Apr 7, 2025: Our weekly Institutional Insights explores the latest market developments — market performance, industry news, exchange-traded fund (ETF) flows, trending topics, upcoming events and token unlocks — to help you supercharge your crypto trading.

 explores the latest market developments — market performance, industry news, exchange-traded fund (ETF) flows, trending topics, upcoming events and token unlocks — to help you supercharge your crypto trading.

Weekly highlight — Fed not ready to adjust rates 

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell emphasized that the central bank will not rush to respond to the Trump administration's tariffs or the resulting market turmoil stemming from fears of a global economic downturn. At a conference in Virginia, he acknowledged that tariffs could significantly impact the US economy, leading to slower growth and higher inflation. However, he stated that the Fed will wait for more clarity before considering interest rate cuts.

With inflation still elevated, Powell stressed the Fed's responsibility to prevent a temporary price surge from evolving into a persistent inflation issue. Julia Coronado, President and Founder of MacroPolicy Perspectives, noted that due to current inflation levels, the Fed is not as well positioned to offer economic support as during previous trade disputes.. Even if rate cuts become necessary, they’re likely to be delayed and cautious.

Following Trump’s announcement of new tariffs, stocks fell sharply, with the S&P 500 facing its worst week since the COVID-19 lockdowns. Economists have raised concerns that these tariffs could lead to a recession, prompting increased speculation about the timing of potential rate cuts. Powell's recent comments marked a shift from his earlier stance that inflation effects from tariffs would be short-lived.

He reiterated the Fed's commitment to maintaining stable long-term inflation expectations and acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the tariffs' economic impact. Despite signs of deteriorating consumer sentiment and business spending, Powell argued that definitive data has yet to emerge.

As the Fed prepares for its next meeting, futures markets have adjusted expectations regarding rate cuts. Powell's remarks suggest that a preemptive rate cut is unlikely before assessing the broader economic implications of the recent tariffs.

Weekly crypto highlight — Bitcoin’s resilience amid tariffs’ induced volatility

On Apr 2, 2025, Donald Trump announced aggressive U.S. tariffs: a universal 10% on all imports, with specific rates of 34% on China, 24% on Japan and 20% on the European Union (EU), while notably exempting Russia. This policy shift triggered significant volatility in both traditional and cryptocurrency markets. The announcement’s timing, just after US stock markets closed, appeared strategically timed to limit immediate reaction.

The next day, the S&P 500 fell over 5.1% and the Nasdaq Composite dropped more than 5.6%, reflecting investor fears of economic disruption and rising inflation. This was the fifth-worst trading day of the 2020s, reminiscent of Black Thursday in March 2020. In contrast, Bitcoin showed resilience, trading at around $81.7K, only a 6% decline from its recent low, indicating that investors may see cryptocurrencies as hedges against geopolitical uncertainties.

Trump framed the tariffs as the start of a "Liberation Day," introducing a two-tier system: the universal tariff effective April 5, with reciprocal tariffs on about 60 countries starting April 9. This approach aims to counteract existing tariffs on U.S. goods, compelling nations and regions like China, Japan and the EU to reconsider their trade policies.

Asian countries face severe impacts, with tariffs as high as 49% on Cambodia and 48% on Laos. Supporters view these tariffs as negotiation tactics, challenging nations to accept favorable trade terms or incur higher export costs. Trump argues this will lead to fairer trade conditions, while critics warn of potential retaliatory tariffs, increased costs for American consumers and broader economic uncertainty.

The success of this policy depends upon whether nations opt for cooperation over confrontation. Proponents believe nations will negotiate to avoid losing access to the lucrative US market, potentially boosting US jobs and profits.

Amid this turmoil, Bitcoin has shown surprising stability, holding at around $80K despite traditional market volatility. Its drawdown was significantly less severe than that of major stock indices, suggesting it may be viewed as a safe haven during economic uncertainty.

