Friday🌑Web3 News Today: Ethereum’s Pectra Testnet, 3AC’s $1.5B FTX Claim, BlackRock’s ETF Plans & More

The Web3 world is buzzing with big moves and bold headlines! From Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade testing to 3AC’s massive $1.5B claim against FTX, today’s news is packed with game-changing updates. Add to that Trump-backed WLFI’s $590M token sale and BlackRock’s potential plans for Solana and XRP ETFs — and you’ve got a day full of market-shifting developments. Let’s dive into the biggest stories shaping the future of crypto and decentralized finance!

1. Hoodi Testnet preps for Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade launch

Ethereum is set to launch the Hoodi testnet on March 17, aiming to resolve issues found during Pectra upgrade testing on the Holesky and Sepolia networks. The Pectra upgrade promises major improvements in staking and wallet user experience, but recent tests revealed bugs causing missed blocks and network finalization problems. Developers hope the Hoodi testnet will confirm the system’s stability, with a potential mainnet launch by April 17 — though delays into May remain possible. As the Ethereum community anticipates these updates, the network’s focus on long-term scalability and security underscores its commitment to delivering a seamless user experience.

Hoodi Testnet to Test Ethereum’s Pectra Upgrade Before Mainnet Launch

Ethereum’s Hoodi testnet, launching March 17, aims to resolve Pectra upgrade issues, with a potential mainnet launch by late April.

BeInCryptoLockridge Okoth

2. US court backs 3AC’s $1.5B claim expansion vs. FTX

A U.S. bankruptcy court has ruled in favor of Three Arrows Capital (3AC), allowing its liquidators to expand their claim against FTX to $1.53 billion. Judge John T. Dorsey found that delays in filing the amended claim were largely due to FTX’s failure to provide timely records. This decision adds complexity to the ongoing bankruptcy case, as 3AC’s initial $120 million claim now alleges breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and fiduciary duty violations. The case highlights the fallout from 3AC’s 2022 collapse and its impact on the broader crypto industry, with liquidators continuing to pursue accountability and recovery.

US Court Approves 3AC’s Bid to Expand $1.5B Claim Against FTX - Decrypt

The ruling allows 3AC’s liquidators to pursue a much larger recovery from FTX’s bankruptcy estate, adding to the complexity of existing claims.

DecryptSebastian Sinclair

3. Trump-backed WLFI wraps up $590M token sale

World Liberty Financial (WLFI), the Donald Trump-backed crypto project, has closed its token sale after raising an impressive $590 million across two pre-sales, making it one of the top-10 largest token raises ever. The project gained momentum after Tron’s Justin Sun invested $30 million in November 2024, helping turn early skepticism into massive support. Despite its success, WLFI’s token remains restricted to accredited investors and cannot yet be publicly traded on exchanges. As the crypto community watches closely, no official date has been set for the token’s exchange listing, adding to the anticipation around this high-profile project.

Trump-backed World Liberty Financial (WLFI) Completes $590M Token Sale

On-chain data shows that the project has raised nearly $590 million between two pre-sales.

CoinDeskSam Reynolds

4. BlackRock eyes Solana & XRP ETFs, says ETF Store chief

BlackRock is reportedly preparing to file for Solana and XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs), signaling growing institutional interest in these top non-stablecoin assets. According to Nate Geraci, president of The ETF Store, BlackRock won’t let competitors dominate this space, with a Solana filing expected soon and an XRP ETF likely after the SEC lawsuit against Ripple concludes. JPMorgan estimates Solana ETFs could see $3B–$6B in inflows within a year, while XRP ETFs may attract $4B–$8B. As Ripple and the SEC work toward a settlement, regulatory clarity could further boost XRP’s ETF approval chances and reshape the crypto investment landscape.

BlackRock may file for Solana, XRP ETFs, analyst predicts

BlackRock may file for Solana and XRP ETFs, says ETF Store president Nate Geraci. SEC’s stance on XRP remains a key factor in potential XRP ETF approval

crypto.newsLeon Okwatch

As Web3 continues to evolve, these stories highlight the rapid innovation and high-stakes decisions shaping the future of decentralized finance and digital assets. Stay tuned for more updates as Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade moves closer to launch, legal battles reshape the crypto landscape, and major players like BlackRock explore new opportunities. Don’t miss out!

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