Revolutionizing DeFi: Securitize & Ethena Unveil Converge Blockchain

The world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, with groundbreaking innovations reshaping industries and redefining financial systems. From the launch of Ethereum-compatible blockchains integrating real-world assets into DeFi, to the tokenization of property ownership and advancements in Bitcoin ATM security, these developments highlight the transformative potential of decentralized technologies. Dive into the latest updates that are setting the stage for a more inclusive, efficient, and secure digital economy.

Tokenization Specialists Securitize and Ethena Unveil Institutional DeFi Blockchain

According to CoinDesk, Securitize and Ethena Labs have launched a new Ethereum-compatible blockchain named Converge, aimed at integrating tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) with decentralized finance (DeFi). The blockchain is designed to run Ethereum-based smart contracts and tools without modification, ensuring compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Initial partners for Converge include Pendle, Avara (parent company of Aave Labs), Ethereal, Morpho, and Maple Finance. Custodial services will be provided by Copper, Fireblocks, Komainu, and Zodia, while interoperability will be supported by LayerZero and Wormhole.

Ethena plans to migrate its $6 billion DeFi ecosystem to Converge, while Securitize will bring its suite of tokenized RWAs, such as the Apollo credit fund token. Ethena’s governance token, ENA, will serve as a stakeable asset to secure the network. The blockchain also introduces a know-your-customer (KYC) wrapper to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Securitize CEO Carlos Domingo emphasized the potential of combining DeFi innovation with RWAs, stating that it could significantly expand the market. For more details, visit CoinDesk at https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/03/17/tokenization-specialists-securitize-and-ethena-unveil-institutional-defi-blockchain.

Blockchain Drives Tokenized Property Ownership

Cointelegraph reports that blockchain technology is revolutionizing the real estate industry by enabling tokenized property ownership. The global real estate market, projected to reach $654 trillion by 2025, faces challenges such as high capital requirements and illiquidity. Tokenization allows property ownership to be represented as digital tokens on a blockchain, enabling fractional ownership and 24/7 trading. This innovation enhances liquidity, transparency, and efficiency in the market.

Mantra, a layer-1 blockchain built on the Cosmos SDK, is leading the charge in real estate tokenization. It addresses regulatory complexities through its Digital Identity (DID) system, which ensures compliance via on-chain KYC verification. Mantra also supports Inter Blockchain Communication (IBC) Protocol to prevent liquidity fragmentation. The platform recently received a license from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), marking a significant step in regulatory compliance. For more information, visit Cointelegraph at https://cointelegraph.com/news/blockchain-drives-tokenized-property-ownership-heres-how.

Standard Chartered Lowers Ethereum Price Target

Benzinga reports that Standard Chartered has revised its Ethereum price target to $4,000 by 2025, down from a previous estimate of $10,000. The bank attributes this adjustment to the rise of Layer-2 blockchains like Base, developed by Coinbase, which extract significant value from Ethereum’s ecosystem. Base reportedly retains 80% of its fee revenue, redirecting it to Coinbase, which has drained approximately $50 billion from Ethereum’s market capitalization.

The report suggests implementing a tax on Layer-2 blockchains to address this issue. Standard Chartered also predicts that the ETH-BTC price ratio will drop to 0.015 by 2027, its lowest since 2017. The bank highlights that Ethereum’s recent upgrades, including the 2022 merge to proof-of-stake, have commoditized the network, enabling Layer-2s to dominate revenue generation. For further insights, visit Benzinga at https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/03/44356017/standard-chartered-lowers-ethereum-price-target-to-4000-heres-why-a-coinbase-blockchain-is-to-blame.

Innovation & Tech Today highlights how blockchain technology is driving social impact across various sectors. Save the Children, in partnership with Fedi, launched a pilot program in July 2024 to facilitate peer-to-peer Bitcoin transfers in underserved communities. This initiative uses community-secured wallets to promote financial inclusion and transparency. Similarly, the World Food Programme’s Building Blocks project leverages blockchain to distribute aid securely to Syrian refugees.

Blockchain also enhances accountability in supply chains and supports human rights by enabling borderless, censorship-resistant transactions. For instance, blockchain-based digital identities provide access to essential services for stateless individuals. These innovations demonstrate blockchain’s potential to create a fairer and more sustainable world. For more details, visit Innovation & Tech Today at https://innotechtoday.com/heres-how-blockchain-is-redefining-social-impact-for-good.