Factors contributing to Bitcoin’s resilience include its decentralized nature, which insulates it from traditional market shocks, and growing acceptance as a legitimate asset class. Continued institutional interest, driven by entities such as Strategy and BlackRock, reinforces its appeal.

In conclusion, Bitcoin's strength amid tariff-induced volatility underscores its potential as a digital asset, and signals a growing acceptance among investors seeking stability in uncertain economic times. This could signify a pivotal shift within the world’s financial landscape toward viewing cryptocurrency as a mainstream financial instrument.

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Weekly Institutional Insights: Tariffs rattle market as Bitcoin holds better than TradFi

Current US president Donald Trump introduced a universal 10% tariff on imports and higher specific rates for countries like China and Japan, signaling a major shift in US trade policy.

On Apr 2, 2025, Donald Trump announced aggressive US tariffs, including a universal 10% levy on all imports alongside specific rates of 34% on China, 24% on Japan and 20% on the European Union (EU), while the absence of tariffs on Russia was a notable exception. This policy shift resulted in significant volatility in both traditional and cryptocurrency markets.

The timing of Trump's announcement was widely speculated to be strategic, occurring shortly after US stock markets closed in order to mitigate immediate market reactions. However, the following day, Apr 3, 2025, saw substantial declines: the S&P 500 dropped over 5.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite fell more than 5.6%, reflecting investor anxieties about potential economic disruptions and heightened inflation. 

This marked the fifth-worst trading day of the 2020s, with parallels drawn to the infamous Black Thursday in March 2020. But in stark contrast, Bitcoin displayed remarkable resilience, trading around $81.7K, a mere 6% drop from its local bottom of $77K recorded on Mar 10, 2025. This stability suggests that investors may increasingly be viewing cryptocurrencies as a hedge against geopolitical uncertainties, since Bitcoin’s decentralized nature allows it to operate independently of tariffs and supply chain disruptions that affect traditional assets.

Trump characterized the tariff announcement as the beginning of a "Liberation Day," introducing a two-tier system where the universal 10% tariff would take effect on Apr 5, 2025, while reciprocal tariffs targeting around 60 countries would follow on April 9. This reciprocal approach aims to counterbalance existing tariffs imposed by other nations on American products, pushing countries and regions like China, Japan and the EU to reconsider their trade policies. During his speech, Trump presented a chart illustrating the disparities in tariff rates, using it to justify the administration's stance on the need for these measures to correct long-standing trade imbalances.

The implications for Asian countries are particularly severe, with many facing the highest tariffs, including Cambodia at 49%, Laos at 48% and Madagascar at 47%. Economists who favor proactive trade policies view these tariffs as a negotiation tactic, often referred to as a "game of chicken," whereby the US essentially dares other nations to either accept new, more favorable trade terms or face increased costs for their exports to the US. 

Trump argues that many countries impose heavy taxes on American goods that make them less competitive abroad. He believes that by introducing these tariffs, other nations will be compelled to lower their own export taxes on US products, fostering fairer trade conditions. However, critics warn that this strategy could backfire, potentially igniting a trade war damaging to every country and area involved. They express concerns that retaliatory tariffs from other countries might lead to increased costs for American consumers and economic uncertainty for businesses. 

The success of Trump's tariff policy ultimately hinges on whether other nations choose cooperation over confrontation. Proponents of the strategy argue that countries might fear losing access to the lucrative US market, prompting them to negotiate more favorable terms for American exports. If successful, this could theoretically boost US jobs and profits.

In summary, as the situation evolves, the effects of these tariffs on global trade dynamics and market stability remain to be seen, with potentially far-reaching implications for both traditional and cryptocurrency markets.

Amidst the tumultuous landscape created by the recent tariff announcements, Bitcoin has demonstrated a surprising level of resilience. Despite the significant volatility affecting traditional markets, Bitcoin maintained robust support around $80K, showcasing its ability to withstand external economic pressures. This stability is particularly noteworthy when compared to mainstream public equities, which experienced substantial declines in response to the tariffs.

