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Bitcoin layer 2s keep failing because they’re not real L2s

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Bitcoin layer 2s keep failing because they’re not real L2s

Disclosure: The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to the author and do not represent the views and opinions of crypto.news’ editorial.

Over the past two years, the Bitcoin (BTC) ecosystem has witnessed a proliferation of “layer 2s” that have claimed to bring decentralized finance to the world’s oldest blockchain network. Despite the high hopes many Bitcoin enthusiasts held for these protocols, their results have fallen catastrophically short.

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Summary

  • Most “Bitcoin L2s” aren’t L2s at all: They’re sidechains with bridges, new tokens, and weaker security models that don’t inherit Bitcoin’s base-layer guarantees.
  • Token-first design is the real red flag: When speculation leads, and security inheritance lags, it’s marketing — not scaling.
  • Real Bitcoin scaling must preserve L1 assurances: No bridges, no new trust assumptions, no dilution of Bitcoin’s proof-of-work security.

This pattern reveals the core reason behind the constant failure, and it’s not what you think. Instead of selling a scaling solution for Bitcoin, they were selling speculative tokens about Bitcoin. The difference is critical, and it’s exposed by the one test that matters. Do they meet the architectural standards of a true layer 2?

What real layer 2s actually look like

Ethereum’s (ETH) mature layer-2 ecosystem provides the gold standard for what scaling solutions should accomplish. Real layer 2s require three non-negotiable features: data availability on layer 1 (the base layer must hold data needed to reconstruct the state), verifiable execution through fraud or validity proofs, and permissionless exits based solely on layer-1 data.

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By this definition, which focuses on security inheritance rather than marketing claims, almost nothing in the Bitcoin ecosystem meets the criteria. Despite 73 Bitcoin scaling solutions in development, most are sidechains masquerading as L2s, running parallel to Bitcoin rather than on top of it.

Judge the difference and risk-reward of using any Bitcoin L2 to just using Ethereum. Any so-called Bitcoin L2 that fails to meet this standard asks you to accept its novel security model, whereas using Ethereum’s genuine L2s allows you to simply inherit Ethereum’s.

Three fatal flaws

Every major Bitcoin L2 shares the same architectural failures that doom it from the start. First, each project relies on bridges or federations to facilitate the movement of BTC in and out of the network. This creates a centralized chokepoint and massive custodial risk. You’re reintroducing the exact “trusted third party” that Bitcoin was created to eliminate. 

Second, these projects are “token first.” They lead with tokens that have no necessary function for the protocol’s core operation. This creates perverse incentives and turns the project into a speculative go-to-market approach rather than a utility-first scaling strategy.

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Third, users must sacrifice the security of Bitcoin to use these networks. They must leave Bitcoin’s sovereign, proof-of-work security model and submit to a new, often proof-of-stake consensus run by a small set of validators. You’re trading the world’s most robust and decentralized security for a weaker, novel one.

Taken together, these three flaws are fatal for “Bitcoin layer 2s.” They turn the claim of Bitcoin scalability into a mere marketing ploy. If it doesn’t preserve L1 assurances, it’s not actually scaling Bitcoin.

The graveyard is already full

The numbers tell the story better than any technical argument. Merlin Chain once topped Bitcoin L2 total value locked (TVL) rankings, but now it is bleeding value daily. Babylon promised the “Bitcoin staking revolution” and delivered an 84% loss. These projects raised millions, launched with fanfare, and collapsed within months.

Meanwhile, legitimate developments like Tether (USDT) on the Lightning Network show what real Bitcoin scaling looks like. Lightning processes real payments, while these L2s process exit liquidity. The pattern is clear for new pump-and-dumps. Announce a Bitcoin L2, launch a token, pump on a “Bitcoin scaling” narrative, and dump when the reality hits that you’ve built another sidechain with extra steps.

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Build on Bitcoin, not beside it

As research shows, projects like BitVM are working toward realistic rollups that actually inherit Bitcoin security. Others are exploring metaprotocol approaches, systems that use Bitcoin’s base layer as an immutable data ledger and settlement layer, where all activity is ultimately rooted in standard Bitcoin transactions.

Start on layer 1, prove product-market fit, then scale with techniques that keep users within Bitcoin’s trust domain. There’s no bridge custody, and users retain their L1 exit guarantees.

