News feed

Solana's engineering goals focus on increasing bandwidth and reducing latency, aiming for better performance as the network evolves. The platform announces a significant upgrade in the network’s capabilities, increasing from 60 million to 100 million compute units (CUs) per block, representing a 66% increase. To effectively support this growth, using bare metal hardware is deemed essential due to its superior performance when compared to virtualized environments.

As computational demands rise, specifically with the upcoming capability of supporting 100 million CUs per block, the existing bottleneck becomes the Turbine protocol, which is responsible for block propagation across the network. If the network nodes cannot keep up, the added capacity may not yield the expected benefits.

In terms of networking, Solana is introducing eXpress Data Path (XDP), a method that optimizes network interface card performance by reducing the reliance on traditional kernel processes. XDP will be enabled by default for all validator clients, ensuring they are better equipped to handle increased network loads.

The configuration requirements for validators using XDP are also stringent, necessitating dedicated physical cores for both XDP and Proof of History to avoid performance degradation. Validators must be prepared to manage upwards of 150,000 outbound packets per second as they leverage Turbine's capabilities.

Running on bare metal hardware offers a clear advantage by allowing direct access to the network interface card (NIC) and eliminating virtualization barriers. This setup empowers validators to select optimal hardware configurations, thereby achieving reliable performance under heavy load conditions. For instance, by using high-performance enterprise NVMe drives instead of typical network-attached storage, validators can ensure better resource management and throughput.

The Solana community has compiled a Hardware Compatibility List that serves as a resource for validators, listing recommended hardware based on practical experiences. These recommendations include preferences for high-clock CPUs, error-correcting code (ECC) RAM, and fast network setups to facilitate peak performance.

Moreover, the Solana Foundation cautions against the use of cloud-based solutions or containerization for validator operations due to inherent performance pitfalls. Specifically, operating on a cloud service can introduce complications that necessitate advanced knowledge to maintain stability and performance. Thus, it is highly suggested that validators run directly on dedicated bare metal systems without containerization.

In summary, Solana is driving operators to adopt bare metal hardware for validator nodes, particularly with the impending increase in compute units. The move aims to optimize overall network efficiency while preparing for heightened demands as Solana continues to scale its functionalities.

Solana emphasizes the importance of bare metal hardware for its validators, particularly as the network nears enhancements like the activation of 100 million compute units (CUs). This new cap represents a 66% increase over the current 60 million CU limit, enabling higher transaction capacities but also shifting the protocol's bandwidth bottleneck to the Turbine layer, which is responsible for propagating blocks across the network.

The upcoming increase in transaction capacity underscores the need for improved validator performance. "If shreds can’t fan out to thousands of nodes fast enough, the extra capacity is not helpful to the network," the blog states. To support the expected surge in demand, Solana plans to enable XDP (eXpress Data Path), a high-performance networking mode, by default for all clients.

While cloud-based solutions like AWS and GCP have the capacity to run validators, they often incur performance limitations due to abstractions that obscure direct access to hardware. As Solana's blog points out, the performance of these cloud services is not as competitive compared to bare metal setups. Running XDP effectively requires elevated capabilities and dedicated physical cores, as well as considerations for packet rates that may challenge a cloud's structural limitations.

Moreover, the blog highlights that when operators rely on cloud instances, they must engage in extensive tuning and operational adjustments that essentially negate the advantages of using cloud environments. Any virtualized setting that requires significant modifications to maintain performance results in a loss of the flexibility typically associated with cloud deployments.

For future Agave validators operating with XDP, the recommendation is clear: bare metal is preferred. This includes the use of high-clock CPUs, ECC memory, and fast NVMe storage, with connectivity provided by 10 to 25GbE to manage the expected growth in transactions. Solana suggests utilizing dedicated hardware to achieve optimal results as TPS (transactions per second) increases.

In summary, while cloud infrastructure has its merits, for high-performance validators aiming to utilize the forthcoming 100 million CU feature, Solana strongly recommends employing dedicated bare metal hardware to prevent potential bottlenecks and enhance network efficiencies.