The magnitude of Bitcoin's price drawdown was considerably less severe than that of many established stocks, highlighting its unique position in the financial ecosystem. While indices such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite plummeted over 5%, Bitcoin's relatively mild decline suggests that investors may increasingly view it as a safe haven and alternative asset during times of economic uncertainty.

This resilience can be attributed to several factors. First, Bitcoin's decentralized nature allows it to operate independently of traditional market dynamics and geopolitical influences, making it less susceptible to the same shocks that impact equities tied to physical goods and international trade. Additionally, the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a legitimate asset class has bolstered investor confidence, leading to a more stable demand for Bitcoin, even in volatile environments. In particular, Strategy’s (formerly MicroStrategy) continued accumulation of Bitcoin and BlackRock’s launch of ETP products in Europe continues to cement Bitcoin’s unique position in equity portfolio allocation.

Furthermore, the current market sentiment indicates a shift in the way that investors perceive Bitcoin, particularly as an effective hedge against inflation and geopolitical risks. As traditional markets grapple with the ramifications of aggressive tariff policies, Bitcoin's ability to hold steady at the $80K level may attract more institutional interest, reinforcing its position as a viable alternative investment.

In conclusion, Bitcoin's resilience within the tariff-induced volatility not only highlights its potential as a digital asset, but also suggests a broader acceptance among investors seeking diversification and stability in uncertain economic times. This comparative strength against mainstream equities could signal a pivotal moment in the evolution of cryptocurrency as a mainstream financial instrument. 

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Bybit x Santiment: Tariffs-led whipsaw solidifies Bitcoin’s resilience

Our weekly crypto derivatives analytics report delves into macro events; the current state of crypto and trading signals from spot trading volume; and futures, options and perpetual contracts.

As markets near US president Trump's "Liberation Day" for tariffs, crypto remains volatile. BTC has dropped from a local high of $88K to $82K amid signs that tariffs will affect many countries. Implied volatility has spiked and then eased. Other derivatives market metrics show that BTC and ETH volatility smile skews remain significantly skewed toward puts, a level last seen in March 2023.

Please check out the report’s highlights.

BTC options show signs last seen in March 2023

As crypto prices remain highly correlated with macro-sensitive assets, the week began with a surge in short-tenor implied volatility for BTC and ETH. The sell-off continued as President Trump announced tariffs affecting about 90 countries. BTC's front-end volatility quickly fell below longer maturities, and short-dated volatility smiles briefly favored OTM puts, reminiscent of levels seen during the March 2023 US banking crisis. 

SOL options remain the least traded among major cryptocurrencies (i.e., BTC and ETH), but there was a significant rise in call options this week, dominating both volume and open interest. Following the Mar 28, 2025 expirations, many contracts weren’t reopened, with the notional size of call contracts decreasing from over $3.2M to around $2.5M. However, there has been a slight increase in the notional size of open put options, as traders respond to a continued decline from the January all-time high of $250.

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Bybit X Block Scholes crypto derivatives analytics report (Apr 2, 2025): BTC option skews show a bearish sign last seen in 2023

Fidelity recently announced that it would be launching its own stablecoin, to be pegged to the US dollar. Learn more here.

After first making headlines upon filing paperwork for its very own money market fund, Fidelity seems to be taking the next step toward this grand goal by issuing its own 

 pegged to the US dollar could be the start of a multi-stage scheme to help crypto achieve mainstream adoption.

If you're new to fund-issued stablecoins, or perhaps a crypto beginner whose attention has been piqued, you might be wondering how Fidelity’s stablecoin could impact the crypto market. From highlighting how the Fidelity stablecoin differs from its other fiat-backed counterparts (e.g., 

) to elaborating on the possible motives for launching it, here's everything you need to know about the proposed Fidelity stablecoin.

