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Retail Finally Wins: Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) Opens Access Before Institutions

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For years, retail investors have watched from the sidelines as large institutions quietly claimed the earliest, most favorable entries into new technologies. Whether it was the early allocations of promising tokens or the first rights to participate in key blockchain pilots, big players usually had the advantage. That script is different this time. The upcoming whitelist for Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) changes the order of access. Retail investors will be able to secure their entry before institutions step in. This opportunity is more than just a chance to buy early—it’s a chance to position ahead of enterprise adoption in a network built for privacy, scalability, and compliance.

Why Institutions Want It

Institutions have been circling blockchain projects that can handle compliance while delivering privacy. Public chains like Ethereum opened the door to smart contracts, but financial entities, governments, and enterprises have hesitated to adopt because of one critical gap—confidentiality. Every transaction on most blockchains remains visible, which makes sense for transparency but creates problems for sensitive business data.

This is why Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is on their radar. The project’s use of zk-rollups, confidential DeFi platforms, and selective disclosure systems provides the privacy institutions need without sacrificing verification or auditability. In addition:

  • Confidential DeFi protocols let trades and lending happen without exposing full transaction details.
  • Zero-knowledge KYC allows compliance checks without forcing users or companies to reveal sensitive identity data.
  • zk-Rollups bundle transactions for scalability, making enterprise-scale throughput possible.

Institutions know this design fits into regulatory frameworks while protecting core business secrets. But for once, they won’t be the first to move.

Retail Gets the Head Start

Normally, by the time retail investors hear about projects with institutional interest, the terms have already shifted. Exclusive allocations, higher entry points, and long lock-ups often keep individuals out of the real upside. The whitelist for Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) reverses this pattern.

With the whitelist opening soon, individuals can step into the network at the ground level before institutions finalize their strategic allocations. This is rare, because in most blockchain rollouts, retail follows long after pilots and corporate partnerships have set the tone. Here, the project is deliberately creating space for community participation first.

That means:

  • Entry-level pricing during whitelist access.
  • Participation before enterprise-driven demand pushes up valuation.
  • Early inclusion in governance, ensuring retail voices help shape the network.

For once, the timing works in favor of smaller participants. When institutional interest eventually peaks, retail will already be positioned.

Infrastructure, Not Just Speculation

Many projects sell a vision but never deliver practical infrastructure. Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) is different because it already focuses on solving real adoption problems. Privacy, scalability, and compliance readiness are not just narratives—they are requirements for banks, enterprises, healthcare systems, and even governments.

The network integrates multiple features that move it beyond a speculative play:

  • Shielded smart contracts allow sensitive applications to run without exposing internal logic.
  • Cross-chain interoperability connects ZKP with Ethereum, Solana, and other ecosystems.
  • Formal verification and auditing reduce risks that plague other networks.
  • Post-quantum resilience ensures long-term security.

These features make ZKP usable infrastructure. When institutions begin deploying, they will be doing it on a system that individuals had access to first. This flips the normal timeline, allowing retail to enter not just ahead of hype, but ahead of practical enterprise integration.

Why the Whitelist Matters Now

The whitelist is more than just a presale—it is a positioning strategy. Institutions are not ignoring Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP); in fact, they are quietly exploring its compliance features and throughput. What’s different here is the sequencing. Retail is being offered the first access point, ensuring broad community distribution before concentrated capital arrives.

This matters because:

  • Timing shapes value. Once institutional demand enters, the entry pricing won’t look the same.
  • Governance begins early. Retail participants will be shaping proposals and voting ahead of enterprise actors.
  • Network effects start with users. The more distributed early adoption is, the stronger the project becomes before major integrations happen.

This is the type of early window people usually reference years later—when they say the signs were clear, but only a few moved fast. The whitelist is that moment, designed to let retail establish a base before institutions dominate.

Final Take

The opening of the whitelist for Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP) represents a shift in how blockchain adoption unfolds. Instead of watching institutions control early access, individuals now have the first opportunity to step in. That opportunity aligns with a project not built for speculation but for real-world use—covering financial privacy, enterprise compliance, and scalable infrastructure. Institutions are already interested, but they’ll enter later. Retail investors now have a chance to position before them. When adoption accelerates, this moment will stand out as the time individuals got there first, not last. The whitelist ensures retail gets priority in a system designed for the long run.

