Labs and Securitize to Launch Blockchain for Institutional DeFi in 2025
Ethena Labs and Securitize have announced plans to launch Converge, a new Ethereum-compatible blockchain designed to support decentralized finance (DeFi) and tokenized assets. The blockchain, expected to go live in the second quarter of 2025, aims to bridge institutional finance with on-chain markets by offering permissioned and permissionless financial applications. A Blockchain for Institutional DeFi Converge is built as an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) blockchain, allowing compatibility with existing Ethereum-based smart contracts and decentralized applications. It will provide a platform for retail DeFi users while incorporating institutional-grade infrastructure to facilitate regulatory compliance. Ethena plans to migrate its existing DeFi ecosystem, which holds nearly $6 billion in assets, onto Converge. Securitize, known for tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs), will issue current and future tokenized assets on the network. To ensure institutional adoption, Converge will integrate compliance-focused DeFi applications, vetted by Ethena and Securitize through a whitelist system. Meanwhile, traditional retail DeFi applications will remain accessible without restrictions. Industry Partnerships and Infrastructure The blockchain will launch with support from multiple industry partners, including Aave Labs’ Horizon project, Pendle, Ethereal, Morpho, and Maple Finance. Custodial services for tokenized assets will be provided by firms such as Anchorage, Copper, Fireblocks, Komainu, and Zodia. Converge will also feature cross-chain interoperability through LayerZero and Wormhole, while RedStone and Pyth will provide Oracle services for data feeds. To secure the network, Ethena’s governance token, ENA, will be stackable as sENA, with validation handled by traditional financial institutions and centralized exchanges. Additionally, stablecoins USDe and USDtb—developed in partnership between Ethena and Securitize—will serve as gas tokens for transactions on the blockchain. Filling a Market Gap Ethena Labs founder Guy Young said Converge will serve as a settlement layer for institutional DeFi and tokenized assets, addressing what he sees as a major market opportunity. Securitize CEO Carlos Domingo highlighted the lack of regulatory clarity as a barrier to institutional DeFi adoption, noting that Converge seeks to bridge that gap by providing compliant infrastructure. By combining DeFi innovation with regulated tokenization, Ethena, and Securitize aim to create a blockchain that enables financial institutions to participate in on-chain markets with greater confidence.
Assessing the Sustainability of Cryptocurrency Mining
Cryptocurrency has emerged as a significant force in the digital age, offering a decentralized and secure form of digital money. However, the energy consumption associated with cryptocurrency mining – the process of verifying transactions and generating new coins – has raised concerns about its environmental impact. Bitcoin, as the most well-known cryptocurrency, has been particularly criticized for its high energy consumption and carbon footprint. Despite these concerns, the cryptocurrency market continues to grow rapidly. However, pressure is mounting on cryptocurrencies to transition to clean energy sources. Tesla, for instance, aims to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. The race is, therefore, on to make crypto more environmentally friendly and economically viable. Key Takeaways Cryptocurrency Mining Cryptocurrency mining is the process through which transactions are verified and added to the blockchain, the digital ledger that records all cryptocurrency transactions. Miners use powerful computers to solve complex mathematical puzzles, a process known as proof-of-work. When a miner successfully solves a puzzle, they are rewarded with newly minted cryptocurrency coins. This process serves two main purposes: validating transactions to ensure their accuracy & security and creating new cryptocurrency coins. However, it also requires significant computational power and energy consumption. The mining process is essential for maintaining the integrity and security of blockchain networks. Without miners to verify transactions and secure the network, cryptocurrencies would be vulnerable to attacks and manipulation. Read Also: 10 Best Free Crypto Mining Sites in 2025 Environmental Impacts of Cryptocurrency Mining Cryptocurrency mining might form the basis of the entire system but it comes at an environmental cost. There are two main concerns. The Energy Burden and Carbon Footprint Image via Statista. Cryptocurrency mining’s reliance on computational power translates to significant energy consumption. Most cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, rely on PoW algorithms. Miners compete to solve complex puzzles, consuming substantial computational power. The energy consumed