Founded in 1946, Fidelity Investments has built a reputation as a leader in financial services. To date, it's managed trillions of dollars in assets for individuals and institutions alike. 

Known for its innovative approach to investing, Fidelity has consistently stayed ahead of the curve by embracing new technologies and trends. From mutual funds to retirement accounts, it's fair to say that Fidelity is a trusted name in finance, and has successfully established its presence, thanks to its storied legacy in financial services.

Fidelity’s foray into crypto isn’t new. With the demand for digital asset services growing larger over time, the company has quietly been building its presence in the crypto space through 

 since 2018, with dedicated service that provides custody and trading services for institutional and individual investors.

By launching its own stablecoin, Fidelity is taking this commitment toward 

 innovation to the next level, signaling its belief in the long-term growth potential of digital assets.

Like many of its popular stablecoin counterparts, Fidelity’s stablecoin is pegged to the US dollar. This ensures price stability, a critical feature for traders looking to mitigate risk amid 

. Built on blockchain technology, this stablecoin is ostensibly designed to integrate seamlessly with Fidelity’s broader ecosystem of tokenized financial products. This means users can expect a secure, efficient and transparent digital asset that aligns with Fidelity’s high standards.

 like Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC dominate the market, Fidelity’s offering brings something unique to the table: trust. As a regulated financial institution with decades of experience, Fidelity offers a level of credibility that few other stablecoin issuers can match. Furthermore, its focus on regulatory compliance positions it as a safer alternative for both retail and institutional investors.

Fidelity’s stablecoin represents a deliberate effort to integrate its institutional expertise with blockchain’s efficiencies. By creating a dollar-pegged digital asset, the firm aims to serve as a trusted intermediary for clients navigating both traditional and crypto markets. Moreover, the Fidelity Digital Assets division has already laid the groundwork through Bitcoin custody services and 

. The proposed stablecoin extends this infrastructure, allowing institutional investors to transition seamlessly between volatile cryptocurrencies and stable-value instruments without exiting Fidelity’s ecosystem.

The stablecoin market has grown exponentially, surpassing $200 billion in 2025. This surge is largely being driven by demand for volatility hedging and cross-border payment efficiency. Fidelity recognizes that traders and institutions increasingly require reliable on-ramps between fiat and crypto. Its stablecoin offers a compliant alternative to incumbents, such as Tether and Circle, who face lingering skepticism about reserve transparency. By entering this space, Fidelity would not only meet immediate demand, but position itself as a leader in institutional-grade digital assets, thus appealing to risk-averse entities.

The US regulatory landscape under the current administration has shifted decisively toward crypto-friendly policies, and the Stablecoin Innovation Act and the GENIUS Act are advancing through Congress, aiming to establish clear rules for reserve backing and 

 compliance. Designed with Treasury reserves and audit transparency, Fidelity’s stablecoin aligns with these impending standards. By proactively adopting regulatory best practices, Fidelity avoids the scrutiny faced by Tether — and positions its stablecoin as a “gold standard” for institutional adoption.

Stablecoins generate revenue through interest earned on reserve assets. For example, Tether reported over $6 billion in net income in 2024 from its treasury holdings. Fidelity already manages $80 billion in its Treasury Digital Fund, and can potentially monetize its stablecoin reserves while offering competitive yields to clients. This creates a dual revenue stream, consisting of fees from asset management and interest from stablecoin reserves.

The stablecoin market remains dominated by Tether and Circle, but their retail-focused models leave room for institutional alternatives. Fidelity’s brand reputation, combined with its existing relationships with hedge funds and pension plans, gives it a unique edge. For example, its stablecoin could integrate directly with retirement accounts, allowing 401k participants to allocate to crypto without custody risks. This differentiation is critical as rivals like BlackRock and Franklin Templeton expand their tokenized offerings.

While details are still scarce, the following are some likely use cases for the Fidelity stablecoin.