SailoTechnology and Bullet Blockchain Enhance Bitcoin ATM Security

GlobeNewswire reports that SailoTechnology and Bullet Blockchain have partnered to improve the security of Bitcoin ATMs. This collaboration aims to address vulnerabilities in existing ATM infrastructures, which expose users to risks such as fraud and hacking. SailoTech’s advanced cryptographic solutions will be integrated into Bullet Blockchain’s ATM network to enhance transaction security and prevent unauthorized access.

The partnership introduces next-generation cryptographic technology, ensuring a safer and more reliable Bitcoin ATM network. Users will benefit from improved fraud prevention and a money-back guarantee for transactions. This initiative represents a significant step toward securing the future of Bitcoin ATM transactions. For more information, visit GlobeNewswire at https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/03/17/3043850/0/en/SailoTechnology-and-Bullet-Blockchain-Join-Forces-to-Set-a-New-Standard-for-Bitcoin-ATM-s-Security.html.

The launch of the Converge blockchain by Securitize and Ethena Labs represents a pivotal moment in the integration of tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) with decentralized finance (DeFi). By ensuring Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility, Converge not only leverages the existing Ethereum ecosystem but also positions itself as a bridge between traditional finance and DeFi. The inclusion of a know-your-customer (KYC) wrapper is a strategic move to address regulatory concerns, which have often been a barrier to institutional adoption. The migration of Ethena’s $6 billion DeFi ecosystem and the introduction of the ENA governance token further underscore the platform’s ambition to scale rapidly. However, the success of Converge will depend on its ability to balance innovation with compliance, as well as its capacity to attract and retain institutional players in a competitive blockchain landscape.

The tokenization of real estate, as highlighted by Mantra’s initiatives, is a transformative development for the $654 trillion global property market. By enabling fractional ownership and 24/7 trading, blockchain technology addresses long-standing issues of illiquidity and high entry barriers in real estate. Mantra’s focus on regulatory compliance through its Digital Identity (DID) system and its adoption of the Inter Blockchain Communication (IBC) Protocol are critical steps in ensuring the scalability and legitimacy of tokenized property markets. The recent licensing by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) further solidifies its position as a leader in this space. However, the broader adoption of real estate tokenization will require significant education and trust-building among traditional investors, as well as the resolution of jurisdictional regulatory disparities.

Standard Chartered’s downward revision of Ethereum’s price target to $4,000 by 2025 reflects the growing impact of Layer-2 solutions on Ethereum’s value proposition. The rise of platforms like Base, which redirect significant fee revenue away from Ethereum, highlights a structural challenge for the network. While Layer-2s enhance scalability and reduce transaction costs, their dominance in revenue generation raises questions about Ethereum’s long-term economic model. The suggestion of taxing Layer-2s to mitigate this issue is controversial and could deter innovation. Additionally, the prediction of a declining ETH-BTC price ratio signals a potential shift in market dynamics, with Ethereum facing increased competition not only from Bitcoin but also from emerging blockchain ecosystems. Ethereum’s ability to adapt its economic incentives and maintain its relevance in a rapidly evolving market will be critical in the coming years.

Blockchain’s role in driving social impact, as demonstrated by initiatives like Save the Children’s Bitcoin transfer program and the World Food Programme’s Building Blocks project, showcases the technology’s potential to address systemic inequalities. By enabling financial inclusion, enhancing supply chain accountability, and providing digital identities for stateless individuals, blockchain is redefining the way social challenges are tackled. However, the scalability and sustainability of these initiatives remain key concerns. While blockchain offers transparency and efficiency, its adoption in underserved communities will require significant infrastructure investment and education. Moreover, the ethical implications of deploying blockchain in sensitive areas, such as refugee aid, must be carefully considered to avoid unintended consequences.

The partnership between SailoTechnology and Bullet Blockchain to enhance Bitcoin ATM security addresses a critical pain point in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. By integrating advanced cryptographic solutions, the collaboration aims to mitigate risks such as fraud and hacking, which have undermined user trust in Bitcoin ATMs. The introduction of a money-back guarantee for transactions is a bold step that could set a new standard for user protection in the industry. However, the broader success of this initiative will depend on its ability to scale globally and adapt to evolving security threats. As the cryptocurrency market matures, the demand for secure and user-friendly infrastructure will only grow, making such advancements essential for mainstream adoption.

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