• In January, Binance Research released a report identifying the important themes for 2023 while providing a brief overview of 2022.
• Ethereum completed “The Merge” — the move from proof-of-work (PoW) to proof-of-stake (PoS) — in September 2022.
• The report also highlighted the importance of regulations, increased crypto adoption, and the development of Layer 2 protocols.
In January of 2023, Binance Research, the research arm of the cryptocurrency exchange Binance, released a report looking at the key trends and developments of 2022 and their implications for the blockchain sector in 2023. The report was released in the wake of a tumultuous year for global markets due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, inflation fears, falling capital markets, and persistent macroeconomic trepidations. As a result, central banks around the world increased interest rates in an attempt to curb inflation and reduce the pace of economic growth. This had a detrimental effect on established asset classes, as well as emerging asset classes, such as cryptocurrencies.
The report noted that 2022 was an eventful year for Layer 1 protocols. Ethereum (ETH) was particularly noteworthy, as it completed “The Merge” from proof-of-work (PoW) to proof-of-stake (PoS) in September 2022. This shift had several implications, such as the introduction of staking rewards and a greater degree of decentralization. The report also highlighted the importance of regulations, increased crypto adoption, and the development of Layer 2 protocols.
Layer 2 protocols are designed to run on top of Layer 1 protocols and provide more scalability and efficiency. Examples of Layer 2 protocols include state channels, payment channels, and sidechains. The report noted that Layer 2 protocols have been gaining traction due to their ability to improve user experience, reduce transaction costs, and increase transaction speeds.
The report also discussed the importance of regulations in the space. It noted the need for regulations that protect users while also promoting innovation. Additionally, the report pointed to the increasing adoption of cryptocurrencies as a key trend. It highlighted the role of institutional investors, DeFi products, and stablecoins in driving increased adoption.
Overall, the report provided an in-depth look into the blockchain sector of 2022 and the key trends that are likely to shape the space in 2023. It highlighted the importance of Layer 1 protocols, Layer 2 protocols, regulations, and increased adoption. Going forward, these trends will likely continue to drive the development of the sector and facilitate its growth.