According to data from PiScan, the Pi Network’s core team currently holds the majority of the total Pi Coin (PI) supply.
While such concentration may be necessary during the early stages of a network’s development, it also raises significant concerns about the project’s future decentralization.
Pi Coin Supply Concentration: Core Team’s Control Sparks Worries
The latest data reveals that the Pi Network’s core team controls approximately 62.8 billion Pi Coins across six wallets. Additionally, around 20 billion PI sits in roughly 10,000 unlisted wallets that belong to the team.
This brings the total supply held by these entities to about 82.8 billion PI. It represents a major chunk of the total maximum supply of 100 billion.
Further complicating the centralization issues, Pi Network is currently operating with only 43 nodes and three validators globally. In stark contrast, more established Layer 1 networks, such as Bitcoin (BTC), operate with over 21,000 nodes.Moreover, Ethereum (ETH) has over 6,600, and Solana (SOL) has around 4,800 nodes.
The limited number of nodes and validators means that control of the network is concentrated in the hands of a few entities. Therefore, this makes the network much more centralized than its more established counterparts.
“Analyzing Pi Network’s source code and on-chain data is currently challenging due to its incomplete openness,” PiScan posted on X.
Meanwhile, Pi Network has also raised doubts regarding privacy and third-party involvement. In the 2025 privacy policy update, Pi Network revealed that it uses ChatGPT for its Know Your Customer (KYC) process. This feature was not mentioned in the previous version of the policy.
“We use ChatGPT, as a trusted AI partner, to automate identity verification and enhance security measures. By using our KYC services, users consent to the use of ChatGPT, and other AI providers that may be later implemented, as part of our KYC process,” the document states.
The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into the KYC process brings a new layer of complexity to how user data is shared and processed.
This dissatisfaction has resulted in a sharp decline in Pi Network’s popularity. According to Google Trends, the search interest for “Pi Network” has dropped significantly since the mainnet launch on February 20.
On launch day, the search interest was at 100, indicating a peak of public attention and excitement surrounding the event. However, this figure has plummeted to just 12 at the time of this report, reflecting a steep decline in interest.
March proved to be a challenging month for many altcoins, with several experiencing sharp corrections. However, as Q2 2025 approaches, some tokens are positioned to benefit from potential improvements in market conditions.
BeInCrypto has analyzed four altcoins that, while not on the verge, are closer than others to reaching new all-time highs.
Gate (GT)
GT is currently trading at $23.50, just 10% away from its all-time high of $25.96. To reach this level, the altcoin needs to breach and flip $23.94 into a support level. A successful break above this resistance could pave the way for further price gains.
Market conditions suggest that GT could experience a price increase in the coming days, provided investors refrain from selling at the sight of profits. If this occurs, GT could push past $25.96 and potentially form a new ATH.
However, $23.94 has acted as a strong resistance for the past two months. If GT fails to breach this level, it could fall back to $22.56 or even lower to $21.25. Such a drop would invalidate the bullish outlook and potentially extend the current downtrend.
BNB
BNB has made several attempts to reach its all-time high of $793 since December 2024 but has consistently failed to break the $741 resistance. Despite sharp declines, the altcoin has shown resilience, bouncing back each time, indicating some level of investor confidence and market interest in its future performance.
Currently, BNB is holding above the critical support block between $587 and $619, standing about 25% away from its ATH. If broader market conditions turn bullish, BNB could be poised to attempt a new ATH within the next month.
While BNB may face challenges at the $741 resistance level, strong support could push it through this barrier. However, if BNB fails to break $647 first, it could see a decline below the $619 support level. This would invalidate the bullish outlook and potentially extend the current downward trend.
MANTRA (OM)
OM’s price is currently trading at $6.58, still far from its all-time high of $9.17, requiring a 40% rise to reach that level. Despite this, the altcoin has significant potential to rally. A positive shift in market sentiment could drive it toward higher price levels.
Strong bullish momentum has fueled OM’s rise, with the altcoin reaching an ATH of $9.17 towards the end of February. The continued inflow into OM signals the possibility of another rally. If OM successfully breaches $7.02 and flips $7.74 into support, it would solidify the bullish outlook.
However, if OM fails to breach the $7.02 resistance, the altcoin could fall back to $6.17. This drop would likely continue its consolidation phase, as seen earlier this month, and invalidate the bullish thesis. A failure to break key resistance levels would limit price growth.
Cheems (CHEEMS)
CHEEMS, though a lesser-known coin, has been gaining bullish momentum this month. Earlier this week, the altcoin formed a new all-time high at $0.000002179. This recent price surge indicates growing investor interest and the potential for further gains if market conditions remain favorable.
For CHEEMS to form a new ATH beyond $0.000002200, it will need a 25% rally from its current price. The altcoin is likely to bounce off the $0.000001660 support level, which could help capitalize on the current bullish momentum. A sustained move above this level could signal further upside potential.
However, if CHEEMS fails to hold above the $0.000001660 support, it could face significant downward pressure. A drop below this level could result in CHEEMS falling to $0.000001461 or even as low as $0.000001132. Such a decline would invalidate the bullish outlook and may extend the downtrend.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is quickly becoming a notable force in the push for global crypto adoption. With growing participation from institutions and enterprises and supportive regulations for Web3 technology, MENA is set to expand its impact.
