Tag Archives: layer

Binance’s CZ Sparks Debate: Should AI Projects Be Built on Layer 1 or Layer 2 Blockchains?

Binance’s CZ Sparks Debate: Should AI Projects Be Built on Layer 1 or Layer 2 Blockchains?

The broader discussion aligns with industry trends, where AI and blockchain convergence is becoming a focal point for developers and investors alike.

Where Should AI Live? CZ Fuels L1 vs. L2 Discussion

In a recent post on X (Twitter), CZ highlighted that the core purpose of such projects is not to develop a superior blockchain. Instead, it is to use blockchain technology to support AI economics.

He noted that while L1 provides greater sovereignty and decentralization, it also demands more effort in maintaining nodes and validators. In contrast, L2 networks offer convenience by leveraging existing ecosystems like Ethereum’s decentralized exchanges (DEXs), perpetual contracts, and tools without significant value leakage to the base layer.

“L1 vs L2…Does it matter if a new AI project is an L1 or an L2?… Is L1 cooler than L2 or the reverse? Old topic, but wondering if sentiment has changed or not,” CZ posed, welcoming conversation.

Crypto analyst Hitesh Malviya argues that L1 blockchain is the superior choice. The analyst advocates this network for projects seeking to establish their own consensus mechanisms, optimize performance, and reduce validator costs.

However, he also warns that despite extensive fundraising and user acquisition efforts, many L1 projects still experience retention drops of 70-90% after token generation events (TGE).

“…even if you retain users, you would only see one category or niche capturing the maximum traction onchain. So if the destination is already known—retention drop, higher user acquisition costs, and niche-specific demand capture—then why not build an app chain using an L2 stack,” Hitesh suggested.

Given these challenges, he suggests that building an AI-focused blockchain as an L2 app chain is a more practical approach. This would allow for faster development, marketing, and scalability.

Meanwhile, Walter from the BNB Chain Business Development team supports L2. He emphasized its accessibility to existing tools and infrastructure. His comment also hints at speculation regarding CZ’s possible attendance at an upcoming Crypto Summit at the White House.

AI & Blockchain: The Layer 1, Layer 2, and Layer 3 Debate

Investor and blockchain advisor Anndy Lian adds another dimension to the debate. In a subsequent comment on X, he argued that AI is most effectively deployed at Layer-3 (L3). He explains that while implementing AI on L1 is theoretically possible, it is impractical due to security and resource constraints.

“AI can be implemented on blockchain Layers 1, 2, or 3… In practice, Layer 3 is where AI is most effectively and frequently utilized, leveraging the blockchain’s strengths while accommodating AI’s computational needs,” Lian explained.

On L2, the blockchain advisor noted that AI can optimize scalability. However, AI is most frequently utilized in L3, enabling a diverse range of AI-powered applications while leveraging blockchain’s strengths.

Meanwhile, CZ discusses AI’s placement in the blockchain ecosystem amid growing interest in AI-integrated L2 networks. In June 2024, Binance Labs (now YZI Labs) invested in Zircuit, an AI-enhanced L2 network that utilizes zero-knowledge rollups to improve security.

This investment signals Binance’s strategic focus on AI-blockchain integration, potentially influencing CZ’s latest inquiry.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has also been actively discussing L1 and L2 scaling solutions. Last month, Buterin outlined a roadmap for scaling Ethereum’s L1 and L2 protocols in 2025. However, he also recently cautioned that certain L2 networks will likely fail due to weak economic models and poor execution.

These statements further fuel the debate on whether AI projects should build their sovereign chains or integrate with existing ecosystems.

Nevertheless, CZ’s timing in raising this question may suggest he is gauging market sentiment for a new AI blockchain initiative. Given Binance’s investment in AI-driven L2 solutions and the increasing interest in modular blockchain architectures, he could be testing the waters for future ventures.

