TLDR:

• Swift introduces a dual-track model combining its payment scheme with a blockchain-based shared ledger system
• The framework supports real-time cross-border payments and regulated tokenised value movement across networks
• Major banks like BBVA, BNP Paribas, CaixaBank, and Citi are backing the new retail payments framework
• The system connects over 11,500 institutions, enabling scalable and secure global transaction processing

Swift has outlined a dual-track strategy to reshape cross-border payments, combining its existing infrastructure with a blockchain-based shared ledger.

The approach focuses on improving speed, accessibility, and interoperability while maintaining trusted connections across its global financial network.

A dual-track strategy for modern payments

A recent post shared by Swift on X introduced its evolving payments framework and direction. The message framed the future of payments as a coordinated system rather than a single solution. It described how Swift is building on its established network while adding new digital capabilities.

The first component of this strategy centers on Swift’s payments scheme. This system is designed to deliver faster and more efficient cross-border transactions.

It supports financial institutions that rely on secure and standardized messaging across international markets. As a result, banks can process transactions with reduced friction and improved consistency.

At the same time, Swift is working on a blockchain-based shared ledger. This second track focuses on enabling continuous, real-time payment processing across borders.

The system is also structured to support regulated tokenised assets, which are becoming more relevant in financial markets.

The combination of these two systems creates a parallel structure. Each track addresses different needs while remaining connected.

Traditional payment flows continue to operate, while newer digital rails expand capabilities. This approach allows institutions to adopt innovation without disrupting existing operations.

Swift’s network already connects over 11,500 financial institutions across more than 200 countries and territories. Therefore, any enhancement to its system has a wide reach.

By integrating both traditional and blockchain-based systems, Swift aims to support a broader range of payment use cases.

Banks support framework for retail transactions

Several global banks have joined Swift in supporting the rollout of its updated payments framework. These include BBVA, BNP Paribas, CaixaBank, and Citi. Their participation reflects early adoption of the system in real-world banking environments.

The framework focuses on improving retail transactions, especially cross-border consumer payments. These payments often face delays and higher processing costs. Swift’s updated model aims to address these issues by improving speed and reliability.

Through the payments scheme, banks can continue using familiar systems while gaining efficiency. Meanwhile, the shared ledger introduces new options for processing value instantly. This is particularly relevant for tokenised assets that require constant availability.

The integration of both systems allows financial institutions to test and expand new services. Banks can gradually adopt blockchain-based features while maintaining operational stability. This phased approach reduces risk while encouraging innovation.

Swift’s announcement also pointed users to further details through its official website. The shared post emphasized how both tracks work together rather than compete. It framed the development as a step toward a more connected and flexible financial system.

As global payments evolve, financial institutions continue to explore ways to improve transaction speed and transparency.

Swift’s dual approach reflects this shift by combining established infrastructure with emerging technologies. The framework is structured to support both current needs and future developments in cross-border finance.

The rollout of this model is ongoing, with participating banks playing a key role in implementation. As adoption expands, the system is expected to handle a wider range of payment types. This includes both traditional transfers and digital asset-based transactions.

Swift’s strategy shows how financial networks are adapting to changing demands. By aligning multiple technologies, the organization is positioning its network to handle diverse payment flows in a connected manner.

AVAX One signs a no‑upfront‑capex 10MW AI/HPC microgrid deal in Alberta and buys 220 S21 Pro miners, lifting hash rate 33% and formalizing a dual AI infra plus Bitcoin mining strategy.

AVAX One Technology has committed to a 10 megawatt AI and high‑performance computing microgrid data center in Alberta, Canada, tying its turnaround story to the convergence of power‑hungry AI workloads and Bitcoin mining economics. In a statement released via GlobeNewswire, the company said it has signed a Front End Engineering & Design (FEED) proposal with BlueFlare Energy Solutions for a 10MW AI/HPC micro‑grid at the 4‑31 Battery site, describing the facility as “one of Alberta’s first dedicated micro‑grid‑powered AI and high‑performance computing data centers.” The FEED will be conducted “without any upfront capital commitment from AVAX One,” relying on an independent review from one of three pre‑qualified international engineering firms to define technical, regulatory and cost parameters before a final investment decision.

