As Ethereum (ETH) continues to struggle with fluctuations in its price, which has been influenced by various factors including Bitcoin (BTC)’s ongoing dominance, DeFi’s growth, and external market events, investors are increasingly looking for alternatives that offer a different kind of potential. One such alternative is Coldware (COLD), a rising Layer 1 Web3 cryptocurrency that could be poised to challenge Ethereum’s dominance in the market.
The Emergence of Coldware (COLD) as a New Web3 Solution
Coldware (COLD) offers a promising new approach to blockchain technology, built on a Layer 1 protocol designed for Web3. By focusing on IoT integration and providing low-fee transactions with high scalability, Coldware (COLD) could provide the solutions that Ethereum (ETH) struggles to achieve. While Ethereum (ETH) is tied to smart contracts and DeFi, Coldware (COLD) is opening up a new frontier by focusing on real-world applications, making it a potentially disruptive force in the blockchain space.
With its Layer 1 technology and growing presence, Coldware (COLD) is drawing attention from investors and developers who are looking for a blockchain solution that is not only efficient but also scalable. As Coldware (COLD) approaches the final stages of its presale, it is gaining ground with those who feel that Ethereum’s (ETH) current limitations are hindering future blockchain advancements.
Ethereum’s Price and the Future of DeFi
Since its meteoric rise in 2021, Ethereum (ETH) has been deeply intertwined with the DeFi (Decentralized Finance) sector. Ethereum’s (ETH) technical advancements, such as the Berlin update and the Ethereum Merge, aimed at reducing transaction fees and improving scalability, drew a lot of interest. However, Ethereum’s (ETH) journey has not been without obstacles. In late 2022, Ethereum (ETH) faced a massive price dip, exacerbated by the collapse of FTX, which caused the coin to significantly drop from its high of $4,400 to $1,937.39 by March 2025.
Despite these setbacks, Ethereum (ETH) continues to be at the heart of the NFT and DeFi movements. It facilitates everything from decentralized lending to NFTs, but it has faced increasing scalability issues and high transaction costs. These factors have led investors to question whether Ethereum (ETH) can continue to lead the pack, or if new players, like Coldware (COLD), will take its place.
Could Coldware (COLD) Be the Next Big Thing?
While Ethereum (ETH) remains crucial in the current blockchain ecosystem, its slow pace of scalability improvements and high transaction costs may drive users and investors toward more scalable alternatives. Coldware (COLD)’s growing popularity, paired with its real-world use cases, suggests that it could be the new face of Web3 technology. Investors looking for something beyond the traditional DeFi model might find Coldware (COLD) to be the next big opportunity.
Conclusion: Ethereum’s Struggles and Coldware’s Potential
As Ethereum (ETH) continues to face challenges, Coldware (COLD) offers a new, forward-thinking solution for the next phase of blockchain development. While Ethereum (ETH) remains a major player in the blockchain space, its struggles with scalability and costs may leave the door open for Coldware (COLD) to emerge as the next big blockchain revolution.
Coldware’s (COLD) focus on IoT, low transaction fees, and scalability positions it to take advantage of the weaknesses in Ethereum’s (ETH) current infrastructure, making it an attractive option for the next wave of blockchain innovation. As Bitcoin (BTC) shows signs of resistance at $84,400, and with Ethereum (ETH)facing challenges, Coldware (COLD) could rise to meet the demand for a more scalable and efficient blockchain solution in the Web3 space.
For more information on the Coldware (COLD) Presale:
Bitcoin is stepping beyond its role as a store of value and into DeFi. BTCFi is bringing lending, staking, and yield opportunities directly to the Bitcoin network without middlemen. This shift not only unlocks new financial use cases for Bitcoin holders but also helps secure the network by keeping miners incentivized.
To understand where BTCFi stands today and where it’s headed, BeInCrypto spoke with industry leaders from 1inch, exSat, Babylon and GOAT Network. They shared insights on the current landscape, key challenges, and what’s needed for BTCFi to reach its full potential.
Key trends and explosive growth in 2024
The year 2024 marked a pivotal period for BTCfi, characterized by remarkable growth metrics. According toDefiLlama, the Total Value Locked (TVL) in Bitcoin-based DeFi protocols experienced an unprecedented surge, escalating from $307 million in January to over $6.5 billion by December 31, 2024, a staggering increase of more than 2,000%. This surge reflects a burgeoning interest and confidence in Bitcoin’s DeFi capabilities.
BTCFi’s growth is driven by a mix of institutional adoption, market performance, and technological advancements. The approval of Bitcoin ETFs has fueled institutional interest, pushing BTCFi’s total value locked (TVL) higher. Major exchanges like Binance and OKX are integrating BTCFi services, improving accessibility and liquidity. Bitcoin’s strong market performance, hitting an all-time high of $108,268 in December 2024 before closing at $93,429, has further boosted confidence.