The trade-offs between sovereignty, scalability, and accessibility will shape the future of AI-blockchain integration. This could make it essential for developers and investors to weigh their options carefully.

 

 

Source: https://beincrypto.com/ai-layer1-vs-layer2-cz-debate/

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
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Ethereum Layer 2: A Forensic Analysis of Growth, Challenges, and Economic Impact

Ethereum Layer 2: A Forensic Analysis of Growth, Challenges, and Economic Impact

Key Points:

– Ethereum Spot ETF Performance: Ethereum spot ETFs saw significant inflows last week, with BlackRock’s ETHA and Fidelity’s FETH leading with $287 million and $97.28 million respectively, boosting their total assets to $4.4 billion and $1.51 billion.
– Layer 2 Controversy: The surge in ETF inflows hasn’t directly boosted Ethereum’s market performance. The Ethereum community criticizes Layer 2 networks for being “parasitic”, causing inflation by profiting from transaction fees while relying on Ethereum’s security.
– Layer 2 Sequencer Profits: Layer 2 networks like Arbitrum earn substantial profits from sequencer operations, highlighted by a $1.04 million daily revenue on February 4, with minimal cost to Ethereum, sparking debates over centralization and profit motives.
– Decentralization Challenges: Layer 2’s struggle with decentralizing sequencers is noted, with most still controlled by development teams. This central control is a significant point of contention, as sequencers are lucrative due to transaction fees, MEV, and interest.
– Base’s Sequencer Revenue: Base, part of the Ethereum network, has been accused of transferring all sequencer gains to Coinbase, with little transparency on how these profits are handled, leading to community suspicion about ETH sales.
– Vitalik’s Response: Vitalik Buterin has acknowledged the issues surrounding Layer 2’s economic models, calling for these networks to contribute back to Ethereum to ensure ETH’s value doesn’t diminish in a Layer 2-dominated ecosystem.

