Launch of Astar zkEVM with AggLayer Integration by Astar Network and Polygon

Polygon's **Rio upgrade** is now live on mainnet, delivering the network's biggest payments upgrade to date. **Key improvements include:** - Near-instant finality with zero reorg risk - Increased throughput capacity heading toward 5k TPS - Lighter validator nodes reducing operational costs - New Validator-Elected Block Producer (VEBloP) architecture The upgrade introduces **one-block finality** through stateless block validation, where validators elect a single producer per span. This eliminates reorganization risks that previously caused delays for exchanges and payment applications. **Real-world impact:** Payment service providers gain higher capacity, while P2P apps can offer faster asset availability. The lighter node requirements lower barriers for validators and builders seeking direct network access. Rio represents a major milestone in Polygon's **gigagas roadmap**, positioning the network as infrastructure for global payments and real-world assets. [Read the full technical details](https://polygon.technology/blog/polygon-launches-major-payments-upgrade-with-rio-faster-lighter-and-easier-to-build)

**StableFlow** has launched a new bridging solution that enables **effortless stablecoin transfers** from any blockchain to Polygon. Key features: - Transfer amounts **up to $1M+** - Works from **any source chain** - Direct integration with **Polygon network** This follows StableFlow's previous launch of one-click transfers to Arbitrum, expanding their cross-chain infrastructure. The service aims to **simplify DeFi operations** by removing traditional bridging complexity for large stablecoin movements.

**Money Rails**, a one-day summit focused on the future of onchain payments, is set for **November 18** in Buenos Aires. The event brings together builders of global finance to discuss payment infrastructure and networking opportunities. Attendees will participate in: - Panel discussions on payment systems - Networking sessions - Access to payment industry insights The summit runs from **11:00-18:00** at the Devconnect Main Venue in Buenos Aires, Argentina. **Registration is free** for Devcon ticket holders. To register: 1. Visit [devconnect.org/calendar](https://devconnect.org/calendar?event=moneyrails) 2. Verify your Zupass Devconnect ticket 3. Register for your free Money Rails ticket Alternatively, register directly at [moneyrails.io](https://moneyrails.io/) The event is organized by Polygon Labs as part of the broader Devconnect conference activities.

**Coinbase has officially completed its MATIC to POL migration**, marking a significant milestone in Polygon's ecosystem upgrade. The exchange successfully upgraded all user MATIC tokens to POL tokens, streamlining the transition for its customer base. This follows the broader migration effort that was already **99.18% complete** across the network. Key developments: - All Coinbase MATIC holdings now converted to POL - Migration completed seamlessly for users - Part of Polygon's broader ecosystem upgrade initiative The completion represents another step in Polygon's evolution, with POL serving as the upgraded token standard. Users on Coinbase can now access their converted POL tokens directly through the platform.

**Bitcoin Liquid Staking Tokens (LSTs) are expanding to Polygon** through the Beyond protocol, marking a significant cross-chain development. This integration will allow Bitcoin holders to: - Stake their BTC while maintaining liquidity - Access Polygon's DeFi ecosystem with Bitcoin-backed tokens - Earn rewards without locking up their Bitcoin **Beyond protocol** serves as the bridge technology enabling this Bitcoin-to-Polygon connection. This follows Polygon's recent addition of **stPOL from Lido**, showing the network's growing focus on liquid staking solutions across multiple assets. The launch timeline remains unspecified with a "coming soon" status.