Investor Warns OpenAI’s AMD and Nvidia Deals Are Just “Announcements, Not Deployments”

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Investor Brad Gerstner has warned that OpenAI’s blockbuster chip partnerships with Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) remain, for now, little more than headline-grabbing announcements rather than tangible hardware deployments.

His comments add a note of skepticism to what has been hailed as one of the most consequential moves in the artificial intelligence industry this year.

“Now we will see what gets delivered,” said Gerstner, founder and CEO of Altimeter Capital, in an interview with CNBC on Monday. “Ultimately, the best chips will win.”

Gerstner’s remarks come on the heels of OpenAI’s sweeping deal with AMD that could see Sam Altman’s company take up to a 10% ownership stake in the chipmaker, while securing a multiyear supply of GPUs worth tens of billions of dollars. The deal marks one of the most significant GPU supply and equity partnerships ever seen in the AI sector — and a direct challenge to Nvidia’s dominance in the global AI hardware market.

The AMD alliance follows OpenAI’s deepening collaboration with Nvidia, whose graphics processors remain central to the training and deployment of advanced AI models. Together, these deals signal OpenAI’s growing ambitions to cement control over the computing power that fuels generative AI.

But for some investors, including Gerstner, the question is whether these announcements can translate into actual production.

“The deals provide more evidence that the world will remain compute-constrained despite best efforts to bring massive supply online,” he said, noting that the global scramble for GPUs is likely to persist well into the decade.

The surge in competition for AI hardware has made computing power a key frontier in both industry and geopolitics. Analysts say the OpenAI–AMD deal underscores the AI arms race now at the center of the U.S.-China technological rivalry. Washington has been encouraging an increase in domestic chip production to boost the U.S.’ AI innovation, while Beijing has intensified efforts to build its own semiconductor supply chain amid U.S. sanctions.

One of China’s leading AI firms, DeepSeek, has quickly emerged as a formidable rival. The company shocked the global AI community last year when it claimed to have developed a low-cost model capable of rivaling OpenAI’s GPT. DeepSeek has since continued its aggressive push, releasing open-source models powered by domestically produced chips — a move seen as a direct response to U.S. sanctions.

Meanwhile, OpenAI’s growing influence and for-profit expansion have reignited debate over the company’s original mission. Founded as a nonprofit research lab in 2015 with Elon Musk as one of its earliest cofounders and backers, OpenAI was initially created to ensure that artificial intelligence benefited humanity as a whole. But the company’s subsequent restructuring into a “capped-profit” model — and now its billion-dollar equity and hardware deals — have led many to question whether it still operates within that spirit.

Musk, who left OpenAI’s board in 2018 following a dispute over its direction, has become one of the company’s fiercest critics. He has repeatedly accused OpenAI of abandoning its open-source and nonprofit roots, claiming it has become too closely tied to commercial interests and corporate partners like Microsoft. Ironically, Musk has also praised recent efforts by the company to expand its AI infrastructure, calling its AMD deal a “smart move” that could redefine competition in the AI industry.

Altman has defended OpenAI’s hybrid structure, arguing that it allows the organization to raise the capital necessary for large-scale AI development while maintaining a mission-driven cap on profits. Still, as its valuation soars and its influence deepens, critics warn that the company risks drifting away from the public-interest ethos it was founded on.

Amid these tensions, OpenAI President Greg Brockman said the company’s partnerships are about scaling responsibly and ensuring access to compute for the entire ecosystem.

“What we’re really seeing is a world where there’s going to be absolute compute scarcity because there’s going to be so much demand for AI services, not just from OpenAI but from the entire ecosystem,” Brockman told CNBC’s Squawk on the Street Monday. “That’s why it’s so important for this whole industry to come together.”

OpenAI’s evolution has created diverse questions about its future. For investors like Gerstner, however, the key question remains whether these ambitious announcements can evolve into real-world deployments. And for critics like Musk, the broader question is whether OpenAI’s pursuit of profit and dominance can coexist with its founding promise to advance artificial intelligence for the public good.

Grayscale Enables Staking for Its Spot Ethereum ETFs

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Grayscale Investments announced that it has enabled staking for its two spot Ethereum ETFs: the Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE) and the Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust ETF (ETH).