Ethereum Spot ETFs Surge, But Layer 2 Controversy Clouds Market Optimism
Ethereum spot ETFs saw a net inflow of $420 million last week, and all nine ETFs had no net outflow. Among them, the net inflow of BlackRock’s ETHA reached 287 million U.S. dollars, allowing ETHA to exceed 4.4 billion U.S. dollars. Fidelity’s FETH also received a net inflow of 97.28 million U.S. dollars, reaching 1.51 billion U.S. dollars thus far. However, despite the strong growth in capital inflows from Ethereum Spot ETFs, they have not significantly contributed to Ethereum’s market performance or quelled many controversies in the Ethereum ecosystem, especially regarding the Layer 2 operating model.
Recently, many netizens have criticised on “X” that Layer 2 network is actually “parasitic” on Ethereum, becoming the main source of its inflation. While Layer 2 brings scalability and efficiency to Ethereum, the economic model and operational mechanisms behind it are increasingly being questioned. This analysis combines current market data with community voices to take a look at the current Layer 2 controversy within the Ethereum ecosystem. Or is it actually Ethereum layer 2 or bad actors?
In the current cycle, the performance of ETH has lagged significantly behind the market as a whole, and some people attribute it to the heavy load of layer 2’s and some blame the Ethereum Foundation (EF)! This weekend, Layer 2’s became the object of community criticism. On February 9, Andre Cronje, co-founder of Sonic, posted on X, expressed significant public protest that Layer 2’s made a lot of money by continuing to sell sequencer earnings and had become a parasite on Ethereum. “Becoming Layer 2 – running a centralised sorting machine – charging a fee of $120 million – paying Ethereum another $10 million for DA and security – then selling $110 million for a profit – then claiming to be the “Ethereum Alliance.” I don’t understand how the Ethereum community convinced itself to accept this logic.Layer2 has become the main cause of Ethereum inflation again.”
Explaining Sorters & Collators Layer 2 – Layer 2’s Sorter Gains
Layer 2’s sequencer revenue controversy has become a commonplace topic. The collator has an indispensable role within Layer 2 architecture, and its main utility is as follows:
  1. Collect user transactions and package them into batches in a specific order.
  2. Provide users with instant transaction confirmation before the transaction is finally on the chain.
  3. Submission of transaction data compression to Layer 1 to reduce gas costs.
In Layer2’s decentralised vision, the decentralisation of the sorter operation is an essential step. However, the reality is that almost all of Layer2’s collators are run by the development team, which is one of the biggest criticisms about Layer 2’s.
Why are Layer 2’s unable to complete the decentralisation of the sorter?
There are certain technical and operational reasons for this, but another big reason that cannot be ignored is that in the real world, sorting machines are a very profitable business. The primary sources of direct revenue from the operation of the sorting machine include: 1) transaction fee differences; 2) MEV capture; 3) Funds deposit interest.
DeepSeek provides Oracle on the other actors to blame and the following: How profitable is business?
We can take a cursory look through data from a single day on February 4 (Arbitrum) On February 4, because of the collective volatility of the market, Arbitrum charged $1.04 million at the Layer 2 level in a single day, while paying Layer 1 a final settlement cost of less than $20,000 – meaning that in just one day, the chain made millions of dollars in gains from trading fee spreads. (DeepSeek, 2025)
A look at Base again!
First with Winter Mute now on Layer 2. As the most active Layer 2 network on the Ethereum mainnet ecosystem, Base has long been at the centre of relevant public opinion. As the debate about the benefits of Layer 2 sorters intensified, the community began to take aim at Base. Lucidity CIO ,Mr. Santisa took the lead on X, accusing Base of transferring all the sequencer gains to Coinbase since the launch of its own network, and there is reason to suspect that this ETH has definitely been sold off. “Since its launch, BASE has been transferring sorter fees to Coinbase. We don’t know if they sold it, but we do know that they didn’t deploy the funds on Base or keep them on-chain. In the absence of further transparency, we can reasonably assume that they have sold off. They don’t agree with Ethereum’s stance.” (Santisa, 2025)
The figure shows the Base sorter income address
(0xEc8103eb573150cB92f8AF612e0072843db2295F) Close analysis, combined with Coinbase’s earnings data was used to analyse whether Base had sold the ETH in question. Thorough post mortem analysis and on-chain data showed that Base had earned significant income through sorters within the past 12 months. Over $100 million in revenue, with a profit margin of over 90%, all of these fees have been transferred to the exchange via the Base-Ethereum-Coinbase network path. According to Coinbase’s public earnings data, as of June 30, 2023 Coinbase held about $230 million in ETH on its balance sheet, when the price of ETH was $1,934, which means Coinbase held 118,924 ETH; As of September 30, 2024, Coinbase held 119696 ETH on its balance sheet. Suspicious indeed.
Suspiciously since the launch of Base, Coinbase only added 772 ETH to its balance sheet, so where did the hundreds of millions of dollars of Base sequencer revenue go? There seems to be only one answer! One might question that Base’s revenue, as a (notionally) independent network, and should not be counted on Coinbase’s balance sheet, this is unreasonable, as Coinbase has highlighted Base’s increased revenue in multiple financial statements. “The Ethereum community is proud of their Layer 2, but what Layer 2 does every day is transfer fee revenue from Layer 2 to Layer 1 and then to Coinbase to sell. This is the frontrunner of the Ethereum ecosystem. The Ethereum community wake up.” Base (Coinbase) on SOL with wintermute and now with Ethereum Layer 2.
Vitalik is Overwhelmed!
As of the posting, Vitalik has not responded to the accusations made by netizens other Ethereum community members, but in his January 24 self-written article, under the pressure of public opinion, Vitalik sends out a message calling out L2 proprietors: “Back for ETH,” a permutation of Vitalik’s frustration with the current state of Layer2’s operations is visible.
Vitalik said in the article that it is necessary to clarify the economic model of ETH to ensure that ETH continues to accumulate value in a Layer2-intensive world.
On an executive level, Vitalik encourages Layer 2 to support ETH by contributing a percentage of its fees, providing a permanent support mortgage and donating the proceeds to Ethereum mainnet.