MoneyGram has announced its status as a validator on the Solana blockchain, playing a role in processing transactions and securing the network. This development is part of the company's broader strategy to expand its stablecoin payments services, following the earlier launch of its MGUSD stablecoin on the Stellar blockchain.

As a validator within the proof-of-stake network, MoneyGram will contribute to the infrastructure that supports Solana, which is known for its high-speed transactions. Alongside this role, the company is also participating in the Solana Developer Platform, an initiative designed to assist institutions in developing financial products using the blockchain.

MoneyGram's entry into Solana comes shortly after it unveiled its MGUSD stablecoin through a partnership with Bridge, a firm owned by Stripe. This decision underscores MoneyGram's evolving approach to integrating blockchain technology into its payment processes. CEO Anthony Soohoo remarked, "MoneyGram has spent the past several years integrating blockchain into our payment infrastructure, and everything we are building now leverages this foundation. We believe the future of global money movement will be built on open, interoperable stablecoin rails that anyone, anywhere can access."

This shift towards a multi-chain strategy signifies MoneyGram's intent to not only support various blockchain networks but also to create a more flexible payment ecosystem. The company's involvement with several blockchain projects, including its partnership with the payments-focused blockchain Tempo as an anchor validator, reflects a commitment to enhancing its services in the rapidly changing landscape of digital finance.

As the remittance industry evolves, MoneyGram's active participation in Solana may set the stage for further developments in stablecoin infrastructure. Observers may want to monitor how effectively the company integrates its offerings across different blockchain platforms and whether it yields positive outcomes in transaction efficiency and user adoption.

MoneyGram has entered the Solana ecosystem by becoming an active validator on the Solana network and engaging with the Solana Developer Platform (SDP). This partnership allows MoneyGram to run infrastructure at the protocol level while advancing global money movement initiatives.

Joining the ranks of global firms like Mastercard, Worldpay, and Western Union, MoneyGram’s involvement with SDP emphasizes a growing confidence among institutions in the potential of blockchain networks to enhance core payments infrastructure. The SDP serves as an AI-ready, API-driven platform, enabling financial institutions to design, build, and scale compliant financial products on Solana.

“MoneyGram has spent the past several years integrating blockchain into our payment infrastructure, and everything we are building now leverages this foundation,” said Anthony Soohoo, MoneyGram Chairman and CEO. He added that the future of global money movement will rely on open, interoperable stablecoin systems that provide compliance and operational scale.

The partnership facilitates a unified, API-based gateway for banks and enterprises, allowing them to leverage Solana’s features from the outset without dealing with the complexities of blockchain technology. MoneyGram’s established payment network, serving over 60 million customers globally, is poised to benefit from enhanced on-chain functionalities offered by SDP.

Catherine Gu, Head of Product for Digital Assets at the Solana Foundation, noted that MoneyGram’s integration into the platform could further extend their broad network, making transactions more seamless for customers worldwide.

Baillie Gifford, a prominent investment firm headquartered in Edinburgh, has introduced the Baillie Gifford Enhanced Yield Fund (BAGEY). This tokenized fund operates on the Solana and Ethereum blockchains and is structured as a U.K.-regulated Open-Ended Investment Company (OEIC). The fund primarily focuses on public corporate bonds and is denominated in dollars, currently offering a yield of approximately 7%.

The partnership with BNY includes tokenization and wallet infrastructure, while NatWest Trustee and Depositary Services serves as the fund's depositary. The Enhanced Yield Fund is aimed at eligible investors in the U.K., Switzerland, and the Cayman Islands, adhering to relevant regulations and distribution restrictions.

The fund's structure signifies a broader trend in traditional finance toward the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs). Theo Golden, head of digital assets and tokenization at Baillie Gifford, emphasizes that this initiative goes beyond merely layering digital technology onto existing frameworks.

