Friday has come, the digest is here, special for you. This week in crypto was highlighted by long-term infrastructure decisions: quantum resistance planning, Ethereum’s upgrade roadmap, stablecoin expansion, and ecosystem shakeouts across Ethereum and Solana.
Spoiler 1: not all the news was positive. Spoiler 2: no news about BTC.
It’s time to review them together with the Evercode Lab team! Before diving into the news break, take a moment to explore how Evercode Lab can support your Web3 ambitions.
With our white-label solutions, you can develop and launch your own crypto or Web3 product faster, easier, and with full technical support at every stage: from concept to release
Ethereum Moves Toward Quantum Threat Protection
It’s time to talk about one of the biggest blockchain networks. Ethereum developers are preparing the network for a post-quantum future. The discussion focuses on integrating quantum-resistant cryptography to protect user funds against future attacks enabled by quantum computing.
There are currently 4 components in the protocol that are vulnerable to quantum computers. These are consensus-level signatures, data availability, user address algorithms, and ZK proofs. The upgrade plan includes a step-by-step network rebuild.
Why does this matter?
Most blockchain networks today rely on classical cryptographic algorithms (like ECDSA), which could theoretically be broken by sufficiently advanced quantum computers. While large-scale quantum machines capable of breaking Ethereum do not yet exist, the ecosystem is taking a proactive approach.
The proposed protection mechanisms would gradually introduce post-quantum signature schemes, ensuring long-term network security without disrupting current users. This reflects a broader industry trend: preparing blockchain infrastructure for risks that may emerge in the next decade.
Ethereum Developers Plan Seven Hard Forks by 2029
Another big announcement from the Ethereum Foundation. Networks’ core developers have outlined an ambitious roadmap: 7 hard forks planned through 2029.
Hard forks are major network upgrades that introduce technical improvements, scalability enhancements, and security optimizations. This roadmap signals Ethereum’s commitment to continuous evolution rather than radical redesign.
The upcoming upgrades are expected to focus on:
• Scalability improvements of L1
• Efficiency enhancements
• Network security strengthening
• Better developer experience
“Strawmap will evolve along with community feedback, research progress, and management,” said Justin Drake, Ethereum Foundation Researcher, promising to update the document at least once a quarter.
For the broader crypto market, Ethereum’s long-term planning reinforces its role as a foundational Web3 infrastructure layer. Predictable upgrade cycles also reduce uncertainty for institutional participants.
MoonPay, M0, and PayPal Launch PYUSDx Infrastructure
MoonPay, M0, and PayPal announced PYUSDx, an infrastructure platform designed to expand the utility of PYUSD-backed stablecoins.
PYUSD, PayPal’s U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, has been gradually expanding its presence in crypto payments and digital commerce.
The new PYUSDx platform aims to provide scalable infrastructure for stablecoin issuance, settlement, and integration into broader financial systems.
This move highlights 2 important trends:
• Traditional fintech giants are doubling down on stablecoins.
• Infrastructure, not speculation, is becoming the focus of stablecoin growth.
With regulatory scrutiny increasing globally, partnerships between payment providers and blockchain infrastructure companies may define the next phase of digital dollar adoption.
EthZilla Rebrands and Abandons Ethereum Purchase Plan
This Thursday, EthZilla announced a rebranding and rejected the previously announced plan to purchase Ethereum.
ETHZilla’s shares rose by more than 13% to a monthly high of $3.91. The quotes went up after the name change to the Forum and the official abandonment of the strategy of accumulating ether.
The project had previously positioned itself around accumulating ETH exposure, but the strategic pivot suggests changing market conditions or internal restructuring.
Such shifts are not uncommon in volatile crypto markets. Rebrands often reflect attempts to reposition business models, attract new audiences, or distance projects from earlier strategies that no longer align with market sentiment.
Step Finance and Two Solana Projects Shut Down
DeFi aggregator Step Finance, along with two other Solana-based projects (SolanaFloor and Remora Markets), announced the cessation of operations.
While the Solana ecosystem remains active, these closures highlight the ongoing consolidation phase in crypto. Following the 2025 downturn, many projects with unsustainable tokenomics or limited revenue models are struggling to survive.
This trend underscores a broader reality:
• Capital is becoming more selective.
• Projects must demonstrate real utility and sustainable business models.
• Ecosystems are maturing through attrition.
George Harrap, co-founder of Step Finance, stated that he was ready to sell certain parts of the ecosystem if serious buyers were found.
Final Takeaway
As always, understanding these shifts is key to navigating the next phase of the crypto industry. Stay tuned with Evercode Lab for more weekly insights into blockchain trends, and explore how our white-label solutions can help your business innovate and thrive in the fast-moving Web3 ecosystem.