Stellar Prepares Protocol Upgrade; Ripple Plans $1B XRP SPAC; Bitdeer Embraces AI

What Shipped

Welcome to our October 20, 2025 update on the world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Today, we see some exciting developments across several projects, especially in the Ripple, Stellar, Hedera, Flare Network, and XDC Network ecosystems. Let’s break down some of the key news and price movements that matter for both newcomers and experienced investors.

Key news highlights include:

Stellar is preparing for a protocol upgrade vote next week to address state archival inconsistencies. This is a technical improvement aimed at making the network more reliable and efficient.
Stellar Foundation released a thoughtful piece on building open highways, not railroads, emphasizing the importance of open infrastructure for blockchain networks.
Stellar also published an insightful article debunking myths about blockchain decentralization, helping users understand who really controls these networks.
Ripple-backed company announced plans for a SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company) to raise $1 billion to create the largest public XRP treasury. This move could boost the utility and visibility of XRP.
Bitcoin mining firm Bitdeer has pivoted towards AI technology, earning a price target increase from analysts.
A Coin Metrics co-founder warned that quantum computing poses the biggest risk to Bitcoin, highlighting an important future challenge for blockchain security.

Why It Matters

These updates show how blockchain projects are continuously evolving, both technically and strategically, to stay relevant and secure in an increasingly competitive market.

Stellar’s protocol upgrade reflects an ongoing commitment to improve network reliability. When we talk about “state archival inconsistencies,” it refers to how blockchain data is stored and accessed. Fixing these inconsistencies means the network can run more smoothly and users can trust that historical transaction data remains accurate and accessible. For investors and users, this means greater confidence in Stellar’s long-term stability.

Ripple’s SPAC initiative is an example of how blockchain firms are exploring traditional financial markets to raise capital and expand. A SPAC is a company created specifically to raise money through an initial public offering (IPO) with the goal of acquiring an existing company. By raising $1 billion to build a large XRP treasury, Ripple is positioning itself to increase XRP’s liquidity and potentially fund new projects or partnerships. This could stimulate XRP’s adoption and price growth.

Bitdeer’s pivot to AI highlights how blockchain-related companies are diversifying into emerging technologies. AI (artificial intelligence) has huge potential to optimize mining operations, reduce energy consumption, and enhance decision-making. This crossover could improve profitability and attract new investors interested in both blockchain and AI sectors.

The warning about quantum computing is a reminder that blockchain technology, while robust today, faces future risks. Quantum computers could potentially break the cryptographic algorithms that secure Bitcoin and other blockchains. This means developers will need to prepare quantum-resistant solutions to keep networks safe in the years ahead.

Builders’ Corner

For developers and blockchain enthusiasts, the upcoming Stellar protocol upgrade is a key event. If you’re building on Stellar, it’s important to understand how these changes might affect your applications and user experience. Participating in the protocol upgrade vote is a great way to engage with the community and help guide the network’s future.

Ripple’s SPAC news also opens opportunities for builders and businesses that rely on XRP. A larger treasury could mean more funding for ecosystem projects, grants, or partnerships. Keep an eye on announcements from Ripple and affiliated firms for potential collaborations.

On the technical side, the community should start paying attention to quantum-safe cryptography research. While practical quantum computers are not here yet, early preparation can help blockchain projects stay ahead of threats and maintain security.

Quick Prices

Here’s a snapshot of some key cryptocurrency prices as of October 20, 2025, 13:02 ET:

Bitcoin (BTC): $110,785, up about 1.96% in the last 24 hours
Ethereum (ETH): $3,954.69, down slightly by 0.7%
Ripple (XRP): $2.45, up 1.85%
Stellar (XLM): $0.324, up 1.06%
Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR): $0.175, up 2.37%
Flare Network (FLR): $0.0175, down 0.15%
XDC Network (XDCE): $0.064, up 4.25%

Overall, most of these projects show positive momentum, which is encouraging for investors and users alike.

What to Watch

Stellar Protocol Upgrade Vote: Keep an eye on the results of the upcoming vote and the impact of the upgrade on network performance and ecosystem growth.
Ripple SPAC Progress: Follow how Ripple’s $1 billion fundraising and treasury plans develop, as this could influence XRP’s market dynamics.
Quantum Computing Advances: Monitor research and announcements related to quantum-resistant blockchain technologies to understand how networks are preparing for future security challenges.
AI Integration in Blockchain: Watch companies like Bitdeer for new ways AI is being used to improve blockchain mining and infrastructure.
Market Movements: Stay updated on price trends for major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as promising altcoins in the Ripple, Stellar, Hedera, and XDC ecosystems.

TL;DR: Stellar is gearing up for a protocol upgrade to improve network reliability, Ripple-backed firm plans a $1 billion SPAC to create the largest XRP treasury, and Bitdeer’s shift into AI has boosted its outlook. While Bitcoin remains strong above $110,000, Ethereum sees a slight dip. Quantum computing remains a future risk to blockchain security, but ongoing innovation and community engagement are driving the space forward. Keep an eye on these developments as they could shape the next chapter of blockchain growth.

Sources

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Stellar Prepares Protocol Upgrade; Ripple Plans $1B XRP SPAC; Bitdeer Embraces AI