Source: Glassnode
At the same time, innovations like Bitcoin-native assets, wrapped BTC, and staking solutions are expanding Bitcoin’s role in DeFi. Projects such as exSat, GOAT Network, Babylon and 1inch are leading the way with new protocols that enhance Bitcoin’s DeFi potential.
As BTCFi continues to evolve, one fundamental truth remains unchanged – demand for Bitcoin itself. Kevin Liu, co-founder of GOAT Network, encapsulates this sentiment: “All of us want more BTC, because it’s the king of all tokens. Whichever projects succeed in delivering real BTC yield will flourish, because they’re giving people exactly what they want. This is true now, and it will be true 3-5 years from now.”
Shalini Wood, CMO of Babylon, captures this shift, stating: “We’re seeing a shift where Bitcoin is no longer just something you HODL. Innovations in Bitcoin staking, lending, and trustless interoperability will define the next wave of BTCFi. BTCFi will evolve beyond traditional DeFi models, leveraging Bitcoin’s security to support sovereign applications, cross-chain liquidity, and more scalable, trust-minimized financial products. The goal is to carve out a distinct, Bitcoin-native approach that enhances security and decentralization across the entire crypto ecosystem.”
Tristan Dickinson, CMO exSat Network: “Enabling Bitcoin yield and DeFi-based strategies without sacrificing control of native Bitcoin is crucial. Bitcoin has fulfilled its original purpose as a store of value, evolving it into a tool for value creation requires meeting some very specific criteria: preserving native Bitcoin security, ensuring interoperability between ecosystems, and supporting complex smart contracts.
At the same time, regulatory developments in the U.S. are reshaping the BTCFi landscape. The prospect of a government-backed Bitcoin reserve lends legitimacy to BTC as a financial asset, potentially attracting institutional investors. However, as Sergej Kunz, co-founder of 1inch, points out, regulation remains a double-edged sword: “Some policies support innovation, while others could tighten controls on BTCFi. Clear regulations on existing DeFi and smart contracts will be crucial for its growth.”
The next phase of BTCFi will be defined by the balance between innovation and regulation. While Bitcoin’s decentralized nature makes it resistant to government interference, regulatory clarity could provide the stability needed for mainstream adoption. The question remains — will policymakers embrace BTCFi as a transformative financial force, or will they attempt to contain its potential?
How Much Starting Capital Do You Really Need?
The world of Bitcoin Finance (BTCFi) is evolving rapidly, offering opportunities for both institutional investors and everyday users. But how much capital do you actually need to get started?
Shalini Wood, emphasizes that “BTCFi is not just about individual participation—it’s about unlocking capital efficiency for Bitcoin at scale. BTCFi is designed to maximize security and reward opportunities while keeping Bitcoin’s core principles intact.” Platforms like Babylon, which holds “$4.4 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL),” are driving liquidity and accessibility.
One of the most significant advantages of BTCFi is its accessibility. Traditional finance often has high entry barriers, requiring investors to put down substantial capital to participate in meaningful ways. In contrast, BTCFi allows users to start with much smaller amounts, thanks to the efficiency of Bitcoin sidechains and second-layer solutions.
Sergej Kunz, highlights this shift, stating that “BTCFi platforms have low entry barriers, with some allowing participation with as little as $100 thanks to Bitcoin sidechains like Rootstock and Lightning-based protocols.” This means that retail investors, who may have previously been excluded from financial opportunities, can now leverage Bitcoin’s growing DeFi ecosystem without needing deep pockets.
This low entry threshold is particularly important in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is weak or inaccessible. BTCFi can provide people in emerging markets with new ways to save, earn yield, and access financial services without relying on intermediaries.
Kevin Liu, explains this philosophy: “The best BTCFi solutions won’t require users to be whales; rather, they’ll give both whales and guppies the opportunity to earn real BTC yield. A well-designed BTCFi-focused ecosystem will allot the exact same annual returns (by percentage) to a user who stakes $1 million, vs. another who stakes $100.”
This principle is crucial because it aligns with Bitcoin’s original ethos of financial fairness and open participation. In a world where traditional financial products often favor the wealthy with better interest rates and lower fees, BTCFi is aiming to level the playing field.
Ultimately, whether you’re a small investor or a deep-pocketed institution, BTCFi platforms are increasingly designed to accommodate all levels of participation, ensuring that Bitcoin’s financial ecosystem remains open and rewarding for everyone.
