Cryptocurrency
Harvard Students and Alumni Launch Groundbreaking Native Bitcoin Blockchain Project at Harvard Innovation Labs to Tackle Global Debt Crisis

[PRESS RELEASE – Singapore, Asia, September 19th, 2024]
Harvard Students and Alumni Launch Groundbreaking Native Bitcoin Blockchain Project at Harvard Innovation Labs to Tackle Global Debt Crisis
- Launch of “New Bretton Woods Project” (NBW): A Harvard-led initiative, soon to be incubated at Harvard Innovation Labs, tackling the global debt crisis through decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions.
- Native Bitcoin Stablecoin: NBW is developing a Bitcoin-backed stablecoin via BeL2 infrastructure, offering stability while preserving Bitcoin’s decentralization and security.
- Economic Disruption and Resilience: The project aims to reshape global finance by leveraging Bitcoin and DeFi to promote economic stability and empower users in the face of rising global debt.
In a bold step to transform the global financial landscape, the Digital Economy Research Initiative, led by a dynamic group of Harvard students and alumni, has officially launched the “New Bretton Woods Project” (NBW). This pioneering blockchain-based initiative has secured membership in Harvard’s prestigious Innovation Labs and is set to begin incubation there in the coming weeks. NBW aims to tackle the escalating global debt crisis by offering innovative, technology-driven solutions.
At the heart of the project is the development of a native Bitcoin stablecoin, leveraging the transformative potential of decentralized finance (DeFi). Built on the innovative BeL2 infrastructure, NBW aims to reshape global financial systems, unlocking new possibilities for debt management and financial stability across nations.
With the power of DeFi and blockchain, NBW stands poised to disrupt the status quo, offering a bold new path toward economic resilience in the face of one of the greatest challenges of our time. This initiative signals not just a step, but a leap toward a decentralized, stable and secure economic future.
The project reframes Bitcoin as not just a store of value but the foundation of a decentralized financial system. Using BeL2—Bitcoin’s second-layer solution—the NBW project enables smart contracts for Bitcoin-backed stablecoin construction, empowering users to engage in decentralized finance while preserving Bitcoin’s core principles of decentralization and security.
“Harvard Innovation Labs will help turn our vision into reality,” said Jacob, Lead Member of New Bretton Woods (NBW) at Harvard University. “Our goal is to create a ‘New Bretton Woods’ system anchored in Bitcoin, bringing stability through the utility of a stablecoin. This stablecoin allows users to bypass Bitcoin’s price volatility while retaining the potential for long-term gain, making the product practical for daily use.”
The native Bitcoin stablecoin will be fully backed by Bitcoin, enabling users to experience the stability of fiat currency without liquidating their Bitcoin holdings. This offers a balance of algorithmic security using Bitcoin miners and the opportunity for long-term growth.
The BeL2 infrastructure allows for decentralized finance applications, where Bitcoin remains securely on the main network. Bitcoin can be used as collateral for Layer 2 applications such as decentralized exchanges, loans, and stablecoin issuance. The NBW team ensures that all Bitcoin-related settlements occur on the Bitcoin main network for maximum security. Instead of transferring assets across chains, messages are sent to Ethereum-compatible networks to issue stablecoin, uniting technologies and supporting a robust decentralized economy.
“Financial empowerment comes from both freedom and stability,” added Sasha Mitchell, Head of Operations at BeL2. “By offering a stablecoin backed by Bitcoin on the BeL2 platform, NBW is giving people a way to protect their wealth and access new financial opportunities, especially in times of economic volatility.”
“This initiative comes at a crucial time as global debt reaches record levels. By combining Bitcoin’s decentralized structure with the stability of a pegged currency, the project offers a financial system that mitigates the risks of traditional economies, highlighting the real-world benefits of financial security and sovereignty. Our stablecoin isn’t just another digital currency; it’s a tool for global financial stability,” said Jacob, Lead Member of the NBW project. “We believe that offering a decentralized and stable currency helps individuals and communities navigate the growing challenges posed by the global debt crisis.”
The NBW team invites those who share their vision for a decentralized and secure financial future to explore how they can contribute. Whether you’re a developer, an investor, or a policymaker interested in sustainable financial solutions, this project offers a unique chance to shape a future focused on security, accessibility, and freedom.
About New Bretton Woods Project (NBW)
The project is led by Digital Economy Research Initiative, a team of Harvard students and alumni. NBW is set to be incubated at Harvard Innovation Labs in the coming weeks. Focused on bridging the gap between traditional finance and decentralized systems, the team is committed to advancing financial inclusivity and economic stability.
About Harvard Innovation Labs
Harvard Innovation Labs is a collaborative ecosystem that supports entrepreneurship across Harvard University. It provides resources, mentorship, and funding to students, faculty, and alumni as they develop practical solutions in fields like technology and finance.
About BeL2
BeL2 is Bitcoin’s second-layer solution that enables decentralized finance (DeFi) while keeping Bitcoin secure on its main chain. By providing users with the ability to lend, borrow, and trade without intermediaries, BeL2 ensures financial freedom while preserving Bitcoin’s core principles of decentralization. With BeL2, users retain full control over their Bitcoin while accessing new financial opportunities.
