Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has criticized the launch of new generic EVM-based Layer 1 chains, calling them a dead end and arguing that Ethereum's base layer will already provide substantial EVM blockspace. He now promotes a broader spectrum of designs, including deeply integrated app-chain models and institutional Layer 2s, urging developers to focus on differentiated features such as privacy, app-specific efficiency and ultra-low latency. While questioning the rollup-centric roadmap, he still assigns Layer 2s a role in delivering extreme scalability for demanding use cases like AI.

On a Wednesday earnings call covering FY25, UBS CEO Sergio Ermotti said the bank is preparing to give private banking clients direct access to crypto while expanding a "fast follower" tokenization strategy over three to five years. UBS reported full-year net profit of $7.8 billion, up 53%, with invested assets crossing $7 trillion, and is building infrastructure for both individual crypto access and tokenized deposit solutions for corporate clients.

On Friday, SoFi Technologies reported its first quarter with revenue above $1 billion for the three months ended Dec. 31, with GAAP net income of $173.5 million. The company said it added a record 1.027 million members to reach 13.7 million and advanced its crypto push by launching consumer trading and the SoFiUSD stablecoin in December.

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan told analysts on Wednesday that up to $6 trillion in U.S. bank deposits could move into stablecoins if interest is permitted, citing Treasury Department studies. On Jan. 9, the Senate's latest draft would ban passive yield on stablecoin balances while allowing activity-based rewards, and a planned committee markup was later postponed.

Bank of New York Mellon launched a tokenized deposit service on Jan. 9, enabling blockchain-based payments and collateral for institutional clients. The custodian of $57.8 trillion in assets aims for automated settlement and 24/7 operability, with early users including ICE, Citadel Securities, DRW, Ripple Prime, Baillie Gifford, and Circle.

According to Reuters, Barclays acquired a stake in Ubyx, a U.S.-based stablecoin settlement startup, as it pursues tokenized money within regulation. Ubyx launched in 2025 and raised $10 million in July, and Barclays joined a 10-bank consortium in October to assess a regulated stablecoin pegged to a basket of G7 currencies.

On Monday, Starknet's network stopped producing blocks for hours, and developers said they are investigating the cause. The incident follows a September 2 disruption tied to the Grinta upgrade that required two chain reorganizations. At press time, STRK traded around $0.08, down over 20% in a month and nearly 98% below its $3.66 February 2024 high.