"The Baillie Gifford Enhanced Yield Fund is not a token placed on top of a fund. It is a fund issued onchain, with the blockchain serving as the register of record. Investors hold the fund directly: direct ownership, direct recourse,"

said Golden. This model aims to enhance transparency and ownership rights for investors.

Katey Neate, global head of investor solutions at BNY, commented on the capabilities of tokenization, stating,

"Tokenisation has moved from concept to real-world application, and this launch shows how regulated fund structures can evolve to meet the needs of a more digital, connected marketplace,"

indicating a shift in how investment structures adapt to digital advancements.

This launch reflects a growing interest in integrating blockchain technology with traditional investment structures, showcasing how legacy finance is beginning to adapt to emerging digital frameworks. Stakeholders will want to observe the fund's performance and investor uptake as it enters the market.

Publicly traded firms are accumulating Solana (SOL) among their digital asset holdings, reflecting a growing trend in the corporate treasury management of cryptocurrencies. The leading firm, Forward Industries, holds approximately 7,044,079 SOL, valued at around $486 million as of June 2026, down from an investment of approximately $1.6 billion made in September 2025.

This trend follows the example set by notable figures like Michael Saylor, who began acquiring Bitcoin for his firm in 2020, triggering a wave of companies exploring treasury strategies that include diverse cryptocurrencies such as Solana, Ethereum, and XRP.

Forward Industries has aimed to establish a significant position in the cryptocurrency space through substantial investments funding from key players including Galaxy Digital and Multicoin Capital. Their approach integrates a mixture of on-chain and open-market transactions. The company launched its treasury during a private investment in public equity (PIPE) deal, raising $1.65 billion to bolster its crypto presence.

The firm’s engagement with Solana is marked by efforts to differentiate its treasury management through effective execution and by staking all of its SOL holdings. This staking practice not only contributes to yield generation for the company but also reinforces the Solana ecosystem. In the fourth quarter of 2025, Forward reported generating approximately $4.6 million in staking revenue.

Since establishing its treasury, Forward Industries has indicated intentions to raise an additional $4 billion specifically for Solana acquisitions. Additionally, the firm has tokenized its shares on the Solana blockchain, further intertwining its operations with the network.

• 1. Forward Industries: 7,044,079 SOL, invested $1.6 billion, now valued at $486 million.
• 2. Top Q2 Companies: To watch for how they manage and report their holdings moving forward.

As Solana continues to be recognized as a strong destination for digital asset investments and decentralized finance (DeFi), the actions of these publicly traded firms could signify broader market trends. Investors and observers will be monitoring these companies for updates on their future treasury strategies and staking results.

What Happened

The Algorand Foundation has announced a comprehensive roadmap aimed at achieving quantum resistance for its blockchain by the end of 2027. This initiative will introduce post-quantum accounts, multisignature wallets, and staking support starting in 2026. The foundation recognizes that this migration to quantum-resistant cryptography necessitates extensive changes to both user wallets and core protocol infrastructure.

Why It Matters

The move comes amid increasing awareness within the cryptocurrency community about the potential risks posed by quantum computing to current cryptographic systems. As most blockchains rely on elliptic curve cryptography, which may be compromised by advanced quantum technologies, the Algorand Foundation's proactive steps reflect a significant shift in strategic planning among major blockchain networks. Chris Peikert, chief scientific officer at the Algorand Foundation, noted, "Migrating a live protocol takes years, and the probability of a quantum attack on legacy cryptography grows meaningfully as the end of this decade approaches." This urgency is echoed by similar initiatives from other ecosystems, such as the Ethereum Foundation's dedicated post-quantum security project and Solana's proposals for a transition to quantum-resistant systems.

What to Watch

Moving forward, stakeholders will be monitoring the progress of Algorand's roadmap, especially in its early stages in 2026. It will be crucial to observe how the implementation of new cryptographic standards impacts usability, security, and overall network performance. The timeline set by Algorand suggests it aims to achieve quantum resilience ahead of the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology's planned retirement of certain cryptographic standards and uniting the efforts of both industry and government agencies towards safeguarding digital assets from future quantum threats.