This marks a significant milestone, making these the first U.S.-listed spot cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETPs) to offer staking rewards to investors. ETHE: Provides spot Ether (ETH) exposure; manages approximately $4.82 billion in assets.

ETH: A “mini” version offering similar ETH exposure with lower fees; manages about $3.31 billion in assets. Grayscale will stake a portion of the funds’ ETH holdings passively through institutional custodians and a diversified network of validator providers.

This allows investors to earn network rewards (yields) while maintaining exposure to ETH price movements, without needing to directly hold or manage the assets. Rewards accrue to the funds and are reflected in their net asset value (NAV), benefiting shareholders indirectly.

These ETFs operate under the Securities Act of 1933 (not the Investment Company Act of 1940), similar to spot Bitcoin and ETH ETFs approved earlier. The move follows a proposal filed earlier in 2025 by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Grayscale’s behalf to the SEC for staking in Ethereum ETFs.

No additional SEC approval was required for this activation, as it aligns with existing structures. Grayscale also enabled staking for its Grayscale Solana Trust (GSOL), which holds spot Solana (SOL) and is pending SEC approval to uplist as an ETF—potentially making it one of the first spot Solana ETPs with staking.

CEO Peter Mintzberg described this as “first-mover innovation,” positioning Grayscale to capture institutional capital by unlocking yield-driven participation in proof-of-stake networks like Ethereum. Analysts, such as Markus Thielen from 10x Research, predict this could drive significant new inflows into Ethereum, with spot crypto ETFs already seeing record $5.95 billion in weekly inflows.

Staking is a core mechanism in Ethereum’s proof-of-stake consensus, where participants lock up ETH to validate transactions and secure the network in exchange for rewards typically 3-5% APY, depending on network conditions. Prior to this, U.S. investors in spot ETH ETFs couldn’t access these yields directly.

This update bridges traditional finance with blockchain economics, potentially boosting ETH’s attractiveness amid rising institutional adoption. However, investments in these ETFs carry risks, including volatility, slashing penalties for validators, and no direct ownership of the underlying ETH.

Staking allows investors to earn passive income typically 3-5% APY from Ethereum’s proof-of-stake rewards, in addition to potential price appreciation of ETH. This makes these ETFs more attractive compared to non-staking crypto ETPs or traditional assets with lower yields.

By offering staking rewards, Grayscale’s ETFs may draw more capital from investors seeking both exposure to ETH’s price and additional returns, especially in a low-yield environment for traditional assets.

Staking in a regulated ETF structure provides a familiar, accessible vehicle for institutional investors (e.g., pension funds, wealth managers) to participate in Ethereum’s blockchain economics without managing private keys or validators.

The ability to stake could drive significant inflows into Ethereum ETFs, as seen with the reported $5.95 billion in weekly inflows for spot crypto ETFs. This could further legitimize Ethereum as an institutional-grade asset.

Increased demand for ETH through ETF investments may provide upward pressure on ETH’s price, especially if staking reduces liquid supply as staked ETH is locked. More ETH staked via institutional custodians strengthens Ethereum’s proof-of-stake network, enhancing its security and decentralization, as Grayscale uses a diversified validator network.

Staking rewards could make ETH more appealing compared to other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which lacks staking, potentially shifting capital allocation. The fact that no additional SEC approval was needed suggests staking is viewed as compatible with existing ETF frameworks under the Securities Act of 1933.

This could pave the way for other issuers like BlackRock, Fidelity to enable staking in their ETH ETFs. Grayscale’s move, including its Solana Trust (GSOL), sets a precedent for staking in other proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies if they gain spot ETF approval, expanding the scope of crypto ETPs.

While staking offers rewards, ETH’s price volatility and potential slashing penalties for validator errors introduce risks that could affect ETF NAV and investor returns. Investors in these ETFs don’t directly control staked ETH or rewards, which may deter those preferring self-custody or direct staking for higher control and potentially higher yields.

Staking rewards may be treated as income by the IRS, complicating tax reporting for ETF investors compared to direct crypto holders. Grayscale’s first-mover advantage in staking could pressure competitors to add similar features to their ETH ETFs or risk losing market share. This may accelerate innovation in the crypto ETF space.