by crypto mining is equivalent to the annual electricity usage of entire countries. This demand places stress on existing power grids and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Image via Statista While traditional financial systems also consume energy (Commercial banks, ATMs, and Data centers), they are generally more energy-efficient than crypto mining. The energy consumption of crypto mining per transaction far exceeds that of traditional financial systems. Cryptocurrency offers decentralization and security but at the cost of energy consumption. Balancing these trade-offs is essential for sustainable growth. E-waste Generation Another environmental concern associated with cryptocurrency mining is the generation of electronic waste (e-waste). As mining hardware (ASICs, GPUs) becomes obsolete or less profitable, it is often discarded, contributing to the growing e-waste problem. Centralization of Mining Operations Many miners join forces in mining pools to increase their chances of solving blocks. However, this centralizes control and undermines the decentralized vision of cryptocurrencies. Concentrated mining activity can strain local energy resources and exacerbate environmental degradation in affected areas. Sustainability of Crypto Mining The environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining is undeniable, but is there hope for a greener future? Integration of Renewable Energy Sources The integration of renewable energy sources in crypto mining operations offers a promising pathway to mitigate the environmental impact of cryptocurrency activities. By harnessing solar, wind, or hydroelectric power, mining operations can significantly reduce carbon emissions, enhance sustainability, and contribute to a greener future. Development of Energy-Efficient Algorithms Efforts to create energy-efficient mining algorithms are gaining momentum. These algorithms aim to strike a balance between transaction validation and resource consumption. By optimizing computational work, crypto mining can become more sustainable without compromising security. Alternative Consensus Mechanisms Beyond the traditional Proof-of-Work (PoW) and Proof-of-Stake (PoS), alternative consensus mechanisms are emerging. These mechanisms explore innovative ways to validate transactions while minimizing energy usage. Examples include Proof-of-Activity, Delegated Proof-of-Stake, and Proof-of-Authority. Proof of Stake vs. Proof of Work Proof of stake consensus mechanisms offer a more energy-efficient alternative to proof of work. Instead of relying on computational power to solve puzzles, proof of stake validators are chosen based on the amount of cryptocurrency they hold and are incentivized to act honestly to maintain the network’s security. Carbon Offsetting Initiatives Efforts to offset crypto’s carbon footprint are gaining traction. Some projects allocate a portion of mining rewards to environmental causes, such as reforestation or renewable energy projects. These initiatives aim to neutralize the impact of crypto mining on the environment. Community-Driven Sustainable Mining Communities are actively exploring sustainable mining practices. Collaborative efforts, transparent governance, and responsible energy usage can foster a more eco-friendly crypto ecosystem. By prioritizing long-term sustainability, we can shape a greener future for crypto mining. Criticisms and Ongoing Debates The environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining is a hot-button topic, and there’s no shortage of debate. Among these are: Energy Consumption Concerns Image via MoneySuperMarket. Cryptocurrency mining has faced intense scrutiny due to its energy-intensive nature. The computational work required for Proof-of-Work (PoW) algorithms, such as those used by Bitcoin, demands substantial electricity. Advocates argue that this energy expenditure is justified by the security and decentralization benefits that cryptocurrencies offer. They emphasize that PoW ensures the integrity of transactions and prevents malicious actors from dominating the network. However, detractors highlight the environmental toll, pointing out that the energy consumption of crypto mining per transaction far exceeds that of traditional financial systems. The ongoing debate revolves around finding a balance between security, decentralization, and energy efficiency. The transition to renewable energy sources for mining operations is a critical step toward sustainability. While some mining facilities already utilize solar, wind, or hydroelectric power, the pace of this transition remains a topic of discussion. Critics question whether the industry can swiftly adopt greener alternatives, given that fossil fuels still dominate the energy mix. Proponents argue that crypto mining could accelerate the adoption of renewables, driving investment in clean energy infrastructure. E-waste and its Environmental Impact Another pressing concern is e-waste generated by mining hardware. As technology advances rapidly, mining equipment becomes obsolete within a short lifespan. The constant need for hardware upgrades contributes to electronic waste accumulation. Responsible recycling and extending the lifespan of mining rigs are