The Solana Foundation has launched Frontier Traders, a community designed for onchain traders who engage with emerging assets and technologies. This initiative comes as trading volume on decentralized platforms increasingly rivals that of centralized exchanges.

Frontier Traders includes a VIP rebates program that offers incentives based on trading volume across Solana's network. Members who qualify for VIP rebates will benefit from a tiered structure that rewards them with rebates for meeting specific trading metrics. For instance, a trader who meets the criteria for VIP 1, which requires a minimum 30-day trading volume of $10 million, will receive a rebate of 0.001%.

The program caters to both takers and makers, with feedback and tier structures designed to promote active participation and partnership within the ecosystem. Takers are classified into several tiers based on their monthly volume, ranging from VIP 1 for under $10 million to VIP 5 for volumes exceeding $5 billion.

New members can still engage in campaigns for rewards even if they do not qualify for VIP status. The Frontier Traders community plans to introduce a campaign platform featuring various opportunities, including a current trading campaign that rewards the top 100 traders by $SPCX volume with a total of $25,000 in prizes, set to run until June 19.

In addition to trading incentives, the Frontier Traders community will host global events, facilitating networking among traders who are actively shaping the onchain trading landscape. The next scheduled event is on June 25 in London, highlighting the community's ongoing commitment to fostering connections within the trading ecosystem.

Membership in Frontier Traders is open to anyone, including those currently trading on other venues. The Solana Foundation will consider trading volumes from other platforms for qualification, providing support for traders transitioning to the Solana network.

The launch of Frontier Traders represents an expansion of Solana’s commitment to building a vibrant trading ecosystem, establishing its infrastructure to support both seasoned and new traders in navigating decentralized finance.

A full list of participating venues and additional details about the VIP program are available on the Frontier Traders application platform.

Moody's Ratings announced the expansion of its blockchain-based ratings system to the Solana network in partnership with Alphaledger. This initiative allows issuers of tokenized bonds and other fixed-income securities to integrate Moody's credit ratings directly into their blockchain-based assets.

This development, revealed on June 17, 2026, aims to address significant hurdles for tokenized assets by embedding credible financial evaluations onto blockchain networks. Previously, Moody's had successfully tested this technology on the institutional-focused Canton Network. The pilot project demonstrated how municipal bond ratings could be directly associated with tokenized securities on Solana, setting the stage for this latest rollout.

Tokenization, which involves creating digital versions of traditional assets on the blockchain, has been rapidly gaining traction. Major asset management firms like BlackRock and Franklin Templeton have already launched tokenized funds, with projections estimating the tokenized asset market could reach $18.9 trillion by 2033, according to estimates by Boston Consulting Group and Ripple.

As tokenization evolves, financial firms are increasingly focused on integrating necessary infrastructure, like ownership records, pricing data, and compliance measures, onto blockchain platforms. For bond investors, credit ratings play a crucial role in assessing credit risk. By embedding these ratings into tokenized securities, both investors and applications can more easily access reliable credit evaluations without needing external databases or market terminals.

Rajeev Bamra, head of digital economy strategy at Moody's Ratings, stated, "Investors need independent credit analysis wherever they transact, and increasingly, that's onchain." This initiative further solidifies Solana's position as a player in the tokenization space, which is crucial for attracting institutional finance. Previous efforts to enhance Solana's ecosystem include Western Union's launch of a U.S. dollar stablecoin on the network, aimed at providing low-cost remittances.

Additionally, the Solana Foundation collaborated with R3, a provider of blockchain technology for financial institutions, to integrate tokenized real-world assets onto Solana from its Corda platform. R3's ecosystem features notable participants like HSBC, Bank of America, and the Bank of Italy.

With these developments, watching how other financial institutions adopt tokenization within the Solana network will be critical, as will any further integrations that enhance the accessibility and usability of tokenized assets in the financial landscape.

Coinbase announced on June 16, 2026, its intention to launch new trading features, positioning itself to expand beyond its current offerings. This includes options trading for both cryptocurrencies and traditional equities, along with a new tokenized stock trading system that features automatic dividend payments. Users will also have the ability to borrow against staked Solana.