According to AVAX One, the 4‑31 Battery site offers behind‑the‑meter natural‑gas‑to‑power capability, proximity to 138 kV transmission lines, redundant fiber and highway access, giving the project both cheap energy and export optionality. BlueFlare CEO Landon Ruszkowski called the FEED engagement “the first formal step in what we believe will become a landmark AI infrastructure project in Alberta,” emphasizing that the study will set the foundation for a scalable, modular compute build‑out. AVAX One CEO Jolie Kahn framed the initiative in macro terms, saying, “We are launching a strategy that we believe directly aligns with one of the most significant infrastructure‑type opportunities of the coming decade. Demand for AI and high‑performance computing continues to accelerate, while access to power remains the primary bottleneck.”

While the FEED runs in parallel with early site work, AVAX One has bought 220 Bitmain Antminer S21 Pro machines for under $500,000 to immediately monetize available power and stabilize cash flow. The company said the purchase will “increase [its] total hash rate capacity in Alberta by approximately 33%, from roughly 150 petahash to more than 200 petahash,” effectively turning the interim phase of the AI project into a Bitcoin mining expansion. A KuCoin flash note on the announcement highlighted the move as a deliberate “dual‑track strategy of ‘mining + AI computing,’” arguing that rapid monetization of stranded energy can improve the risk‑reward profile of AVAX One’s AI infrastructure build.

Management is now explicitly positioning AVAX One as a hybrid AI infrastructure and Bitcoin mining platform, using low‑cost Canadian natural gas as the common input. “Our goal is to leverage behind‑the‑meter energy and modular data center design to support both AI and digital asset workloads, capturing upside from two fast‑growing, power‑constrained markets,” Kahn said, adding that the FEED structure “allows us to advance a 10MW AI/HPC opportunity without dilutive upfront capital while our mining operations generate cash flow.”

• Toncoin adoption grows with 87 million Telegram wallet users in the US.
• Market sentiment remains bearish due to altcoin rotation and whale activity.
• The resistance at $1.28 will likely define Toncoin’s short-term price movements.

Toncoin (TON), the native token of the TON blockchain, has been in the spotlight recently due to the ongoing Sub-Second mainnet activation and its integration with Telegram’s massive user base.

💎 The Sub-Second mainnet activation starts now!

TON Core has just shared the completion of the Bug Bounty & stated that changes were already implemented. Now they are moving to the next stage – Sub-Second Mainnet activation.

For additional reliability, activation will be… pic.twitter.com/ddSdwXDnYM

— TON 💎 (@ton_blockchain) April 1, 2026

The upgrade, which is scheduled to run from March 31 to April 12, is set to improve the network’s speed, efficiency, and scalability, which could impact Toncoin’s adoption and market behavior.

However, despite its technological potential, Toncoin has faced a challenging market environment in recent months.

Currently, TON coin trades around $1.23, down about 2.5% over the past 24 hours.

This underperformance is largely linked to a broader trend in the crypto market known as altcoin sector rotation, where investors move their capital from higher-risk altcoins into more stable assets.

The Altcoin Season Index, which measures market interest in altcoins, has dropped significantly, highlighting the cautious sentiment among traders.

This environment has made it difficult for Toncoin to break out from its current range, despite ongoing development progress.

TON adoption and ecosystem growth

TON’s growth is closely tied to its adoption within Telegram, which now supports over 87 million active users in the United States with its self-custodial TON Wallet.

This wallet allows users to transfer and stake Toncoin directly within the messaging app, offering a seamless on-ramp for millions of potential users.

Such integration provides Toncoin with a unique advantage, as it could benefit from network effects far faster than many other Layer-1 blockchains.

On-chain activity supports this potential, with Toncoin showing consistent daily usage.

According to available data, the network records hundreds of thousands of active wallets and millions of daily transactions.

This suggests that while Toncoin’s price has been stagnant, actual usage is steadily growing, signaling a foundation for long-term adoption.

However, a significant portion of the token supply, around 68%, is held by whales.

This concentration increases the risk of large sell-offs, making sudden price spikes less predictable.

Toncoin technical analysis

Toncoin presents an intriguing case of technological potential versus market sentiment.