BTCFi: A Gateway to Earning Without Leaving Bitcoin
With the rise of Bitcoin Finance (BTCFi), crypto users now have more ways to earn from their BTC without relying on centralized platforms. “BTCFi is becoming more accessible, enabling users to lend, stake, and trade BTC without relying on centralized platforms,” explains Sergej Kunz. While APR programs and staking options on Ethereum or Solana may offer higher yields, he notes that “BTCFi allows users to earn on BTC without leaving the Bitcoin ecosystem, making it a strong alternative for long-term holders.”
Tristan Dickinson, highlights the rapid expansion of Bitcoin’s Layer 2 ecosystem: “Today, there are over 70+ Bitcoin L2 projects working to expand access to and from the Bitcoin ecosystem, but the ecosystem is immature. Basic DeFi instruments like staking are emerging, yet only a few players, maybe three to five, offer true staking with token and APY programs.”
He emphasizes that Bitcoin DeFi is on an inevitable growth trajectory: “First comes staking, then re-staking, followed by diversified yield, collateralized lending and borrowing, and eventually an explosion in structured financial products. Some projects are leading, others are following.”
exSat’s approach aims to accelerate this evolution by mirroring Bitcoin’s data while integrating it with DeFi innovations. “Creating a mirrored version of Bitcoin with identical (UTXO) data and similar partners is the first true scaling solution for the ecosystem. Combining the best parts of Bitcoin with the most powerful elements of DeFi is the only path to meaningful BTCFi growth,” Dickinson concludes.
As BTCFi continues to mature, its ability to offer decentralized yield opportunities without compromising Bitcoin’s core principles is positioning it as a compelling alternative for long-term BTC holders.
Kevin Liu, highlights the growing divide in user behavior: “We’ll likely see growth in both groups – people who simply buy BTC on centralized exchanges and either leave it alone or maybe ape into limited-time APR promotions on those CEXes, and people who watch centralized exchanges get hacked and/or appreciate the power of ‘not your keys, not your coins’ and thus seek out decentralized options.” As Bitcoin adoption increases, Liu predicts that more users will explore BTCFi solutions to generate yield without handing control of their assets to centralized exchanges.
With Bitcoin remaining “the single most powerful asset since it came into existence 16 years ago,” BTCFi is poised to attract both casual holders and those seeking decentralized earning opportunities, helping drive mass adoption in the process.
BTCFi vs. DeFi on Ethereum and Solana: Key Differences and Similarities
As Bitcoin Finance (BTCFi) continues to evolve, it is increasingly compared to the established DeFi ecosystems on Ethereum and Solana. While all three aim to provide financial opportunities beyond traditional banking, they differ in design, security, and user experience.
Ethereum has long been the dominant force in decentralized finance, known for its robust smart contract capabilities and extensive range of DeFi applications. “Ethereum has encouraged smart contract development and as many DeFi use cases as you can possibly imagine,” explains Kevin Liu. The ecosystem has fostered innovations in lending, automated market-making, and derivatives, making it the go-to platform for developers experimenting with new financial models. However, Ethereum’s strengths also come with challenges, high gas fees and network congestion can limit accessibility for smaller investors.
Solana, on the other hand, was designed with speed and efficiency in mind. Its high throughput and low fees make it an attractive choice for retail users and traders looking for fast execution times. “Solana stands out for its speed and low fees,” notes Sergej Kunz. This efficiency has allowed Solana’s DeFi ecosystem to flourish, with platforms like Raydium, Jupiter, and Kamino providing seamless trading and yield farming experiences. However, the trade-off comes in the form of higher hardware requirements for validators and periodic network outages, which have raised concerns about decentralization and stability.
Bitcoin, in contrast, follows a fundamentally different philosophy. It prioritizes security and decentralization above all else, which historically limited its ability to support complex smart contracts. “BTCFi is built on Bitcoin’s battle-tested PoW security, ensuring minimal trust assumptions and censorship resistance,” says Shalini Wood. Rather than trying to replicate Ethereum’s DeFi model, BTCFi is developing its own distinct approach, leveraging Bitcoin’s unparalleled security while introducing financial applications tailored for BTC holders.
“THORChain, Sovryn, and Stackswap are among the projects offering native BTC DeFi solutions, bridging the gap between Bitcoin’s security and Ethereum’s programmability,” adds SergejKunz. These platforms allow users to engage in decentralized trading and lending while keeping custody of their Bitcoin, avoiding the risks associated with wrapped BTC on other chains. As BTCFi infrastructure matures, it is expected to carve out its own niche, the one that remains true to Bitcoin’s principles while expanding its financial utility.
In the end, while Ethereum, Solana, and Bitcoin each offer unique strengths, BTCFi is proving that Bitcoin is no longer just a passive store of value. It is evolving into a fully functional financial ecosystem, leveraging its unmatched security to create decentralized applications that don’t compromise on decentralization or trust minimization.