Using Fidelity’s stablecoin for staking

One of the most exciting use cases for Fidelity’s stablecoin is staking. For traders and investors, staking offers an opportunity to 

 by locking up their assets in support of blockchain networks. With Fidelity’s stablecoin, users could stake their holdings with confidence, knowing they’re backed by one of the most trusted names in finance.

Enhancing market liquidity and capital efficiency

Fidelity’s stablecoin is also expected to enhance liquidity across trading platforms. By providing a reliable medium of exchange that 

 fiat currency and digital assets, this stablecoin could streamline trading operations and reduce transaction costs, creating a win-win for traders and exchanges.

Facilitating real-world asset (RWA) tokenization

Fidelity's stablecoin is strategically positioned to drive the tokenization of RWAs by democratizing access through fractional ownership of commodities and real estate, thus streamlining the trading and settlement of tokenized securities as a stable exchange medium. This could ultimately foster a more efficient and transparent payment ecosystem for tokenized goods and services.

How will this impact the current crypto landscape?

Legitimization and mainstream adoption of crypto

Fidelity's established reputation within traditional finance lends significant credibility to the crypto space. This legitimacy can alleviate concerns among mainstream investors who have been hesitant, due to perceived risks or a lack of understanding. By offering a regulated stablecoin, Fidelity signals that digital assets are becoming a legitimate part of the broader financial landscape, encouraging greater participation from institutional and retail investors alike. This increased confidence can lead to wider adoption of crypto-related products and services, integrating them into everyday financial transactions.

Market stabilization and increased liquidity

The substantial capital that Fidelity brings to the market can significantly increase liquidity, reducing price volatility and making crypto assets more attractive to traditional investors. Increased liquidity facilitates smoother trading and reduces the risk of significant price swings, creating a more stable and predictable market environment.

Fidelity's involvement encourages dialogue between regulators and established financial institutions, leading to clearer and more comprehensive regulatory frameworks for stablecoins and other digital assets. By leveraging its existing compliance and risk management expertise, Fidelity can contribute to the development of robust security standards and best practices for the crypto industry. This increased regulatory clarity and security can reduce the risk of fraud and market manipulation, fostering greater trust and confidence among investors.

he introduction of a regulated stablecoin from a trusted institution can accelerate the integration of traditional financial products and services into the 

 (DeFi) space. Such integration can lead to the development of innovative financial instruments, such as tokenized securities and decentralized lending platforms, bridging the gap between TradFi and DeFi while allowing for far greater capital efficiency within the DeFi space.

Driving crypto infrastructure standardization

Fidelity's participation can drive the development of standardized infrastructure and interoperability protocols, facilitating seamless transactions across different blockchain networks and traditional financial systems. This standardization could improve the efficiency and scalability of the crypto market, thereby enabling greater adoption and integration with existing financial infrastructure.

What are the challenges that Fidelity may face?

While Fidelity's late entry into the stablecoin market is promising, due to its institutional credibility and regulatory focus, it does face substantial challenges. At the top of the list of Fidelity’s potential challenges: competing with established stablecoin giants like USDT and USDC will require Fidelity to demonstrate superior transparency, security and seamless integration of the Fidelity stablecoin within existing ecosystems. 

Building trust with a potentially hesitant crypto native demographic and overcoming established network effects will also require strategic partnerships, competitive incentives and a flawless track record in maintaining a stable peg to the US dollar.

The regulatory environment surrounding stablecoins is rapidly evolving. Recent developments such as the 

 (GENIUS) Act signal a more favorable stance toward crypto in the United States. For companies like Fidelity, this creates an opportunity to innovate within clear regulatory frameworks while addressing concerns around transparency and accountability. However, this evolving legislative landscape doesn't mean that Fidelity is out of the woods yet. This is especially so because regulations aren’t uniform across all jurisdictions. Therefore, Fidelity will need to demonstrate regulatory agility and adaptability to navigate these varying requirements.

