Deep Dive
1. Core-1 Chain Upgrade (9 September 2025)
Overview: Persistence initiated a 4-phase upgrade to modernize its blockchain infrastructure, transitioning from Cosmos SDK v0.47 to v0.53.x. This aligns with Bitcoin security protocols via Babylon integration.
The upgrade disables the custom Liquid Staking Module (LSM), adopts Cosmos Hub’s standardized liquid staking, and phases out legacy code. Phase 4 (ongoing) integrates Babylon’s Bitcoin Staking Module, enabling Bitcoin-secured transactions. Validators must update nodes by 30 September 2025 to avoid downtime.
What this means: This is bullish for XPRT because it enhances network security (via Bitcoin’s proof-of-work) and ensures compatibility with Cosmos ecosystem updates. Users benefit from simpler staking mechanics.
(Source)
2. DEX V2 Mainnet Launch (11 August 2025)
Overview: Persistence DEX V2 introduced intent-based BTC swaps, allowing users to trade wrapped BTC variants (like WBTC and BEVM-BTC) across chains with minimal slippage.
The closed mainnet initially capped orders at $500 to test stability. Over 450,000 testnet orders informed anti-sybil measures and routing optimizations.
What this means: This is neutral for XPRT in the short term, as liquidity fragmentation remains a challenge, but bullish long-term if adoption grows. Traders gain access to Bitcoin DeFi with near-instant cross-chain execution.
(Source)
3. Liquid Staking Integration (17 August 2025)
Overview: XPRT holders can now liquid-stake tokens directly on Persistence DEX via a 1-click interface, bypassing separate protocols.
This update simplifies earning staking rewards (stkXPRT) while participating in DeFi. The stkXPRT/XPRT pool holds $107k liquidity with 10.9k stkXPRT monthly incentives.
What this means: This is bullish for XPRT because it reduces friction for stakers, potentially increasing network participation and DEX liquidity.
(Source)
Conclusion
Persistence One is prioritizing Bitcoin interoperability and developer experience, with codebase upgrades positioning XPRT as a bridge between Cosmos and BTCFi. The DEX’s focus on intent-based swaps could disrupt fragmented BTC markets if adoption accelerates. How will Babylon’s security integration impact XPRT’s validator ecosystem in Q4?