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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 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.

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.

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.

Highlights from May 2026

May 2026 saw remarkable achievements in Solana's real-world asset (RWA) ecosystem, which reached a record total value of over $2.8 billion. This month also marked Solana's dominance in on-chain tokenized equities, capturing 97% of the cumulative spot trading volume. Additionally, the total stablecoin supply exceeded $16 billion, contributing to a monthly trading volume of $64.6 billion in perpetual contracts.

Significant Milestones

• $2.8 billion+: The total value of Solana's RWA ecosystem.
• 97%: Percentage of on-chain tokenized equities spot trading volume accounted for by Solana.
• $16.4 billion: Total stablecoin supply during May.
• $64.6 billion: Monthly volume for perpetual contracts.
• $115.3 million: Net inflows into U.S. spot Solana ETFs.

This month also saw the introduction of a stablecoin issued by a U.S. national bank directly accessible via a banking app, along with a global payments network integrating Solana-native stablecoin infrastructure. Moreover, the ecosystem welcomed numerous enhancements such as new validator clients and a redesigned token program, further diversifying asset classes, including reinsurance and physical silver, alongside equities and stablecoins.

Looking Ahead

As Solana continues to dominate in tokenized assets and stablecoin infrastructure, the upcoming months will be crucial in assessing how these developments impact the broader ecosystem and market perceptions. Observers will watch for new integrations and further growth in the RWA sector.

Overview of Accelerate USA

The Accelerate USA event in Miami hosted 3,000 participants, marking it as the largest gathering focused on Solana and the future of America. Notable attendees included four U.S. Senators, the House Majority Whip, and executives from major firms such as Tether USA, Kraken, and SoFi. Vibhu Norby, Chief Product Officer at the Solana Foundation, highlighted the transition from progress to execution, stating, "Last year we were in the progress stage, and today we're in the execution phase. And Solana's at the center of that conversation."

Key Announcements

Throughout the three-day event, over twenty announcements were made. A major theme was the increasing acceptance of Solana by traditional finance and AI sectors. On Consumer Day, speakers detailed robust user growth on Solana, including an impressive increase from under 500,000 to over 2 million weekly active wallets. DFlow reported that it achieved greater than 100 times growth in 2026, with over $50 billion in cumulative retail trading volume across more than 500 integrations.

Highlights from Consumer Day

• ComicBook partnered with Collector Crypt to launch a digital vending machine, aiming to deliver Solana-powered collectibles to a wide user base.
• Reap unveiled an onchain operations stack designed to provide cashback on business expenses.
• Altitude previewed their upcoming stablecoin cards catered to business users.
• Tapestry's Zumi announced a user base of 160,000, noting a 52-fold growth within 90 days.
• Magicblock validated the Seeker thesis, demonstrating significant spending by users.

Policy Discussions

On May 5, discussions centered around the CLARITY Act, which aims to clarify the regulatory landscape for digital assets following the passage of the Genius Act, which established a framework for stablecoins. These legislative efforts are intended to provide U.S. institutions with the necessary legal certainty to utilize stablecoins widely.

Conclusion

The Accelerate USA event underscored Solana's growing influence and its position as a hub for innovation at the intersection of finance and technology.

Solana has recently introduced native Subscriptions and Allowances, allowing developers to implement recurring billing and delegated spending directly onchain. This service is available on the Solana mainnet and eliminates the need for external billing systems, enabling businesses to integrate payment solutions quickly and efficiently.

The Subscriptions feature supports three distinct payment models: Allowances (Fixed Delegation), Recurring Delegations, and Subscription Plans. Allowances enable users to authorize a one-time spend within a predetermined limit, useful for AI agents that operate autonomously within a budget. Recurring Delegations allow users to set up repeating payments within set caps, ideal for payroll or ongoing financial commitments. Subscription Plans facilitate fixed billing tiers, allowing merchants to define immutable pricing structures for their services. Funds are pulled automatically each billing cycle, enhancing operational efficiency.

Key integrations with well-known platforms like Dynamic and Helius showcase the flexibility of these tools. For example, Dynamic integrates Solana Subscriptions for onchain checkout via embedded wallets, while Helius enables API customers to subscribe directly to specified tiers onchain, streamlining billing processes and reducing reliance on manual invoicing.

This new offering offers significant potential for various applications, such as recurring API billing, content micropayments, and automated payroll systems. Subscriptions and Allowances simplify what previously required extensive custom development into an easily deployable solution, enabling developers to launch projects rapidly.

The program is designed for broad adoption, supported by partnerships with companies like Confirmo, Majority, and Meow, which contributed to shaping the service. With its open-source nature and comprehensive auditing by firms like Cantina/Spearbit, developers can integrate these features with confidence.