Lastly, while there’s speculation that the Fidelity stablecoin could play a huge part in the company’s tokenized money market fund offering, there’s currently nothing set in stone. This is due to the inherent complexities of integrating a newly launched stablecoin into existing financial products, as well as the need to navigate potential regulatory hurdles related to that integration. Since Fidelity Digital Assets and 

 are two separate entities, there will likely be some coordination needed before Fidelity can incorporate its stablecoin into its onchain bond market.

Fidelity’s launch of its own stablecoin marks an important milestone in the evolution of digital finance. By combining stability with trust and regulatory compliance, this new offering has the potential to reshape the way traders interact with crypto. For beginners looking for a safe entry point into crypto, as well as experienced traders seeking reliable tools for staking and liquidity management, Fidelity’s stablecoin offers an enticing proposition. 

Likewise, for institutional traders, the proposed stablecoin provides a compliant and secure bridge between traditional finance and DeFi, unlocking new avenues for managing assets and diversifying portfolios. While challenges remain, Fidelity’s entry is poised to accelerate the integration of digital assets into mainstream finance, ultimately paving the way for wider adoption and innovation.

Intermediate

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Fidelity’s new stablecoin: A bold step into crypto stability

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Blockchain

Mantle Network is the first modular Ethereum L2 solution to truly rethink how various aspects of a blockchain can better work together. Find out more here.

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 for developers, offering robust security and versatility. However, the network’s scalability challenges continue to result in high gas fees and network congestion, driving the development of alternative 

 (L2) solutions designed to enhance throughput while preserving security.

Mantle Network stands out among L2 solutions with its modular architecture, which delivers hyperscalability and enterprise-grade security. Let's explore how Mantle Network approaches Ethereum scaling, along with its key innovations, the MNT token and other features that set it apart in the competitive L2 market.

 is building the largest sustainable hub for on-chain finance. Through its core products — Mantle Network, 

) — Mantle is building banking for the next generation by leveraging the transformative power of blockchain. Anchored by the Mantle Treasury, the largest community-owned treasury in the ecosystem, Mantle ensures robust liquidity and financial stability. 

With over $4.3 billion in assets, Mantle actively funds core product development and fosters the growth of asset partners, such as Agora AUSD, Athena USDe, Ondo USDY, and EigenLayer staking, enhancing sustainable yield, deep liquidity, and financial utility on the Mantle Network. 

 is an Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) solution that combines advanced blockchain scaling technology with practical usability. Its unique modular architecture allows it to process transactions more efficiently than traditional blockchain networks, while maintaining robust security. According to 

, it presently is the largest modular L2 network in the world.

The network is moving toward leveraging ZK validity rollups and 

’s EigenDA technology to ensure data availability and transaction processing, while remaining fully compatible with Ethereum's ecosystem. This makes Mantle Network an ideal foundation for 

 (DeFi) applications and financial services seeking scalability and security.

What’s the Difference Between Mantle and Mantle Network?

Think of Mantle as the entire financial ecosystem, while Mantle Network is the technological infrastructure that powers it. Mantle encompasses all products, partnerships and financial services, including its $4.3 billion treasury and relationships with protocols like Agora (AUSD) and 

Mantle Network, on the other hand, explicitly refers to the L2 blockchain solution that enables fast, secure transactions. It's essentially the technical foundation that makes Mantle's broader financial vision possible.

The Mantle ecosystem emerged from a strategic transformation in 2023. Following a community vote with overwhelming support, BitDAO and Mantle united under a single brand and token — Mantle (MNT). This consolidation established Mantle Network as the Layer 2 technology name, and rebranded BitDAO as 

More significantly, in 2024, Mantle evolved far beyond its initial identity as a Layer 2 network. Today's Mantle has transformed into a comprehensive on-chain finance ecosystem with six core products: Mantle Network, mETH Protocol, FBTC, Mantle Enhanced Index Fund, Mantle Banking, and MantleX.

