IOST_Official

From “Static Certificates” to “Programmable Financial Building Blocks”

1. Redefining RWA 3.0: A Modular Principal–Yield Separation Framework

As DeFi and TradFi converge, traditional tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) — bonds, real estate, and more — has mostly meant mirroring these assets on-chain as static certificates. This approach lacks the flexibility and composability modern finance demands. IOST’s RWA 3.0 introduces a modular Principal–Yield separation framework that transforms on-chain assets into an institutional-grade, DeFi-ready paradigm.

In current tokenization models, principal and yield are packaged together, constraining on-chain utility and liquidity, neither can be used independently for collateral or for advanced strategies.

IOST’s RWA 3.0 splits each asset into two independent token modules:

P-Token (Principal Token): Represents the return of principal at maturity, designed for low-risk, stable-yield institutional investors.

Y-Token (Yield Token): Represents the ongoing yield stream, freely tradable, collateralizable, and composable for DeFi-native users.

This separation enables true on-chain programmability and composability of cash flows, elevating RWA from “static certificates” to “dynamic financial instruments” by:

Creating secondary markets with real-time yield pricing to attract institutions and market makers

Enhancing capital efficiency and leverage opportunities, unlocking deeper liquidity

Providing developers a sandbox to build structured products and hedging strategies

Bridging DeFi and TradFi value on-chain and off-chain

Static Certificates ➔ Programmable Assets

Transfer & Trade: Holders can freely circulate tokens on secondary markets

Collateral & Lending: Tokens can be staked or borrowed against across lending protocols

Compose & Derive: Tokens power leveraged, principal-protected, and other innovative DeFi products

Customize & Integrate: Developers can rapidly build tailored financial tools atop the P/Y framework

2. Why IOST Is Uniquely Positioned to Pioneer RWA 3.0

Delivering on this vision requires excellence in Compliance, Technology, and execution — three areas where IOST leads:

Technical Foundation: High-Performance, Modular Multichain Architecture

IOST’s proprietary subnet framework lets RWA 3.0 deploy as Layer 2 on multiple public chains or custom subnets, while maintaining native EVM compatibility.

Integrated cross-chain bridges, liquidity engines, oracles, DID, and payment modules provide end-to-end RWA lifecycle management.

Each subnet is fully customizable — tuning performance and compliance modules per L1 characteristics, achieving true plug-and-play multichain deployment.

Compliance Advantage: Full-Spectrum Regulatory Support in Japan

IOST is JVCEA-greenlisted and is listed on JFSA-regulated exchanges (e.g., Coincheck, BITPoint).

Direct collaboration with financial institutions and regulators ensures every issuance and trade meets legal requirements.

This compliance foundation enables IOST to engage meaningfully with financial institutions and regulators in one of the world’s most structured markets.

Proven Real-World Execution: Institutional & Retail On-Ramps

Partnership with licensed platform DigiFT: over US$5.7 billion in institutional bond issuances on-chain.

PayPIN Ring™ with biometric authentication enables compliant retail investors in RWA.

Together, IOST’s modular tech stack, regulatory credentials, and live deployments address RWA’s core challenges — regulatory barriers, low liquidity, and user mismatch — driving the transition from conceptual finance to sustainable on-chain markets.

3. Why Japan Is the Ideal Launchpad for RWA 3.0

Japan offers the world’s most mature regulatory environment for RWA innovation. IOST chose Japan for its RWA 3.0 debut based on three pillars:

1. Clear Regulatory Pathways

Japan’s FSA classifies crypto assets under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, distinguishing financing vs. non-financing tokens.

The updated Payment Services Act provides legal clarity for stablecoins and crypto custody.

2. Robust Market Demand

As the world’s largest holder of US Treasuries (over US$1 trillion), Japanese investors seek digital access to dollar-denominated assets.

On-chain US Treasuries meet both currency allocation and digitization needs, driving strong institutional and retail uptake.

3. Industry Consensus

The Japan Crypto-Asset Business Association (JCBA) has published RWA issuance and trading guidelines, supporting standardization and regulatory dialogue.

These frameworks accelerate coordination between projects, regulators, and industry stakeholders, speeding time-to-market.

