Deep Dive
1. Network Upgrade & Hard Fork (1 October 2025)
Overview:
CoinEx announced a network upgrade and hard fork scheduled for 1 October 2025 at block height 8,052,200 (CoinEx). While technical details are sparse, such upgrades typically focus on protocol optimizations, security enhancements, or consensus adjustments.
What this means:
This is neutral for RIF in the short term due to temporary service disruptions but bullish long term if the upgrade improves network efficiency. Investors should monitor post-upgrade stability and developer adoption.
2. Bitcoin DeFi Ecosystem Growth (Ongoing)
Overview:
Rootstock’s partnership with Avalon Labs—a Bitcoin lending protocol—highlights its push to dominate Bitcoin DeFi (BTCFi). Avalon enables Bitcoin-collateralized loans for assets like stablecoins, aligning with Rootstock’s goal to merge Bitcoin’s security with DeFi utility (The Defiant).
What this means:
This is bullish for RIF as increased Total Value Locked (TVL) could drive demand for RIF’s infrastructure services. However, competition from Ethereum L2s and Bitcoin-native protocols remains a risk.
3. Payment Aggregation Development (2025)
Overview:
RIF’s roadmap emphasizes payment aggregation to manage transaction spikes and reduce costs. While no fixed launch date is confirmed, developers aim to test early versions with partners in late 2025 (RIF Roadmap Recap).
What this means:
This is bullish for RIF if successful, as seamless payments could attract non-crypto users. Delays or technical hurdles, however, might dampen sentiment.
Conclusion
RIF’s roadmap balances immediate technical upgrades (October hard fork) with strategic bets on Bitcoin DeFi and payment infrastructure. Success hinges on executing upgrades smoothly and converting ecosystem growth into tangible adoption. Will RIF’s focus on Bitcoin-centric DeFi differentiate it in a crowded L2 market?