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Inside IOST and BitTrade’s Community Gathering in Tokyo

Community members, industry professionals, and ecosystem partners gathered at Crypto Lounge GOX to reflect on IOST’s journey in Japan and explore the future of digital assets together.

3 min read

Jun 3, 2026

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On May 28, IOST and Japanese crypto exchange BitTrade co-hosted a community event at Crypto Lounge GOX, with CoinNinja joining as the media partner. Marking the first collaboration between IOST and BitTrade, IOST CEO Blake traveled from South Korea to attend the event in person.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Mr. Ishida of Cabinet, a familiar face in Japan’s crypto event scene. This was followed by a presentation from an IOST community member working in Web3 at a major Japanese corporation, who shared insights into the latest developments at the intersection of traditional finance and digital assets.

The main talk session featured BitTrade Marketing Manager Ms. Hori and IOST CEO Blake, who reflected on the journey that led to IOST’s listing on BitTrade. The story dates back to 2020, when BitTrade held a community voting campaign for new token listings. Thanks to strong support from Japan’s crypto community, IOST secured the top spot and ultimately earned its listing.

Interestingly, both organizations share a similar timeline. IOST launched its mainnet in 2019, the same year BitTrade began operations in Japan. Looking back on the past several years, the speakers discussed how the industry has evolved and shared their perspectives on the dramatic changes that have shaped the market between 2019 and 2026.

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To commemorate the occasion, BitTrade also announced a limited-time promotional campaign for its IOST lending service.

Following the talk session, attendees participated in a lively Kahoot! quiz competition featuring questions about both IOST and BitTrade. The top three participants received exclusive merchandise from the two organizations as prizes.

The event concluded with a networking session, where attendees had the opportunity to connect directly with exchange operators, blockchain builders, and ecosystem contributors. For many participants, it was a rare chance to engage with industry professionals in a more personal setting. Blake was especially pleased to meet community members who have supported IOST since its early days following the mainnet launch in 2019.

We are incredibly grateful to BitTrade for partnering with us on this event and to everyone who joined us in Tokyo. Community support has been a driving force behind IOST’s journey in Japan, and we remain committed to contributing to the growth of the country’s digital asset ecosystem.

We look forward to creating more opportunities for the community to connect, learn, and grow together in the years ahead.

[디지털 자산] 아이오에스티(IOST) 보유 회원 대상 아이오에스티(IOST) 에어드랍 지급 안내 (15회차)

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According to Bloomberg, SK Hynix is set to issue American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) on the Nasdaq on July 10. The listing aims to raise nearly $30 billion, making it one of the largest ADR issuances in history. Market participants widely believe the move will significantly expand its global investor base and may drive a valuation re-rating. Multiple asset management firms project that if its valuation converges with Micron Technology’s, its share price could rise by 30% over the next year. One fund manager noted that SK Hynix should trade at a valuation at least on par with Micron, as demand for memory chips is likely to outpace supply for years to come. The listing comes amid an unusually strong boom in the memory chip sector. Shares of Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung Electronics have all surged over 200% this year, marking their best annual performance in decades. Demand for High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) from AI servers is widely seen as the driver of a structural "memory supercycle".

7 minutes ago

Jefferies: Samsung is likely to follow SK Hynix’s example to list in the US via ADRs.

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UBS and TD Cowen sharply raise Arm’s target price, betting on a revaluation of Arm’s AI data center CPU value.

Arm’s stock price pulled back this week alongside the high-valuation AI sector, though some Wall Street analysts say the correction does not alter the company’s long-term standing in AI data centers. UBS sharply raised Arm’s price target from $260 to $470, retaining its Buy rating; TD Cowen lifted its target from $265 to $475, also keeping a Buy recommendation. Both firms share the view that as agentic AI evolves, CPUs could gain greater importance in data center architectures, rather than GPUs continuing to monopolize the investment narrative. TD Cowen believes that over the long term, CPUs could hold a more strategic position in certain AI workloads. UBS, meanwhile, emphasizes that the real debate in the market centers on the revenue potential of Arm’s self-developed or independent CPU business. The bank projects Arm’s CPU-related revenue could reach around $14 billion by 2030, though the company itself has stated this business will not have a material impact on its finances until fiscal 2028. Arm’s strengths lie in low latency and energy efficiency—metrics that major cloud providers are increasingly prioritizing as they expand AI infrastructure. Even with its stock pulling back from recent highs in the short term, analysts still view Arm as one of the key beneficiaries of the server CPU upgrade cycle.

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According to Bloomberg, SK Hynix is set to issue American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) on the Nasdaq on July 10. The listing aims to raise nearly $30 billion, making it one of the largest ADR issuances in history. Market participants widely believe the move will significantly expand its global investor base and may drive a valuation re-rating. Multiple asset management firms project that if its valuation converges with Micron Technology’s, its share price could rise by 30% over the next year. One fund manager noted that SK Hynix should trade at a valuation at least on par with Micron, as demand for memory chips is likely to outpace supply for years to come. The listing comes amid an unusually strong boom in the memory chip sector. Shares of Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung Electronics have all surged over 200% this year, marking their best annual performance in decades. Demand for High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) from AI servers is widely seen as the driver of a structural "memory supercycle".

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Jefferies: Samsung is likely to follow SK Hynix’s example to list in the US via ADRs.

Jeff Kim, Head of Research at Jefferies, said Samsung is likely to follow SK Hynix in listing on the U.S. market via American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), which will boost the share price of the South Korean chipmaker whose valuation lags behind Micron. "Chip stocks are at a turning point. ADRs will serve as an important catalyst to drive their valuations," he added.

7 minutes ago

UBS and TD Cowen sharply raise Arm’s target price, betting on a revaluation of Arm’s AI data center CPU value.

Arm’s stock price pulled back this week alongside the high-valuation AI sector, though some Wall Street analysts say the correction does not alter the company’s long-term standing in AI data centers. UBS sharply raised Arm’s price target from $260 to $470, retaining its Buy rating; TD Cowen lifted its target from $265 to $475, also keeping a Buy recommendation. Both firms share the view that as agentic AI evolves, CPUs could gain greater importance in data center architectures, rather than GPUs continuing to monopolize the investment narrative. TD Cowen believes that over the long term, CPUs could hold a more strategic position in certain AI workloads. UBS, meanwhile, emphasizes that the real debate in the market centers on the revenue potential of Arm’s self-developed or independent CPU business. The bank projects Arm’s CPU-related revenue could reach around $14 billion by 2030, though the company itself has stated this business will not have a material impact on its finances until fiscal 2028. Arm’s strengths lie in low latency and energy efficiency—metrics that major cloud providers are increasingly prioritizing as they expand AI infrastructure. Even with its stock pulling back from recent highs in the short term, analysts still view Arm as one of the key beneficiaries of the server CPU upgrade cycle.

7 minutes ago

Crypto whale who profited over $23.77 million from BAT ICO liquidates 27,586 ETH

According to monitoring by Yu Jing, a whale that earned $23.77 million from participating in the BAT ICO sold 15,000 ETH (valued at roughly $24.29 million) two hours ago. The whale has now fully liquidated all 27,586 ETH it received from selling 35 million BAT on-chain over the past day and a half, converting the proceeds into 44.836 million USDS at an average selling price of $1,625.

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Sources: Iraqi officials once considered withdrawing from OPEC, but current plans are to remain a member and pursue a higher quota.

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Kepler Cheuvreux raises ASML’s European share price target from €1,460 to €1,830.

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PANews reported on February 8th that @mil_itia, an active member of the Arweave ecosystem, stated on the X platform that since yesterday, Arweave has been displaying outdated block data, making it appear as if the chain has stopped generating blocks. However, Arweave is actually generating blocks normally, and all transactions are being processed correctly. The issue is that Viewblock's browser is using a local cache count instead of the actual network block height, and the team is contacting them to resolve this problem.

Previous reports indicated that the Arweave network had not produced a block for over 24 hours.

AI models need storage that can keep up. Most decentralized options were built before that mattered.

