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

Learn how Amnis Finance (AMI) transforms APT staking with liquid staking solutions. Earn rewards, maintain liquidity, and explore DeFi opportunities seamlessly.

 (DeFi) enthusiasts passionate about exploring the endless opportunities in the crypto market.

, through which your assets are locked for a fixed period and can’t be used for other purposes, liquid staking solutions offer the flexibility to channel your staked assets to yield-generating ventures while preserving liquidity. 

One such platform is Amnis Finance, a pioneering liquid staking protocol on the 

 that provides investors with yield-bearing tokens to leverage DeFi opportunities.

 is a liquid staking platform on the Aptos blockchain whose users can stake their APT tokens and earn rewards through DeFi activities, such as 

Offering a staking APR of 8.02%, Amnis is exclusive to Aptos, a 

 with superior technology known as Move, designed for scalability, security and low-cost transactions.

Through Amnis, those who hold APT (the native token for the Aptos network) can stake their tokens and receive tokens of equivalent value, which they can now use for trading and investing opportunities without unstaking their locked tokens.

Furthermore, Amnis has created new financial instruments that are attractive to institutional investors. These instruments use a yield tokenization concept that splits tokens into yield-bearing and principal tokens.

At the heart of Amnis Finance’s operations is an innovative staking structure designed to provide the involved parties with efficient and flexible investing. Amnis system is powered by smart contracts that enable APT token holders to effortlessly maximize returns without having to lock their capital or run a validator’s node.

The basic architecture of Amnis is composed of the following components:

, it issues amAPT. The user can then use these tokens to participate in the Aptos DeFi ecosystem, or stake them on Amnis to receive stAPT tokens and generate rewards.

, maintaining a 1:1 peg with APT. Users who stake their APT tokens through Amnis Finance receive an equivalent amount of amAPT, which can be utilized across various DeFi platforms without forfeiting staking rewards. This design ensures that users retain flexibility and can engage in activities such as lending, borrowing and liquidity provision, while their assets continue to generate staking yields.

 that allows investors to instantly withdraw their amAPT tokens. This convenient withdrawal feature helps them bypass the 14-day waiting period common with traditional staking.

Amnis Finance has established a reserve mechanism to ensure price stabilization in case of market surges. When necessary, the platform may buy back amAPT, and the profits are transferred to the Amnis treasury.

For users seeking to maximize their staking returns, stAPT offers an auto-compounding yield-bearing option. By depositing amAPT into the stAPT vault, users receive stAPT tokens that represent their share in the staking pool.

As staking rewards accumulate, the value of stAPT increases proportionately, eliminating the need for manual restaking and providing a seamless way to enhance staking yields over time.

Beyond its dual-token model, Amnis Finance introduces an innovative approach to yield optimization through yield tokenization. This process involves 

 yield-bearing assets (such as stAPT) into standardized yield tokens (SY), which are then divided into principal tokens (PT) and yield tokens (YT).

The PT token represents the original value of the staked asset, and can be redeemed at a 1:1 ratio upon maturity, while YT signifies the portion of interest generated over time. This segmentation allows users to tailor their investment strategies by separately managing principal and yield components, offering greater control and flexibility in crafting financial outcomes.

 for the Amnis Finance ecosystem. It’s designed to ensure a balanced ecosystem on the network. AMI token holders can propose changes and vote on key matters regarding the operation of Amnis Finance. AMI is also used as an incentive to promote the adoption of the Amnis Finance liquid staking ecosystem.

Amnis Finance has a total supply of 1 billion AMI tokens, allocated as follows:

Furthermore, Amnis Finance has a token emission schedule (spread over 48 months) that’s designed to facilitate decentralization, ensure balanced distribution and incentivize participants. The vesting schedule is shown below:

 to reward its early adopters and active contributors to its ecosystem. The details of the AMI airdrop are as follows.

30 million AMI tokens were set aside for the Amnis Retroactive Airdrop, in which 10,000 users received rewards for their participation (based on their rankings). The snapshot for those who qualify for this airdrop ran from Nov 7, 2023, to Mar 25, 2025.

Eligibility was determined based on accumulated retroactive points earned through various activities, such as minting APT to amAPT on Amnis, providing amAPT/APT liquidity on platforms like Liquidswap and PancakeSwap, and depositing stAPT with Aries Markets.

In addition to the Retroactive Airdrop, Amnis Finance has allocated 5 million AMI for holders of Draconian NFTs, with each NFT granting its holder 1,500 AMI tokens.