About IOST

RWA 3.0 is more than a narrative — it’s the inevitable evolution of on-chain finance meeting real-world assets. With IOST’s modular architecture, regulatory readiness, and proven deployments, the shift from static certificates to programmable assets starts now, in Japan and beyond.

IOST is building a compliant, multi-chain infrastructure for RWA. IOST is officially listed on the Japan Virtual and Crypto Assets Exchange Association (JVCEA) Green List, highlighting its commitment to regulatory compliance in Japan. With over 7 years of proven performance and the successful launch of IOST 3.0, IOST is leading the integration of Real World Assets (RWAs) into the blockchain, transforming traditional financial instruments into borderless, liquid, and programmable assets.

For more information about IOST and its initiatives, visit iost.io or join our community channels!

IOST | Link3

RWA 3.0: IOST’s Paradigm Shift Toward a Modular On-Chain Real-World Assets Infrastructure was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Following the successful completion of our Airdrop campaign, we are excited to announce the launch of our new StakeDrop program. This initiative represents the next phase in IOST’s comprehensive tokenomics update, designed to foster long-term growth, reward community participation, and drive sustainable ecosystem development.

The IOST StakeDrop program offers token holders an opportunity to earn significant rewards by staking their IOST tokens. With flexible staking periods and attractive multipliers, participants can maximize their returns while contributing to the network’s stability and security.

Note: This article provides information about the IOST StakeDrop program as of April 2025. Please refer to the official website and documentation for the most up-to-date information and terms.

What is StakeDrop?

StakeDrop is a reward mechanism aimed at early adopters on the BNB Chain who participate by staking IOST tokens. Unlike traditional staking programs, IOST’s StakeDrop employs a “Time Coefficient × Achieved Tier” mechanism that rewards longer lock-up periods while still providing partial rewards for early exits.

The program allocates a total of 7% of the new IOST supply (1.4924B IOST) and will be distributed across two seasons:

Season 1: 852.8M IOST

Season 2: 639.6M IOST

How Does It Work?

Staking Tiers and Multipliers

The IOST StakeDrop program offers a flexible staking system with periods ranging from 90 to 730 days. The longer you stake, the higher your reward multiplier:

Participation Process

Choose Your Commitment: At the beginning, you declare your target tier (e.g., 365 days for a maximum multiplier of 3.0×).

Stake Your Tokens: Stake a minimum of 10,000 IOST tokens through the official platform at iost.io/stakedrop.

Earn Rewards: Your rewards are calculated based on your staking amount and the actual duration of your stake.

Receive Disbursement: Rewards are disbursed in a single lump sum at the time of exit.

Reward Calculation

The StakeDrop uses a sophisticated reward distribution formula that takes into account:

The total reward pool for StakeDrop

The amount staked by each user

The effective multiplier based on the actual staking duration

The effective multiplier is determined using a piecewise linear interpolation function, ensuring fair rewards that scale with commitment duration.

Exit Options and Flexibility

Understanding that circumstances can change, the StakeDrop program includes an early exit option. However, to maintain the integrity of the program and reward long-term commitment, early exits come with certain adjustments:

Effective Multiplier Recalculation: If you exit before completing your committed lock-up period, your effective multiplier is recalculated based on your actual staking duration.

Early Exit Penalty: A 30% penalty is applied to the unvested portion of your pre-calculated reward if you exit early.

This balanced approach provides flexibility while still incentivizing participants to fulfill their initial commitment.

Benefits of Participating

For Token Holders

Enhanced Returns: Earn up to 4.5× rewards on your staked IOST tokens

Flexible Options: Choose a staking period that aligns with your investment strategy

Secure Participation: Stake through our official platform with robust security measures

For the IOST Ecosystem

Increased Network Stability: Longer staking periods reduce token velocity and enhance price stability

Stronger Community Engagement: Rewards active participation in the IOST ecosystem

Sustainable Growth: Aligns participant incentives with the network’s long-term success

Join the IOST StakeDrop Program Today

The IOST StakeDrop program represents a significant opportunity for both existing IOST holders and newcomers to the ecosystem. By participating, you not only stand to earn attractive rewards but also contribute to the growth and stability of the IOST network.