By @LarryMetaTrust CSO, HashAi and @anndylian, Blockchain Expert & Author / Graphics by @Crypt0JayBear

Source: https://x.com/OfficialHashAI/status/1889758949681090841

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j

Interview/Anndy Lian – Ethereum’s Layer 2 Shift: The Future is Brimming with Potential

Interview/Anndy Lian – Ethereum’s Layer 2 Shift: The Future is Brimming with Potential

Ethereum’s infamous congestion is becoming a distant memory as Layer 2 solutions come online. The L2s are designed to unleash a new era of blockchain speed, affordability, and innovation, with the potential to reshape industries and revolutionize how we interact with digital assets.

We spoke with Anndy Lian, an influential blockchain expert, best-selling author, and dynamic business strategist,  for a deep dive into this transformative technology.

The Shib: Ethereum’s scalability challenges have been a major roadblock to mass adoption. How do you see Layer 2 solutions not only addressing these issues but also unlocking new possibilities for the blockchain industry as a whole?

Lian: Ethereum’s sluggish transactions act like a toll booth on the information highway, slowing everyone down. Layer 2 solutions bypass this by processing transactions on a faster track, reducing wait times and costs. This opens the door for more users, new applications, and a wave of innovation on the blockchain.  Beyond Ethereum, Layer 2 has the potential to connect different blockchains and fuel the growth of DeFi and NFTs by enabling faster and cheaper transactions.

Security and decentralization are still concerns with Layer 2, but the industry is actively working on preserving these core principles alongside scalability. This promising technology has the potential to unlock a new era of innovation and mass adoption for blockchain technology.

The Shib: Security and decentralization are often cited as concerns with Layer 2 solutions. How can we ensure that these scaling solutions maintain the core principles of blockchain technology while providing the benefits of speed and efficiency?

Lian: Layer 2 solutions address Ethereum’s scaling issues by offloading transactions, enabling faster speeds and lower fees. This paves the way for broader adoption and innovation in blockchain technology. However, concerns exist regarding security and decentralization. To address this, Layer 2 solutions inherit security from Layer 1 blockchains and utilize cryptographic techniques for verification. Decentralization is fostered through community governance and distributed validator networks. It’s a balancing act – some solutions prioritize speed with more centralized elements, while others aim for a more even spread. Understanding the specific security model of a Layer 2 solution is crucial. The future is bright. As Layer 2 technology matures, we can expect advancements in both security and decentralization, allowing them to unlock the true potential of blockchain technology.

The Shib: The Layer 2 landscape is rapidly evolving, with various technologies and projects vying for dominance. In your opinion, what are the key factors that will determine the success or failure of a Layer 2 solution, and which projects do you believe have the most potential to reshape the industry?

Lian: The Layer 2 race is heating up, with various technologies vying for dominance. Security, inherited from strong Layer 1s and proven verification methods, is paramount. But scalability is just as important – handling high transaction volume efficiently is crucial. Don’t forget decentralization – a distributed network with engaged community governance builds trust. User experience is king – if it’s complex, expensive, or slow, users won’t come. Finally, interoperability, the ability to connect with other blockchains, unlocks a world of possibilities.

Picking future winners is tough, but some contenders are making waves. Optimistic Rollups like Optimism and Arbitrum offer a good balance between security, scalability, and decentralization. ZK-Rollups like Loopring and Immutable X boast high scalability with strong security potential, but user experience and interoperability might need work. Validium chains like Polygon Hermez take scalability to the extreme, but their reliance on centralized validators raises decentralization concerns.

The winner will likely depend on the specific needs of the application and its users. We can expect further innovation and hybrid solutions that combine the strengths of different approaches as this exciting space matures.