Furthermore, to commemorate its token generation event (TGE) and honor community support, Amnis Finance launched an Exclusive TGE NFT Airdrop campaign. This initiative allows participants to earn rare NFTs and claim a share of a 1 million AMI reward pool. The claiming period for Exclusive TGE NFT holders began on Apr 2, 2025, and will remain open for 12 months.

 on Bybit’s Spot trading platform. To celebrate this listing, Bybit is holding two Token Splash events in which a total of 

Amnis Finance is revolutionizing the Aptos ecosystem by unlocking the full potential of the APT token through liquid staking. By converting APT into amAPT, users can earn staking rewards while they maintain liquidity and access to DeFi opportunities.

With added benefits like a Retroactive Airdrop and NFT-based rewards, Amnis incentivizes active participation and long-term engagement. As the platform continues to grow, it’s empowering users to put their APT to work more efficiently, increasing both flexibility and yield.

Whether you're a DeFi enthusiast or a long-term holder, Amnis Finance is a powerful tool for maximizing your Aptos staking potential.

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Amnis Finance (AMI): Maximizing APT potential with a liquid staking protocol

Bybit Learn

Blockchain

A Layer 1 blockchain is the base system that any blockchain network relies upon. Find out more about what it is and how it works in this article.

Layer 1 blockchains are an often-overlooked part of 

, yet they're absolutely essential. Layer 1s are basically the building blocks of all modern decentralized finance (

), so knowing some of the details about how a Layer 1 blockchain works will help you better understand the entire crypto ecosystem. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about Layer 1 blockchains.

A Layer 1 blockchain is the base system that any blockchain network relies upon. A Layer 1 is made up of data and software, secured with cryptography and stored on a decentralized system of nodes. People can use this architecture to perform transactions, store information and manage other tasks.

Since a Layer 1 blockchain can sometimes be the only layer a blockchain network has, it requires a complex system. Layer 1s are fully able to handle every aspect of a blockchain. In order to manage all these tasks, a Layer 1 blockchain uses the following mechanics.

Blocks are the base structure of any Layer 1 blockchain. As a matter of fact, they're so important that the entire concept of a blockchain network is named after them. Much like the cells in a spreadsheet can hold data, a block can store essential information about users, transactions, token balances and assets. 

Each block contains new information, such as the record of a crypto sale, along with a cryptographic 

 (or transaction ID) that contains the previous block details. This allows the entire blockchain to function as a distributed ledger that stores a chronological and irreversible list of all past transactions.

 is a set of rules that ensures new blocks are valid and correct. The most popular options for consensus mechanisms are proof of work (

). These consensus protocol options require any network participant to use either computing power or digital assets as collateral if they want to become a node. These 

 can finalize new blocks, but they only receive block rewards if a majority of nodes agree with their work. Ultimately, a consensus mechanism gets users to help validate transactions while rewarding them for their efforts.

Due to the way blockchains function, there’s no way to reverse or modify previous transactions. After the transaction data is placed in a block and the blockchain's consensus protocol verifies it, it's an irreversible (or 

For example, if you send money accidentally, you can't ask the blockchain to delete the transaction and restore your original token balance. (You can politely ask the receiver to send the tokens back, but no one can force them to do so.) Furthermore, the blockchain itself will always maintain the record of the crypto being sent back and forth in two separate transactions. There is no way to alter or remove past transaction data.

For many blockchain users, the chain's native assets are its most important feature. Digital assets such as 

 are a unit of value defined by the rules of the Layer 1 blockchain. A native token has many uses. For instance, people (validators or miners) can receive them as block rewards for helping with the consensus protocol, or use them to cast votes (for governance) in a blockchain community. 

Not all blockchains need to use a native token. However, the majority of them use a token system because it's one of the easiest ways to run a large blockchain network.

The final essential mechanism of a blockchain is its security system. To function properly, a blockchain needs to provide its users with data privacy, identity management and 

 management. There is some inherent security to a blockchain simply because it has an irreversible ledger and operates on multiple decentralized nodes that must achieve consensus before making changes. However, there are still some potential issues, such as an entity creating several malicious nodes and trying to outvote true nodes. Different blockchains have various ways of addressing security concerns, such as adding encryption or using a private key system that enables users to take control of their own privacy.

Layer 1s function as the primary security provider and underlying infrastructure of any blockchain. So why do some chains use multiple layers? 

Additional layers are usually meant to provide extra 

 support to the main chain so it can maintain low gas fees and high transaction speeds, no matter how many users are processing transactions. However, multiple layers aren't always necessary. There are actually some other ways for a Layer 1 blockchain to achieve linear scalability.

One popular scaling solution is to change the rules by which the Layer 1 blockchain functions. For example, increasing the data that a single block can store or allowing faster block confirmation can help to achieve linear scalability. Another option for protocol changes is to upgrade the consensus mechanism. Many chains are switching from 

. This requires less computing power, and allows nodes to achieve consensus without having to solve lengthy algorithmic puzzles.