The aim is to create a comprehensive financial hub for users, as Coinbase strives to emerge as the "everything exchange." "The throughline, in terms of Coinbase’s overall mission, is economic empowerment," said Ben Shen, Coinbase's Head of Financial Services, emphasizing the company's commitment to helping customers utilize their funds in practical ways.

Additionally, users will be able to import existing stock portfolios to trade them directly on Coinbase's enhanced trading platform. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong differentiated their tokenized stocks from other offerings, stating they represent genuine ownership with automatic dividends.

As Coinbase's new offerings roll out, users will have the option to leverage their existing assets for trading and investment activities, potentially significantly impacting how customers engage with both crypto and traditional markets.

Going forward, observers will want to monitor user adoption of these new features, as well as how Coinbase's approach to tokenized stocks may influence regulatory perceptions of such products within the broader financial ecosystem.

Forward Industries, the largest publicly traded Solana treasury firm, has recently proposed acquisitions to three competing Solana treasury firms: the Solana Company and Brera Holdings, among others. Both the Solana Company and Brera Holdings rejected Forward's unsolicited takeover bids, while a proposal to SkyAI went unanswered before the offer expired on June 12.

Forward expressed surprise at these rejections, stating, "We are disappointed and surprised that the HSDT board has chosen to reject Forward’s offer without any discussion or communication." The firm believes engaging in dialogue would benefit both parties and their shareholders, as well as strengthen the Solana ecosystem.

Despite the rejections, Forward Industries has experienced a stock price increase of over 14% due to a broader market rally, largely influenced by a recent peace deal between the U.S. and Iran. Currently, shares of Forward Industries trade at approximately $4.89. Meanwhile, Solana and its governance token, SOL, have also risen nearly 11% in the last 24 hours, trading around $75.

Forward has previously acquired nearly 7 million SOL for about $1.6 billion and persists in its belief that strategic combinations with rival firms could enhance shareholder value. The firm has expressed a clear intention to drive cooperative growth within the Solana ecosystem, aligning with its vision for a more effective treasury management structure.

As market fluctuations occur, stakeholders across the Solana space will be watching closely for any future developments regarding Forward Industries' strategy and potential talks with its rivals.

What Happened

SpaceX shares will begin trading on Solana the same day the company lists on Nasdaq, through a tokenized stock called SPCX, issued by Backpack Securities. This token represents ownership of underlying SpaceX shares, which can be redeemed for actual shares through Backpack's brokerage, providing a direct connection between traditional account holders and blockchain platforms.

Why It Matters

The introduction of SPCX aims to create a bridge between conventional equities and blockchain markets, allowing for trading around the clock, including outside traditional market hours. According to Backpack CEO Armani Ferrante, "The future of tokenized equities is not just putting price exposure onchain; it is making underlying securities portable across financial systems." This launch reflects an increasing interest in connecting tokenized real-world assets to blockchain, as several firms are looking to replicate the success of stablecoins in the equities market.

What to Watch

As the crypto industry attracts attention with innovative financial products, the success of tokenized stocks like SPCX will depend on demand and accessibility to a global investor base. Future developments may show whether these assets can achieve or exceed the popularity of current tokenized offerings. Observers should monitor trading volumes and market reception as SPCX enters the market.

The Solana Foundation has entered into a collaboration with the World Series of Poker (WSOP) to facilitate cryptocurrency use in tournament transactions. Players can now purchase entries using Solana (SOL) or stablecoins, thanks to infrastructure provided by MoonPay. The initiative includes zero processing fees for participants.

The partnership marks a significant step in integrating cryptocurrency into mainstream gaming. “The introduction of Solana-powered buy-ins and payouts modernizes how money moves through the poker ecosystem and reduces friction for players around the world,” said Vibhu Norby, Chief Product Officer at the Solana Foundation. He expressed optimism about the benefits of faster transactions and lower costs for participants.