Its integration with Telegram gives it a unique edge, and the Sub-Second mainnet activation may improve network performance, but short-term price action remains uncertain.

From a technical perspective the short-term support lies near $1.02, with a secondary floor around $0.81.

If the price rebounds following the Sub-Second mainnet activation, the immediate resistance sits at $1.34, followed by higher resistance levels at $1.50 and $1.90.

Historically, a break above $1.28 has always meant momentum for higher price ranges.

But while the Sub-Second mainnet activation could provide a short-term positive driver, the token’s price is still largely influenced by broader market conditions rather than project-specific developments.

On the downside, analysts highlight that failure to hold the $1.20 level could lead to tests of the yearly low around $1.10, especially if broader altcoin rotation continues.

US-listed spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds recorded $471.32 million in net inflows on April 6, marking their largest single-day inflow in six weeks since February 25. Twelve of the twelve ETFs tracked posted either zero or positive flows, with BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) leading inflows. The surge brought cumulative net inflows across all spot bitcoin ETFs to $56.43 billion.

The inflow spike reflects renewed institutional confidence in crypto markets after a period of weakness. No spot bitcoin ETF registered negative flows during the day, a rare occurrence that underscores broad-based buying pressure across the sector.

Sources: The Block | SoSoValue

This article was generated automatically by The Defiant’s AI news system from publicly available sources.

STRIDE Introduces Structured Security Evaluation

Solana traded near $180 during the announcement period, reflecting stable market conditions despite recent events. The foundation launched STRIDE to standardize how protocols assess and manage risks. The framework focuses on eight areas, including governance, infrastructure, and operational security.

The program evaluates protocols independently and publishes the results for public access. This approach improves transparency for users interacting with decentralized applications. It also helps projects identify weaknesses and strengthen their defenses.

Protocols exceeding $10 million in total value locked can access funded monitoring services. Those above $100 million gain support for formal verification of smart contracts. These measures aim to reduce risks before incidents occur.

SIRN Focuses on Real-Time Threat Response

Solana introduced the Solana Incident Response Network to coordinate responses during active threats. The network includes firms such as Asymmetric Research, OtterSec, and Neodyme. It enables members to share intelligence and act quickly during security events.

The network prioritizes access based on protocol size and risk exposure. It connects security experts, exchanges, and infrastructure providers. This coordination improves reaction time when incidents emerge.

Experts noted that faster response could limit damage during exploits. Some analysts pointed to delays in freezing stolen assets in past incidents. A unified response network may help address such gaps.

Drift Exploit Highlights Human Security Risks

The recent breach at Drift Protocol exposed weaknesses beyond smart contract code. Attackers used social engineering to target contributors over several months. They compromised devices and gained approval access through trusted channels.

The attack bypassed traditional audits and monitoring systems. Transactions appeared valid, which made detection difficult in real time. This case highlighted the gap between technical security and human trust.

As a result, the new initiatives aim to address both onchain and offchain risks. The foundation emphasized that projects must still maintain strong internal security practices. It stated that ecosystem tools support, but do not replace, team responsibility.

Institutional collateral and liquidity optimization fintech Transcend announced today, April 7, that it has connected to privacy-focused blockchain Canton Network. The integration enables clients to move collateral and cash in real time across counterparties and markets using a mix of traditional and tokenized assets.

Per the release, Transcend connects to more than 45 central counterparty clearinghouses (CCPs) — the intermediaries that sit between buyers and sellers in derivatives and securities markets to reduce counterparty risk — as well as five triparty agents. The integration with Canton appears to be the fintech’s first partnership with a crypto firm, letting institutions incorporate tokenized assets into existing workflows without restructuring their operating models.

The company is also building a node-as-a-service on Canton and two-way APIs to translate between DeFi and TradFi systems, nothing it will start with Canton and extend to other blockchain platforms.

Canton has been accumulating high-profile institutional partnerships in recent months, as The Defiant previously reported. JPMorgan announced it would issue its deposit token natively on Canton, with rollout planned in phases throughout 2026. Before that, DTCC selected Canton to tokenize a subset of the U.S. Treasury securities it holds, citing the network’s privacy features.

