- The new ESP grant model targets key research and development areas through focused funding tracks.
- Trading volume surpassed $1.7 trillion in October, marking four straight months of record growth.
- Linea, ZKsync, and Zcash introduced structural upgrades, while Stable Pre-Deposit hit $1.8 billion.
The cryptocurrency sector experienced a week of strong activity as several networks reported record-breaking performance and key protocol upgrades. From Ethereum’s new grant model to Perp DEX’s record trading volume and Zcash’s roadmap release, developments indicate steady progress in decentralized infrastructure and protocol sustainability. Data also showed increasing user engagement and transaction activity across multiple blockchain ecosystems, signaling continued momentum in the industry’s growth trajectory.
Ethereum Foundation Introduces a New ESP Grant Model
The Ethereum Foundation launched a redesigned Ecosystem Support Program (ESP) grant model, transitioning to a dual-track system consisting of “Wishlist” and “Request for Proposals.” The Wishlist track targets specific areas such as cryptography, privacy, security, and community development, while the RFP track focuses on addressing defined problems with measurable results. The initiative replaces the open-application format, aiming to streamline funding toward essential ecosystem needs and foster more directed innovation.
Perp DEX Trading Volume Surpasses $1.7 Trillion
Perp DEX reported a trading volume exceeding $1.7 trillion in October, marking the fourth consecutive month of record highs. Aster led the platform’s activity with $820.8 billion in trades, followed by Hyperliquid at $317 billion, Lighter at $272.5 billion, and edgeX at $137.5 billion. The exchange also recorded 64,600 active users in October, the highest monthly figure to date, reflecting increasing participation in decentralized derivatives trading.
Linea Activates Dual-Token Burning System
Ethereum Layer 2 network Linea introduced a dual-token burning system that destroys both ETH and LINEA tokens in each transaction. The process allocates 20% of fees to an ETH burn and converts the remaining 80% into LINEA for destruction on the Ethereum mainnet. Implemented on November 4, the mechanism is retroactive to all transactions since the September 11 Token Generation Event, designed to establish a deflationary supply model.
ZKsync Founder Proposes New Token Economy
ZKsync founder Alex released a proposal outlining new economic mechanisms for the ZK governance token. The plan introduces cross-chain interoperability fees and enterprise licensing revenue to strengthen token utility. Revenue will fund buybacks, burns, staking rewards, and grants within the ecosystem. According to DeFiLlama data, ZKsync Era has generated $30.03 million in total revenue, with recent activity showing slower growth in the past year.
Stable Pre-Deposit Phase 2 Reaches $1.8 Billion
Phase 2 of the Stable Pre-Deposit Vault closed after attracting about 26,000 wallet participants and $1.8 billion in total deposits. The project will begin Know Your Customer verification, providing each wallet with 72 hours to complete authentication once links are distributed. The close marks one of the largest pre-deposit rounds this quarter.
Additional Developments Across Protocols
Renzo Protocol completed its first REZ token buyback and burn, reducing total supply by 1.14%. The initiative involved repurchasing 127 million REZ, burning 114 million, and distributing the remainder to stakers. Payment facilitator network x402 exceeded $10 million in processed volume, with over 14 million transactions. Coinbase accounted for $8.42 million, while five smaller facilitators recorded volumes between $100,000 and $1 million.
Zero-knowledge platform Brevis began Phase 2 of its Proving Grounds operations with support from 10 ecosystem protocols, including PancakeSwap and Linea. Participants can now earn rewards based on verified on-chain interactions.
Electric Coin Co. released its Q4 2025 roadmap for Zcash, focusing on improving privacy and Zashi wallet usability. Planned updates include temporary transparent addresses for NEAR Intents protocol transactions and expanded support for multi-signature wallets. Lastly, digital toy company Cryptoys announced that Disney and Star Wars collections will launch on the Abstract blockchain, aiming to enhance access to blockchain-based entertainment through simplified user onboarding.
