Stellar Ecosystem
News

This article explains why Stellar requires rigorous testing of blockchain upgrades before deployment to mainnet, and details how Stellar Supercluster—an automated testing framework—enables developers to validate code changes in simulated network environments.

USDC addresses inefficiencies in cross-border payments with regulated, on-chain settlement. Four use cases—remittances ($1B+ via SDF partnership), B2B payments, liquidity provision, and global financial access—demonstrate institutional adoption at scale.

The Stellar Development Foundation released its Q4 2022 report highlighting major achievements including Soroban smart contracts launching on Futurenet, the Sorobanathon program exceeding targets, Stellar Quest Live Series 5 reaching record participation with 2k+ new developers, and the introduction of regulated stablecoins GYEN and ZUSD to the network.

Stellar is introducing BucketListDB, a new unified storage mechanism that replaces its dual database system. The upgrade cuts disk usage by 45%, increases read speeds 400%, and halves validator startup time, preparing the network for Soroban's mainnet launch and continued growth.

Stellar Development Foundation explains why Soroban's initial release uses the WASMI interpreter instead of a JIT compiler, citing security concerns, simplicity, and the complexity of integrating JIT with blockchain-specific requirements like metering.

Stellar Development Foundation listed as creditor in Genesis bankruptcy with $13 million claim. SDF confirmed the loan but called it immaterial to its $200M+ treasury, stating it does not impact operations.

The Stellar Development Foundation joined the CFTC's Global Market Advisory Committee as the only blockchain representative, positioning itself to advocate for stablecoins, remittances, and blockchain-traditional finance integration in U.S. regulatory discussions.

Tommaso De Ponti, a Stellar developer since mid-2020, shares his journey from learning programming at age 11 to building Soroban smart contracts. His work includes DeFi projects and a zero-knowledge proof coin mixer built with his brother.

TASCOMBANK released findings from its electronic money pilot on Stellar, recommending blockchain adoption for Ukraine's payment system. The report highlights benefits including transparency, security, low costs, and high throughput for issuing hryvnia-nominated electronic money.

MYKOBO recaps its 2022 journey, from inception inspired by remittance challenges to launching Version 2 on the Stellar blockchain with EURC stablecoin. Key achievements include over 400 users, 155K EUR traded volume, and integration with Stellar protocols like SEP-6, SEP-24, and SEP-31. The company anticipates 2023 expansions like EURC swaps, new payment corridors, IBAN services, and debit cards.

The Stellar Development Foundation's 2022 year-in-review highlights major milestones: 7M+ network accounts, Soroban smart contracts launching mid-2023, MoneyGram Ramps enabling cash-to-crypto conversion, and Stellar Aid Assist delivering humanitarian aid via blockchain.

Sorobanathon: First Light, the inaugural program of the $100M Soroban Adoption Fund, concluded December 15th with 59 technical submissions from 27 developers and 93,600 XLM distributed. Highlights include smart contracts for DAOs, lotteries, Dutch auctions, and developer tools, plus NFT art contributions for Stellar Quest Live Series 5.

Stellar Quest Live Series 5 concluded after a year-long hiatus, attracting 2,344 unique accounts and distributing over 1 million XLM across six Soroban-focused challenges. The series was the most successful to date, driving 50+ submissions to Sorobanathon: First Light despite technical challenges and XLM farming issues.

UNHCR launches a blockchain-based cash assistance pilot in Ukraine using Stellar, Vibrant wallet, and USDC stablecoins to distribute humanitarian aid to war-displaced Ukrainians. Recipients can convert funds to local currency and withdraw via MoneyGram.

WisdomTree gained SEC approval for nine blockchain-enabled funds that maintain secondary ownership records on Stellar and Ethereum blockchains. The funds, which invest in US Treasurys, equities, and other traditional assets, will launch on WisdomTree Prime mobile app next quarter.

Synced's December 2022 development log outlines aims to release dashboards on their dev web app, learn Rust and Soroban, and test a simple DAO contract. Progress includes merging dashboards into the main product and gaining comfort with Rust, noting Soroban's simplicity. The log is signed by Tejas.

Coinbase Wallet will delist XLM and three other major cryptocurrencies effective Dec. 5, citing low usage. Users can withdraw balances after the deadline using recovery phrases.

Airtm CEO Rubén Galindo Steckel discusses how blockchain and cross-border payments can enable Latin Americans to participate in the digital economy, reducing dependency on unstable local governments and creating income opportunities without migration.

Stellar Quest Live Series 5 celebrates community resilience through memorable bugs and breakthroughs. From crashed anchors to Futurenet peer limits, the Lumenaut volunteer team has repeatedly turned infrastructure failures into network improvements while maintaining humor and camaraderie.

The Stellar Newsletter highlights recent ecosystem developments including Soroban smart contracts live on Futurenet with a $100M developer fund and Sorobanathon. It covers Meridian 2022 on-demand sessions, Stellar Quest Live Series 5, bridge bounty grants, and the new Anchor Platform. Additional updates include stablecoin launches, SDF investments in NetXD and Wave, and community fund discussions.

GMO Trust launched GYEN, the world's first regulated JPY stablecoin, and ZUSD on Stellar, enabling fast, low-cost cross-border transactions with 1:1 fiat backing and monthly audits.

Stellar Quest Live Series 5 returns after a year hiatus, featuring six Soroban smart contract challenges running November 10 through December 1. Developers compete in real-time quests to earn NFT badges and share 534k XLM in rewards.