Season 1 is now live with an allocation of 852.8M IOST. Don’t miss this opportunity to maximize your IOST holdings while supporting the network’s development.

Visit iost.io/stakedrop to learn more and start staking today.

Visit https://docs.iost.io/tokenomics/proposal/stakedrop to learn all the details about the innovative stakedrop program

About IOST

IOST is a multi-chain ecosystem focused on RWA infrastructure. With a commitment to innovation, security, and community engagement, IOST continues to develop solutions that bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized technologies.

For more information about IOST and its initiatives, visit iost.io or join our community channels!

IOST | Link3

The IOST StakeDrop: Earn Rewards by Staking Your IOST Tokens was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

First Trillion-Dollar Ready RWA Platform: IOST Partners with DigiFT for Institutional-Grade Tokenization

IOST and DigiFT Partner to Offer Compliant RWA Yield Opportunities

New York City, APR 10, 2025 — IOST, a high-performance blockchain infrastructure provider, has announced a partnership with DigiFT, Singapore’s first MAS-licensed digital asset exchange, to offer institutional-grade investment opportunities in Real World Assets (RWAs). This collaboration will provide accredited investors with access to regulated RWA yield products, including iSNR, a DigiFT token that derives its performance from a senior secured loan portfolio managed by Invesco..

The partnership combines IOST’s scalable blockchain infrastructure with DigiFT’s regulatory-first approach, creating a compliant and accessible gateway for investors to earn yield on tokenized assets. Through this collaboration, accredited investors can purchase iSNR on DigiFT’s MAS-licensed platform, bridge the asset to BNB Chain for multi-chain liquidity, and earn yield in the IOST Vault using decentralized finance (DeFi) yield strategies on a regulated foundation.

Leveraging IOST’s scalable infrastructure and DigiFT’s established compliance framework, this collaboration supports the growing RWA tokenization market, which analysts estimate could reach $10 trillion in value over the next decade.* By offering institutional investors a compliant way to access tokenized yield opportunities, DigiFT’s regulated marketplace ensures a secure and transparent investment experience. IOST’s blockchain infrastructure facilitates the efficient and secure transfer of assets, ensuring that investors can trust the process.

The partnership also enables seamless interoperability between BNB Smart Chain (BSC) and IOST’s Layer-2 solution, allowing for frictionless asset movement, atomic swaps, and optimized yield strategies with minimal slippage. The iSNR token is backed by real-world financial assets, offering institutional investors a transparent and risk-managed investment approach within a regulated DeFi environment.

As the institutional tokenization market continues to grow, with the total value locked in tokenized RWAs projected to expand significantly in the coming years, this partnership positions DigiFT and IOST as pioneers in bridging regulated RWAs with DeFi-powered yield solutions.

DigiFT and IOST’s collaboration represents a new standard for compliant, institutional-grade RWA investment, blending traditional finance stability with the innovative potential of DeFi.

About DigiFT

DigiFT is the first regulatory-compliant exchange for on-chain real-world assets to be licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a Recognised Market Operator and Capital Markets Services provider. DigiFT enables asset owners, particularly financial institutions, to issue blockchain-based security tokens that investors can trade with continuous liquidity using an Automated Market Maker (AMM).

About IOST

IOST is a long-standing public blockchain now expanding into an EVM-compatible Layer 2 built for real-world assets (RWA). From U.S. Treasuries to private credit, loans, and real estate, IOST is building the infrastructure to bring these assets on-chain, connect them across blockchains, and make them easier to access, trade, and manage. With a focus on stability, interoperability, and real-world use cases, IOST aims to unlock the next wave of on-chain finance by bridging traditional assets into the crypto ecosystem.

First Trillion-Dollar Ready RWA Platform: IOST Partners with DigiFT for Institutional-Grade… was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The IOST L1 Airdrop Is Now Live — Here’s What You Need to Know

We are excited to announce that the claiming period for the IOST L1 Exclusive Airdrop is now officially open. This marks a major milestone in IOST’s transition to a Layer 2 network and our commitment to rewarding long-time community members.

