According to @KookCapitalLLC, a major trend is emerging where every crypto exchange and fintech firm is expected to launch its own blockchain within the next five years, a prediction made by OP Labs' head of product, Sam McIngvale. This forecast is heavily influenced by the runaway success of Coinbase's Layer-2 network, Base, which was built using Optimism's (OP) OP Stack. The primary drivers for this adoption are the abilities to build a vast user and developer ecosystem and to monetize dormant crypto assets held in custody, such as allowing customers to borrow USDC against their Bitcoin (BTC) on the L2 network. This strategy turns custody from a cost center into a profit generator. The analysis notes that other major players like Kraken, Bybit, Bitget, OKX, and fintech firm Robinhood are already exploring or launching their own L2s. However, the source also raises concerns that this wave of corporate adoption and political alignment, exemplified by Coinbase's activities, is diluting the industry's original cypherpunk ethos of decentralization and challenging centralized power structures.