Staking in ETFs normalizes blockchain-native features for traditional investors, potentially increasing public awareness and acceptance of crypto as a legitimate asset class. Success here could encourage issuers to push for ETFs tied to other staking-enabled cryptocurrencies, expanding the range of crypto investment products.

Grayscale’s introduction of staking for its Ethereum ETFs is a game-changer, blending traditional finance with blockchain rewards to attract both retail and institutional investors. It could drive significant capital into Ethereum, enhance its network, and set a precedent for other crypto ETPs.

However, risks like volatility, regulatory scrutiny, and indirect ownership may temper enthusiasm for some investors. This move positions Grayscale as a leader in crypto ETF innovation and could reshape the competitive landscape for digital assets in the U.S.

Solana Price & Hyperliquid Forecast Lag While BlockDAG New Bonus Offer CLAIM Just Shifted the Entire Crypto Game Plan

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The Solana (SOL) price outlook has improved as rising developer activity and trading demand push SOL toward new highs. At the same time, the Hyperliquid (HYPE) price forecast shows increasing momentum as open interest and staking balances rebound. Both assets are gaining traction in investor discussions, but their volatility leaves questions about which could be considered the top crypto coins right now.

BlockDAG, however, offers a clearer picture of adoption. Its presale has raised $420 million. Currently, users can get BDAG at a $0.0015 coin price using the code CLAIM. Nearly 27 billion coins sold in 31 Batches. Alongside 20,000 miners shipped, 312,000 holders, 3 million X1 app users, and 20 confirmed listings, plus its BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team partnership and CLAIM bonus, BlockDAG stands as one of the top crypto coins right now.

Solana Tries to Regain Its Winning Speed

The Solana (SOL) price outlook reflects renewed optimism, with SOL breaking through resistance levels as demand for scalable blockchains grows. Its fast transaction speeds and vibrant DeFi activity continue to attract attention, putting it in the conversation for the top crypto coins right now.

Even so, the Solana (SOL) price outlook shows caution. Network outages have previously shaken investor trust, and concerns remain about whether Solana can sustain reliability. While momentum is strong, these risks mean some remain hesitant about long-term commitments.

Overall, the Solana (SOL) price outlook highlights both potential and uncertainty. Its rapid growth makes it appealing, but until stability issues are resolved, its ability to maintain a spot among the top crypto coins right now is still uncertain.

Hyperliquid’s Rebound Is Loud but Still Fragile

The Hyperliquid (HYPE) price forecast points to growing demand in decentralised derivatives. Analysts note that rebounds in staking and open interest are positive indicators, suggesting HYPE could challenge higher resistance levels. These developments keep HYPE under review as one of the top crypto coins right now.

However, the Hyperliquid (HYPE) price forecast also points to volatility. Its niche position in derivatives leaves it exposed to sudden swings, and broader adoption outside of trading remains limited. Without stronger utility expansion, upside potential may be capped.

For investors, the Hyperliquid (HYPE) price forecast demonstrates both excitement and caution. While it shows innovation and short-term gains, long-term reliability remains untested. As a result, HYPE remains an interesting but uncertain player in the race for the top crypto coins right now.

BlockDAG Strengthens Adoption with CLAIM Bonus

BlockDAG’s presale performance is unmatched in its category. At a $0.0015 special price in Batch 30 using the code CLAIM, it has raised $420 million and sold nearly 27 billion coins. Adoption continues to accelerate, with 20,000 miners shipped, 312,000 holders, and 3 million active users on the X1 mobile mining app. With 20 confirmed exchange listings, it is already positioned among the top crypto coins right now.

The partnership with the BWT Alpine Formula 1® Team underscores its visibility on the global stage. This collaboration connects blockchain to millions of sports fans worldwide, giving BlockDAG exposure that few projects can replicate. It is a unique differentiator compared to other contenders for the top crypto coins right now.

More than marketing, the Alpine partnership introduces integration. Plans include simulators, interactive blockchain activations, and hackathons. These initiatives turn visibility into tangible adoption and reinforce investor confidence in BlockDAG’s ecosystem.

The CLAIM bonus adds another layer by tying presale rewards directly to Alpine engagement. Combined with CertiK and Halborn audits, these elements create trust, adoption, and global recognition, explaining why BlockDAG has established itself as one of the top crypto coins right now.

