Big investors are making moves, and certain projects are standing out. Ripple (XRP) is leading the way in cross-border payments, and Ethereum (ETH) remains the backbone of DeFi and smart contracts.
Polkadot (DOT) is making blockchain networks more connected and Chainlink (LINK) is the go-to oracle provider.
But, there’s also a new project called PlutoChain ($PLUTO) that could draw whale attention in the coming weeks. With a hybrid Layer-2 solution, it could make BTC faster, cheaper, and more versatile.
Here’s what you need to know.
Bitcoin is powerful, but it still isn’t easy to use for everyday transactions. Slow speeds, high fees, and limited flexibility make it a challenge for businesses and individuals.
That’s where PlutoChain ($PLUTO) could step in. This Layer-2 upgrade is designed to make Bitcoin faster, cheaper, and more efficient.
It takes Bitcoin as much as 10 minutes to process block times. PlutoChain, on the other hand, offers block times of only 2 seconds on its own Layer-2 chain. This could make instant payments and global transfers a reality.
Lower fees are another big advantage. Bitcoin’s high costs often make small purchases impractical, but PlutoChain could significantly reduce transaction fees, which could make payments more accessible for businesses and users.
But, PlutoChain isn’t just about payments. It brings Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility and could allow Bitcoin to support DeFi applications, NFTs, and AI-powered blockchain projects—possibly expanding its possibilities beyond just a store of value.
Scalability is another key feature. During testing, PlutoChain processed over 43,200 transactions in a single day with no slowdowns, which proves it can handle high demand.
Security is a priority. PlutoChain has been audited by SolidProof, QuillAudits, and Assure DeFi and undergoes regular testing to keep the network secure and reliable.
Unlike Bitcoin, where miners and developers make the big decisions, PlutoChain gives users a voice and empowers them to propose and vote on upgrades.
XRP is trading at approximately $2.50, with a 24-hour trading volume of $3.93 billion. In the past 24 hours, its price has risen by 3.09%.
Ripple continues to expand its global reach. It recently partnered with Unicâmbio, a Portuguese currency exchange provider, to enable instant cross-border payments between Portugal and Brazil through its Ripple Payments system.
Random Crypto Pal points out a big change in Davinci’s view on XRP — he once thought it would crash to $0, but now he predicts it could hit $20-$24 this bull run.
Ethereum (ETH) is trading at around $2,700.31, with a 1.7% increase in the past 24 hours. Its 24-hour trading volume is approximately $17.77 billion.
In May 2024, Ethereum ETFs were approved, which gave traditional investors a regulated way to invest in ETH. These upgrades have made ETH more accessible to institutions and everyday users. The next upgrade is the Pectra one set for March.
According to Crypto General, Ethereum is currently consolidating due to low weekend liquidity but could be gearing up for a breakout to $6,000.
Polkadot (DOT) is trading at around $5.06, with a 4.9% gain in the last 24 hours. Its 24-hour trading volume is approximately $242.52 million.
A few months ago Polkadot partnered with Inter Miami CF and became the club’s Global Training Partner. As part of the deal, the Polkadot logo now appears on players' training kits, including those worn by Lionel Messi, which gives the brand major visibility.
Crypto Lalit believes Polkadot is in a falling wedge pattern and expects it to break out soon to $11.50.
Right now, Chainlink is trading at around $19.44, with a 3.0% increase in the last 24 hours. Its 24-hour trading volume is approximately $540.54 million.
In January 2025, Chainlink launched CCIP v1.5, a major upgrade that improves secure digital assets and data transfers across blockchains, layer-2 solutions, and DeFi protocols.
Chainlink’s influence is also growing in traditional finance. A Trump-inspired financial group, World Liberty Financial, adopted its technology to push for wider DeFi adoption.
Whales are stacking up on Ripple for payments, Ethereum for DeFi, Polkadot for interoperability, and Chainlink for smart contract data.
But, PlutoChain ($PLUTO) might also be worth watching as a hybrid L2 solution. By fixing Bitcoin’s biggest issues—slow transactions, high fees, and lack of flexibility—PlutoChain could make BTC faster, cheaper, and more useful.
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This article does not offer financial advice. Cryptocurrencies can be unpredictable and carry risks. It is important to conduct thorough research before acquiring any crypto asset. Forward-looking statements carry risks and are not guaranteed to be updated.
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