As Solana continues to evolve its ecosystem, the introduction of Subscriptions and Allowances marks a significant development towards enabling more complex financial relationships onchain, paving the way for innovative use cases in decentralized finance and beyond.

In late January, Usman Saleem, founder of Oro, a vertically integrated tokenized gold company on Solana, discussed his experiences during a significant spike in gold prices while in Doha. Gold surged by around ten percent, surpassing $5,100 per ounce, an unusual move for the commodity known for stable annual fluctuations.

Saleem faced challenges that night as market makers reached out to him for assistance in rebalancing on-chain liquidity pools, with some investors attempting to place substantial orders quickly. Another critical moment occurred in late February after tensions in the Middle East prompted gold prices to rise during the weekend, as on-chain trading continued while traditional markets were closed. This resulted in prices near $5,400 an ounce when markets reopened on Monday.

Despite the eventual decline in gold prices following that peak, Saleem noted that the real-time price discovery on on-chain platforms demonstrated a demand from a new audience. “This demonstrates that a product like this has demand even within crypto natives,

On March 4, 2023, the Solana Foundation unveiled a new initiative to support the development of fully onchain perpetual markets, commonly referred to as "perps." These markets aim to provide essential financial instruments for the cryptocurrency space without compromising the performance required by traders and institutions.

Currently, most perpetual trading volume occurs through centralized exchanges (CEXes) or hybrid systems that depend on offchain infrastructure for order matching and settlement. The Solana Foundation views this situation as a temporary phase in the evolution of trading platforms and is focused on fostering truly onchain trading environments. They provide various forms of assistance, including access to capital, technical support, and distribution resources for qualifying projects.

The Solana Foundation outlines several key criteria for teams seeking their support:

• Fully Onchain Execution: Every part of the trading process, from order submission to settlement, should occur entirely onchain, avoiding reliance on offchain systems.
• Competitive Pricing: Prices should emerge from genuine two-sided order flow rather than being determined by liquidity pools or deposits.
• Solana-First Focus: Projects must be built specifically for the Solana ecosystem, enhancing its culture and operational framework, with a structural approach to revenue distribution.
• Innovation: New ideas and optimizations that can enhance Solana’s infrastructure for demanding markets are encouraged.
• Experienced Teams: The foundation is also open to supporting teams with existing products looking to transition to a fully onchain model.
• Open Source Development: Preference is given to teams who openly share their code and algorithms, ensuring transparency and integrity in their implementations.

Moreover, the foundation welcomes initiatives beyond perps, allowing teams working on related infrastructure—such as integrations, market aggregators, or trading interfaces—to apply for grants and funding. Interested teams can find more information on applying at solana.org/grants-funding or through local Superteam chapters.

This comprehensive support structure aims to stimulate the growth of an innovative ecosystem for onchain derivatives on Solana, emphasizing the importance of trustless interactions and community growth through shared knowledge and technology.

Launch of Fan Tokens on Solana

Chiliz launched more than 70 licensed Fan Tokens on Solana on April 28, 2026. These tokens include offerings from prominent clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, FC Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester City, Juventus, Inter Milan, and AC Milan, enhancing fan engagement through digital asset ownership. National team tokens for Argentina and Portugal are also now available, with plans for more tokens as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.

Why Solana for Fan Tokens?

The emergence of Fan Tokens on Solana marks a strategic moment as the platform has recently become a hub for onchain sports activities. This includes the migration of Sorare, a major fantasy sports platform, to Solana in late 2025, offering licensed cards from FIFA, the NBA, MLB, and several major European leagues. In addition, platforms like Kalshi have utilized Solana for tokenizing event contracts.

“Fan Tokens have existed primarily as voting credentials inside the Socios app on the Chiliz chain. On Solana, those same tokens become DeFi-native assets that can be lent, collateralized, paired in Automated Market Makers (AMMs), and integrated into the prediction and fantasy products already running onchain,” the article notes.

Significance of Fan Tokens

Fan Tokens serve as licensed digital assets that enable holders to participate in club decision-making and access various rewards through the Socios platform. Since their inception in 2018, these tokens have reportedly generated over $700 million in revenue for sports organizations, highlighting their financial significance in the sector.

The growing infrastructure on Solana—comprising various sports-related DeFi projects—could significantly alter the engagement between clubs and fans. The upcoming FIFA World Cup offers a timely context for leveraging these assets.

New Opportunities for Development

The introduction of Fan Tokens resolves previous challenges related to licensing and user engagement, prompting potential developments in several areas:

• Integration of Fan Tokens as stakes or collateral in fantasy sports and prediction markets.
• Creation of lending markets that accept Fan Tokens as collateral, despite their current exclusion.
• Launch of collectible drops tied to match outcomes, inspired by existing successful models.
• Development of social applications that leverage token ownership for community events and experiences.
• Innovation in voting mechanisms that would encourage more meaningful fan participation in club affairs.