The Shib: Beyond scalability, how do you envision Layer 2 solutions transforming the way we interact with blockchain technology? Can you provide specific examples of use cases or applications that you believe will be revolutionized by Layer 2?

Lian: Layer 2 solutions have the potential to revolutionize how we interact with blockchain technology beyond just speeding things up. Imagine buying your coffee with crypto without breaking the bank – Layer 2’s efficiency could make microtransactions a reality, paving the way for everyday blockchain use in areas like mobile payments and rewarding online creators. For gamers, clunky in-game economies plagued by slow transactions could be a thing of the past. Layer 2 could enable smooth purchases of virtual items and NFT trading within games, creating a more dynamic and immersive experience.

Decentralized social media platforms could leverage Layer 2 for efficient content creation, sharing, and data ownership. This could mean managing your online identity and data with greater ease and security. Even complex supply chains could benefit. Layer 2 solutions could facilitate transparent tracking of every step, from production to delivery, boosting trust and visibility for both businesses and consumers. These are just a glimpse of the possibilities. As Layer 2 matures, expect even more innovative applications to emerge, transforming how we interact with and utilize blockchain technology in our daily lives. The future is brimming with potential.

The Shib: What advice would you give to both investors and developers who are interested in exploring the Layer 2 space? What are the key considerations they should keep in mind when evaluating or building on these solutions?

Lian: Entering the Layer 2 arena is exciting, but caution is key for both investors and developers. Investors, diversify! Explore established players alongside promising newcomers. Security is king – understand how Layer 2 solutions inherit security and verify transactions. Look for scalability, smooth user experience, and low fees. Interoperability is a plus, opening future doors. Finally, a strong community and active development inspire confidence.

For developers, choose the right tool for the job. Align your project’s needs with a Layer 2 solution’s strengths in security, scalability, and function. Stay ahead of the curve – the Layer 2 landscape is dynamic. Security is paramount – prioritize robust measures to safeguard user funds and data. User experience is king – make interacting with your dApp seamless. Embrace interoperability to reach a wider audience and unlock future potential. Layer 2 is young, so do your research, be cautious, and adapt as the technology evolves. With careful consideration, both investors and developers can shape the future of this transformative space.

As Layer 2 solutions continue to evolve and mature, the future of blockchain technology is undeniably bright. Anndy Lian’s insights underscore the immense potential of Layer 2 solutions to break down barriers, democratize access, and unleash a wave of innovation that extends far beyond Ethereum.

As this transformative technology matures, we stand on the brink of a new era—one where blockchain seamlessly integrates into our daily lives, powering everything from microtransactions to decentralized social networks and beyond. The future is not just bright; it’s decentralized, scalable, and brimming with possibilities. Layer 2 isn’t just an evolution; it’s a revolution that promises to reshape the digital landscape and empower individuals in ways we’re only beginning to imagine.

 

Source: https://news.shib.io/2024/07/03/interview-anndy-lian-ethereums-layer-2-shift-the-future-is-brimming-with-potential/

 

Anndy Lian is an early blockchain adopter and experienced serial entrepreneur who is known for his work in the government sector. He is a best selling book author- “NFT: From Zero to Hero” and “Blockchain Revolution 2030”.

Currently, he is appointed as the Chief Digital Advisor at Mongolia Productivity Organization, championing national digitization. Prior to his current appointments, he was the Chairman of BigONE Exchange, a global top 30 ranked crypto spot exchange and was also the Advisory Board Member for Hyundai DAC, the blockchain arm of South Korea’s largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Group. Lian played a pivotal role as the Blockchain Advisor for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

An avid supporter of incubating start-ups, Anndy has also been a private investor for the past eight years. With a growth investment mindset, Anndy strategically demonstrates this in the companies he chooses to be involved with. He believes that what he is doing through blockchain technology currently will revolutionise and redefine traditional businesses. He also believes that the blockchain industry has to be “redecentralised”.

www.anndy.com
j j j