The “SlowFi” advantage directly addresses the speed critique. For core financial primitives, stablecoins, lending, and decentralized exchanges, Bitcoin’s deliberate finality and security create stickier liquidity and more sustainable growth, avoiding the farm-and-dump cycles of high-speed chains. Speed is the enemy of stability.

The future of Bitcoin scaling isn’t about creating faster, separate systems; it’s about using Bitcoin’s own finality and security to create a more stable and sovereign form of finance.

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The return to first principles

Bitcoin DeFi’s potential is real, with institutions increasingly interested in Bitcoin-native yield opportunities. The current L2 boom is a distraction, building fragmented, high-risk sidechains instead of unifying and strengthening the Bitcoin network.

The future of Bitcoin is about making the base layer itself more powerful and programmable. Any solution that requires a bridge, a new token, or a new consensus mechanism is considered a legacy approach.

As VCs pour hundreds of millions into Bitcoin sidechains, let’s remember that funding doesn’t equal innovation. The projects that will define Bitcoin’s next decade are those building genuine L1 enhancements and true security inheritance, not repackaged sidechains with Bitcoin branding.

The L2 solution trend must end. Bitcoin deserves better than extraction disguised as innovation. The builders who understand this distinction will inherit the future. The rest will join the growing graveyard of failed tokens that promised to “unlock Bitcoin” and instead unlocked only losses.

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Samuel Patt

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Samuel Patt, also known as Chad Master, is the co-founder of OP_NET and a long-time Bitcoin enthusiast and trader. Coming from a punk and anti-establishment background, he believes strongly in Bitcoin’s ethos of decentralisation and the removal of intermediaries. In 2023, he co-founded OP_NET with the mission to transform Bitcoin from a passive store of value into a fully programmable financial system. His work focuses on enabling smart contracts, DeFi, stablecoins, and native yield directly on Bitcoin Layer 1. He is committed to delivering this without bridges, custodians, or synthetic versions of Bitcoin.

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Crypto World

Best Altcoin to Watch Now as Bitcoin (BTC) Is Down Almost 50% From ATH

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As Bitcoin (BTC) struggles to regain its former highs and crypto prices today remain under pressure, investors are looking for altcoins that can outperform during market consolidation. One project capturing attention is Mutuum Finance (MUTM), a next-generation DeFi platform currently in its Phase 7 presale. With its innovative design, rewarding mechanisms, and growing ecosystem, MUTM is positioning itself as a promising alternative for both new and seasoned crypto investors.

Entry Price Advantage 

Currently valued at $0.04, the MUTM token has surged an impressive 4x from its initial $0.01 price. So far, $20.52 million has been raised, and the holder count sits at around 18,980. In each presale phase, the price of the MUTM token has increased by nearly 20%, making it one of the best crypto options for early investors.

In fact, investing now while using crypto or cards could be particularly advantageous, as the potential launch price of $0.06 is still ahead. This means investors today could potentially enjoy growth of around 50%. For example if someone invests $2,000 today, at the anticipated launch price the total value holding will reach $3,000.  With a current entry price of $0.04, MUTM presents an excellent opportunity to start accumulating before launch.

Mutuum Finance (MUTM) Launched on Ethereum (ETH) Testnet

A key reason for MUTM’s rising prominence is the recent launch of its V1 protocol on Ethereum (ETH)’s Sepolia testnet. This environment allows users to interact with fully functional smart contracts without using the real assets in a risk-free setting, creating confidence ahead of the mainnet release. During this phase, participants can explore features such as lending, liquidity pools, mtTokens representing lender shares, debt tokens for borrowers, and a liquidator bot ensuring system solvency. 

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Launching V1 protocol on the testnet gives the community early access to experience the protocol before the mainnet release. This phased deployment enhances transparency, encourages early engagement, and allows the development team to collect practical feedback for optimization. As more users interact with the testnet, confidence in the ecosystem is expected to grow, supporting long-term interest and demand for the MUTM token making it one of the top altcoin options to buy now.

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Looking ahead, the team will introduce peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, enabling users to negotiate loans directly without intermediaries. This feature will drive more platform activity, generating additional fees and increasing organic demand for MUTM. By giving investors early exposure to its protocol, Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is cultivating trust and a committed community — essential ingredients for sustainable growth in the DeFi arena.