The global sports market is valued at approximately $417 billion, with various segments like media rights and merchandising driving revenue. The introduction of Fan Tokens effectively consolidates multiple sports and blockchain elements onto a single platform for the first time, potentially shaping the future of sports fandom.

Conclusion

Chiliz's Fan Tokens, issued on Solana via the LayerZero OFT standard, are poised to enhance the intersection of sports and blockchain technology, thus paving the way for innovative applications that could redefine fan engagement. Builders interested in developing on Solana can refer to the provided resources for further information.

Transformation in Merchant Payments

In an effort to modernize merchant payment settlements, Alex Wilson, co-founder of Cyclops, presents a new approach that replaces traditional settlement methods with stablecoin solutions. Wilson's company focuses on facilitating payments between businesses, consumers, and other businesses using stablecoins. He emphasizes that the current setup, where merchants wait for days to receive payments via traditional banking methods, is less efficient.

Currently, most merchants receive payments via Automated Clearing House (ACH) or wire transfers, which are subject to delays based on banking hours, weekends, and holidays. Wilson proposes a shift to stablecoin settlement, which allows merchants to receive payments in USDC or USDT almost instantly, on a 24/7 basis. He states, "The merchant comes to us and says, hey, I would love to get settled seven days a week. Well, that’s really only possible with stablecoins." This new method can transform cash flow for businesses by freeing up working capital that would typically sit idle in pre-funded accounts needed to cover these delays.

Challenges and Opportunities in Adoption

Wilson notes that while many payment companies express interest in crypto solutions, they often struggle to implement them effectively due to engineering challenges or shifting priorities within their organizations. His solution involves simplifying the pilot process for these companies, suggesting that they can test stablecoin settlement without extensive new code development. By streamlining this integration, Wilson believes businesses can adopt stablecoin infrastructure more efficiently.

Stablecoin payments also hold promise for regions like Latin America and Eastern Europe, where establishing a relationship with US banks is frequently a barrier for local merchants. With stablecoins, they can receive dollar-denominated payments directly, mitigating the need for correspondent banking relationships which can be complex and limited.

Implications for the Future of Payments

As the conversation around stablecoins evolves, Wilson envisions a future where the terminology of crypto fades into the background of operational payment processes. He argues that stablecoins represent a practical and necessary evolution in payment infrastructure, deeming that "the boring businesses are what actually get adoption and what actually make money." His long-term vision predicts that stablecoins will integrate seamlessly into the financial ecosystem, rendering them almost invisible in everyday transactions.

On Bits to Bricks, Thomas Cowan, who has a background working on the central bank digital currency (CBDC) team at the Boston Federal Reserve and at Ripple and Paxos, currently leads the tokenization efforts at Galaxy. He highlights the progress being made in the tokenization space and the pivotal role of stablecoins in enhancing the dollar's global dominance.

Currently, stablecoins represent approximately $300 billion in circulation, predominantly in US dollars, reflecting the US's historical edge in developing the crypto economy. Cowan explains that the demand for dollar-denominated assets is largely responsible for this growth, rather than any concerted effort from Washington. He notes, "In many ways, $300 billion is a big number. In other ways, if you look at FX or you look at actual flows, it's still a drop in the bucket." The primary use cases for stablecoins include cross-border payments, providing dollar access in emerging markets, and facilitating trading pairs for digital assets.

Galaxy has also initiated the launch of a euro-denominated stablecoin called AllUnity, in collaboration with Flow Traders and DWS, indicating potential growth in the European market. Cowan anticipates that as on-chain finance increasingly intersects with traditional financial markets, additional currencies will become prominent in the space. He suggests that central banks will need to adapt to maintain competitiveness as more currencies vie for market relevance.

During the episode, Cowan outlines a strategic approach for central banks responding to the rise of dollar stablecoins. His practical steps for central bank governors include fostering cooperation with regulators to create a preferred environment for local stablecoins, ensuring seamless on and off-ramps, and encouraging tech firms to innovate with local currencies. He comments, "Once you have that flywheel going of the regulation, the tech, and the financial support, that is how you're able to build a local jurisdiction with a local stablecoin." However, he notes that enforcing capital controls against unlicensed issuers is also a potential avenue for central banks.

Reflecting on his experience with Project Hamilton, Cowan recounts the challenges faced in developing a US retail CBDC, which would require a throughput of 1.7 million transactions per second to meet projected peak US payment volumes. Despite the impressive performance of Solana, which can achieve sub-second finality and low fees for transactions, Cowan believes that a retail CBDC remains a long-term project, estimating at least a 7- to 10-year timeline for its deployment.