If you held IOST tokens on the original Layer 1 chain at the time of the snapshot, you are now eligible to claim your portion of the airdrop allocation. This is an exclusive opportunity for early IOST participants to be rewarded for their loyalty and long-term engagement.

Following the launch of the L1 Airdrop claiming period, IOST is preparing to introduce its StakeDrop campaign: a new incentive program designed to reward users who stake IOST on the BNB Chain. With flexible lock-up options and reward multipliers, the StakeDrop aims to attract long-term participants and deepen engagement within the evolving IOST 3.0 ecosystem. Full details and participation guidelines will be announced soon.

How to Claim

Visit the official claiming portal: Connect your IOST L1 wallet that holds IOST tokens to check your airdrop allocation at https://iost.io/airdrop

View your total allocation and vested amount based on your IOST holdings.

Claim your IOST airdrop

Supported Platforms and Wallet Setup

At this time, the IOST L1 Airdrop claiming process is only supported on desktop Chromium based browsers using the official IOST iWallet pro wallet. Mobile devices and other wallet types are not yet compatible with the claiming portal as of the time of writing.

To ensure a smooth experience:

Use a desktop Chromium based browser: Chrome, Brave, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Opera, Vivaldi, Arc, and more.

Install iWallet pro, which is required to connect and verify your eligibility.

A detailed step-by-step guide for installing and setting up the wallet is included in this article to help you get started quickly and securely. We recommend completing your wallet setup before attempting to claim your airdrop.

Introducing iWallet Pro: The Enhanced Plugin Wallet for IOST Users

About IOST

IOST is a long-standing public blockchain now expanding into an EVM-compatible Layer 2 built for real-world assets (RWA). From U.S. Treasuries to private credit, loans, and real estate, IOST is building the infrastructure to bring these assets on-chain, connect them across blockchains, and make them easier to access, trade, and manage. With a focus on stability, interoperability, and real-world use cases, IOST aims to unlock the next wave of on-chain finance by bridging traditional assets into the crypto ecosystem.

The IOST L1 Airdrop Is Now Live — Here’s What You Need to Know was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

We are thrilled to announce three significant milestones that mark a new era for the IOST ecosystem. Following our strategic rebranding, IOST 3.0 represents our bold new direction, bringing blockchain technology closer to the real world through the tokenization and trading of real-world assets.

IOST 3.0 BSC Layer 2 Mainnet is Live

As part of our strategic pivot, the IOST 3.0 BSC Layer 2 Mainnet is now fully operational. This launch introduces a new IOST L2 with advanced RWA tokenization standards and our innovative Liquidity Engine technology. This groundbreaking infrastructure enables frictionless conversion between traditional assets and their digital counterparts. Supported by BNB Chain and partnered with top projects including Digift, Aspecta, and Paimon to promote liquidity on RWA assets in the secondary market, IOST 3.0 is positioned to unlock trillions in previously illiquid assets.

Snapshot Successfully Completed

In order to secure the rights of all IOST holders, a snapshot was successfully executed on March 15th at 00:00 UTC. This snapshot forms the foundation for upcoming token events and ensures a smooth transition to the new ecosystem.

Coming Soon: Exciting New Features

Airdrop Portal (April 1st):

Check eligibility and claim tokens via our dedicated portal.

Staking Portal (Early April):

Stake IOST on BNB Chain with attractive rewards.

PayPIN Rings (Late April)

Wearable payment & DID device combining biometric security with blockchain technology.

Our First RWA pool for retail investors (Mid May)

Seamless access tokenized bonds with competitive yields

We are currently in discussions with various exchanges to finalize airdrop distribution plans, and detailed claiming procedures will be announced shortly.

Developer Support and Opportunities

For developers interested in building on IOST 3.0, we are offering grants and technical support to drive innovation on our platform. Interested developers are encouraged to reach out to us at [email protected].

For more information about IOST 3.0 and to embark on your journey with tokenized real-world assets, please visit our official website.

IOST 3.0 Major Announcement: Mainnet & Snapshot was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

IOST Announces Multi-Exchange Airdrop Support

IOST is excited to announce that Binance, Upbit, BitKub, Coincheck, OKJ, BITPOINT and CoinTrade will support our upcoming airdrop campaign, offering their users the opportunity to earn IOST tokens. This marks a key milestone in IOST’s strategic rebranding.