Alongside lending, analysts say Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is planning to launch its own stablecoin. Designed to stay near $1, it will only be minted against crypto collateral and burned upon loan repayment or liquidation. This structure ensures value preservation and liquidity circulation, which will reinforce MUTM’s utility and support consistent borrowing and lending activity. Stablecoins have historically anchored thriving DeFi ecosystems, and this implementation could further accelerate MUTM adoption hence increase its value to somewhere $0.5 to $1 within a year.

Buy-and-Distribute Model Creates Sustained Demand

Another compelling factor that makes MUTM the best altcoin to watch is its buy-and-distribute model. Revenue generated from lending and borrowing will be used to repurchase MUTM tokens from the open market. These tokens are then distributed to mtToken stakers as rewards, incentivizing active participation and reinforcing long-term MUTM demand.

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This mechanism ensures that the platform’s growth directly benefits its community. The more users interact with Mutuum Finance (MUTM), the more revenue is generated, fueling further buybacks and rewards. 

With Bitcoin (BTC) under pressure, Mutuum Finance (MUTM) offers investors a compelling alternative. Its carefully designed ecosystem, presale incentives, and sustainable tokenomics make MUTM one of the best altcoins to watch now. As the platform moves closer to mainnet, MUTM is likely to capture further attention, making this phase of the presale an attractive window for potential gains.

For more information about Mutuum Finance (MUTM) visit the links below:

Website: https://www.mutuum.com

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Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mutuumfinance


Disclaimer: This is a Press Release provided by a third party who is responsible for the content. Please conduct your own research before taking any action based on the content.

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Elon Musk’s X (Twitter) Is Launching Crypto Trading Features

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Why DOGE and XRP Holders Are Excited

Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, is set to integrate stock and cryptocurrency trading directly into user feeds.

This move marks a significant escalation in Elon Musk’s bid to transform the platform into a dominant player in financial technology.

On February 14, Nikita Bier, X’s head of product, said the new functionality will allow users to execute trades immediately after discovering an asset on their timeline.

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The feature centers on “Smart Cashtags,” an evolution of the platform’s existing indexing system. Currently, users prefix ticker symbols with dollar signs—such as $BTC for Bitcoin—to create clickable links.

Under the new system, tapping these symbols will display live price charts and related posts, and offer direct trading options.

This development is the company’s latest move to reduce friction when switching between social media and brokerage applications. By bridging these functions, the update potentially accelerates how quickly retail investors can act on information

The integration is a cornerstone of Musk’s broader strategy to evolve X into an “everything app.” Notably, he has championed this concept since acquiring the company in 2022.

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The vision mirrors the utility of Asian “super apps” that combine messaging, social networking, and payments.

Over the past years, X has ramped up efforts to build a financial ecosystem. The firm has laid the groundwork for peer-to-peer transfers, daily consumer payments, and now, active investing.

However, the intersection of social media hype and financial speculation poses moderation challenges.

Bier noted that while the company intends for cryptocurrency to proliferate on the platform, it remains cautious regarding user experience.

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He warned that applications that create incentives for spam, raiding, or harassment will not be supported. According to him, such behavior “meaningfully degrades the experience for millions of people.”

So, as X transitions from a town square to a trading floor, the company faces the dual challenge of competing with established brokerage firms while navigating the regulatory complexities inherent in facilitating financial transactions for a global user base.

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Sui Blockchain Secures Institutional Backing as Grayscale Files ETF with Coinbase Custody

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21Shares Introduces JitoSOL ETP to Offer Staking Rewards via Solana

TLDR:

  • Grayscale’s S-1 amendment for Sui ETF with Coinbase custody brings institutional capital access channels. 
  • zkLogin technology eliminates seed phrases by enabling Google, Face ID, and phone authentication methods. 
  • Object-centric architecture processes transactions simultaneously, maintaining sub-cent fees during peak usage. 
  • Move programming language prevents asset duplication and deletion, eliminating common smart contract exploits.

 

The Sui blockchain has entered a new phase of development in February 2026 as institutional finance shows increased interest in the platform.

Grayscale recently amended its S-1 filing for a Sui exchange-traded fund, naming Coinbase as custodian. This development marks a shift from retail-driven speculation toward institutional infrastructure adoption.

The move signals growing recognition of Sui’s technical capabilities and regulatory compliance standards within traditional finance circles.

Institutional Capital Opens New Access Channels

The Grayscale ETF filing represents more than a routine regulatory submission. Exchange-traded funds transform digital tokens into recognized financial instruments accessible to pension funds and retirement accounts.