Top 5 Challenges Faced by Beginners in Creating NFTs in 2025
Creating NFTs in 2024 comes with its own set of challenges, especially for beginners. The world of non-fungible tokens has been a wild ride, with huge highs in 2021 and dramatic lows in 2022. By 2023, the market started to bounce back, and now, in 2024, there’s a mix of excitement and uncertainty. In this blog post, we’ll break down the biggest challenges new creators face in the NFT space. We’ll look at what happened in the past, what’s happening now, and what you need to know to succeed. Whether you’re an artist, a collector, or just curious about NFTs, this guide will help you navigate the ups and downs of this ever-changing market. Key Takeaways The Boom of 2021 Source: Freepik In 2021, the NFT market experienced an unprecedented surge. This boom was driven by several factors: During this time, the NFT trading volume reached a staggering $17.6 billion. High-profile sales, such as Beeple’s digital artwork auctioned for $69 million, and popular collections like Bored Ape Yacht Club and CryptoPunks, became iconic. Big brands like Gucci and D&G also entered the space, launching their own NFT collections and further boosting the market’s visibility. The Crash of 2022 The exuberance of 2021 gave way to a harsh reality check in 2022. The NFT market faced a severe correction, characterized by: By June 2022, NFT sales had plummeted to around $1 billion, a stark contrast to the highs of 2021. Notable losses included Logan Paul’s Azuki NFT, which dropped from $623,000 to $10, and Justin Bieber’s Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT, which fell from $1.31 million to $59,090. These examples highlighted the volatility and risk associated with NFTs. Read Also: Negative Impacts of NFTs in Crypto Signs of Recovery in 2023 Source: Freepik Despite the tumultuous downturn, the NFT market began showing signs of revival in 2023: By the end of 2023, weekly NFT trading volumes had surpassed $500 million, indicating a strong resurgence. Notably, Yuga Labs’ innovative projects, such as the game Dookey Dash, drove significant engagement and accounted for a substantial portion of Ethereum NFT trades. Outlook for 2024 Looking ahead, the NFT market in 2024 is expected to undergo significant changes, driven by several key factors: However, challenges remain, including the persistence of scams, regulatory fragmentation, and the need for continuous innovation. As the market evolves, new creators and investors must stay informed and adaptable to succeed in this dynamic environment. Top 5 Challenges for Beginners in Creating NFTs Source: Unsplash Creating NFTs can be exciting, but it comes with several hurdles for beginners. Here are the top challenges they might face: 1. Technical Knowledge and Skills To create NFTs, you need to understand blockchain technology, smart contracts, and digital wallets. Developing NFTs often involves writing and deploying smart contracts, necessitating proficiency in programming languages like Solidity for Ethereum or Rust for Solana. Each NFT marketplace has its own rules and fees, adding to the complexity. The minting process varies across platforms, and mistakes in this area can lead to significant financial losses. 2. High Costs and Fees Creating and selling NFTs is expensive. On the Ethereum network, gas fees for transactions can be very high. While alternative blockchains like Solana, Polygon, or Tezos offer lower fees, they require additional learning and adaptation. Beyond blockchain fees, there are costs associated with creating the digital art itself. Commissioning high-quality artwork or developing it independently can be expensive. Additionally, marketing efforts to promote NFTs and distinguish them in a saturated market often involve spending on social media ads, collaborations, and other promotional activities. 3. Market Saturation The NFT market is highly saturated, with a constant influx of new projects and creators. This oversupply makes it challenging for beginners to make their NFTs stand out. Success in this crowded field requires originality, high quality, and a strong understanding of market trends and audience preferences. Building a recognizable and trusted brand takes time and effort, especially in such a competitive environment. 4. Security Concerns Security is a major concern in the NFT world. Scams and phishing attacks often target beginners. To ensure the security of digital assets, beginners must safeguard private keys and recovery phrases, use reputable platforms, and be vigilant about suspicious links and transactions. The prevalence of fake or poorly managed NFT projects also poses a risk, as investing time and money in such ventures can lead to significant financial losses. 