Airdrop Overview

Total Allocation: 852.8 million IOST tokens (4% of the new IOST supply)

Eligibility Requirement: Users must hold a minimum of 1,000 IOST tokens in their accounts on participating exchanges

Snapshot Time: March 15, 2025, at 00:00 (UTC +0)

Distribution Period: Monthly or every 3 or 6 months claims over 48 months depending on the exchange partners

Exchange Allocation Formula

Each participating exchange will receive an allocation proportional to the IOST holdings on their platform

Exchange Allocation = (Total IOST held on Exchange / Total IOST held across all participating exchanges) × 852.8 million IOST

User Distribution Formula

Detailed instructions for each platform will be published separately

Participating Exchanges

The following exchanges will support the IOST airdrop. For users of the following exchanges, you can simply hold your IOST in the exchange.

Binance

Upbit

BitKub

Coincheck

OKJ

BITPOINT

CoinTrade

Important:

Each exchange will implement their own claiming procedure. Detailed instructions for each platform will be published separately.

This list of participating exchanges is expected to grow. Additional exchange support will be announced through separate notice.

We recommend IOST holders to review their options for participating in the airdrop.

The IOST Foundation is grateful for the support of these major exchanges in our airdrop initiative. This distribution strategy ensures our community remains engaged and grows alongside our ecosystem as we transition to BNB Chain L2 for RWA and PayFi.

Whether you’re a long-time IOST holder or just getting started, this airdrop presents an excellent opportunity to participate in IOST’s evolution.

We begin with those exchanges and continue working on getting support from more exchanges. Rest assured, we are working to benefit our global community.

Don’t miss out on your share of the IOST airdrop — hold, claim, and grow with us!

The detailed airdrop rules can be found here.

https://3.0.iost.io/tokenomics/proposal/airdrop

For the latest updates, follow us on https://x.com/IOST_Official

For exchanges looking to participate in IOST airdrop, please contact at [email protected]

Airdrop Announcement for Supported Exchanges was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Introducing the New IOST 3.0 Website and Visual System: Pioneering the Future of Real-World Assets on Chain

We are proud to announce the launch of our completely redesigned IOST 3.0 website, representing not just a visual evolution, but a manifestation of our ambitious vision for the future of blockchain finance.

A Sophisticated New Digital Experience

The new website showcases our commitment to excellence through a meticulously crafted interface that balances cutting-edge innovation with professional elegance. Every visual element has been purposefully designed to reflect IOST’s position as a leader in the blockchain industry while providing a seamless, intuitive user experience.

Showcasing IOST’s Technological Leadership

Our new digital presence highlights IOST’s transformation into a specialized Layer 2 solution with three groundbreaking pillars:

Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization: The state-of-the-art infrastructure built to scale to trillions, IOST is positioned to dominate the RWA revolution. Over $1billion has already committed.

Liquidity Engine: Our proprietary technology that transforms traditionally illiquid assets into instantly accessible, borderless liquidity with exceptional capital efficiency

PayFi Suites: A next-generation Layer-2 payment solution enabling near-instant, ultra-low-cost cross-border transactions that outperform traditional finance.

Transforming Global Finance

After processing billions in transactions over seven successful years, IOST is now targeting the $300 trillion RWA market and traditional finance infrastructure. Our technology creates a bridge between conventional financial systems and the blockchain era, making programmable, liquid assets accessible to everyone.

Our strategic partnerships with industry leaders, including BNB Chain and other global financial leaders, demonstrate our commitment to building institutional-grade infrastructure for the next generation of decentralized finance.

Experience the Future Today

Visit iost.io to explore:

Our comprehensive, production-ready RWA infrastructure

The innovative PayPIN ecosystem that’s redefining payment experiences

Technical innovations in our modular subchain architecture

Exclusive opportunities for node sales and community participation

For more details, visit https://3.0.iost.io/getting-started/quick-start

Join IOST in our mission to revolutionize global finance by creating a world where real-world assets seamlessly integrate with blockchain innovation, delivering unprecedented efficiency, accessibility, and opportunity for all.