Starting in December, WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas will offer stablecoin payouts for tournament winnings, further enhancing players' experiences. The collaboration aims to improve accessibility, particularly for international players, who often face hurdles when making transactions in traditional currencies. “There is a huge opportunity to tap into this audience, and we look to grow both the Solana community and game of poker,” Norby added.

The Solana Foundation expects that the efficiency of using cryptocurrency will attract poker players who seek seamless financial transactions. This initiative is viewed as a vital component for measuring the collaboration's success, along with broader implications for the poker and crypto communities. As the partnership progresses, observers will likely watch for how effectively it can leverage rising interest in crypto payments in traditional sectors like gaming.

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has partnered with the Solana Foundation to introduce Solana-based cryptocurrency payments for tournament buy-ins. Starting at the WSOP in Las Vegas, players can use these digital assets via MoonPay, with the significant advantage of no processing fees. This initiative aims to modernize payment methods for poker players and supports cross-border transactions for an international player base.

WSOP will also launch this payment system at its upcoming WSOP Paradise event in the Bahamas this December. Winners at this latter event will have the option to receive their payouts in Solana-based stablecoins, marking a notable step in integrating blockchain technology into traditional gaming environments.

Ty Stewart, CEO of WSOP, expressed enthusiasm about this development. "We are incredibly proud to bring such an innovative and passionate community into the fold," he said. "Solana's ecosystem, like the WSOP, constantly challenges conventions and remains laser-focused on the consumer experience." This collaboration highlights a significant moment in the convergence of sports and blockchain technology, potentially attracting a new demographic of players interested in digital currencies.

This integration of blockchain payments into the WSOP could pave the way for broader acceptance of cryptocurrency in major sporting events. As more international players participate, the ability to transact in a seamless and cost-effective manner may enhance user experience and operational efficiency.

Looking ahead, it will be important to monitor how this initiative influences participation rates and the experiences of players using Solana payments in competitive poker environments. Additionally, observers may be interested in the responses from the community and any further integrations of blockchain into other sectors of the gaming industry.

For the first time in the history of the World Series of Poker (WSOP), players can now enter tournaments directly with cryptocurrency on the Solana blockchain without incurring any processing fees. This initiative is part of a broader collaboration where the Solana Foundation will serve as the official Presenting Sponsor of both the 2026 World Series of Poker and the 2026 World Series of Poker Paradise.

The poker community's adoption of cryptocurrency aligns with its emphasis on both skill and risk assessment. According to reports, poker attracts a significant global audience, with approximately 100 million players each month. The partnership aims to modernize the poker experience by incorporating digital payments and expanding accessibility to international players.

The integration will begin at the upcoming 57th annual summer event in Las Vegas, where participants can purchase tournament tickets using several stablecoins, such as USDC, USDT, or SOL, without needing to perform additional conversions. This upgrade reduces friction between user wallets and tournament entry.

Furthermore, by December 2026 at the WSOP Paradise in The Bahamas, tournament winners will have the opportunity to receive payouts in stablecoins on the Solana network. This feature is anticipated to ease international transactions associated with tournament winnings, offering near-instant access to funds and enhancing player convenience.

“We are incredibly proud to bring such an innovative and passionate community into the fold. Solana's speed and efficiency mirror the fast-paced energy of our tournaments,” said Ty Stewart, CEO of the World Series of Poker. This sentiment reflects a growing interest in fast and transparent payment systems within both the poker and cryptocurrency communities.

Solana, which is recognized for its high-performance capabilities and ability to process thousands of transactions per second at minimal costs, aims to provide a streamlined experience for poker enthusiasts. The poker industry’s openness to adopting new technologies positions it as a key player in the broader context of digital currency usage.

As the WSOP is set to return to ESPN, reaching an audience exceeding 300 million viewers across more than 130 countries, Solana will be visibly promoted throughout the event. Solana has also commenced streaming the WSOP via their profile on X.
For ongoing updates and to access tournament entry with crypto, players are encouraged to visit wsop.com.