Key takeawaysFilecoin, Arweave, and 0G Storage each solve different problems. Filecoin optimizes for cost and capacity. Arweave optimizes for permanence. 0G optimizes for throughput and AI workloads.0G Storage achieves 30+ MB/s throughput in mainnet production, compared to Filecoin's ~45-second retrieval latency and Arweave's block-size-limited uploads.0G is the only decentralized storage protocol with native mutable data support through its dual-layer architecture (immutable Log Layer + mutable KV Layer).Cost depends on use case: Filecoin offers $0.19/TB/month for cold archival, Arweave charges ~$5-8/GB for permanent storage, and 0G runs at $11/TB/month for high-throughput Turbo storage.The choice is not which protocol is "best." It is which protocol fits the workload.The storage problem AI createdTraining a large language model produces hundreds of terabytes of data: model weights, gradient checkpoints, tokenized datasets, evaluation logs. Inference generates its own volume: prompt histories, output caches, retrieval-augmented generation indexes that update in real time.

This data does not sit still. It gets read, modified, versioned, and fed back into the next training run. It needs to move fast, and it needs to be accessible the moment a compute node asks for it.

Decentralized storage was not built for this. The first generation of protocols solved a different problem: how to store files without relying on Amazon or Google. They optimized for durability, cost, and censorship resistance. Those were the right goals in 2018.

But AI workloads in 2026 need something else. They need throughput measured in megabytes per second, not minutes per retrieval. They need mutable data stores that can handle key-value lookups alongside large sequential writes. And they need storage that talks to compute without an integration layer bolted on after the fact.

That gap between what AI demands and what decentralized storage provides is where this comparison starts.

Three approaches to decentralized storageArweave: pay once, store foreverArweave launched in 2018 with a simple premise: pay a one-time fee and your data stays on the network permanently. The protocol uses an endowment model where roughly 95% of the storage fee goes into a reserve fund that pays miners over time, covering storage costs for 200+ years based on conservative projections of declining hardware costs.

The total data stored on Arweave sits at roughly 347 TiB as of early 2026. The network processes about 105 transactions per second and handles around 33 GiB in daily uploads. Its consensus mechanism, SPoRA (Succinct Proofs of Random Access), rewards miners who can quickly access randomly selected historical data chunks, which keeps the network incentivized to maintain full copies of the weave.

Arweave is ideal for records that should never change: legal documents, scientific datasets, cultural archives, NFT metadata. Its compute layer, AO, launched on mainnet in February 2025 and adds parallel processing on top of the storage layer.

The trade-off is throughput. Arweave transactions are capped at 10 MiB each, and the network uploads roughly 33 GiB per day. For AI workloads that involve hundreds of gigabytes moving in and out of storage, this creates a bottleneck.

Filecoin: the storage marketplaceFilecoin, live since October 2020, built something different: an open marketplace where storage providers compete on price and clients choose where their data lives. The network has committed roughly 23 EiB of capacity across 3,600+ storage providers globally, with about 3.0 EiB of active storage and 36% utilization.

Filecoin's verification system uses two proofs: Proof of Replication (proving data was uniquely encoded) and Proof of Spacetime (proving it stayed stored over time). The F3 upgrade in April 2025 reduced block finality from 7.5 hours to minutes, a major improvement for applications that need faster confirmation.

At ~$0.19/TB per month, Filecoin offers some of the cheapest decentralized storage available. The Filecoin Virtual Machine (FVM) adds programmability, and the Filecoin Onchain Cloud (FOC) initiative is working toward verifiable compute services.

The limitation is latency. Filecoin was designed around sealed sectors of 32 or 64 GiB, and the sealing process takes roughly 1.5 hours. Retrieval depends on whether the storage provider keeps an unsealed copy of your data. If they do, retrieval can happen in seconds. If they don't, you're looking at hours. Average retrieval latency in North America sits at around 45 seconds. For real-time AI inference or high-frequency data access, that is too slow.

Three decentralized storage protocols: 0G, Filecoin, and Arweave0G Storage: built for AI workloads0G Storage launched with Aristotle Mainnet in September 2025 as part of 0G's modular AI infrastructure. It was designed from the start to handle the read/write patterns that AI systems produce.

The architecture has two layers. The Log Layer handles large, append-only data: model weights, training datasets, event streams. The KV Layer sits on top and provides mutable key-value storage with millisecond-level read/write latency for structured data like user profiles, application state, and real-time indexes.

In mainnet production, 0G Storage achieves 30+ MB/s throughput (engineering confirmed, March 2026). The system is architected for up to 50 Gbps in aggregate throughput as the network scales. Verification uses PoRA (Proof of Random Access), where storage nodes must prove they hold randomly selected data segments.

The pricing model runs at $11/TB per month on the Turbo tier. Unlike Filecoin's provider-specific marketplace pricing or Arweave's one-time permanent fee, 0G uses a flow-based system where storage requests go through on-chain smart contracts on an EVM-compatible Layer 1.

Enterprise clients are already discussing migration of multi-terabyte datasets to mainnet.

How they compareDimension0G StorageFilecoinArweaveDesign goalAI-native real-time storageGeneral-purpose decentralized storagePermanent immutable storageStorage typeMutable KV + Immutable LogContract-based sealed sectorsWrite-once, stored foreverThroughput30+ MB/s mainnet measuredRetrieval latency ~45s (NA avg)Limited by 10 MiB tx / ~33 GiB dailyCost$11/TB/month (Turbo)~$0.19/TB/month~$5-8/GB one-time permanentRedundancyUser-configurable backup count3-6 node fixed replicationNetwork-wide incentivized replicationData verificationPoRA random challengesPoRep + PoStSPoRA (Proof of Access)Mutable data✓ Native KV Layer support⚠ Adding via FVM✗ Immutable onlyAI workload integrationNative (Storage + Compute + Chain)Adding via FOCAdding via AOSources: 0G engineering (confirmed March 2026), Filecoin Starboard, Arweave ViewBlock, ArweaveFees, official documentation for each protocol.

Comparison table showing 0G Storage, Filecoin, and Arweave across 8 dimensionsChoosing the right toolThe comparison above does not have a single winner. Each protocol was built for a different job. Picking the right one depends on the workload.

Use CaseBest FitWhyCold archival, long-term backup, high-capacity storageFilecoin ($0.19/TB/month)Lowest recurring cost, flexible contract terms, 3,600+ global storage providersPermanent records, immutable archives, NFT metadataArweave (~$5-8/GB one-time)Pay once and never think about renewals. Data persists for 200+ yearsAI training data, real-time inference, high-throughput mutable data0G Storage ($11/TB/month)30+ MB/s measured throughput, native KV mutable storage, integrated with compute layerA research lab archiving a finished dataset might use Arweave for its permanence guarantee. A data warehouse storing petabytes of cold backups might choose Filecoin for cost efficiency. An AI pipeline that needs to read model weights, update inference caches, and write results back to storage in real time is a natural fit for 0G.

These are not competing tools. They cover different parts of the storage stack.

What makes 0G Storage differentFour properties separate 0G Storage from protocols built in the previous generation.

1. Dual-layer architecture

Most decentralized storage supports one data model: immutable files. 0G Storage supports two. The Log Layer handles large sequential data (model weights, logs, datasets) with append-only immutability. The KV Layer adds mutable key-value storage on top, enabling real-time queries and state updates without rewriting entire files.

This means a single storage system can hold both the static training data and the dynamic inference state for an AI application. No external database required.

2. Measured throughput

0G Storage delivers 30+ MB/s in mainnet production as confirmed by the engineering team in March 2026. The architecture is designed for up to 50 Gbps aggregate throughput as more nodes join the network. For context, Filecoin's average retrieval latency in North America is around 45 seconds, and Arweave's daily upload volume is roughly 33 GiB. The throughput gap matters most for AI workloads where storage is in the critical path between compute jobs.

3. Configurable redundancy

Filecoin locks data into 3-6 node replication. Arweave relies on network-wide incentives to ensure copies exist. 0G lets users choose their own backup count based on their needs. A public dataset might need minimal redundancy. A production AI model might need higher guarantees. The choice is yours.

4. AI-native integration

0G Storage is not a standalone service. It runs as part of a unified stack: 0G Chain (EVM-compatible Layer 1), 0G Compute (decentralized GPU marketplace), and 0G Storage. When a compute node needs model weights, it reads directly from storage on the same network. When inference results need to settle on-chain, the chain is right there. No bridging, no external API calls, no third-party integration layer.

Filecoin is adding compute capabilities through the Filecoin Onchain Cloud. Arweave has AO for parallel processing. Both are working toward similar goals, but those features are separate protocol additions rather than native parts of the storage architecture.

0G unified stack: Compute, Storage, and ChainWhat this enablesWith storage infrastructure that can handle AI-scale data at AI-scale speeds, the question shifts from "can we store this?" to "what can we build on top of it?"