Introducing the New IOST 3.0 was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Hi, IOSTians!

The long-awaited moment has arrived! We are thrilled to announce the expansion of the IOST ecosystem into BNBChain L2 for RWA and PayFi, a milestone we’ve been preparing for over a year. To celebrate and show our gratitude to our partners and loyal holders, we’re kicking off an exciting $10+ airdrop, the largest airdrop in IOST history!

We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support from all IOST holders. Your belief in our vision and continued loyalty have been the foundation of our growth.

To bootstrap the new ecosystem, the airdrop will be distributed in IOST L2 Tokens. To reward global IOST holders, the airdrop includes users on IOST L1 through a snapshot and holders in partnered exchanges.

Airdrop Details:

Total Rewards: 8%(1,705,600,000 IOST) of new IOST L2 tokens (~$10M+ worth of IOST as of today).

Eligibility: Hold IOST on strategic partner exchanges and/or keep IOST on our L1 Mainnet.

Distribution:

852.8M allocation for IOST L1 holders: This portion will reward holders based on the IOST L1 snapshot data. Additionally, stakers will be rewarded through a “staking length weight”.

852.8M allocation for exchange holders: Distributed proportionally to IOST holders across participating exchanges.

Supported Exchanges: Official partnered exchanges will be announced in the coming weeks. Please note that exchanges may make the announcements directly, so stay tuned for official updates!

How It Works

IOST L1 Snapshot Airdrop:

The allocation will reward holders based on their IOST balance at the time of the snapshot.

The amount will be decided by the amount you hold in your wallet. A coefficient of up to 1.5x is applied depending on the staking length.

Exchange Holders:

The claiming process will be different based on different exchanges. We are working with prestigious exchanges to provide a seamless airdrop experience for our holders.

The airdrop allocation will be distributed proportionally based on the total IOST holdings across participating exchanges.

Multiple exchanges will participate in the IOST airdrop. The 4% allocation will be divided proportionally based on the total amount of IOST held by the exchanges.

For more detailed information about airdrop, please refer to this link.

In the coming 4 weeks:

We’re working tirelessly to launch this grand airdrop event. In the meantime, please make sure to:

Check which exchanges are participating

A snapshot will be taken

Hold IOST on supported exchanges or on L1 mainnet to be qualified for airdrop

Stay tuned for updates on IOST’s progress and airdrop distribution timelines

Instructions on how to check eligible airdrop amounts and the claiming process will be announced

What to be expected next:

A completely new suite of products will be launched

Launch the IOST L2 Mainnet for RWA and PayFi with a minting event issuing 21.32 billion IOST L2 tokens.

Kick off a 10M USD+ major staking event with strategic exchange partners to celebrate our rebranding

Community discounted node sales will be announced

New ecosystem partners announcement

A new website will be revealed

Over $500M assets committed

As we move forward, we’ll continue to share exciting updates, partnerships, and opportunities to engage with the IOST ecosystem. What’s coming next is unlike anything we’ve done before — get ready for big news!

We’ve been well prepared for this new leap forward and are thrilled to finally unveil it. Our goal is to ensure that everyone who stands with IOST feels more satisfied and excited than ever. Together, let’s build a brighter future for the IOST ecosystem.

Celebrate IOST’s L2 Launch: Join the $10M+ Exclusive Airdrop for existing users was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The crypto world is no stranger to airdrops, but the IOST Foundation’s latest initiative is more than a token giveaway — it’s a blueprint for sustainable ecosystem growth. With 4.26 billion IOST tokens allocated to reward loyalty, attract newcomers, and empower builders, this plan prioritizes long-term engagement over short-term gains. Let’s dive into how IOST is redefining value creation for its community.

How Tokens Are Distributed Total airdrop allocation: 4.26 billion IOST Why This Airdrop Stands Out

Unlike typical airdrops that reward passive holders, IOST’s strategy targets *active contributors*. The goal? To foster a vibrant, decentralized network where users, developers, and voters collectively drive innovation. Here’s what sets it apart:

Rewarding Loyalty, Not Just HoldingsExisting users aren’t just getting free tokens — they’re incentivized to stake longer for bigger rewards. By locking IOST for 90 to 730 days, loyal participants can multiply their airdrop rewards by up to 4.5x . Early withdrawals are possible but come with penalties, ensuring commitment aligns with ecosystem stability.

