Solana Tops Blockchain Revenue as Activity Slows; Stellar Aims for $3B!

Blockchain technology is evolving rapidly, with networks like Solana and Stellar pushing boundaries in revenue generation and real-world asset tokenization. From Solana's dominance in on-chain earnings despite declining activity to Stellar's ambitious $3 billion RWA target, the industry is witnessing transformative shifts. Meanwhile, initiatives like Nexum's maritime finance platform and 21X's regulated trading systems highlight blockchain's growing role in traditional sectors. As events like Paris Blockchain Week fuel innovation, the future of decentralized finance and technology appears more dynamic than ever.

Solana Defies Activity Drop, Dominating Blockchain Revenue

Despite a significant decline in network activity, Solana continues to dominate blockchain revenue, accounting for over 70% of all on-chain earnings. According to CryptoSlate, memecoin activity on Solana has dropped by more than 80% from its peak, yet decentralized applications (dApps) on the network generated 46% of total on-chain revenue across all networks in March.

However, Solana's total network revenue has seen a sharp decline, plunging over 90% from January highs, returning to levels last seen in July 2024. This drop is attributed to reduced transaction fees and the collapse of several high-profile memecoins, such as LIBRA. Currently, Solana collects under $5 million in weekly fees, marking its weakest performance since September last year.

“The blockchain’s future revenue performance may depend on whether new apps and use cases can fill the gap left by memecoins,” CryptoSlate reports.

Key Takeaway: Solana remains a leader in blockchain revenue despite a sharp decline in activity, with its future hinging on innovative applications to sustain growth.

Stellar Targets $3 Billion in Real-World Assets by 2025

The Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) has set an ambitious goal to hold $3 billion in real-world asset (RWA) value on its blockchain by the end of 2025, a tenfold increase from the $290 million recorded in December 2024. CoinDesk reports that Stellar also aims to power $110 billion in RWA volume during the same period.

Stellar has partnered with major players like Paxos, Ondo, Etherfuse, and SG Forge, in addition to existing collaborations with Franklin Templeton and Wisdom Tree. The blockchain, known for its fast and low-cost transactions, is focusing on tokenizing financial assets to bridge traditional finance and blockchain technology.

Key Takeaway: Stellar is positioning itself as a leader in tokenized real-world assets, leveraging partnerships to achieve significant growth in asset value and transaction volume.

Blockchain Security: Benefits and Challenges

Blockchain technology offers significant security advantages, such as decentralized identity management and reduced reliance on passwords. The Hacker News highlights how blockchain can create 'self-sovereign IDs,' allowing users to authenticate themselves using cryptographic keys instead of traditional passwords. This reduces the risk of data breaches by eliminating centralized databases.

However, challenges remain, including high energy consumption, regulatory hurdles, and scalability issues. For instance, Bitcoin's energy usage surpasses that of entire countries like Pakistan, according to a 2023 report by the United Nations University.

Key Takeaway: While blockchain provides robust security benefits, its adoption faces challenges related to cost, scalability, and regulatory compliance.

21X Expands Blockchain Partnerships Under DLT Pilot Regime

Germany’s 21X, the first trading venue licensed under the EU’s DLT Pilot Regime, has partnered with Dusk, a privacy-focused blockchain. According to Ledger Insights, this collaboration aims to enhance stablecoin treasury management and expand tokenized asset trading. Dusk will initially onboard as a trade participant, with plans to integrate its Ethereum-compatible Layer 2 chain for confidential smart contracts.

21X remains the only authorized DLT TSS (Trading and Settlement System) under the regime, highlighting its pioneering role in compliant digital asset ecosystems.

Key Takeaway: 21X is advancing tokenized asset trading through strategic partnerships, reinforcing its leadership in regulated blockchain markets.

Nexum Revolutionizes Maritime Finance with Blockchain

Dubai-based Nexum is leveraging blockchain to address inefficiencies in maritime finance, such as slow transactions and limited access to capital. Cointribune reports that Nexum’s blockchain-powered lending platform simplifies financial processes, offering faster and more transparent cross-border transactions. The platform integrates fiat and stablecoin payments, providing real-time risk assessments and tamper-proof reporting.

Additionally, Nexum Yield allows individuals to participate in maritime trade financing by depositing stablecoins, generating fixed returns backed by real assets.

Key Takeaway: Nexum is transforming maritime finance with blockchain solutions, bridging traditional and decentralized finance to enhance efficiency and accessibility.

Paris Blockchain Week Awards $10M+ in Startup Prizes

The 2025 Paris Blockchain Week concluded with its prestigious Start in Block competition, awarding over $10 million in funding, grants, and other prizes to 12 finalists. According to Business Insider, the competition featured three tracks—DeFi, AI, and Gaming & Consumer—with winners including Glider, Almanax, and EarnOS.

Over 1,000 startups applied, with the top 100 gaining exposure to influential investors. The event also featured expert panels and networking opportunities, fostering innovation within the blockchain ecosystem.

Key Takeaway: Paris Blockchain Week continues to drive innovation by supporting high-potential startups with significant funding and industry exposure.

Einschätzung der Redaktion

Solana's ability to maintain dominance in blockchain revenue despite a sharp decline in network activity underscores its resilience and the strength of its decentralized application ecosystem. However, the significant drop in total revenue highlights the network's vulnerability to market shifts, particularly the collapse of high-profile memecoins. To sustain its position, Solana must innovate and attract new use cases that can compensate for the loss of memecoin-driven activity. This will be critical in ensuring long-term growth and stability in an increasingly competitive blockchain landscape.

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