Bottom Line

The Solana (SOL) price outlook indicates strength in scalability but remains clouded by stability issues. The Hyperliquid (HYPE) price forecast highlights potential in derivatives but raises concerns about long-term adoption. Both assets attract speculative interest, but they fall short of the clarity that investors demand when considering the top crypto coins right now.

BlockDAG provides that clarity. With $420 million raised, 26.5 billion tokens sold, 20,000 miners shipped, 312,000 holders, 3 million X1 app users, 20 listings, and the BWT Alpine F1® Team partnership, supported by the CLAIM bonus, BlockDAG brings visibility, infrastructure, and trust. For those evaluating the top crypto coins right now, BlockDAG presents the strongest case for leadership.

Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network

Website: https://blockdag.network

Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial

Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu

 

Shawbrook’s Planned London IPO Signals Renewed Momentum for UK Mid-Tier Banks

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Shawbrook Bank is planning an initial public offering in London, a move that could become one of the city’s biggest listings in years and a potential catalyst for other mid-tier lenders weighing public debuts.

In a statement on Monday, the alternative lender said the planned IPO would help boost its profile in Britain and fund its growth ambitions, while allowing its sole shareholder, Marlin Bidco, to sell down part of its stake. Marlin Bidco is a vehicle controlled by private equity firms BC Partners and Pollen Street.

The offering could value Shawbrook at as much as £2 billion ($2.69 billion), according to a source who spoke to Reuters last week. The listing would also mark Shawbrook’s return to public markets after BC Partners and Pollen Street took it private in 2017.

Chief Executive Marcelino Castrillo described the IPO as a milestone for the firm, saying Shawbrook has achieved “real scale” in markets that are “large and growing, supported by attractive tailwinds.” He added, “We also see a significant opportunity to bring Shawbrook’s offering to new types of customers.”

The bank said it plans to sell shares to both retail and institutional investors, targeting a minimum free float of 10%. Shawbrook expects to qualify for inclusion in London’s FTSE indices once listed, which could help attract long-term investors seeking exposure to specialized lenders.

The move follows a period in which Shawbrook’s private equity owners explored potential deals with rival banks, including Metro Bank and Co-op Bank, over the past two years, according to earlier Reuters reports.

After a long stretch of subdued listing activity and anxiety over the health of London’s capital markets, recent weeks have seen signs of revival. LED red light maker Beauty Tech Group was listed last week, while canned tuna producer Princes confirmed its IPO plans.

London regulators and policymakers have been working to revive the city’s listing appeal, overhauling its rules last year in hopes of stemming an exodus of major companies. Still, several firms, including fintech company Wise, have shifted or explored primary listings abroad in search of higher valuations and deeper liquidity.

However, investor appetite for UK financial stocks has been inconsistent, particularly amid questions about loan demand, interest rate stability, and regulatory oversight. The bank will also have to convince investors that its specialist lending model — focused on serving niche sectors underserved by larger banks — can deliver consistent returns in a competitive landscape increasingly influenced by digital disruptors.

Moreover, the timing of the IPO will be crucial for BC Partners and Pollen Street. A successful listing could reignite confidence in London’s ability to host large-scale offerings, but a weak performance may reinforce concerns about subdued valuations and market depth compared to New York or European exchanges.

Market Implications for Other UK Mid-Tier Banks

Shawbrook’s move is expected to serve as a bellwether for Britain’s mid-tier banking sector. Its performance on the public market may influence strategic decisions at other lenders such as Aldermore, Close Brothers, and even challenger banks like Atom and Starling, which have all faced questions about potential listings or capital raises.

Analysts say a strong showing by Shawbrook could signal that investor sentiment toward UK banking IPOs is thawing, encouraging peers to test the market. Some believe that if Shawbrook’s listing is met with robust demand, it could open the floodgates for other specialist lenders looking to tap public capital.

On the other hand, a lukewarm reception could make private equity owners and management teams more cautious. Many of these institutions have delayed or canceled IPO plans over the past two years due to volatile valuations and the higher cost of capital.

However, Shawbrook’s planned return to the stock market represents more than just a single company’s milestone — it is being closely watched as a potential turning point for London’s broader banking and capital market narrative.