17 stories about Layer 2 from across the crypto press, curated and summarized daily. Most recent: Oct 15, 2026.
Starknet has opened a vote asking STRK holders whether the project should explore leaving its role as an Ethereum layer-2 and becoming an independent layer-1 blockchain. The stated reason is to reduce dependence on Ethereum's timeline for upgrades against future quantum-computing risks; the vote concerns whether to investigate the move, not whether it has been decided.
Starknet says it is actively considering leaving its role as an Ethereum Layer 2 and becoming a standalone Layer 1 blockchain. The project says the shift could help it become the first fully quantum-resistant network by 2027; its token rose 20% after the announcement.
Blast, an Ethereum layer-2 network once holding $2 billion in assets, is shutting down due to declining activity and rising costs. Users must withdraw their funds by October 26, 2026.
AI tools are increasingly finding bugs in Bitcoin’s layer-2 infrastructure, including Coldcard, Lightning, and Liquid. This shift highlights how AI is changing the economics of security research in crypto. Recent incidents underscore the need for heightened vigilance as these technologies evolve.
Bitcoin recently surged 22% amid heavy US ETF inflows, while OffChain co-founder Steven Goldfeder outlined how major institutions like Robinhood are leveraging Arbitrum's Layer-2 technology to power public-chain financial infrastructure.
Base creator Jesse Pollak outlined the Layer 2 network's growth trajectory, highlighting its dominance in AI agent transactions, upcoming focus on perpetual futures, and long-term decentralization plans.
Robinhood Crypto General Manager Johan detailed the brokerage firm's permissionless Layer-2 blockchain, which aims to bring its 28 million funded accounts onto Web3 infrastructure, tokenized real-world assets, and DeFi yield vaults.
Rather than competing directly with faster chains, Ethereum is increasingly serving as the settlement and security layer for L2 networks where perpetual futures trading is booming. Trading volumes have surged to $3.5 trillion in the last quarter.
Robinhood Chain is a new Ethereum layer-2 network built with Arbitrum technology, designed for tokenized assets and financial products. It aims to bring traditional stocks and crypto together on the blockchain.
Robinhood opened the public mainnet for its Arbitrum-powered Ethereum layer-2 network on Wednesday, enabling tokenized stock trading. The network is described as 'AI-native' and aims to bridge traditional finance and crypto.
Coinbase's Base blockchain, one of Ethereum's largest layer-2 networks, experienced a two-hour outage that halted transaction processing. The network is now back online, and the cause remains under investigation.
Taiko halted its Ethereum layer-2 network after a bridge exploit drained $1.7 million. An attacker forged withdrawal proofs, the same type of flaw behind this year's biggest bridge hacks. Fast containment limited damage. Taiko's token dropped about 10%.
Botanix's shutdown has sparked debate about the future of Bitcoin layer-2 solutions. The market may prefer simpler yield tools over complex programmable BTC applications.
Ethereum co-founder Joe Lubin believes the network could become fully based on zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) within 3-5 years. He argues this is necessary to meet the infinite demands of Ethereum as a 'World Computer,' making Layer 2 solutions essential.
Movement, a blockchain project, is pivoting to stablecoin payments by partnering with licensed payment providers to tap into the $685 billion remittance market. This move comes as the layer-2 boom, which aimed to improve blockchain scalability, loses momentum.
The Ethereum Foundation has shared its vision for how Layer 1 (L1) and Layer 2 (L2) solutions can work together to scale Ethereum. The goal is to create a cohesive system that supports confident adoption by all users, emphasizing the unique roles of each layer.
Starknet has introduced strkBTC, a shielded bitcoin wrapper that operates on its Layer 2 network. This innovation uses zero-knowledge proofs to enhance privacy and security for Bitcoin transactions.