HashSphere News, Solana Shift & Mastercard's Bold Blockchain Move

From groundbreaking blockchain innovations to strategic leadership shifts and major funding announcements, the latest developments in the crypto and blockchain space highlight a transformative era for enterprises, policymakers, and investors. Dive into the stories shaping the future of decentralized technology and financial ecosystems.

Hashgraph Introduces HashSphere: A New Blockchain for Enterprises

The team behind Hedera Hashgraph has launched HashSphere, a private and permissioned blockchain aimed at institutional use. This new platform, currently in beta, is designed to address the compliance challenges faced by enterprises in regulated markets, particularly concerning KYC and AML rules. HashSphere is EVM-compatible, allowing developers to create decentralized applications that integrate with the broader blockchain ecosystem while maintaining restricted access for verified participants.

HashSphere offers a fully managed service, including customer support and managed nodes, and leverages Hedera’s existing services such as its Token Service, Consensus Service, and Smart Contract Service. The platform is being tested by companies like Australian Payments Plus, Blade Labs, and Vayana, with a full launch expected in Q3 2025. Hedera is targeting asset managers, banks, and fintech firms interested in tokenization and blockchain payments.

"The Hedera public network is known for its transaction speeds, unmatched security, and sustainability," the company stated, emphasizing the platform's enterprise focus.

Key Takeaways:

HashSphere is a private blockchain designed for institutional use.
It is EVM-compatible and integrates with Hedera’s public mainnet.
Launch is targeted for Q3 2025, with beta testing already underway.

Source: The Block

Kristin Smith Joins Solana's Policy Push

Kristin Smith, CEO of the Blockchain Association, has announced her resignation to lead Solana’s Policy Institute as its president starting May 19, 2025. Smith, who has been with the Blockchain Association for six years, played a pivotal role in advancing the crypto industry's interests in Washington, D.C., including contributing to the election of a pro-crypto U.S. president.

Under her leadership, the Blockchain Association grew into a significant advocacy group. Solana, currently the sixth-largest digital asset by market capitalization, is focusing on policy initiatives to further its blockchain ecosystem. Smith’s departure marks a strategic shift as Solana aims to strengthen its regulatory and policy framework.

Key Takeaways:

Kristin Smith will lead Solana’s Policy Institute starting May 19, 2025.
Her tenure at the Blockchain Association spanned six years, during which the group became a leading crypto advocate.
Solana is focusing on policy to support its blockchain ecosystem.

Source: Decrypt

Ambient Raises $74 Million for Bitcoin Replacement

Ambient, a blockchain startup, has secured $74 million in funding to develop a blockchain designed as a "replacement for Bitcoin." Co-founder Travis Good highlighted that Bitcoin’s encryption mechanisms are becoming outdated and could be obsolete within five years. Ambient’s AI-infused blockchain aims to provide a decentralized alternative to OpenAI and offers a proof-of-work mechanism familiar to Bitcoin miners.

The company is positioning itself as a solution for miners and enterprises looking for scalable and compliant blockchain infrastructure. This funding will also support Ambient’s efforts to integrate AI capabilities into its blockchain, potentially reshaping the crypto landscape.

Key Takeaways:

Ambient raised $74 million to develop a blockchain alternative to Bitcoin.
The platform integrates AI and uses a proof-of-work mechanism.
Bitcoin’s encryption is cited as becoming obsolete within five years.

Source: PYMNTS.com

Mastercard Expands into Blockchain Payments

Mastercard is building a blockchain-based platform to facilitate Bitcoin and crypto transactions. The company aims to simplify fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-crypto transactions for its 3.5 billion card users. Since 2015, Mastercard has filed over 250 blockchain-related patents and supported 43 crypto startups since 2021.

The Mastercard Multitoken Network (MTN), launched in 2023, is central to this initiative, bridging traditional and blockchain-based transactions. Collaborations with JPMorgan, Standard Chartered Bank, and Ondo Finance are part of Mastercard’s strategy to expand its blockchain infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

Mastercard is developing a blockchain platform for crypto transactions.
The Mastercard Multitoken Network (MTN) is a key component of this strategy.
Over 250 blockchain patents have been filed by Mastercard since 2015.

Source: The Crypto Basic

Digital Sovereignty Alliance Advocates at DC Blockchain Summit

The Digital Sovereignty Alliance (DSA) participated as a Silver Sponsor at the DC Blockchain Summit 2025. The nonprofit organization focuses on ethical public policy and digital governance for blockchain, cryptocurrency, and AI. Adrian Wall, Managing Director of DSA, joined a panel discussion on risk mitigation in Web3, emphasizing the importance of regulatory clarity and innovation-friendly policies.

DSA also hosted a networking event, bringing together policymakers and industry leaders to discuss the future of digital asset regulation. The organization continues to advocate for ethical innovation and public welfare in the blockchain space.

Key Takeaways:

DSA was a Silver Sponsor at the DC Blockchain Summit 2025.
The organization focuses on ethical public policy for blockchain and AI.
DSA hosted a networking event to discuss digital asset regulation.

Source: Crypto Briefing

Einschätzung der Redaktion

HashSphere stellt einen bedeutenden Schritt in der Weiterentwicklung von Blockchain-Technologien für den institutionellen Einsatz dar. Die Kombination aus EVM-Kompatibilität und der Integration in Hedera’s bestehende Infrastruktur bietet Unternehmen eine flexible und skalierbare Lösung, die regulatorische Anforderungen wie KYC und AML adressiert. Dies könnte insbesondere in stark regulierten Branchen wie dem Finanzsektor zu einer breiteren Akzeptanz von Blockchain führen. Die geplante Markteinführung im Jahr 2025 gibt Hedera ausreichend Zeit, die Plattform zu optimieren und durch die Zusammenarbeit mit Pilotkunden wie Australian Payments Plus wertvolle Erkenntnisse zu gewinnen. Langfristig könnte HashSphere ein Vorreiter für private Blockchain-Lösungen werden, die sowohl Sicherheit als auch Interoperabilität gewährleisten.

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