Ankr Joins Shentu Chain as Validator

**Monad mainnet has officially launched**, marking a significant milestone for the blockchain platform. Key developments: - Infrastructure providers are now supporting the live network - **RPC infrastructure** is being provided to ensure network accessibility - The launch represents a transition from testnet to production environment The mainnet launch enables users to interact with Monad's blockchain in a live production setting, with supporting infrastructure already in place to facilitate network operations and user access.

**Ankr is now serving as a Hybrid Node provider for BOB**, enabling two key functionalities for the hybrid Layer 2 network. **Key capabilities include:** - Secure Bitcoin finality mechanisms - Cross-chain intents-based swaps - Integration with BOB's hybrid L2 infrastructure BOB operates as a **"hybrid L2"** that uses Bitcoin as its anchor chain. This allows transactions involving assets from multiple blockchains to be **irreversibly recorded** on Bitcoin's network. The partnership enhances BOB's ability to bridge different blockchain ecosystems while maintaining Bitcoin's security guarantees for final settlement.

**Ankr introduces gRPC support** for Premium developers, offering faster and more efficient blockchain data access. **Key features:** - High-throughput, low-latency data streaming - Real-time blockchain information delivery - Lighter data transmission compared to traditional methods **Supported networks include:** - Sei - Sui - Kava - TAC - Allora - Additional blockchains **Ideal use cases:** - Trading bots requiring instant data - Blockchain indexers - Real-time analytics dashboards - Applications needing continuous data streams This upgrade enhances Ankr's infrastructure capabilities, building on their existing support for 85+ blockchains and trillions of monthly RPC calls. [Start building with gRPC](https://www.ankr.com/rpc/home/)

**Zenrock** introduces a new approach to crypto custody that eliminates the need for trusted custodians. **The Problem:** - Wrapped assets rely on centralized custodians and multisigs - Bridges get hacked regularly - Users must trust companies with their keys **Zenrock's Solution:** - **DCT (Decentralized Custody Token)** standard - Uses distributed MPC (dMPC) technology - Private key shares split across independent operators - No single party controls keys **Key Features:** - Assets secured by cryptography, not trust - Uses simple wallet addresses (EOAs) instead of custom contracts - Runs on zrChain, a Delegated Proof-of-Stake network - Global validator set with $100B+ cumulative stake **Currently Live:** - zenBTC: yield-bearing wrapped BTC on Solana - zenZEC: wrapped ZEC on Solana Zenrock makes custody open, composable, revenue-generating, and decentralized. Ankr now validates the network as it scales. [Learn more](https://www.zenrocklabs.io/)

Join an exclusive Partner Spotlight featuring @sergioankr and @0xQuantic from @Flarenetworks to explore the evolution of Flare as a utility-focused Layer 1 blockchain. Key Details: - Date: June 5th, 2025 - Time: 5:00 PM CET - Platform: X Spaces This discussion follows recent Web3 scaling conversations that addressed adoption challenges and opportunities for Web2 professionals entering the space. [Join the conversation](https://x.com/i/spaces/1BRJjmrjVPaGw/peek)