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These institutional investors can now gain exposure without managing wallets or private keys directly. Coinbase’s role as custodian addresses security and compliance requirements that traditional finance demands.

Bitcoin ETFs previously demonstrated how institutional access drives capital inflows at scale. However, Bitcoin had already matured before ETF approval.

Sui remains in earlier development stages, meaning institutional capital entering now carries greater relative impact. Fixed supply dynamics combined with increasing demand create favorable conditions for long-term growth.

The institutional validation extends beyond price speculation. Regulatory recognition attracts enterprise developers and commercial applications.

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Projects building on blockchains with clear compliance pathways face fewer legal uncertainties. This regulatory clarity reduces friction for businesses considering blockchain integration.

Capital markets now view Sui as legitimate infrastructure rather than experimental technology. The shift reflects broader industry maturation as crypto moves from speculative trading toward functional utility.

Traditional finance involvement brings stability and resources that support long-term ecosystem development.

Technical Architecture Removes Adoption Barriers

Sui addresses two critical obstacles that have prevented mainstream adoption. The platform eliminates seed phrase requirements through zkLogin technology developed by partners, including Human.tech’s Wallet-as-a-Protocol and Ika.

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Users authenticate with Google accounts, Face ID, or phone numbers while maintaining full asset control. Zero-knowledge authentication verifies identity without exposing private keys to third parties.

This onboarding simplification removes the most intimidating aspect of cryptocurrency usage. Traditional wallet setup requires writing down twelve-word phrases and understanding address systems.

Sui reduces this process to familiar login methods users already trust. The technology breakthrough makes blockchain accessible without requiring technical education.

The underlying architecture also delivers performance improvements. Sui employs an object-centric model where assets exist as independent objects rather than account balances.

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Tokens, NFTs, and smart contracts process simultaneously instead of sequentially. This parallel execution prevents network congestion even during high-demand periods.

Transaction fees remain under one cent with finality achieved in approximately 400 milliseconds. The Mysticeti consensus upgrade further reduced latency.

Move programming language adds security advantages by treating assets as resources that cannot be copied or accidentally deleted.

This design eliminates common exploit categories, including reentrancy attacks. The combination of usability and technical performance positions Sui for practical application deployment across finance and gaming sectors.

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Figure Technology Data Breach Exposes Customer Personal Information

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Figure Technology Data Breach Exposes Customer Personal Information

Figure Technology, a blockchain-based lending firm, was reportedly hit by a data breach after attackers manipulated an employee in a social-engineering scheme.

The incident allowed hackers to obtain “a limited number of files,” a company spokesperson told TechCrunch. The company said it has begun notifying affected parties and is offering free credit-monitoring services to anyone who receives a breach notice.

Details about the scope of the incident, including how many users were affected or when the intrusion was detected, were not disclosed publicly. Cointelegraph reached out to Figure for comment, but had not received a response by publication

The hacking collective ShinyHunters claimed responsibility on its dark-web leak site, alleging the company declined to pay a ransom. The group published roughly 2.5 gigabytes of data said to have been taken from Figure’s systems.

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ShinyHunters publishes stolen data. Source: Dominic Alvieri

Related: ‘Hundreds’ of EVM wallets drained in mysterious attack: ZachXBT

Leaked Figure data includes names, addresses

TechCrunch reported that it reviewed samples of the leaked material, which included customers’ full names, home addresses, dates of birth and phone numbers. This information could be used for identity fraud and phishing attempts.

As Cointelegraph reported, crypto phishing attacks linked to wallet drainers dropped sharply in 2025, with total losses falling to $83.85 million, an 83% decline from nearly $494 million in 2024, according to Web3 security firm Scam Sniffer. The number of victims also fell to about 106,000, down 68% year over year across Ethereum Virtual Machine chains.

Researchers said the drop does not mean phishing has disappeared. Losses closely tracked market activity, rising during periods of heavy onchain trading and easing when markets cooled. The third quarter of 2025, during Ethereum’s strongest rally, recorded the highest losses at $31 million, with monthly totals ranging from $2.04 million in December to $12.17 million in August.

Related: Crypto hack counts fall, but supply chain attacks reshape threat landscape

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Figure Technology goes public

Figure Technology went public in September last year, listing on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange. The fintech firm, known for its blockchain-based lending, priced its initial public offering (IPO) at $25 per share, raising $787.5 million and achieving an initial valuation of approximately $5.3 billion to $7.6 billion.