Enterprise clients are already onboarding multi-terabyte datasets to 0G mainnet. The storage layer is one piece of a broader infrastructure that recently demonstrated a 107-billion parameter model trained across decentralized nodes using DiLoCoX with 357x better communication efficiency than traditional AllReduce.

Storage is the foundation. What gets built on that foundation is the next chapter.

Frequently asked questionsWhat is the main difference between 0G Storage, Filecoin, and Arweave?

Each protocol optimizes for a different priority. Filecoin optimizes for low-cost, large-scale archival storage. Arweave optimizes for permanent, immutable data preservation. 0G Storage optimizes for high-throughput, mutable storage designed around AI workload patterns.

Is 0G Storage trying to replace Filecoin or Arweave?

No. These protocols serve different use cases. Filecoin is well suited for cold storage and backups. Arweave is the right choice for data that must persist permanently. 0G fills a gap that neither covers: real-time, mutable, high-throughput storage for AI applications.

How does 0G Storage handle data verification?

0G uses Proof of Random Access (PoRA), where the network randomly challenges storage nodes to prove they hold specific data segments. Data is erasure-coded and distributed across nodes, and the network can tolerate up to 30% node failure while maintaining data availability.

What does "AI-native" mean in the context of storage?

It means the storage system was designed from the start to support AI workload patterns: high-throughput sequential reads (loading model weights), mutable key-value access (updating inference state), and direct integration with compute infrastructure (no separate bridging or API layer needed).

How mature is 0G Storage compared to Filecoin and Arweave?

Filecoin launched in October 2020 and Arweave launched in June 2018. 0G's Aristotle Mainnet went live in September 2025. While 0G is newer, its architecture was built with six years of lessons from earlier protocols. The network is in its early growth phase with enterprise clients actively onboarding data.

Explore 0G StorageRead the architecture deep-dive: 0G Storage: Built for the AI EraRun a storage node: Storage Node DocumentationStart building: 0G Storage SDKMonitor the network: StorageScanFollow @0G_labs for updatesThis article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.

Sources:

0G Storage Documentation (architecture, PoRA, pricing)0G Storage: Built for the AI Era (architecture overview)Aristotle Mainnet Launch (CryptoSlate, September 2025)Filecoin Starboard Dashboard (network capacity, utilization)Filecoin Documentation (proofs, sealing, FVM)Filecoin F3 Upgrade (finality improvement)Arweave ViewBlock (weave size, TPS, daily uploads)ArweaveFees (real-time pricing)AO Mainnet Launch (The Block, February 2025)0G engineering team confirmations (throughput, cost, redundancy model; March 2026)

NGOs manage massive amounts of important information each day. This includes beneficiary records, field updates, donation reports, and distribution logs. In several cases, this data is stored in centralized systems, which can be vulnerable to corruption, loss, or limited transparency.

To enhance accountability and trust, many organizations are now exploring decentralized file storage systems such as InterPlanetary File System and Arweave. These systems store data across distributed networks rather than a single server.

In this post, you will understand how to integrate decentralized storage into NGO aid pipelines.

Key Takeaways IPFS and Arweave are decentralized storage solutions that can improve transparency and accountability in NGO aid operations. IPFS is best suited for storing and sharing frequently updated data, while Arweave is designed for permanent record storage. Decentralized file storage helps reduce the risks associated with centralized databases, including data loss and unauthorized modifications. NGOs can use decentralized file storage to improve donor trust, preserve important records, and strengthen aid tracking systems. What is Decentralized File Storage? (IPFS & Arweave Explained) This is a system where data is stored across many computer nodes, instead of one central server. Hence, the data becomes harder to manipulate, lose, or censor. 

IPFS is a peer-to-peer storage network that stores files with a system called content addressing. Rather than using a location-based link, IPFS uses a unique identifier called a Content Identifier. This means the file can be retrieved from any node that stores it. 

IPFS is mostly used for storing reports and media files, sharing documents, and temporary or frequently updated data. 

However, IPFS does not assure permanent storage unless the data is “pinned” by nodes.

In comparison, Arweave is a decentralized storage network designed for permanent data storage. When data is uploaded, it is stored permanently on the network with a pay-once model. 

Arweave is mostly used for public archives, long-term records, permanent audit trails, and historical humanitarian data. 

Why NGOs Need Decentralized Storage for Aid Pipelines NGOs require transparent and reliable systems to manage donor reporting, aid distribution, and beneficiary information. Traditional storage systems can sometimes fail, be altered, or become inaccessible over time. 

Here are the crucial reasons NGOs need decentralized storage in their aid pipelines:

1. Improved transparency for donors and stakeholders Decentralized file storage enables NGOs to store and share verifiable records that are challenging to manipulate or alter. This helps donors see how aid and funds are used, increasing accountability and trust in humanitarian operations. 

2. Stronger protection against system failure or data loss In centralized systems, a cyberattack, server crash, or technical failure can cause data loss. With decentralized file storage, data is spread across several nodes, meaning there is no single point of failure. This makes vital humanitarian records more resilient and always recoverable.

3. Better accountability in aid distribution processes NGOs can record each step of aid delivery, from donation receipt to final distribution. Since decentralized records cannot be tampered with, it becomes seamless to verify that aid reached the intended beneficiaries without unauthorized changes. 

4. Long-term preservation of humanitarian records Several NGO records need to be stored for years for reporting, audits, or historical reference. Decentralized systems like Arweave ensure permanent storage, while IPFS is ideal for temporary or flexible data that is actively updated or shared. 

5. Reduced risk of data manipulation or corruption When data is stored on decentralized networks, it is extremely difficult to change it without leaving a trace. This helps reduce external or internal tampering, enhancing the integrity of operational data and reports. 

6. Global and uninterrupted access to information Decentralized file storage permits authorized users from various regions or countries to access the same verified data without depending on a central server. This is particularly helpful for international NGOs working across multiple locations. 

7. Improved collaboration between partner organizations NGOs mostly work with donors, governments, and local partners. Decentralized file storage makes it effortless to share verified and consistent information across all stakeholders, reducing confusion and duplication of records. 

Step-by-Step: How to Build a Hybrid IPFS and Arweave System for NGO Aid Pipelines Below is a practical process on how to build this system:

1. Classify NGO data based on usage Begin by separating all data into two groups. The first group is operational data (IPFS). This includes beneficiary updates, internal notes, photos, videos, and ongoing project documents. The second group is permanent data (Arweave). This entails donation proofs, final audit reports, verified distribution records, and compliance documents. 

2. Store live and frequently updated data on IPFS Upload operational data to IPFS with a node or pinning service. Each file is assigned a Content Identifier (CID), which makes it available across the network. 

This is helpful for storing real-time aid-delivery information and for sharing updates between field teams. It is also useful for managing documents that might change over time. 

3. Move verified records to Arweave for permanent storage When the data is confirmed and validated, upload it to Arweave. This ensures the information is stored permanently and cannot be altered or deleted. 

Arweave generates a permanent transaction ID that functions as a long-term reference for every record.

This step is vital for final reports, verified aid distribution summaries, and financial transparency records. 

4. Link IPFS and Arweave records together  To maintain complete traceability, store IPFS CIDs inside Arweave records. This enhances transparency and makes auditing easier. 

5. Connect storage system to NGO dashboards or blockchain tools Incorporate both IPFS CIDs and Arweave transaction IDs into a blockchain system or central dashboard. This enables NGOs to track full data history and aid donors to verify aid activities. It also helps auditors to access permanent records easily. Smart contracts can also be used to automate reporting processes or verification.

Conclusion: How Decentralized File Storage Can Strengthen Transparency in NGO Aid Delivery Decentralized storage solutions such as IPFS and Arweave offer NGOs a more transparent and reliable way to manage aid-related data. By reducing dependence on centralized servers, organizations can improve data integrity, accessibility, and long-term record preservation.

A hybrid approach that combines IPFS for active data management and Arweave for permanent storage provides the flexibility needed for day-to-day operations while maintaining strong accountability standards. As NGOs continue to adopt digital tools, decentralized file storage is likely to play an increasingly important role in building trust and transparency across humanitarian aid systems.

Klaytn Coin is the native cryptocurrency of its own blockchain developed by Kakao.

What is Klaytn (KLAY)?Klaytn (KLAY) is a public blockchain platform that provides an accessible user experience and development environment to spread the value of blockchain technology. The platform brings together the best features of both public and private blockchains with an efficient “hybrid” design.

Klaytn aims to bring Blockchain technology to all types of users, from micro-enterprises to corporate divisions. The company’s mission is to make decentralization usable on a global scale through blockchain. The project has already caught the radar of numerous reputable brands worldwide.

