Uniswap Launches Layer-2 Network Unichain on Mainnet

Uniswap Launches Layer-2 Network Unichain on Mainnet

Uniswap Labs has launched Unichain, a layer-2 blockchain built on Optimism’s OP Stack to improve transaction speed and costs. The network aims to be a dedicated hub for decentralized finance (DeFi), optimized for liquidity creation and trading across multiple chains.

Unichain has been in testing since October 2024 and operates as a stage-1 rollup, meaning it retains some centralized safeguards for now. “We are anticipating a world of many, many different use cases, of which trading is a small subset,” Uniswap founder Hayden Adams said.

To support network security, 65% of Unichain’s revenue will be allocated to validators and stakers participating in the Unichain Validation Network (UVN). Uniswap Labs will also contribute 2.5% of its gross revenue, or 15% of net revenue (depending on which is bigger) to the Optimism Collective.

The network has already processed nearly 100,000 transactions and onboarded 20,000 active wallets within its first day. Uniswap developers also introduced Rollup-Boost, a new system enabling sub-second block times to reduce Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) exploitation, improving capital efficiency for liquidity providers.

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Lido Teases V3 Upgrade for Q3 with Vault-Based Staking

Lido has expressed interest at a V3 upgrade that replaces its traditional staking model with stVaults, modular vault-based staking contracts designed for institutions and advanced strategies. If approved by the Lido DAO, the update could go live on Ethereum’s mainnet in Q3 2025, making staking more customizable while maintaining security.

Unlike Lido’s existing liquid staking model, stVaults allow users to adjust validator settings, fee structures, and risk-reward profiles to match their needs. “The goal is for Lido to be rebuilt as a foundation layer,” said Lido co-creator Konstantin Lomashuk, adding that institutions will now have more control over compliance and operational risks in staking.

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OpenSea Denies KYC Requirement Rumor for Airdrop

NFT marketplace OpenSea denied rumors that users would need to complete KYC verification to claim a potential token airdrop after an alleged OpenSea Foundation website surfaced. CEO Devin Finzer called the claims “completely false” and clarified that the website contained boilerplate language that was mistakenly left on a test page.

The rumors suggested OpenSea would require identity checks, VPN restrictions, and country-based exclusions, triggering backlash from the NFT community Following Finzer’s response, Polymarket odds on an airdrop before April jumped from 25% to 45%, reflecting rising expectations. OpenSea has yet to confirm any token launch but previously hinted that it has “a lot to be excited about” for its users.

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Binance and SEC Request 60-Day Case Pause

Binance and the U.S. SEC filed a joint motion to pause their legal case for 60 days, citing the SEC’s new crypto task force. The filing, submitted Monday, states that the task force could "facilitate the potential resolution of this case," prompting both parties to request a temporary stay. At the end of the 60-day period, both parties will submit a joint status report to assess if more delays are needed.

The SEC’s lawsuit against Binance, filed in June 2023, accused the exchange and former CEO Changpeng Zhao of operating unregistered exchanges and securities violations. Under new leadership, the SEC has begun scaling back enforcement while focusing on a clearer regulatory framework. A Binance spokesperson welcomed the pause.

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Data of the Day

Bitcoin reserves across all major exchanges have dropped to 2.5 million BTC, their lowest level since 2022, according to CryptoQuant data. Institutional demand from spot Bitcoin ETFs is outpacing miner supply, with issuers accumulating BTC 20 times faster than it is being produced.

Meanwhile, 69.4% of all Bitcoin remains in the hands of individual holders, further tightening supply and reducing available liquidity. This shrinking exchange supply signals an incoming supply shock, which occurs when high demand meets declining availability.

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More Breaking News

• Grayscale has filed for a Cardano ETF, joining its lineup of crypto funds after similar filings for Solana, XRP, and Dogecoin.
• World Liberty Financial is partnering with Ondo Finance to integrate tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) into its treasury reserves.
• The Open Network (TON) has integrated with LayerZero, enabling direct cross-chain transfers of USDT and other assets across over 100 blockchains.
• Solana DEXs have surpassed $60 million in trading volume, nearly doubling Ethereum’s as the network extends its dominance in decentralized exchange activity.
• A solo Bitcoin miner has hit the jackpot, earning a $310K BTC reward, defying the increasing odds against independent mining success.
• The Bank of England has reiterated that stablecoins require strict regulations while confirming ongoing research into a UK central bank digital currency (CBDC).
• Story Protocol has confirmed its public mainnet launch for Feb. 13, aiming to create a decentralized IP ownership marketplace with its new token, IP.
• Elon Musk and investors have made a $97.4 billion bid for OpenAI, potentially disrupting Sam Altman’s plans to transition the AI firm into a for-profit entity.

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