5. Legal and Regulatory Issues Navigating the legal and regulatory aspects of NFTs can be tricky. Beginners must be aware of intellectual property rights to ensure that the artwork used for NFTs does not infringe on someone else’s IP. Legal disputes over ownership and usage rights can arise, requiring a clear understanding of copyright laws. Additionally, the regulatory environment for NFTs varies by region, and staying compliant with local laws is crucial. Tips for Overcoming Challenges in Creating NFTs Source: Freepik Here are 12 tips to help beginners overcome the common hurdles in the NFT space: Final Thoughts The NFT market is far from dead. While the initial frenzy of 2021 has subsided, the underlying technology and potential applications remain promising. Success in the NFT world hinges on a combination of factors: technical proficiency, creative originality, strategic marketing, and a willingness to adapt to a rapidly evolving ecosystem. As the NFT market continues to mature, those who can overcome these challenges and embrace innovation are poised to reap the rewards of this exciting digital frontier.
Negative Impacts of NFTs in Crypto
NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, have once been the talk of the crypto industry, capturing attention from all sides. They’ve been celebrated for their ability to create digital ownership and offer artists a new way to monetize their work. But, it’s not all positive. Beneath the attention, there’s a side to NFTs that often gets overlooked or ignored. The Negative Side. Some serious issues have been cropping up, ranging from environmental concerns to questionable value and even potential scams. If you’re curious about what are the negative sides of NFTs, keep reading. There’s a lot more to this story than meets the eye. Key Takeaways What are NFTs? Source: Image by freepik NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are unique digital assets verified using blockchain technology. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, which are fungible and can be exchanged on a one-to-one basis, NFTs are one-of-a-kind. Each NFT has a unique identifier that distinguishes it from other tokens. This makes it perfect for representing ownership of digital items like art, music, videos, or even virtual real estate. How and Why NFTs Became Popular NFTs exploded into the mainstream around 2020, fueled by a mix of technological innovation and cultural trends. Their popularity can be traced back to several factors: Common Use Cases of NFTs NFTs have found applications across various sectors, each leveraging the unique attributes of these digital tokens. Some of their use cases include: What are the Negative Sides of NFTs in Crypto? Source: Reset.org While NFTs have garnered significant attention and adoption, they are not without their downsides. As the NFT market continues to grow, several concerns have emerged, challenging the sustainability and ethics of this digital asset class. Environmental Concerns: NFTs and Energy Consumption One of the most pressing criticisms of NFTs is their environmental impact. The majority of NFTs are minted and traded on blockchain networks like Ethereum, which currently rely on energy-intensive proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanisms. The process of verifying and recording transactions on these blockchains consumes vast amounts of electricity. This in turn contributes to carbon emissions and environmental degradation. For example, the energy consumption of a single NFT transaction can be equivalent to the annual electricity usage of an average household. In fact, it has been estimated that creating an NFT via the Ethereum platform, uses over 260 kilowatt-hours of electricity. This is equal to the amount of electricity an average American household requires over 9 days. This has led to widespread criticism, particularly as the world grapples with climate change and the need to reduce carbon footprints. While efforts are being made to transition to more energy-efficient blockchain technologies, such as Ethereum’s planned move to proof-of-stake (PoS), the environmental impact of NFTs remains a significant concern. Market Volatility and Investment Risks NFTs are highly speculative assets, and their value can be extremely volatile. Prices for NFTs can skyrocket one day and plummet the next. These prices are driven by hype, celebrity endorsements, or market trends. This volatility makes NFTs a risky investment, particularly for those who are not well-versed in crypto. Many investors have found themselves buying into NFTs at peak prices, only to see the value of their assets drop significantly. The speculative nature of NFTs has led to comparisons with past market bubbles. Concerns have been raised about the sustainability of the current NFT craze. Additionally, the lack of historical data and the young nature of the market make it difficult to predict long-term trends or investment returns. Read Also: What