Binance Free $600 (CryptoPotato Exclusive): Use this link to register a new account and receive $600 exclusive welcome offer on Binance (full details).
LIMITED OFFER 2024 at BYDFi Exchange: Up to $2,888 welcome reward, use this link to register and open a 100 USDT-M position for free!
Cryptocurrency
Stablecoin Supply Tops $250B for First Time Ever: Tether and Circle Still Rule

The total stablecoin supply has surpassed $250 billion for the first time, according to the latest stats shared by Delphi Digital. Yield-bearing stablecoins are expanding rapidly, with Ethena alone reaching nearly $6 billion since launch.
Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC continue to dominate the space, and collectively account for 86% of the outstanding supply. However, issuer diversity is rising, with over 10 stablecoins now exceeding $100 million in circulation.
Over $120 billion in US Treasuries are now held within stablecoins.
Forces Behind the $250B Stablecoin Boom
It is important to note that the market has rebounded significantly after key disruptions over the past four years, including the May 2022 collapse of Terra (UST), which triggered a loss of confidence in algorithmic stablecoins, and the March 2023 USDC de-peg caused by the regional banking crisis and Circle’s $3.3 billion exposure to SVB.
Recent growth can be attributed to broader digital asset market recovery, the 2024 launch of US-listed spot crypto ETFs, and a shift in sentiment under the Trump administration, which has increased institutional interest and adoption of digital assets.
As the stablecoin market matures and gains momentum, policymakers are stepping in with new legislation in a bid to solidify the US’s leadership in digital finance.
GENIUS Act Advances
After the Senate passed the GENIUS Act in a 68-30 vote, US President Donald Trump called on the House to act quickly to pass the bill. The Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act. On Truth Social, Trump said the bill would make America the “undisputed leader in digital assets,” and urged lawmakers to avoid delays or amendments.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Bill Hagerty, had previously highlighted its potential to speed up payment processing across the country. The House, controlled by a narrow Republican majority, is now expected to take up the vote.
Criticism of the GENIUS Act has been fierce in some quarters, particularly from Democratic lawmakers concerned about conflicts of interest. The bill initially stalled in May, failing a cloture vote amid worries over Trump’s crypto connections.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, for one, stated that the legislation could enable Trump and his family to earn “hundreds of millions” through their USD1 stablecoin. While Senator Mark Warner echoed ethical concerns, he warned that continued inaction would leave the US behind.
Binance Free $600 (CryptoPotato Exclusive): Use this link to register a new account and receive $600 exclusive welcome offer on Binance (full details).
LIMITED OFFER for CryptoPotato readers at Bybit: Use this link to register and open a $500 FREE position on any coin!
Cryptocurrency
Zodia Custody Expands Institutional Staking with Everstake as Validator Partner Across Multiple PoS Networks

[PRESS RELEASE – Miami, FL, June 19th, 2025]
Everstake, a leading global non-custodial staking provider serving institutional and retail clients, has partnered with Zodia Custody, a leading institutional digital asset custodian backed by Standard Chartered, SBI Holdings, Northern Trust, and National Australia Bank. Through this collaboration, Everstake will support institutional staking for Zodia Custody clients by providing validator infrastructure across multiple Proof-of-Stake (PoS) networks.
To align with institutional expectations, Zodia is introducing staking with Everstake. The first tranche brought support for Polkadot (DOT), Cardano (ADA), and Solana (SOL), with Everstake serving as a trusted validator partner across these networks. In the second tranche, the infrastructure will also extend to Ethereum (ETH), NEAR Protocol (NEAR), and Babylon (BABY), with support scheduled to go live in the coming months—further expanding staking capabilities for Zodia clients.
Staking is playing an increasingly prominent role in institutional digital asset strategies, but slashing risk, compliance, and infrastructure reliability remain key barriers. This partnership addresses those challenges by combining Zodia’s secure, institutional-backed custody platform with Everstake’s institutional-grade validator infrastructure, offering 99.9% uptime and full compliance with ISO/IEC 27001:2022, SOC 2 Type 2, and GDPR. Together, they provide a natural solution for institutions seeking secure, compliant staking at scale.
By integrating directly into Zodia’s custody platform, Everstake enables staking without requiring clients to compromise custody. Assets are staked through Zodia’s internal API infrastructure and routed to Everstake’s whitelisted nodes. Everstake never accesses customer keys or assets; all operations remain auditable, transparent, and aligned with institutional governance.
“Institutions are looking for ways to put their digital assets to work without compromising on security or compliance,” said Julian Sawyer, CEO of Zodia Custody. “By partnering with Everstake, we’re enabling clients to stake assets like SOL and NEAR directly from custody while maintaining full oversight, control, and governance over the process.”
“We believe staking will underpin the next wave of institutional adoption in digital assets,” said Bohdan Opryshko, co-founder and COO of Everstake. “Our partnership with Zodia reflects the growing demand for compliant staking infrastructure built to institutional standards. We’re proud to support this new tranche of their program and help deliver institutional-grade staking to their clients.”