Mantle Network aims to become the premier "Liquidity Chain" for institutional-grade settlement and value transfer in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. By combining modular architecture, advanced data availability through 

 via Succinct's SP1, Mantle Network addresses the fundamental challenges facing blockchain adoption.

The network's transition to a ZK validity rollup significantly accelerates finality from seven days to just one hour — a critical improvement for institutional capital movement. This architectural approach maintains Ethereum's security guarantees while delivering the performance needed for high-value financial applications.

Beyond technical improvements, Mantle Network drives capital efficiency throughout the DeFi landscape. Its infrastructure supports the seamless, secure movement of institutional assets across traditional and decentralized markets, backed by the substantial Mantle Treasury, which ensures long-term development and stability.

Mantle Network vs. Other Ethereum Layer 2 Solutions

Mantle Network distinguishes itself in the crowded Layer 2 space through its unique combination of technical innovation and financial ecosystem integration. Unlike most L2s, which focus solely on scaling, Mantle leverages its treasury to create comprehensive infrastructure for on-chain finance.

A key differentiator is Mantle's EigenLayer-powered data availability solution, which provides security guarantees comparable to Ethereum’s while maintaining higher throughput. This addresses the security/performance tradeoff with which many competing L2s struggle.

The network benefits from an established ecosystem of financial partners, including Agora, Ethena and Ondo. These relationships provide Mantle Network with built-in liquidity and use cases that new L2s typically lack.

Governance remains fully decentralized through its 

 structure, with all decisions requiring approval from MNT token holders. This community-driven approach contrasts with more centralized decision-making in some competing L2 solutions.

As a technology stack for scaling Ethereum, Mantle Network utilizes modular blockchain rollups, modular data availability and bridging to meet the needs of 

Mantle Network employs a modular architecture that separates execution, 

, settlement and data availability into specialized layers. This separation allows each component to be optimized independently, significantly reducing gas costs and enhancing performance.

Through its innovative design, the network addresses the 

 of balancing scalability, security and decentralization. By distributing specific functions across specialized layers, Mantle achieves greater efficiency while maintaining robust security guarantees.

With its upcoming transition to a zero-knowledge validity rollup, Mantle is further enhancing its architecture. This implementation will reduce finality times from seven days to just one hour by using cryptographic proofs to verify transaction validity, rather than relying solely on the challenge period used in optimistic rollups.

This architectural approach ensures all users benefit from the same security level, not just full 

 on Ethereum's base layer. By optimizing the validation process, nodes don't need to execute all transactions for validity checking, thus significantly reducing computational requirements.

​​Mantle Network addresses data availability challenges by integrating with EigenLayer's EigenDA solution. The full mainnet integration is currently slated for Mar 19, 2025, which is in-line with the Pectra upgrade on Ethereum. As the first major adopter of EigenDA, Mantle leverages Ethereum's trust network to ensure data remains available while maintaining mainnet-level security.

EigenDA provides a specialized data availability layer separate from the consensus layer. This enables efficient data transmission between network participants through unicast channels. The system maintains an erasure rate, which allows complete block data to be reconstructed from pieces stored across both L2 and L1.

Validators can provide data availability services by staking MNT, thereby creating additional yield opportunities. These validators ensure block data completeness and accuracy on Mantle's execution layer.

As mentioned above, Mantle Network is transitioning to a zero-knowledge validity rollup via Succinct's SP1 technology. By moving from optimistic rollups to ZK validity proofs, Mantle aims to enhance performance while maintaining robust security guarantees.

The new ZK system transforms transaction finality, reducing wait times from seven days to just one hour. This improvement comes from replacing challenge periods with cryptographic proofs that mathematically verify transaction validity. For institutional users, this means capital can move more efficiently without sacrificing security.