Without any technical knowledge, you can easily set up your own chain on Klaytn or join other chains. You do not need to be an expert in cryptography or have deep knowledge about Blockchain technology. Without the need for a specialized technical advisor, anyone can create their own token ecosystem on Klaytn according to their own literature.

As an ecosystem composed of DApps, Klaytn offers the opportunity to find and develop the type of application that benefits users. Due to the decentralized nature of the platform, application operations are not restricted, providing users with virtually unlimited use cases. Klaytn supports dApps in many areas, including digital asset management, art collection, game development, decentralized exchanges, and more. Due to this diversity, Klaytn has attracted the attention of corporate investors such as Humanspace, Wemade Tree, and Piction Network.

Where to Buy KLAY Coin?KLAY Coin can be safely bought and sold on Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. KLAY Coin is traded on the Binance platform in KLAY/BTC, KLAY/BNB, KLAY/BUSD, and KLAY/USDT pairs.

To buy KLAY, you must first become a member of the Binance exchange. Once membership is completed, you need to transfer cryptocurrency or fiat currency to your Binance account wallet. After the transfer is complete, you can purchase KLAY Coin from any of the four pairs mentioned above. To buy from the KLAY/USDT trading pair, you must first go to the interface of this pair. In the limit section of the KLAY/USDT interface, enter the amount you want to buy. After specifying the amount, the purchase is made with the Buy KLAY order.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article does not constitute investment advice. Investors should be aware that cryptocurrencies carry high volatility and therefore risk, and should conduct their own research.

Amid a falling wedge breakout rally, Klaytn prepares a jump to $0.21 with the 23.60% Fib level breakout at $0.16446.

As the Bitcoin price trades below the $60,000 mark, the altcoin market is surprisingly gaining momentum. Amidst the top-performing altcoins, Klaytn shows a promising bullish recovery in motion. Will this breakout rally gain momentum for a smooth ride to $0.21?

Recovery Kickstarts Klaytn Breakout Run  The Klaytn daily chart shows a falling wedge pattern, accounting for a 63% drop since March 2024. However, the recent bullish reversal from the $0.1166 support level created a bullish cycle, resulting in a breakout rally.

The uptrend accounts for a 32% jump in the last 16 days with less than 5 bearish candles. Hence, with a red to green candle ratio of 5:11, the underlying sentiments are improving for Klaytn.

The bearish alignment of the crucial simple moving averages (50, 100, and 200) in the daily chart reveals the broader bearish sentiment. However, the bull run exceeds the overhead resistance trendline and the 50-day SMA to challenge the 100-day SMA. 

Currently, the Klaytn price is trading at $0.1573. The bullish crossover in the DMI indicator suggests a potential reversal in underlying market sentiment.

The pullback comes after the 3.52% jump overnight reflecting a pullback for a retest run. A post-retest reversal from the broken trendline could prolong the extended uptrend in motion. 

Klaytn to Launch on Kaia Klaytn, in partnership with Pincia, is gearing up to launch the Kaia Blockchain mainnet on August 29. 

Where is the Klaytn Breakout Run Headed? Based on the Fibonacci levels, the uptrend challenges the 23.60% Fibonacci level at $0.1644. Furthermore, the breakout rally forms a rounding bottom reversal with a neckline at the 23.60% Fibonacci level. Hence, the breakout run from the $0.1644 mark will result in an explosive move. 

The upcoming target levels are at the 50% Fib level at 38.20% level at $0.19 and the 50% level at $0.21. Conversely, the support levels for Klaytn are at the psychological mark of $0.11 and $0.10. 

DisClamier: This content is informational and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author's personal opinions and do not reflect The Crypto Basic opinion. Readers are encouraged to do thorough research before making any investment decisions. The Crypto Basic is not responsible for any financial losses.

HashKey and Kaia partner to boost Web3 adoption in Asia

LINE says it’s not in bed with Sony’s Soneium after all

The Birth of Asia's Largest Web3 EcosystemIn January 2024, South Korea's Klaytn and Japan's Finschia announced a merger to create Asia's largest Web3 ecosystem, addressing Klaytn's limited global reach beyond South Korea and Finschia's regional scope limitations. Klaytn, developed by tech giant Kakao, had established strong enterprise solutions but struggled with mainstream adoption. Finschia, backed by messaging company LINE, had built a strong user experience but faced difficulties expanding beyond Japan. By combining their strengths, the new entity aimed to create a blockchain capable of competing on a global scale.

The merger received overwhelming support, with over 90% approval from both communities in a vote held on February 15, 2024. Following months of technical preparation and integration, the Kaia Chain mainnet officially launched on August 29, 2024. The Kaia DLT Foundation, established in Abu Dhabi, leverages the emirate's progressive regulatory framework to drive global growth, overseeing token conversions ($KLAY to $KAIA automatically, $FNSA via Kaia Portal) and ecosystem governance. This strategic positioning in Abu Dhabi provides significant advantages for institutional adoption and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

The merger process included these key developments:

Community Approval: Over 90% support from both blockchain communitiesToken Conversion: Automatic conversion of Klaytn ($KLAY) to Kaia ($KAIA)Manual Token Swap: Finschia ($FNSA) holders used the Kaia Portal for conversionFoundation Establishment: Creation of the Kaia DLT Foundation in Abu DhabiThe merger drew inspiration from the success of TON (The Open Network) and sought to improve competitiveness by leveraging a combined user base of over 250 million from KakaoTalk and LINE messenger apps. This gave Kaia an immediate advantage in terms of potential user acquisition compared to other emerging blockchains.

How Kaia Chain Works and What It OffersKaia Chain is an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible Layer 1 public blockchain designed to bring Web3 technology to millions across Asia through high performance, scalability, and Web2 integration.

Technical Architecture and PerformanceKaia's architecture supports impressive performance with 4,000 transactions per second (TPS), 1-second finality, and gas fees one-tenth of Ethereum's. The modified Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance (PBFT) consensus mechanism prioritizes reliability while maintaining efficiency. This approach offers significant advantages over both proof-of-work and standard proof-of-stake systems, particularly for enterprise-grade applications that require predictable performance.

To achieve this balance of speed and reliability, the network architecture is divided into three interconnected components working in harmony. The Core Cell Network (CCN) forms the backbone, handling transaction validation, execution, and block creation with consistent performance. The Endpoint Node Network (ENN) manages API requests and connects applications to the main chain, preventing bottlenecks during high-traffic periods. The Service Chain Network (SCN) creates dedicated blockchains for specific applications that require intensive resources. For example, Yuliverse, with its location-based gameplay and frequent user interactions, benefits from its own Service Chain that handles player movements and rewards without slowing down the main network, while still allowing assets to move between chains when needed.

Kaia Chain network stats (KaiaScan)User Experience and EcosystemKaia bridges Web2 and Web3 via integration with KakaoTalk (50 million users) and LINE (200 million users), enabling seamless access to blockchain services. Unlike most blockchains that require significant technical knowledge, Kaia makes the experience intuitive even for those with no prior crypto experience.

Features like account abstraction simplify wallet creation through biometrics or social logins, removing private key complexity. Gas fee delegation lets applications cover transaction costs, eliminating barriers. For instance, a new user downloading a Kaia-powered game through LINE can make their first NFT purchase without buying KAIA or understanding gas fees.

The ecosystem supports diverse applications. DragonSwap, Kaia's leading decentralized exchange, offers low-fee trading, concentrated liquidity, and burns 30% of revenue to boost KAIA's deflation. Yuliverse, a Web3 gamified lifestyle platform inspired by Pokémon GO and Tinder, lets players earn tokens through real-world tasks and social interactions, integrated with LINE's 200 million users. Platforms for tokenizing real-world assets, such as gold, real estate, and commodities, ensure regulatory compliance for secure trading. Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) enable community-driven governance, shaping Kaia's projects and resources.

The Kaia Portal and User JourneyThe Kaia Portal, launched in September 2024, provides an all-in-one DeFi hub serving over 25 million unique active wallets. The platform unifies multiple blockchain functions that would typically require several different applications, creating a streamlined experience for both crypto veterans and newcomers.

A typical user journey illustrates how Kaia removes traditional barriers to entry: A LINE messenger user discovers the Kaia Portal through a friend's recommendation and connects their messenger account to create a wallet—no seed phrases or complex security procedures. They can purchase KAIA directly with a credit card through the Portal's fiat on-ramp, avoiding cryptocurrency exchanges. Within minutes, they can trade tokens on DragonSwap or start earning rewards in Yuliverse, while accumulating points in the Portal's rewards program that can be exchanged for additional benefits.