Exactly Are Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)? Legal and Regulatory Uncertainty Regulations for NFTs are still evolving, creating uncertainty for both creators and buyers. Questions around the classification of NFTs—whether they should be considered securities, commodities, or something else entirely—remain unresolved in many jurisdictions. This ambiguity can lead to potential legal challenges, particularly as governments and regulatory bodies begin to take a closer look at the NFT market. Moreover, issues such as intellectual property rights, copyright infringement, and the legality of cross-border NFT transactions add another layer of complexity. As the market matures, we can expect increased scrutiny from regulators. This may result in new laws or regulations that could impact the value and trading of NFTs. Scams, Frauds, and Security Risks As with any emerging market, NFTs have seen their share of scams and fraudulent activities. From fake NFT marketplaces to phishing attacks, the risks are high, especially for newcomers to crypto. Unsuspecting buyers may find themselves purchasing counterfeit NFTs or falling victim to rug pulls, where the creators of an NFT project disappear with investors’ funds. Security risks are also a significant concern. Although blockchain technology is inherently secure, the platforms and wallets used to store and trade NFTs are not immune to hacking. If an individual’s digital wallet is compromised, they could lose their valuable NFTs with little chance of recovery. Intellectual Property and Copyright Issues The nature of NFTs raises complex questions about intellectual property (IP) and copyright. While NFTs provide proof of ownership for a digital asset, they do not necessarily confer the underlying IP rights to the buyer. This means that an NFT owner might possess a digital artwork but not have the legal right to reproduce, distribute, or modify it. Additionally, the ease with which digital content can be copied and shared online complicates the enforcement of copyright. Cases of artists discovering their work being minted and sold as NFTs without their consent have become alarmingly common. This highlights the challenges of protecting IP in the digital age. Lack of Liquidity in NFT Markets Despite the hype and high-profile sales, the NFT market is relatively illiquid. Many NFTs are sold at high prices, but finding a buyer willing to pay a similar or higher price can be challenging. The niche nature of the market, coupled with the unique attributes of each NFT, makes it difficult to match buyers and sellers. This lack of liquidity can result in NFTs being held for long periods without a sale, tying up capital and increasing the risk of
Cryptocurrency and Supply Chain Management: How Smart Contracts Can Revolutionize Finance
Cryptocurrency and Supply Chain Management: How Smart Contracts Can Revolutionize FinanceBlockchain, the underlying technology or cryptocurrency, has the potential to transform supply chain management, and by extension, modern finance as we know it. For example, while the global trade finance gap expanded to $2.5 trillion in 2022, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) found that fraud could potentially affect up to 1% of the $5 trillion global trade financing market. Assuming that only 10% of these fraudulent transactions result in losses, the total annual cost to businesses could reach approximately $5 billion, leading to significant disruptions in business operations. This alarming statistic highlights the importance of enhanced transparency and security offered by blockchain technology in smart contracts. The global supply chain, a complex web of international trade, is often plagued by inefficiencies, delays, and a lack of transparency. Traditional finance methods can be cumbersome and prone to errors, with reliance on intermediaries driving up costs and risks. But a new era for supply chain management and finance is dawning, powered by the revolutionary potential of cryptocurrency and smart contracts. Recommended reading: Top 7 Must-Know Blockchain Protocols Today Key Takeaways The Connection Between Cryptocurrency and Supply Chain Management Supply chain management refers to the planning, coordination and control of all the activities involved in getting a product or service from supplier to customer. It encompasses everything from sourcing raw materials to manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. An efficient supply chain is crucial for businesses to ensure timely delivery of goods, reduce costs, and maintain a competitive edge. Cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual payment system that uses cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies controlled by central banks, cryptocurrencies operate on a decentralized network called a blockchain. This distributed ledger system ensures transparency and security for all transactions within the network. While Bitcoin is the most well-known