According to @jessepollak, a significant trend is emerging where every crypto exchange and fintech firm is expected to launch its own Layer-2 blockchain within the next five years, a prediction made by Sam McIngvale of OP Labs, builder of Optimism. This is driven by the success of Coinbase's Base network, which allows for the monetization of custodied assets. In parallel, major technical upgrades are being proposed across the ecosystem. Ethereum (ETH) core developer Barnabé Monnot has proposed EIP-7782 to cut block times from 12 to 6 seconds, potentially doubling network speed. RippleX has released version 2.5.0 for the XRP Ledger (XRP), introducing new features like 'TokenEscrow' and 'PermissionedDEX' to enhance DeFi and compliance capabilities. From a market perspective, Bitwise Asset Management notes that MicroStrategy's (MSTR) stock is at its lowest 10-day realized volatility since it began acquiring Bitcoin (BTC), indicating a potential consolidation phase. Meanwhile, Bernstein has raised its price target for Coinbase (COIN) stock to $510, citing its growing role as crypto's 'universal bank'.