The conversation shifts to the innovative work Galaxy is doing by tokenizing its own stock directly on Solana, bypassing traditional methods where shares are held by special purpose vehicles. As the first SEC-registered public equity issued directly on a public blockchain, Galaxy's approach offers a legal framework for ownership that allows instantaneous settlement and increased transparency. This shift eliminates the need for multiple intermediaries in stock transactions, significantly reducing counterparty risk.

Cowan emphasizes that the infrastructure supporting on-chain transactions, including technology from SuperState and self-custody wallets like Phantom, is essential for expanding access to the tokenized economy. He connects this initiative back to the theme of dollar dominance, pointing out that the US's robust financial ecosystem is a key factor for issuers globally.

In conclusion, Cowan believes that while stablecoins provide individuals with access to a stable currency, the true potential of tokenized capital markets lies in extending American financial infrastructure to institutions around the world. This discussion captures the nuances of the evolving landscape of tokenization and stablecoins, relevant for stakeholders in both the crypto and traditional finance sectors.

Future of US Banking and Stablecoins

Davis Hart, founder of Omnia, reflects on a significant statistic: in ten years, he predicts there will only be 300 banks in the United States, down from around 4,500 today. Hart, who previously attempted to establish a crypto-focused bank and has worked with Solana Labs, asserts that the fragmentation of the US banking system is undergoing seismic shifts driven by fintech innovations and regulatory frameworks. In a recent episode of the Bits to Bricks podcast, he discusses how stablecoins, digital currencies pegged to traditional assets like the US dollar, could influence this transition.

The State of Stablecoins

Hart argues that stablecoins should earn yield, a concept he proposed before leaving Paxos shortly before the collapse of FTX in late 2022. He suggests that a special purpose bank could issue tokens backed solely by US Treasuries. These tokens would provide interest to depositors and cease to do so when transferred outside the bank. However, the recent failures of notable banks such as Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank complicate this vision, leaving Hart to opine that although his idea was ahead of its time, it remains valid.

The Role of Fintechs

The US banking landscape, marked by a rich history of community banking, faces increasing pressure from fintech companies that provide bank-like services without the need for physical branches. Hart points out that fintechs have developed tailored products for underbanked demographics, indicating that banks must adapt to remain competitive. Fintech solutions integrating stablecoins could either accelerate the unbundling of traditional banking services or offer banks an opportunity to innovate and retain market share.

Stablecoins and Domestic Use Cases

While industry conversations often focus on stablecoins' international applications, Hart emphasizes their utility in domestic transactions. For instance, stablecoins facilitate rapid transfers between platforms like PayPal and Coinbase, a service not easily replicated through traditional banking channels. As more platforms adopt stablecoin technology, the network for instant settlements expands, offering new possibilities for asset trading and management.

Advantages of Banks in Stablecoin Economy

Hart contends that banks play a crucial role in the stablecoin ecosystem due to their accessibility to low-cost capital. This advantage allows banks to perform the essential liquidity operations involved in converting fiat to stablecoins efficiently. He suggests that embracing stablecoins can accelerate growth for banks, which are necessary stakeholders as digital assets mature.

Impending Consolidation in Banking

As technology continues to evolve at unprecedented speeds, Hart forecasts a consolidation trend in US banking. He noted a comment from one regional bank CEO, expressing aspirations to survive through this transformation: "Around here we have this phrase, one in 300". Hart’s observations suggest a future where specialization occurs, with banks focusing on specific areas such as lending, payments, or foreign exchange, while generalist models may struggle under competition.

Ultimately, Hart believes that banks willing to engage with stablecoins today are establishing the groundwork for future financial innovations, such as tokenized deposits and commerce solutions. Those that delay adapting may find themselves among the banks that do not survive the consolidation to just 300.

April 2026 saw pivotal advancements in the Solana ecosystem, primarily fueled by institutional engagement and the expansion of tokenized assets. Notably, institutional cryptocurrency trader B2C2 selected Solana as its main network for stablecoin settlement, marking a significant endorsement for the platform.

Furthermore, SoFi, a significant financial institution with around 15 million members, introduced Big Business Banking, which is expected to utilize Solana among other blockchain networks. They aim to create fiat and stablecoin banking services. Additionally, South Korea’s largest card issuer, Shinhan Card, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Solana Foundation to craft stablecoin payment solutions.

The Solana Foundation also launched a platform-level security initiative in early April and provided liquidity support to Aave after a separate DeFi network incident, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing the ecosystem’s resilience. By the end of April, the total value of real-world assets (RWA) on Solana surpassed $2.5 billion, and the network listed an all-time high of about 167 million monthly SPL token-holder addresses.

These developments signify a robust trend of institutional adoption within the Solana network, suggesting increased mainstream acceptance of its capabilities. Observers should monitor the ongoing impacts of these partnerships and whether they lead to further liquidity enhancements or technological advancements within the ecosystem.