cryptocurrency, there are many others with unique features and applications. While cryptocurrencies themselves may not be directly used for every transaction within a supply chain, the underlying blockchain technology is what empowers smart contracts. These smart contracts leverage the security, immutability, and automation capabilities of blockchain to streamline financial processes within the supply chain. In essence, cryptocurrencies provide the technological foundation for smart contracts to revolutionize supply chain finance. Recommended reading: Blockchain in Smart Cities: Opportunities and Challenges The Challenges of Traditional Supply Chain Finance Traditional supply chain finance methods often struggle to keep pace with the demands of a globalized and complex business environment. Here’s a closer look at some of the key challenges: Lack of Transparency and Traceability Traditionally, tracking the movement of goods throughout the supply chain can be a slow and opaque process. Paper-based documentation and siloed information systems make it difficult to pinpoint the exact location and status of goods in real time, hindering visibility and accountability. This lack of transparency creates opportunities for fraud and counterfeiting. Without a secure and immutable record of transactions, it can be challenging to verify the authenticity of goods and prevent fraudulent activities. Inefficiencies and Delays The reliance on manual paperwork and approvals for tasks like invoice processing and payment authorization leads to delays and bottlenecks. This paper-based approach is not only time-consuming but also prone to errors and human intervention. Many businesses operate with independent information systems that are not well-integrated. This lack of data sharing hinders collaboration and makes it difficult to obtain a holistic view of the supply chain. High Costs and Risks Traditional supply chain finance often involves intermediaries such as banks and factors. These intermediaries charge fees for their services, which can increase the overall cost of financing for businesses. Late payments and defaults are common occurrences in traditional supply chains. These delays can disrupt cash flow and create financial instability for businesses. How Smart Contracts Can Revolutionize Supply Chain Finance Smart contracts, powered by blockchain technology, the underlying technology of cryptocurrency, offer a game-changing solution to the challenges plaguing traditional supply chain finance. Here’s how this innovative technology can transform the way businesses manage financial transactions: Enhanced Transparency and Traceability Blockchain technology provides a secure and tamper-proof digital ledger that records every transaction within the supply chain. This immutable record ensures transparency and allows all authorized participants to track the movement of goods in real time. With smart contracts, every step in the supply chain, from manufacturing to delivery, can be documented on the blockchain. This allows for real-time tracking of goods, providing greater visibility and accountability for all stakeholders involved. Streamlined Processes and Automation Smart contracts are self-executing programs stored on the blockchain. These contracts can be programmed to automatically trigger payments upon fulfillment of predetermined conditions, such as the delivery of goods or the completion of a specific stage in the production process. This eliminates the need for manual approvals and significantly reduces processing times. By automating tasks like invoice processing and payment authorization, smart contracts significantly reduce the need for manual paperwork and approvals. This streamlines the entire financial process, minimizes errors, and frees up human resources for more strategic tasks. Increased Efficiency and Cost Savings Smart contracts can facilitate direct peer-to-peer transactions between businesses, eliminating the need for intermediaries like banks and factors. This reduces the overall cost of financing for businesses by removing associated fees charged by these intermediaries. Automation through smart contracts accelerates the processing of transactions within the supply chain. This not only reduces processing times but also minimizes the risk of errors associated with manual data entry and reconciliation. Improved Risk Management The secure and immutable nature of blockchain technology makes it virtually impossible to alter records on the ledger. This minimizes the risk of fraud and counterfeiting within the supply chain. Smart contracts can be programmed to ensure timely payments upon the fulfillment of agreed-upon conditions. This reduces the risk of late payments and defaults, improving cash flow management for businesses throughout the supply chain. Applications of Smart Contracts in Supply Chain Finance Smart contracts offer a diverse range of applications that can transform how businesses manage financial transactions