All actions are completed within LINE's intuitive interface, creating an experience that feels like using a traditional finance app rather than a blockchain. The Portal's points-based rewards system encourages participation and creates a pathway for non-crypto users to learn blockchain concepts through gamified experiences, gradually introducing them to advanced features.

Developer Tools and ResourcesKaia provides developers with an extensive toolkit designed to streamline blockchain application development. At the core of this offering are pre-audited smart contract templates that dramatically reduce both development time and security risks. These templates cover common use cases across DeFi, GameFi, and NFT applications, allowing teams to launch products with confidence without the expense of multiple security audits that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The platform emphasizes simplified deployment processes that require minimal blockchain expertise, making it accessible for Web2 developers transitioning to Web3. Familiar development environments like Hardhat, Remix, and thirdweb compatibility reduce the learning curve for teams with existing Ethereum development experience, as they can use the same tools and workflows they're already comfortable with.

CosmWasm support enables cross-chain compatibility with Cosmos-based chains, while integrated bridges connect with Ethereum, BNB Chain, and other major networks. This interoperability is crucial for applications that need to interact with assets or data across multiple blockchains. Kaiascope offers comprehensive blockchain exploration with advanced filtering capabilities that exceed standard block explorers, giving developers deeper insights into on-chain activities.

Developer advantages on Kaia include:

Pre-audited templates for common DeFi, GameFi, and NFT applicationsSimplified deployment processes requiring minimal blockchain expertiseFamiliar development environments with Hardhat, Remix, and thirdweb compatibilityComprehensive documentation in multiple Asian languages and EnglishDirect technical support through the Kaia Developer DiscordThis focus on developer experience has enabled projects to launch on Kaia in weeks rather than months, with lower costs and reduced technical barriers compared to other blockchains.

Understanding Kaia's TokenomicsThe KAIA token powers transactions, smart contracts, and governance in the ecosystem. After the merger, the circulating supply reached 5.805 billion KAIA, with a total supply that decreased from the original 6.005 billion due to token burns.

Kaia targets a 5.2% annual inflation rate (9.6 KAIA issued per block), positioning it between deflationary chains like post-Merge Ethereum and more inflationary chains like Solana. This balanced approach provides sufficient incentives for validators while avoiding excessive dilution. The inflation rate can be adjusted through governance and may decrease as adoption increases.

Newly created tokens incentivize network participants, with 50% reinvested into the Kaia Ecosystem Fund (supporting applications development) and the Kaia Infrastructure Fund (financing technical improvements). Transaction fee burning creates deflationary pressure, while 30% of Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) profits are burned to prevent validator centralization.

Governance and Decentralization PathKAIA stakers receive voting rights proportional to their stake, with a 5% cap per entity to ensure balanced governance influence. This cap means that even if a single entity controlled a substantial portion of the token supply, their voting power would be limited to 5% of the total, preserving the democratic nature of the governance system.

Governance decisions are recorded on-chain for transparency and cover protocol upgrades, token issuance rates, and fund allocations. Currently, the Kaia Governance Council oversees major decisions, bringing together representatives from corporations, DAOs, and ecosystem builders.

This council structure is designed as a transitional phase in Kaia's journey toward full decentralization. By Q3 2025, Kaia plans to implement permissionless validation through a three-stage process. First, the validator set will expand from the current 30 approved entities to 100 nodes with a more inclusive application process. Second, the Governance Council will progressively delegate authority over validator selection, proposal review, and treasury management to the community. Finally, the network will open to anyone meeting minimum technical and staking requirements, creating a truly decentralized validation system while maintaining network security and performance.

Kaia Chain's governance process (official docs)The Future Roadmap for Kaia ChainWeb2 Integration MilestonesKaia's most ambitious near-term goal is to embed the Kaia Portal directly in LINE Messenger, making blockchain services accessible through the messaging app's native interface without requiring additional applications. This integration will expose Kaia's functionality to millions of non-crypto users through an interface they already use daily.

Financial Products TimelineOn the financial front, USD stablecoins are planned for mid-2025, followed by KRW and JPY stablecoins for Asian markets by Q3 2025. These region-specific stablecoins will provide familiar reference points for users in Kaia's core markets, reducing volatility concerns for newcomers.

Decentralization RoadmapFor decentralization, a permissionless validator structure transition is scheduled for Q3 2025, expanding the network from the current 42 nodes to 100 in the first phase. The goal is to create a more distributed network while maintaining performance and security.

Ecosystem Development StrategyThe Kaia Ecosystem Fund will continue providing strategic investments to attract and nurture promising projects across the blockchain space. Unlike general-purpose funding, Kaia's approach focuses on projects that specifically leverage its unique strengths in messenger integration and Asian market access. The ecosystem development strategy encompasses several interconnected initiatives:

Funding Programs: Direct investments in promising projects across multiple sectorsIncubation Support: Technical assistance and mentorship for early-stage teamsDeveloper Grants: Resources for independent developers building essential toolsCommunity Rewards: Incentives for active ecosystem participants through the Missions programThe December 2024 launch of Kaia Wave, the platform's incubator program, brought 20 carefully selected mini-applications into the ecosystem after a competitive selection process. The inaugural cohort included DragonSwap (the leading decentralized exchange), Yuliverse (the Pokémon GO-inspired gamified platform), and several platforms for tokenizing real-world assets. Future Waves will expand this approach, with special focus on applications that can attract users from KakaoTalk and LINE directly into the Web3 space.

Growth and Adoption TargetsKaia exceeded its 2025 goal of 2.5 million active wallet addresses, reaching over 25 million unique active wallets by April 2025. The Kaia Portal's Missions program introduced expanded token rewards in phased releases, encouraging users to explore different aspects of the ecosystem. These gamified missions create engagement pathways that gradually increase in complexity, educating users while rewarding participation. This exceptional growth demonstrates the effectiveness of Kaia's strategy to leverage existing messaging platforms for user acquisition. ### Strategic Partnerships and Sustainability

Beyond core platform development, Kaia is pursuing several parallel initiatives that will enhance its capabilities and expand its reach:

Tokenized bonds and real estate: Corporate bonds in Q4 2025, residential properties in 2025, commercial in 2026Physical commodity tokens: Gold, silver, and industrial metals by early 2026Carbon credit markets: Sustainability-focused tokens by mid-2026Global partnerships: CARV for on-chain reputation and Dune for analyticsEnergy efficiency: PBFT consensus using 99.98% less energy than BitcoinThe CARV partnership provides standardized on-chain reputation and credential verification, allowing developers to build applications that can trust user identity and history without compromising privacy. This solves a major challenge in decentralized applications that require trust systems but want to maintain user anonymity.

Technical EnhancementsOn the technical front, Kaia plans to enhance Layer 2 solutions to enable a major GameFi project to handle up to 10,000 concurrent players with sub-second interaction times. Support for batch API requests (up to 3,000 at once) will improve efficiency for data-intensive applications, while custom plugins for development tools are scheduled for release by Q2 2025.

Conclusion: Kaia's Position in the Blockchain LandscapeKaia's unique combination of technical performance and messaging app integration positions it distinctively in the blockchain landscape. While other chains like Solana and Avalanche focus primarily on technical specifications, Kaia differentiates itself through user experience and established distribution channels to 250 million potential users through KakaoTalk and LINE.

The blockchain strikes a balance between performance and accessibility. Its architecture delivers reliable 4,000 TPS with 1-second finality and fees that remain affordable even during network congestion, making it suitable for applications requiring predictable performance like payment systems and gaming platforms.

With live projects like DragonSwap and Yuliverse, and a roadmap for stablecoins and permissionless validation, Kaia effectively bridges Web2 with Web3 innovation. Its strategy of leveraging existing user bases rather than building from scratch could accelerate blockchain adoption in Asia.

By blending accessibility with security, Kaia is poised to ignite Asia's Web3 revolution and shape global trends. To learn more, join the Kaia Wave at kaia.io and stay informed on the latest news by following @KaiaChain on X.