BeInCrypto interviewed Stephan Apel, CEO of Outlier Ventures, to explore the characteristics of these tech-driven economies and their anticipated innovations.
Web3 Adoption and Market Growth
MENA has emerged as a significant center for Web3 development, facilitated by a combination of demographic, technological, and cultural factors. The region’s entrepreneurial spirit has also fostered an environment conducive to the adoption of decentralized technologies.
“The MENA market has set a standard for adopting next-gen technologies and using them to boost their economic transformation. This is especially true for Web3 technologies— the region recognised their potential early on, offering the resources needed for these projects to scale and thrive on both regional and global levels,” Apel told BeInCrypto.
Consequently, the region is witnessing an increase in startups, investors, and developers exploring Web3 and its diverse applications.
A 2024 Chainalysis report revealed that MENA was the seventh biggest crypto market worldwide. From July 2023 to June 2024, the region saw $338.7 billion in online crypto transactions, representing 7.5% of all crypto transactions globally.
Share of all cryptocurrency transaction value by region. Source: Chainalysis.
Notably, Turkey and Morocco ranked among the top 30 countries globally in crypto adoption. Turkey secured the 11th spot, while Morocco ranked 27th. These nations alone accounted for $137 billion and $12.7 billion in received cryptocurrency value, respectively.
Furthermore, the MENA region’s crypto activity is predominantly driven by institutional and professional players, as a substantial 93% of all value transferred involves transactions exceeding $10,000.
Meanwhile, Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) members have distinguished themselves through their ambitious technological initiatives.
MENA’s Strategic Shift Towards AI
The onset of artificial intelligence (AI) has prompted governments and businesses within the Middle East to acknowledge the global trend towards related advanced technologies. Countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are considering their strategic position concerning this technological transformation.
According to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy in 2030. The consulting firm predicts that the Middle East will bring 2% of the total global benefits, equal to $320 billion.
MENA’s pioneering role in AI development. Source: PwC.
The PwC report also indicates that Saudi Arabia will see the largest absolute gains from AI by 2030, with an estimated US$135.2 billion added to its economy, or 12.4% of GDP. In terms of GDP percentage, however, the UAE is expected to see the greatest impact, approaching 14% of its 2030 GDP. Meanwhile, for GCC states Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, AI is expected to contribute 8.2% of their GDP.
Given the region’s latest initiatives and investments in AI innovation, these numbers come as no surprise.
Saudi Arabia’s AI Development Initiatives
In 2016, the Saudi Arabian government launched Vision 2030, a program to promote economic, social, and cultural diversification. Integral to this vision is a strategic shift towards artificial intelligence and data-driven innovation, a key component of the nation’s economic diversification efforts.
Saudi Arabia is making notable advancements in AI. The country aims to reduce its reliance on oil by developing advanced technology sectors through targeted investments, infrastructure development, and workforce training.
“Fueled by its Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia has already created a thriving startup ecosystem, dedicated significant investment in emerging technologies,and designed policies to attract global talent and entrepreneurship,” Apel told BeInCrypto.
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) spearheads Saudi Arabia’s push into artificial intelligence, shaping and implementing the country’s national data and AI strategy. The National Data Bank is a cornerstone of their efforts. It is designed as a central hub for data access and analysis, facilitating AI applications across public and private sectors.
Last November, Saudi Arabia also unveiled Project Transcendence. The $100 billion investment initiative focuses on accelerating the integration of AI and advanced technologies.
Similar to its neighbor, the UAE has actively pursued AI adoption.
UAE’s AI Strategy and Investments
In 2017, the UAE launched its National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, which aims to make the country a global leader in the field by 2031. The UAE AI and Blockchain Council oversees this strategy, which impacts sectors like education, energy, and tourism.
The UAE is already reaping the benefits of its AI initiatives. In April, Microsoft announced a $1.5 billion investment in G42, an Abu Dhabi-based technology holding company. G42 is known for its data centers and the development of Jais, a leading Arabic-language AI model.
In September, G42 and Nvidia partnered to create AI-driven solutions for improved weather forecasting. The collaboration aims to advance climate-related technologies by using Nvidia’s Earth-2 platform, which enables AI-augmented climate and weather simulations.
Three months later, Abu Dhabi-based global technological ecosystem Hub71 partnered with Google to boost startup growth in the UAE. This collaboration will bring Google’s “Google for Startups” program to Abu Dhabi, including a dedicated accelerator for Hub71 startups in 2025.
He also drew attention to the planned convergence of AI and Web3 technologies in these prominent regions.
Convergence of AI, Web3, and IoT
Integrating the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and AI technologies is gaining traction among businesses in the Middle East. By combining these technologies, organizations can access new avenues for growth, increase efficiency, and create novel user experiences.
In 2018, the Dubai Airport Freezone Authority launched Dubai Blink, a platform that integrates AI, blockchain, and virtual licenses to facilitate global trade. This system enhances supply chain innovation through ‘smart commerce’ by expediting trade with a unified online platform. Furthermore, it addressed the cumbersome process of supplier identification by using AI algorithms to streamline and accelerate the validation process.
Ultimately, MENA’s proactive approach to technological advancement, coupled with its strategic focus on Web3 and AI, signals a future where the region will be a pivotal architect in shaping the digital economy.