About Zodia Custody
Zodia Custody is an institution-first digital assets platform backed by Standard Chartered Bank, SBI Group, Northern Trust and National Australia Bank. Offering a seamless combination of custody, treasury and settlement solutions, Zodia Custody enables institutional investors worldwide to embrace the digital asset future with confidence, security and efficiency.
About Everstake
Everstake is a leading global non-custodial staking provider serving institutional and retail clients and enabling secure access to over 85 Proof-of-Stake networks. Founded in 2018 by blockchain engineers, the company supports more than 735,000 delegators, $6.5 billion in staked assets, and 40,000+ active validators — delivering institutional-grade infrastructure with 99.9% uptime and zero material slashing events since inception.
Trusted by asset managers, custodians, wallets, exchanges, and protocols, Everstake offers API-first, compliant infrastructure backed by SOC 2 Type 2 and ISO 27001:2022 certifications, GDPR compliance, and regular smart contract audits. Its globally distributed team of 100+ professionals is committed to making staking accessible to everyone while strengthening the foundations of decentralized finance.
Everstake is a software platform that provides infrastructure tools and resources for users but does not offer investment advice or investment opportunities, manage funds, facilitate collective investment schemes, provide financial services, or take custody of or otherwise hold or manage customer assets. Everstake does not conduct independent diligence or substantive review of any blockchain asset, digital currency, cryptocurrency, or associated funds. Everstake’s provision of technology services allowing users to stake digital assets is not an endorsement or a recommendation of any digital asset. Users are fully and solely responsible for evaluating whether to stake digital assets.
Binance Free $600 (CryptoPotato Exclusive): Use this link to register a new account and receive $600 exclusive welcome offer on Binance (full details).
LIMITED OFFER for CryptoPotato readers at Bybit: Use this link to register and open a $500 FREE position on any coin!
Cryptocurrency
CZ Calls for ‘Will Function’ to Secure Crypto Legacy Amid Inheritance Concerns

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao (CZ) is urging crypto platforms to introduce a “will function.”
This is to address the growing need for reliable inheritance systems in the digital assets space.
Community Concerns
In a statement shared on X, CZ said, “Every platform should have a ‘will function’—so that when someone is no longer around, their assets can be distributed to designated accounts according to specified proportions.”
The ex-Binance CEO also called on regulators to allow minors to hold crypto accounts that can receive payments but not trade. According to him, this would allow children to legally get digital assets left behind by family members. He emphasized that while inheritance is a sensitive topic, “it’s a feature everyone who has assets on a platform will need once.”
The conversation started with a post from Web3 community builder cryptobraveHQ, who referenced a tweet they had made in April. The crypto commentator pointed out that over $1 billion worth of crypto assets are transferred to centralized exchanges each year due to accidental deaths.
He explained that many traders either don’t inform their families about their holdings or fail to share details such as the number of assets or platforms they use. As a result, when these users pass away unexpectedly, their accounts become inactive, and the exchanges then end up getting their digital assets.
Binance’s Emergency Contacts and Inheritance Feature
In response to the raised issues, Binance rolled out an “emergency contacts and inheritance heir” feature on June 12. The update enables users to designate emergency contacts and submit an application if their account becomes inactive for an extended period or in the event of death. This allows people to choose in advance who may be eligible to get their crypto holdings.
Once the set inactivity threshold is reached and the user remains unresponsive, the exchange will contact the emergency contacts listed. If verification is successful, those individuals can begin the inheritance claim process.
Competitors like Coinbase and BitGo are using more traditional methods to handle crypto estate planning. The former requires heirs to provide legal documents like death certificates and wills. This process is manual and does not include any in-app beneficiary settings. The latter uses multi-signature wallets, cold storage protocols, and customizable access controls to support inheritance. This is done through legal third-party partnerships.
Meanwhile, Binance is also leading in Proof of Reserves (POR) reporting by releasing its disclosures monthly and on time. A new CryptoQuant report revealed that the exchange ranked first in transparency and consistently maintains a reserve coverage level above 100%.
Binance Free $600 (CryptoPotato Exclusive): Use this link to register a new account and receive $600 exclusive welcome offer on Binance (full details).
LIMITED OFFER for CryptoPotato readers at Bybit: Use this link to register and open a $500 FREE position on any coin!
- Forex3 years ago
Forex Today: the dollar is gaining strength amid gloomy sentiment at the start of the Fed’s week
- Forex3 years ago
Unbiased review of Pocket Option broker
- Forex3 years ago
Dollar to pound sterling exchange rate today: Pound plummeted to its lowest since 1985
- Forex3 years ago
How is the Australian dollar doing today?
- World3 years ago
Why are modern video games an art form?
- Cryptocurrency3 years ago
What happened in the crypto market – current events today
- Commodities3 years ago
Copper continues to fall in price on expectations of lower demand in China
- Economy3 years ago
Crude oil tankers double in price due to EU anti-Russian sanctions