Vitalik Proposes Lightweight Nodes for Ethereum Users

Vitalik Buterin has proposed a new design that would let users run Ethereum nodes without storing the entire blockchain. The "partially stateless node" model aims to lower the hardware barrier and encourage broader participation in network validation.

Instead of downloading over 1.3 terabytes of blockchain history, users could store only the parts of the network they interact with. Buterin compared the setup to a personal library, where you “keep the books you use often, and borrow the rest when needed.”

“This type of node would give the benefits of direct local access to the state that a user needs to care about, as well as maximal full privacy of access to that state,” Buterin wrote. The system also eliminates the need for Merkle proofs, allowing nodes to validate data with simple cryptographic tools.

The concept builds on Ethereum's EIP-4444, which limits full node history to 36 days while ensuring permanence through distributed storage. Although the idea remains early-stage, it represents a progress toward lighter, user-focused infrastructure for Ethereum’s decentralization push.

El Salvador’s Bitcoin Holdings Hit $644 Million

El Salvador’s BTC holdings have surged to $644 million following a price rally, with President Nayib Bukele confirming the country added 30 BTC in April. Despite securing a $1.4 billion IMF loan that restricts direct crypto purchases by fiscal agencies, the Bitcoin Office has continued daily acquisitions. The IMF clarified that the office's structure allows it to operate outside formal public finance restrictions without breaching terms.

The country’s Bitcoin treasury position is now the sixth-largest among sovereign states, trailing only the USA, China, UK, Ukraine, and Bhutan. Bukele reaffirmed on social media that the Bitcoin strategy is ongoing and not slowing down. Analysts say the holdings’ rapid appreciation strengthens the argument for national digital asset reserves, but long-term success depends on broader economic planning.

Circle Pursuing Sale Talks With Coinbase and Ripple

Circle is reportedly seeking acquisition bids of at least $5 billion, with discussions underway involving Coinbase and Ripple, according to a May 19 Fortune report. The company recently filed paperwork for a public listing, but insiders say it may prefer a strategic exit depending on market conditions. Ripple had allegedly made a $4-5 billion offer in April, which Circle turned down as too low.

Circle and Coinbase co-founded the CENTRE Consortium, which originally managed USDC, the second-largest stablecoin by market cap. Despite filing for an IPO, Circle is entertaining offers as competitors expand their stablecoin efforts. Industry observers say the next few months will determine whether Circle remains independent or joins a larger crypto entity before year’s end.

Bybit Launches USDT Stock Trading With 78 Equities

Dubai-based exchange Bybit announced on May 19 that it now offers stock trading for 78 global companies, using Tether’s USDT for transactions. The feature is part of its Gold & FX suite, which includes CFDs on gold, forex, and now equities like Apple, Tesla, and Coinbase. Users can speculate on price movements without owning actual shares, and may receive dividend adjustments on eligible positions.

Bybit's expansion follows a broader trend of crypto exchanges expanding into traditional finance to compete with platforms like eToro and Robinhood. Kraken recently launched a similar service and is seeking regulatory approval to buy NinjaTrader. As competition heats up, exchanges are blending asset classes to offer users multi-market access under a single account.

Data of the Day

U.S. crypto investment funds have recorded $7.5 billion in inflows so far in 2025, rebounding from a $7 billion outflow slump earlier this year. CoinShares reported on May 19 that last week alone brought in $785 million, marking five straight weeks of net inflows. Analysts cite reduced tariff tensions and renewed institutional confidence as key factors in the market reversal.

Ethereum led weekly inflows with $205 million, boosted by its May 7 Pectra upgrade and new executive appointments. Meanwhile, Solana saw modest outflows of $890,000, making it the week’s only major asset with net withdrawals. With capital pouring back into funds, investor appetite is showing signs of broad-based recovery heading into summer.

More Breaking News

• The SEC delayed decisions on Bitwise and 21Shares’ proposed Solana ETFs, opening a public comment period as it weighs a wave of crypto fund filings.
• JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said clients will soon be allowed to buy Bitcoin, despite reiterating his personal skepticism toward the digital asset.
• Michael Saylor and Strategy face a class action lawsuit alleging they misled investors about the risks and profitability of their bitcoin-focused strategy.
• Tether has overtaken Germany in U.S. Treasury holdings, now managing over $120 billion in T-bills as part of its reserve diversification strategy.
• Texas is close to becoming the third U.S. state to approve a Bitcoin reserve bill, following New Hampshire and Arizona in adopting crypto-friendly policy.
• Pudgy Penguins launched Pengu Clash, a Telegram-based multiplayer game emphasizing skill over speculation, with NFT integration and optional wagering.

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