With a focus on user-first web3 applications and messaging app integration, along with its fiat/crypto hybrid payment capabilities, Kaia aims to simplify web3 adoption, solidifying its foothold in Asia and now worldwide. This article explores what sets Kaia apart, how its Mini DApps on LINE Messenger work, and why it’s gaining traction in the global blockchain ecosystem.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
➤ Kaia is a layer-1 blockchain tied to KakaoTalk and LINE, dominant messaging apps in South Korea and Asia.
➤ The Kaia ecosystem also includes its native USDT-enabled wallet and savings accounts, an on-chain DEX, and staking options.
➤ Kaia aims to lead KRW and JPY stablecoin markets via hybrid payments with KakaoPay, Tether, and LINE NEXT.

Table of Contents

What is Kaia chain?What differentiates Kaia in the global L1 landscape?How does Kaia work?Mini DApps and ecosystem DAppsConsumer DeFi on KaiaHigh potential in stablecoin businessesKaia ecosystemPartnerships and ecosystemIs Kaia leading web3 adoption in Asia?Frequently asked questions What is Kaia chain? Kaia is a layer-1 (L1) blockchain network developed to support consumer-facing decentralized applications (DApps), particularly through integrations with the LINE and KakaoTalk mobile messaging/superapp platforms.

Launched in 2024, Kaia emerged from the merger of two established Asian blockchain networks, Klaytn and Finschia. Klaytn and Finschia were originally developed by Asian IT giants, Kakao and LINE, respectively, leading to their separate reputations regarding enterprise and consumer blockchain use cases.

At the beginning of 2024, both organizations suggested combining their mainnets to create what they intended to be the biggest web3 network in Asia. After the merger was finalized in August 2024, Kaia was introduced as the new chain. The newly established Kaia DLT Foundation assumed governance responsibility.

What differentiates Kaia in the global L1 landscape? With a focus on usability and scalability, Kaia aims to bring blockchain-based services to non-technical users and mainstream consumers through a mobile-first approach across Asia and beyond worldwide. The Kaia chain is:

EVM-compatible 1-second block times Instant finality High throughput Advanced account abstraction stacks Its most distinctive feature is Mini DApps within LINE Messenger. This allows users to engage with crypto services such as token swaps, gaming, and savings without leaving the comfort of their mobile phones. This gives Kaia a unique distribution advantage — LINE’s 196 million users across Japan and Southeast Asia serve as a built-in audience for web3 services.

As a result, Kaia represents a compelling case study in embedding web3 functionality into Asia’s leading superapp platforms that already have strong user bases. Due to its advanced account abstraction stacks, Kaia’s DApps provide a user-friendly interface, which ensures a quick, easy, and flexible user experience at their fingertips.

Kaia is also capable of launching full-fledged stablecoin businesses through its extensive business network and technical readiness. This allows it to cater to global and Asian local markets, such as Korea and Japan, where pro-crypto regulatory frameworks are currently taking shape, following the shifting crypto space in the global market, including the USA.

Kaia now plans to collaborate with fintech platforms, such as KakaoPay, which are payment services natively embedded in superapps. The objective is to integrate fiat-to-crypto hybrid payment solutions into users’ everyday mobile or web applications. Thus, Kaia will be well-positioned to lead the promising local stablecoin segment.

Kaia’s growing user base: Dune How does Kaia work? The Kaia network uses a Byzantine Fault Tolerance-based mechanism and features a layered node architecture designed for scalability and security.

Core Cell Network (CCN): Includes Core Cells (CCs) that manage transaction validation, execute smart contracts, and produce new blocks.

Endpoint Node Network (ENN): Made up of Endpoint Nodes (ENs) that handle API requests and relay data between users, service chains, and the main network.

Service Chain Network (SCN): Comprises independent blockchains operated by DApps, connected to Kaia’s mainnet through Endpoint Nodes for interoperability and scalability.

Thanks to EVM compatibility, developers familiar with Ethereum can deploy on Kaia with ease. The network also facilitates cross-chain asset flows through bridges like Orbiter and Stargate, allowing users to transfer their assets between Kaia and other ecosystems.

Mini DApps and ecosystem DApps Mini DApps are lightweight decentralized applications designed for quick and easy use directly within LINE Messenger. These apps are important to Kaia’s strategy because they provide mobile- and user-centered access to web3 services like gaming, DeFi, digital rewards, and token transactions without downloading additional wallets or interfaces.

Popular titles include games like Elderglade and Bombie, as well as DeFi applications such as CapybaraDEX, DragonSwap, decentralized exchanges, and Lair Finance, a liquid staking protocol.

This success has helped Kaia become the fifth-largest EVM-compatible L1 chain by active wallets as of July. Its top three Mini DApps see an average revenue per paying user (ARPPU) of $2,353 (15,719 $KAIA), demonstrating strong monetization alongside user engagement.

This model reflects a hybrid approach combining web2 usability and web3 functionality. It reduces friction for new users and provides familiar interfaces.

“LINE’s Mini DApps encompass a variety of genres and types of productivity. DApps that mainstream users can access at their fingertips will increasingly meet diverse consumer needs at their fingertips. This is how Kaia offers consumer-focused Web3 services that help users avoid complexity when it comes to signing in for a conventional DApp,” said Dr. Sam Seo, Chairman of Kaia DLT Foundation.

Consumer DeFi on Kaia Kaia’s consumer DeFi strategy centers on delivering financial products through familiar mobile interfaces. These services are embedded within messaging apps and aim to simplify crypto-related interactions. Key offerings include:

Digital wallets and savings accounts supporting the native Kaia USDT On-chain decentralized exchanges and DeFi protocols Staking solutions that let users earn yield on their KAIA holdings or other supported assets Users can interact with these services using Kaia’s Mini DApps or Kaia-powered Mini DApp Wallet system, accessible within LINE Messenger. For example, a user can earn crypto by playing a game and deposit it into a yield-bearing savings account without exiting the app.

Additional layers of financial infrastructure include an AI-driven strategy manager and a fiat on-ramp for local currencies.

High potential in stablecoin businesses In May 2025, Tether introduced native USDT on the Kaia Chain. As a result, Kaia users can now conduct payments and will soon be able to make cross-border transfers with stablecoins right from their chat interfaces, or on/offramps such as Slash Payment (https://vpc.slash.fi/).

“Starting from the partnership with Tether, we are collaborating with our valuable partners to ensure extensive stablecoin projects, such as KRW- or JPY-backed stablecoins and crypto-powered hybrid payment solutions, on the Kaia chain, after regulatory frameworks become clear in these countries,” Dr. Sam Seo added.

Kaia’s goal is to provide hybrid payment options, yield-bearing opportunities in a familiar format, and cross-border remittance services, catering to users who face low domestic interest rates, limited access to U.S.-dollar-denominated savings products, and costly currency exchange transactions.

Through these stablecoin offerings, Kaia attempts to meet the growing demand for accessible and transparent financial instruments in multiple regions around the world.

Kaia ecosystem Kaia prioritizes accessibility and mobile usability. Its core services are available through the Kaia Wallet, which is integrated into LINE Messenger and serves as the gateway to all Mini DApps. Your existing OKX and Bitget Wallets get you through to DApp Portal within half a minute of the registration process, while there is also the web version of DApp Portal that supports instant login with Google accounts. The wallet allows users to:

Store Send Receive  Interact with DApps and earn rewards DApp Portal within LINE Messenger is the main directory for discovering more than 87 Mini DApps built on Kaia. These include games, savings tools, and other services that can be accessed with just a few taps. Unlike most blockchain platforms, Kaia eliminates the need for browser extensions or separate wallet apps.

For trading and liquidity, $KAIA is listed on most major exchanges, including Binance, Bybit, Bitget, Gate.io, Bitfinex, and Bithumb. USDT issued on Kaia is also supported across various platforms, including CEXs, on-chain wallets and DeFi protocols.

Developers can use SDKs, smart contract libraries, and tools like the Kaia Agent Kit to build applications tailored to mobile-first environments. This integrated approach helps position Kaia as a solution for mobile web3 participation.

Partnerships and ecosystem Kaia’s expansion strategy includes forming partnerships across infrastructure, custody, exchange, and application layers.

Among its most prominent partnerships is its work with Tether. Custody provider Fireblocks supports secure asset management for institutions building on Kaia, while exchanges like KuCoin and MEXC provide listing support for ecosystem tokens, including those from Mini DApp TGEs.

Business incubator Republic assists with tokenomics and project acceleration, offering advisory services to developers.

Beyond partnerships, Kaia has introduced programs like Kaia Wave and Kaito Yapper Leaderboard to encourage user content and incentivize developer activity. The foundation has also run developer bootcamps and launched analytic tools to improve ecosystem visibility.