Succinct's SP1 technology enables Mantle to generate compact mathematical proofs that simultaneously validate entire batches of transactions. These proofs confirm that all state transitions are valid without requiring validators to re-execute each transaction. This approach preserves computational resources while ensuring network integrity.

A transaction begins its journey when a user, 

 (DApp) or script initiates an action on Mantle Network. Using the Mantle SDK and supporting tools, the request is created, cryptographically signed with 

 and submitted to Mantle's Sequencer for processing.

The Sequencer orders and processes transactions before batching them into pending blocks. Mantle's batching mechanism distributes fixed costs across multiple transactions, significantly reducing fees compared to Ethereum's base layer.

With the transition to ZK validity rollups, Mantle now generates cryptographic proofs that mathematically verify the correctness of each transaction batch. These proofs eliminate the need for the lengthy challenge periods used in the previous optimistic model.

Once verified, the transaction data and validity proofs are sent to Ethereum for final settlement. Data availability nodes on Mantle Network ensure this information remains accessible to all network participants, and receive MNT tokens in return as a reward for their services.

Mantle Network (L2) and Ethereum (L1) operate as distinct blockchain environments, requiring secure 

 infrastructure to transfer assets between them. The Mantle bridge facilitates seamless movement of ETH and 

 tokens across these networks while maintaining asset recognition and integrity on both chains.

Using cryptographically secure protocols, Mantle's bridging solution verifies transaction validity and enforces proper asset locking and minting procedures. This maintains overall token supply integrity, while users also benefit from Mantle's speed and cost advantages.

The MNT token serves a dual purpose within the Mantle ecosystem as both a 

. Token holders participate in the Mantle DAO by voting on proposals, with each token carrying equal voting weight. For utility, MNT is used to pay network gas fees, and can serve as collateral for network operations.

Mantle Governance follows a deliberative process whereby community discussions can evolve into formal Mantle Improvement Proposals (MIPs) for token holder voting. Token holders must delegate their voting rights before participating, a requirement that doesn't lock or transfer their tokens.

The Mantle Treasury holds a significant portion of the MNT token supply, which it uses to fund ecosystem development, support partner protocols and ensure long-term sustainability. This treasury-backed structure provides Mantle with resources to drive continued growth and innovation across its ecosystem.

Mantle has achieved significant milestones since launching its mainnet in July 2023. The network has processed over 175 million transactions and connected to 10 million unique wallets. It now ranks among the top five Layer 2 solutions, with $2.2 billion in 

In 2024, Mantle integrated with EigenLayer for enhanced security and data availability. mETH Protocol grew to become the fourth-largest Ethereum liquid staking token, with $2.19 billion TVL, while FBTC reached $1 billion across five chains by November 2024.

December 2024 marked a pivotal moment, with Mantle's announced transition from optimistic rollup to ZK validity rollup via Succinct. 

Looking ahead, Mantle's road map includes its ZK rollup testnet launch in Q1 2025, followed by mainnet implementation. The network is expanding cross-chain capabilities via ERC-7683 and 

 integrations, positioning Mantle as the Liquidity Chain for the future of DeFi.

Looking to trade Mantle tokens? Bybit offers several MNT Spot trading pairs, such as 

. To get started, you’ll first need to create a Bybit account, then fund it with cryptocurrency and navigate to the respective trading pages. 

Mantle has established itself as a leading financial ecosystem in web3, distinguished by its $4.3 billion treasury and top-five Layer 2 ranking. With its upcoming transition to zero-knowledge validity proofs, integration with EigenLayer and three core products working in unison, Mantle Network offers a unique combination of security, scalability and financial infrastructure that positions it at the forefront of on-chain finance innovation.

*Mantle Network is referred to as a rollup in this article for clarity reasons. As Mantle Network utilizes EigenDA rather than 4844, it is more precisely a Validium.

Mantle Network: The Ethereum Layer 2 Solution for Next-Level Scalability

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