Bankless co-founder: NEAR is a generalized version of Zcash, providing privacy protection for commercial activities.

Circle’s Layer 1 network Arc has launched Arc Studio, an AI-powered on-chain application development workspace that enables developers to complete the full workflow on Arc: from ideation, smart contract logic design to final deployment. The tool assists developers in generating smart contracts, auditing and refining code, creating tests and reviews, and deploying applications to the Arc network. Arc notes that Arc Studio is designed to enhance development efficiency while maintaining process transparency, preventing app building from becoming an un-auditable "black box".

According to Yonhap News Agency, Solidigm, a subsidiary of SK Hynix, is considering building a NAND flash manufacturing base in the eastern United States. Solidigm is the U.S. subsidiary established by SK Hynix after acquiring Intel's NAND business unit in 2021. Industry sources told reporters on the 18th that Solidigm is currently evaluating site locations and detailed conditions, with plans to construct a large-scale NAND production line in the eastern U.S. If the large-scale production base is built, it will become Solidigm's first local manufacturing facility. Recent reports have noted that Solidigm is considering collaborating with Intel on memory production, while rumors about its listing on the Nasdaq have also persisted. An official from SK Hynix said, "Solidigm is reviewing various measures to boost its competitiveness, but no final decisions have been made yet."

Binance founder CZ said he participated in the renaming poll for BNB Treasury Company (BNC) as a community member. After weighing multiple candidate names, he found his choice aligned with the overall community vote result. CZ noted that "BNB Treasure Company" abbreviates to BTC, which could cause confusion; "Strategy" evokes associations with MSTR; and the term "Reserve" feels overly conservative. By contrast, he favored "BNB Standard" more, calling it a more impactful name. BNC earlier launched an advisory vote inviting the community to suggest names for the company, with candidates including BNB Reserve, BNB Strategies, BNB Treasury Company, and BNB Standard. BNC stated that the poll does not constitute a shareholder vote, and the final name is still subject to board approval and legal review.

Renaiss and GIWATER have completed integration of TCG card machine applications, making GIWATER the first decentralized exchange (DEX) in the South Korean market to integrate such card applications. GIWATER is a project selected for the Upbit GIWA ecosystem incubation program, focusing on providing native liquidity and asset distribution services for the GIWA ecosystem. GIWA is an Ethereum Layer 2 network co-built with Upbit, designed to develop on-chain applications and asset services for the South Korean market. Under this partnership, Renaiss will provide GIWATER with capabilities including the Proof of Fairness random number verification standard and third-party verifiable custody for card inventories. The two parties stated that they will advance more collaborations in the future focusing on DeFi, RWA, and the collectibles market. Renaiss will also participate in events such as Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) soon to continue advancing local ecosystem collaborations in South Korea.

Binance founder CZ published a post questioning why some people believe banks need to fear blockchain or seek protection from it. He argues that blockchain is a faster, lower-cost, and more easily verifiable method of value transfer, as well as an open technology accessible to anyone—one that banks can also adopt.

Binance founder CZ said he participated in the renaming poll for BNB Treasury Company (BNC) as a community member. After weighing various candidate names, he found his choice aligned with the voting results of other community members. CZ noted that "BNB Treasure Company" abbreviates to BTC, which could cause confusion; "Strategy" evokes associations with MSTR; the term "Reserve" is overly conservative. By contrast, he favored "BNB Standard", describing it as more impactful.