Developer and builder support is structured across four programs:
➤ Ignite on Kaia (IOK): supports early-stage builders with onboarding and GTM help
➤ Kaia Wave: facilitates builder’s Mini DApp onboarding and boosts consumer adoption through ecosystem awareness activities in cooperation with LINE NEXT

These efforts have been backed by a recent funding round led by 1kx and Blockchain Capital, with participation from Galaxy Digital and others.

“Backed by foremost tech leaders like LINE, Kakao, and Tether as well as leading global partners, such as Blockchain Capital, 1kx, and Spartan Group, Kaia’s ecosystem shows unprecedented potential for growth and innovation. […] Since all Ethereum developer tools work seamlessly with Kaia as an EVM chain with full EVM compatibility, you can leverage familiar workflows as if without navigating a new ecosystem,” Dr. Sam Seo stated.

Is Kaia leading web3 adoption in Asia? Kaia presents a unique model for web3 growth in Asia and beyond by leveraging existing digital infrastructure and mobile platforms to deliver blockchain services. Its focus on superapp Web3 integration like Mini DApps, stablecoin-powered fiat/crypto hybrid finance and payment solutions, and in-app user experiences represents a significant departure from traditional crypto onboarding paths.

The platform also offers one of the most developed examples of mainstream web3 integration. Its approach could serve as a blueprint for other regions seeking to drive adoption through embedded, user-friendly blockchain applications.

Frequently asked questions What is Kaia Blockchain? Kaia is a Layer-1 blockchain created from the merger of Kakao’s Klaytn and LINE’s Finschia, focused on consumer-facing Web3 services across Asia.

What are Mini DApps on Kaia? Mini DApps are lightweight, mobile-optimized decentralized apps embedded in messaging platforms like LINE, covering games, finance, and more.

How is Kaia different from other blockchains? Kaia focuses on messaging app integration, mobile-first UX, and real-world asset DeFi, targeting a non-crypto-native audience in Asia. Additionally, Kaia’s fintech integration will ensure a robust Asian and worldwide stablecoin and crypto/fiat hybrid payment ecosystem, due to its strong business network.

Where can I buy or use KAIA? KAIA is listed on exchanges like Bitfinex, KuCoin, and Bybit. Users can also earn and spend KAIA within Mini DApps through the LINE DApp Portal.

GENIUS ACT and Beyond: Kaia Explains Asian Perspective

Analyst: SK Hynix’s US listing and fund-raising could trigger a valuation re-rating.

According to Bloomberg, SK Hynix is set to issue American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) on the Nasdaq on July 10. The listing aims to raise nearly $30 billion, making it one of the largest ADR issuances in history. Market participants widely believe the move will significantly expand its global investor base and may drive a valuation re-rating. Multiple asset management firms project that if its valuation converges with Micron Technology’s, its share price could rise by 30% over the next year. One fund manager noted that SK Hynix should trade at a valuation at least on par with Micron, as demand for memory chips is likely to outpace supply for years to come. The listing comes amid an unusually strong boom in the memory chip sector. Shares of Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung Electronics have all surged over 200% this year, marking their best annual performance in decades. Demand for High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) from AI servers is widely seen as the driver of a structural "memory supercycle".

6 minutes ago

Jefferies: Samsung is likely to follow SK Hynix’s example to list in the US via ADRs.

Jeff Kim, Head of Research at Jefferies, said Samsung is likely to follow SK Hynix in listing on the U.S. market via American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), which will boost the share price of the South Korean chipmaker whose valuation lags behind Micron. "Chip stocks are at a turning point. ADRs will serve as an important catalyst to drive their valuations," he added.

6 minutes ago

UBS and TD Cowen sharply raise Arm’s target price, betting on a revaluation of Arm’s AI data center CPU value.

Arm’s stock price pulled back this week alongside the high-valuation AI sector, though some Wall Street analysts say the correction does not alter the company’s long-term standing in AI data centers. UBS sharply raised Arm’s price target from $260 to $470, retaining its Buy rating; TD Cowen lifted its target from $265 to $475, also keeping a Buy recommendation. Both firms share the view that as agentic AI evolves, CPUs could gain greater importance in data center architectures, rather than GPUs continuing to monopolize the investment narrative. TD Cowen believes that over the long term, CPUs could hold a more strategic position in certain AI workloads. UBS, meanwhile, emphasizes that the real debate in the market centers on the revenue potential of Arm’s self-developed or independent CPU business. The bank projects Arm’s CPU-related revenue could reach around $14 billion by 2030, though the company itself has stated this business will not have a material impact on its finances until fiscal 2028. Arm’s strengths lie in low latency and energy efficiency—metrics that major cloud providers are increasingly prioritizing as they expand AI infrastructure. Even with its stock pulling back from recent highs in the short term, analysts still view Arm as one of the key beneficiaries of the server CPU upgrade cycle.

6 minutes ago

Crypto whale who profited over $23.77 million from BAT ICO liquidates 27,586 ETH

According to monitoring by Yu Jing, a whale that earned $23.77 million from participating in the BAT ICO sold 15,000 ETH (valued at roughly $24.29 million) two hours ago. The whale has now fully liquidated all 27,586 ETH it received from selling 35 million BAT on-chain over the past day and a half, converting the proceeds into 44.836 million USDS at an average selling price of $1,625.

6 minutes ago

Sources: Iraqi officials once considered withdrawing from OPEC, but current plans are to remain a member and pursue a higher quota.

A senior Iraqi oil ministry official said that if OPEC quotas are not significantly increased, Iraq will be forced to consider all available options. Sources said Iraqi officials had considered withdrawing from OPEC, but the current plan is to remain a member and push for higher quotas. (Jinshi)

6 minutes ago

Kepler Cheuvreux raises ASML’s European share price target from €1,460 to €1,830.

Kepler Cheuvreux has raised the target price for ASML’s European shares from €1,460 to €1,830.

6 minutes ago

USDOJ: CEO of Digital Asset Company SafeMoon Sentenced to 100 Months in Prison for Multi-Million Dollar Crypto-Fraud Scheme

In brief SafeMoon CEO Braden Karony was sentenced to 100 months in prison for his role in a crypto fraud scheme surrounding the SFM token. Karony was also ordered to forfeit $7.5 million for his crimes. One co-conspirator is awaiting sentencing, while another is still at large. SafeMoon CEO Braden John Karony was sentenced to 100 months in prison Tuesday by District Judge Eric Komitee of the Eastern District of New York for his role in a scheme that defrauded investors in the SafeMoon (SFM) token. 

Karony, who could have faced up to 45 years in prison, was convicted last May on conspiracy to commit securities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. In addition to the sentence, Karony was ordered to forfeit $7.5 million, with victim restitution still to be determined.

His defense noted Karony’s still-developing brain, his parents' service to the country, and his kindness, according to courtroom reporting from Inner City Press. The pleading apparently landed on deaf ears, though his sentence—8 years and 4 months—falls short of the government’s requested 12-year sentence for his crimes. 

“Karony lied to investors from all walks of life—including military veterans and hard working-Americans—and defrauded thousands of victims in order to buy mansions, sports cars, and custom trucks,” stated United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, in a statement. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that there are significant consequences for financial crimes.” 

SafeMoon grew to around an $8 billion market cap in 2021 using a 10% transaction tax mechanic designed to benefit holders. From that tax, half was designed to automatically redeploy to token holders, while the other half was supposed to enter liquidity pools to strengthen trading of the asset. 

But Karony was found to have diverted and misappropriated funds designed for those liquidity pools, defrauding investors in the token by maintaining access to what they thought were “locked” tokens.

“He deceived investors, using their funds to lavishly expand his portfolio with million-dollar homes and luxury cars,” IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge Harry Chavis said in a statement. “By employing complex transactions to obscure the movement of these illicit proceeds, Karony acquired over $9 million in crypto assets.” 

Karony and his co-conspirator Thomas Smith were originally charged in 2023 and hit with a civil suit from the SEC as well. Smith pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, and is awaiting sentencing.

A third alleged co-conspirator, Kyle Nagy, remains at large according to the United States Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of New York.

Daily Debrief NewsletterStart every day with the top news stories right now, plus original features, a podcast, videos and more.

Two of the most prominent crypto fraud cases in the U.S. courts moved in different directions today, 10 February.

In one case, the former chief executive of SafeMoon received a prison sentence following conviction. In another, Sam Bankman-Fried, the former head of collapsed exchange FTX, filed a fresh bid seeking to reopen his case.