Most recently, LayerZero became the first interoperability protocol to go live on Canton, letting TradFi institutions route tokenized assets across more than 165 public blockchains while maintaining compliance requirements.

Canton describes itself as a public blockchain with a focus on configurable privacy for institutional players, a characterization that has broadly drawn skepticism from the DeFi community, which argues the network’s permissioned validator set makes the label misleading.

It’s also worth noting that the over $262 billion in tokenized RWAs reported on Canton reflects represented value — assets that use blockchain for record-keeping, but cannot be freely transferred on-chain, per RWAxyz.

Transcend CEO Bimal Kadikar framed today’s move as a bridge between two financial paradigms. “The future of collateral is TradFi and DeFi, operating in concert,” Kadikar said in the release.

This article was written with the assistance of AI workflows. All our stories are curated, edited and fact-checked by a human.

• Shiba Inu (SHIB) faces selling pressure amid rising exchange inflows.
• The SHIB price remains stuck below the key $0.0000060 resistance.
• Breakdown below the support at $0.0000053 may trigger a drop below $0.0000050.

The price outlook for Shiba Inu (SHIB) is starting to tilt bearish as the token continues to struggle below the $0.0000060 level.

Recent price action shows that despite a brief attempt to push higher, momentum has faded quickly, leaving SHIB trading near $0.0000058.

Over the past 24 hours, SHIB has declined by around 3%, underperforming a weak crypto market.

While the broader crypto market pullback has played a role, the weakness in SHIB appears more pronounced, suggesting that internal factors are also driving the decline.

Selling pressure and fading confidence weigh on SHIB

One of the clearest signals behind SHIB’s weakness is the sharp drop in derivatives activity.

Shiba Inu’s Open interest has fallen significantly from its earlier highs, pointing to a steady exit of traders from leveraged positions.

At the same time, on-chain activity shows a noticeable increase in tokens moving onto exchanges.

This trend is typically associated with selling intentions, as traders transfer assets to trading platforms when they plan to liquidate positions.

The combination of falling open interest and rising exchange inflows creates a strong bearish undertone.

This shift in behaviour suggests that the market is gradually leaning toward distribution. Without a reversal in these flows, it becomes difficult for the price to sustain any meaningful upside.

Broader market weakness adds to downside risk

The performance of Bitcoin has also played a role in SHIB’s recent decline. As the leading cryptocurrency edges lower, risk appetite across the market has weakened.

As a result, speculative assets like Shiba Inu (SHIB) tend to face greater pressure.

There is also clear evidence of capital rotating away from altcoins. Traders appear to be moving into more stable assets or stepping away from the market altogether.

This shift has hit meme coins particularly hard, as they rely heavily on strong sentiment and active participation.

As a result, SHIB is not just dealing with its own internal challenges but also navigating a less supportive macro environment.

Resistance holds firm as price struggles to break higher

Technically, SHIB remains trapped below a key resistance zone between $0.0000060 and $0.0000063.

Several attempts to push above this range have failed, with sellers consistently stepping in to cap gains.

A closer look at the price structure shows that SHIB is currently consolidating within a narrow band.

Support is forming around $0.0000052–$0.0000053, while resistance remains firmly overhead.

This range has tightened in recent sessions, reflecting a market that is waiting for a decisive move.

Notably, the inability to reclaim $0.0000060 is particularly important. This level has acted as a short-term barrier, and until it is flipped into support, any upward movement is likely to remain limited.

For now, the balance of risks appears tilted to the downside.

The ongoing selling pressure, combined with weakening market participation, suggests that SHIB may continue to struggle unless conditions change.

CME Group announced its plans to launch Avalanche and Sui futures contracts in a press release on Tuesday, April 7. Pending regulatory review, the contracts will be available in both larger and micro sizes, designed to provide capital efficiency and strategic flexibility for traders.

The addition expands CME Group’s existing crypto product suite — which consists of Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and XRP futures, per its website — and follows the exchange’s broader push into digital asset derivatives. Micro contracts typically require lower margin requirements, enabling greater accessibility for retail and institutional participants.

Source: CME Group

This article was generated automatically by The Defiant’s AI news system from publicly available sources.