Sharding was originally a mechanism used in distributed databases, but people are beginning to realize it has potential as a Layer 1 scaling solution, as it breaks a blockchain into smaller datasets which are then called shards. Each network node maintains a single shard instead of holding a copy of the entire Layer 1 blockchain, and the network processes all shards in parallel. The end result is a Layer 1 blockchain that’s less intensive to run, which makes more nodes available. The increased number of nodes can improve 

 to handle higher levels of transaction data.

 are a popular option for scaling decentralized applications (

) based on a Layer 1 blockchain. This technology relies upon the idea of confirming data as correct without actually having to prove it. For example, a DApp can check to see whether a user has submitted the correct asymmetric 

, and then instead of entering the entire key phrase onto the Layer 1 blockchain, they simply provide the main layer with proof that the asymmetric key pairs were correct.

Benefits and Challenges of a Layer 1 Blockchain

The main benefit of a Layer 1 blockchain is its underlying infrastructure. Layer 1s are stable and reliable. They're designed to manage the entire blockchain network, so handling smart contracts and processing transactions is extremely straightforward. As the primary security provider for the system, a Layer 1 is the most secure option available to users. Furthermore, it runs on multiple nodes, so it offers all the advantages of DeFi.

However, a Layer 1 blockchain has some downsides as compared to blockchains with multiple layers. Additional layers don't have to handle security or finalize transactions, so they have much higher transaction speeds. Secondary blockchain layers also have lower transaction fees and consume less of a network's resources. This makes them an appealing spot to deploy DApps or process low-priority transactions. 

In addition to being slower and having more gas fees, the base layer of a blockchain can also be less flexible. Since new features can’t be added without affecting the entire network, other blockchain layers are often the only way to test out new ideas.

 is a term coined by Vitalik Buterin, the founder of the 

 blockchain. It refers to a common problem that many blockchains face: Though security, decentralization and scalability are all desirable features, it's almost impossible for a single blockchain to provide all three traits. For example, both the Ethereum blockchain and the 

 network are secure and decentralized, but they aren’t highly scalable.

Currently, modern blockchain technology hasn't found a way to solve the trilemma while keeping a blockchain to one layer, and most chains need at least two to address the trilemma. However, this doesn't necessarily mean it's impossible for a Layer 1 blockchain to be secure, decentralized and scalable. New upgrades may eventually solve the issue.

Of course, any blockchain is technically a Layer 1. However, some Layer 1s stand out for their commitment to improving their base layer instead of using all the network's resources to design multiple other layers. Below are some of the 

Of course, as the most popular blockchain network in the world, the Bitcoin network is one of the best examples of a Layer 1 blockchain. Known for its excellent security, thorough method for recording transactions and valuable native tokens, BItcoin retains an impressive and predominant share of the cryptocurrency market. Its highly liquid Layer 1 blockchain offers relatively more stable investment opportunities.

Despite also featuring a broad range of Layer 2 chains, Ethereum continues to work well as a Layer 1 blockchain whose primary advantage is its flexibility. Since Ethereum’s smart contracts are so easy to design, many people use it to create DeFi projects and deploy DApps. Its Layer 1 also stands out due to the blockchain's continual commitment to scalability, as the network has moved its consensus mechanism 

 and has plans to implement sharding in the future.

This unique Layer 1 blockchain has its own base layer, but it's also compatible with the 

. This ensures it has extensive smart contract capabilities and a reliable blockchain protocol. BNB Chain uses slightly higher levels of centralization than other blockchains, but in exchange it offers users excellent security, impressive scalability and low transaction fees.

 uses a somewhat unique consensus protocol. Called 

, this consensus uses timestamps as a method for validating and recording transactions. Proof of history is uniquely scalable and can improve transaction speeds to record-high levels of 65,000 TPS. Furthermore, Solana’s smart contract capabilities allow it to easily handle all sorts of DApps.

This Layer 1 blockchain is popular with crypto investors because of its unique smart contract capabilities. The blockchain protocol uses a consensus method called 

 to increase transaction throughput. People can finalize transactions very quickly on 

, so it's a favorite for those who prioritize speed but don't want to sacrifice security.

Developers are constantly tinkering around with Layer 1 blockchain designs, so the future holds a lot of exciting opportunities. For example, Ethereum’s research into sharding seems likely to influence the direction of Layer 1s.

In the future, Layer 1s might also have other options for achieving consensus. Many new projects, such as Solana, have explored consensus protocols beyond PoW or PoS and demonstrated their viability. In the future, expect to see a lot more variety among Layer 1s.

With their ability to run an entire blockchain network, Layer 1 chains are a critical part of the DeFi world. Though Layer 1s don't always have the intrinsic scalability of Layer 2s, there are still many fascinating mechanisms that allow them to handle high volumes of users. Well-designed Layer 1 chains are reliable, stable projects for crypto investors to explore.

Layer 1 Blockchains: Unveiling the Core Infrastructure of Crypto

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