SafeMoon CEO sentenced after victim testimony A federal judge in New York sentenced John Karony, the former CEO of SafeMoon, to 100 months in prison, according to courtroom reporting by Inner City Press.

During the sentencing hearing, multiple victims described how they invested in SafeMoon after being reassured by Karony’s public statements and personal engagement with the community. 

Several said the losses reshaped their financial futures, preventing home purchases and affecting education plans.

U.S. prosecutors sought a 12-year sentence, arguing Karony deliberately misled investors and showed no remorse. The defense cited his age and background to mitigate the punishment. 

The judge rejected those arguments, describing the scheme as “a massive fraud” and stating it was “more like theft than fraud,” emphasizing that investors had been explicitly assured there would be no rug pull.

The sentence marks a final chapter in one of the most widely followed cases to reach U.S. courts.

SBF files long-shot motion for new trial In a separate development, Bankman-Fried filed a pro se motion seeking a new trial on his FTX fraud conviction, according to Bloomberg. 

The filing, dated 5 February and docketed Tuesday in Manhattan federal court, argues that new witness testimony could undermine the government’s case.

The request is separate from Bankman-Fried’s formal appeal. It comes after a federal appeals court rejected his attempt to secure release while that appeal is pending. 

The Second Circuit ruled in December that he had not demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success.

Bankman-Fried was convicted in November 2023 on seven counts of fraud and conspiracy and sentenced in March 2024 to 25 years in prison. 

Prosecutors said he misappropriated billions of dollars in FTX customer funds to support risky trading at Alameda Research, political donations, and luxury real estate purchases.

Cases enter different phases Together, the two developments highlight how high-profile crypto prosecutions are diverging in 2026. 

While the SafeMoon case has reached sentencing, delivering closure for victims, the FTX case continues to generate procedural filings as its former executive pursues post-conviction relief.

Final Thoughts The SafeMoon sentencing reflects courts moving toward final judgments in retail-focused crypto fraud cases. Bankman-Fried’s filing underscores how larger cases can remain active for years through appeals and post-conviction motions.

What Did the Court Decide? Braden John Karony, the former chief executive of SafeMoon US LLC, has been sentenced to just over eight years in federal prison after prosecutors said he deceived investors and diverted millions of dollars in digital assets for personal use. The sentence was handed down following his conviction on multiple fraud-related charges.

According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, Karony was also ordered to forfeit roughly $7.5 million and two residential properties. Prosecutors said he obtained about $9 million in crypto assets and used portions of those funds to purchase a $2.2 million home in Utah, along with luxury vehicles including an Audi R8, a Tesla, and a custom Ford F-550.

Karony, 29, was convicted by a federal jury in May on charges of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. The case centers on the operation and promotion of the SafeMoon token, which at its peak in 2021 reached a market capitalization of more than $8 billion.

Investor Takeaway The SafeMoon case reinforces how token design and fee mechanics can become legal liabilities when disclosures diverge from actual fund usage.

How Did the SafeMoon Token Structure Work? SafeMoon was promoted as a community-driven token with built-in incentives for long-term holding. Every transaction was subject to a 10% fee, automatically applied whenever tokens were transferred between users, prosecutors said.

As presented to investors, that 10% fee was divided into two equal parts. One 5% portion was redistributed to existing holders, while the remaining 5% was directed to liquidity pools intended to support trading and price stability. Project materials described part of this liquidity as “locked,” creating the impression that the funds could not be accessed by insiders.

U.S. prosecutors said those representations did not match reality. In court filings, they alleged that Karony and his co-conspirators diverted millions of dollars from the liquidity pool despite assurances given to investors that the funds were restricted. That diversion, prosecutors said, enabled personal spending rather than serving the stated purposes of the token’s design.

The case highlights how tokenomics, often marketed as automated and trust-minimized, can still rely heavily on centralized control behind the scenes. When that control is abused, the legal consequences can mirror those seen in traditional securities fraud cases.

What Did Prosecutors and Investigators Say? Federal authorities framed the case as a straightforward example of investor deception rather than a technical dispute over crypto regulation. In the statement announcing the sentence, FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle said Karony exploited his role as chief executive to enrich himself at the expense of token holders.

“Not only did Braden John Karony abuse his position as CEO, but he also betrayed his investors’ trust by stealing more than nine million dollars in digital assets from his company to fund his lavish lifestyle,” Barnacle said.

The prosecution relied on transaction records, internal communications, and blockchain analysis to trace how funds moved from purportedly restricted pools to wallets under the control of Karony and others. Those records were used to link investor fees directly to personal purchases.

The approach reflects a broader enforcement pattern in crypto cases, where authorities focus less on abstract questions about whether a token is a security and more on whether statements made to investors were accurate and whether funds were used as described.

Investor Takeaway Regulators are treating misrepresentation and misuse of token fees in much the same way as traditional financial fraud, regardless of blockchain branding.

What Happens to Other Defendants? The SafeMoon case involved multiple individuals. Prosecutors said Thomas Smith, identified as a co-conspirator, pleaded guilty in February 2025 and is awaiting sentencing. Another alleged participant, Kyle Nagy, remains at large, according to court records.

The staggered outcomes reflect the differing roles and cooperation levels among defendants. Guilty pleas and cooperation agreements often result in separate sentencing timelines, while defendants who remain outside U.S. jurisdiction can delay full resolution of a case.

For the broader crypto market, the sentencing closes one chapter of a high-profile collapse that drew intense retail interest during the last market cycle. SafeMoon became a case study in how rapidly token valuations can rise on social momentum and marketing, and how quickly they can unravel once governance and fund flows come under scrutiny.

What Does the Case Mean for Crypto Enforcement? The Karony sentence adds to a growing list of criminal cases tied to digital asset projects that raised large sums from retail investors. U.S. authorities have increasingly leaned on fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering statutes rather than crafting new crypto-specific criminal charges.

That approach lowers the threshold for enforcement. Prosecutors do not need to resolve unsettled regulatory debates about token classification if they can show that investors were misled and funds were diverted. As a result, founders and executives face exposure not just from regulators, but from criminal courts.

PANews reported on February 11 that, according to The Block, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York announced on Tuesday that former SafeMoon CEO Braden John Karony was sentenced to more than eight years in prison for defrauding investors and had approximately $7.5 million and two residential properties forfeited. The 29-year-old Karony was convicted by a federal jury in May of securities fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Prosecutors stated that he misled investors through false advertising, illegally misappropriating over $9 million in project funds to maintain a lavish lifestyle, including purchasing a $2.2 million Utah residence, an Audi R8 sports car, a Tesla, and a custom Ford F-550 truck.

The SafeMoon project issued its tokens in 2021, at one point reaching a market capitalization exceeding $8 billion. Its transactions included a 10% tax mechanism, half of which was supposed to be injected into a liquidity pool. However, prosecutors allege that Karony and his accomplices fraudulently transferred millions of dollars from this pool for personal use. His accomplice, Thomas Smith, pleaded guilty in February 2025 and is awaiting sentencing; another accomplice, Kyle Nagy, remains at large.

Ex SafeMoon CEO Braden Karony has received a 100-month sentence for stealing millions in customer funds and using them for personal gains.

A United States District Judge passed the sentencing in a Brooklyn federal court on Monday. Karony was convicted last year in May, when a federal jury found him guilty of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.

Besides the prison term, Karony has been asked to forfeit $7.5 million and two residential properties. He would also be required to pay restitution for the damages caused, but the exact amount had not been determined.

“Karony lied to investors from all walks of life—including military veterans and hard working-Americans—and defrauded thousands of victims in order to buy mansions, sports cars, and custom trucks,” U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr said in an accompanying statement.

Karony and company misled investors Karony and his co-conspirators—Thomas Smith, who served as SafeMoon’s chief technology officer, and Kyle Nagy, the project’s creator—had orchestrated a major fraud and managed to defraud over a million investors. According to details submitted in court, they imposed a 10% tax on every transaction, marketing it as a mechanism to support liquidity pools that were supposedly locked to prevent fund withdrawals by insiders.

Federal prosecutors were able to prove that the defendants maintained secret access to these pools and were effectively using them as a slush fund to finance their lavish lifestyle.

The SafeMoon token (SFM) at one point managed to reach a market capitalization of over $8 billion during the 2021 crypto boom, but subsequently crashed more than 98% after the exposure of the fraud and the bankruptcy of the company in late 2023.

Smith pleaded guilty in February 2025 and testified against Karony in a deal that led to his sentencing. Meanwhile, Nagy remains at large, with some reports suggesting he may have fled to Russia.