The crypto market concluded yet another week, primarily sparking investor optimism with recovering price trajectories. Bitcoin (BTC) price recovered from a $76K low to reach $84K right ahead of the U.S. FOMC next week. Whereas, major-league altcoins also mimicked price gains. The global cryptocurrency market cap again embarked upon a trajectory towards the $3 trillion mark as the week comes to an end.
Mentioned below are some of the top crypto market updates reported by CoinGape Media over the past week.
Crypto Market: Bitcoin Advancements This Week
The flagship crypto has witnessed significant developments over the past seven days, keeping investors optimistic despite price turbulence. Notably, global financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald launched a $2 billion Bitcoin financing business, partnering with Anchorage Digital and Copper for secure institutional access.
On the other hand, Cathie Wood’s Ark Invest expanded its Bitcoin holdings, accumulating 997 BTC worth $80 million via Coinbase this week.
Also, despite the recent market turmoil, 95% of investors in the U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs continue to hold onto their holdings. As a result, market watchers continue weighing optimism over long-term price prospects.
Moreover, Deutsche Boerse’s post-trade unit Clearstream plans to launch Bitcoin & Ethereum custody services by the end of this year. Mentioned above are the top crypto market updates orbiting Bitcoin over the past week.
Are Prices Bracing For Macro Events?
Meanwhile, the broader market shows a recovery-like trend ahead of the U.S. FOMC next week. Set to occur on March 19, the monetary policymaking decision remains much eyed by investors globally.
Market-wide expectations of unchanged interest rates by the U.S. Fed prevail at the moment. Also, the latest U.S. CPI data indicated cooling inflation, offering some support to risk assets. In turn, traders and investors speculate whether a price recovery is possible after the turmoil caused by Donald Trump’s tariff saga.
Global markets, including crypto, took severe heat previously, although recent price actions signal that a recovery and bull cycle continuation might be on the horizon.
US Senator Cynthia Lummis has sharply criticized the Federal Reserve’s recent move to withdraw guidance on cryptocurrency activities. She argued that the decision does not represent genuine progress for the digital asset industry and raised concerns about the ongoing regulatory challenges facing crypto companies.
Lummis, a staunch advocate for cryptocurrency, believes that the Federal Reserve’s actions will continue to stifle innovation and create unnecessary hurdles for businesses in the space.
Cynthia Lummis Concerns Over the Fed’s Crypto Guidance Withdrawal
Senator Cynthia Lummis took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her dissatisfaction with the Federal Reserve’s decision to rescind certain supervisory guidance regarding cryptocurrency activities. She emphasized that despite the Fed’s actions, the core issues facing the crypto industry remain unresolved.
“The Fed withdrawing crypto guidance is just noise, not real progress,” Lummis said. “We are NOT fooled.” According to Lummis, the Fed’s withdrawal of guidance is not a real step forward and fails to address the underlying problems. In a further statement, Lummis said,
“I will continue to hold the Fed accountable until the digital asset industry gets more than a life jacket, Chair Powell—they need a fair shake.”
Cynthia Lummis also criticized the Federal Reserve for undermining the digital asset industry with previous regulatory actions. She pointed out that the Fed’s stance had led to the closure of crypto businesses and hampered innovation. In her view, the Fed’s policies have done significant harm to American interests by preventing the crypto industry from reaching its full potential.
Fed’s Regulatory Approach to Crypto Assets
The decision by the Federal Reserve to withdraw certain supervisory letters represents a new direction in handling of the cryptocurrency industry. These letters had earlier requested banks to obtain prior permission when they intended to undertake activities concerning stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies.
By withdrawing this guidance the Fed follows similar tendencies of other regulators, including the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) who have also shifted to more lenient approach to banking services related to crypto.
Despite these changes, Caitlin Long, founder of Custodia Bank, like Cynthia Lummis, has raised concerns about the Federal Reserve’s continued stance on digital assets. According to Long, the Fed had not withdrawn its guidelines published back in January 2023 that stated that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies remained “unsafe and unsound.”
Cynthia Lummis Criticism of the Fed’s Master Account Policy
Senator Cynthia Lummis also pointed out the negligence of the Federal Reserve in not addressing the concerns of master accounts, allegedly used illegally to limit banking services for crypto enterprises.
The Fed’s noncompliance with the law of master accounts has not been well received by Lummis and other members of the crypto community. In her opinion, this still keeps the crypto companies from being on the same level as normal traditional firms. Master accounts are necessary for banks to receive specific services from the Fed, and Lummis says that this constitutes unequal treatment of crypto.
She appealed to the Federal Reserve to cease employing reputation risk as the guiding principle for crypto activities, and its detrimental effect on innovation. According to Lummis, despite the swearing in of a new US SEC Chair, the Fed is stifling the growth of the crypto industry by not allowing broad access to these accounts.
