The Ethereum Foundation (EF) faces renewed scrutiny after several high-profile departures, sparking debates on transparency and leadership. Community members questioned the EF's communication and direction, reflecting tensions between its decentralized ethos and the scale of the ecosystem it supports. Citi analysts highlighted Bitcoin's heightened vulnerability to quantum computing breakthroughs, noting that ~6.5-6.9 million BTC (one-third of supply) is at risk from exposed public keys. While large-scale quantum attacks are not imminent, accelerated progress warrants investor attention. Jump Crypto's Firedancer validator client has begun producing blocks on Solana mainnet, but the rollout is deliberately gradual to ensure security. The team emphasizes collaboration over competition with existing clients. Vitalik Buterin argued that AI-assisted formal verification could revolutionize crypto security by mathematically proving code correctness, addressing persistent smart contract exploits. He sees applications in Ethereum infrastructure, ZK proofs, and post-quantum cryptography. In other news, European bank consortium Qivalis expanded to 37 institutions, doubling down on euro stablecoins to challenge USDT dominance.

Key facts

• Ethereum Foundation under fire after high-profile departures, transparency questioned.
• Citi warns ~6.5-6.9M BTC (one-third supply) at risk from quantum computing threats.
• Jump Crypto's Firedancer validator goes live on Solana mainnet, gradual rollout.
• Vitalik Buterin proposes AI-assisted formal verification to secure crypto systems.
• European bank consortium Qivalis expands to 37 members, pushing euro stablecoins.

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