New Users: Start Small, Earn BigFresh faces are welcomed with structured incentives. By staking IOST and staying active, newcomers unlock rewards that vest over time, integrating them smoothly into the ecosystem.

Developers & Builders Take Center StageA dedicated portion of the airdrop funds grants for DApps, infrastructure upgrades, and community projects. This ensures IOST remains a cutting-edge platform where builders thrive.

Early Supporters Reap Long-Term BenefitsThose who backed IOST’s governance early receive **2% of the total airdrop**, with 70% of their rewards distributed gradually over 12 months — a nod to their role in shaping the network’s future.

Breaking Down the Airdrop Mechanics

For Existing Holders: Compound Your Commitment

Initial Allocation: Based on current holdings.

Staking Multipliers: Lock tokens for 90 days (1.5x rewards), 180 days (2x), 365 days (3x), or 730 days (4.5x).

Distribution: Rewards are released monthly post-staking, but completing the full term unlocks immediate payouts.

Penalties: Early exits slash rewards, discouraging quick flips.

New Users: Grow with the Ecosystem

Progressive Rewards: Start staking to trigger a vesting schedule. For example, Season 1 (IOST 3.0 Launch) offers 20% upfront rewards, with 80% vested over six months.

BNB Chain Integration: Season 2 targets BNB Chain users, bridging communities by rewarding BNB holders who engage with IOST.

Ecosystem Fund: Building the Future

Grants and competitions will fuel developer creativity, while governance-approved proposals ensure funds are allocated transparently.

Safeguarding Fairness and Value

IOST’s plan includes checks to prevent exploitation:

Voting Caps: No single entity can dominate governance decisions.

Milestone-Based Funding: Ecosystem grants are tied to measurable progress.

Anti-Dumping Measures: Gradual vesting and staking penalties discourage speculative behavior.

Airdrop Seasons: Opportunities to Jump In

Season 1: IOST 3.0 Launch

Goal: Kickstart participation post-rebranding.

Requirements: Stake a minimum IOST amount + one monthly transaction.

Rewards: 20% unlocked immediately; 80% over six months.

Season 2: BNB Chain Collaboration

Goal: Cross-chain growth by onboarding BNB users.

Requirements: Hold BNB and engage with BNB Chain products.

Rewards: Same six-month vesting as Season 1.

A Community-Centric Vision

IOST’s airdrop isn’t just about distributing tokens — it’s about cultivating a resilient, engaged community. By aligning rewards with long-term participation, the network ensures that every stakeholder, from developers to day-one holders, contributes to its evolution.

Whether you’re a seasoned IOST supporter or a curious newcomer, now is the time to stake, build, and vote. The future of IOST is decentralized, dynamic, and designed to reward those who invest in its growth.

Stay active. Think long-term. And be part of the IOST revolution.

IOST Airdrop & Staking Plan: Fueling Long-Term Growth in a Thriving Ecosystem was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The crypto world is no stranger to airdrops, but the IOST Foundation’s latest initiative is more than a token giveaway — it’s a blueprint for sustainable ecosystem growth. With 4.26 billion IOST tokens allocated to reward loyalty, attract newcomers, and empower builders, this plan prioritizes long-term engagement over short-term gains. Let’s dive into how IOST is redefining value creation for its community.

How Tokens Are Distributed

Total airdrop allocation: 4.26 billion IOST

Why This Airdrop Stands Out

Unlike typical airdrops that reward passive holders, IOST’s strategy targets *active contributors*. The goal? To foster a vibrant, decentralized network where users, developers, and voters collectively drive innovation. Here’s what sets it apart:

Rewarding Loyalty, Not Just HoldingsExisting users aren’t just getting free tokens — they’re incentivized to stake longer for bigger rewards. By locking IOST for 90 to 730 days, loyal participants can multiply their airdrop rewards by up to 4.5x . Early withdrawals are possible but come with penalties, ensuring commitment aligns with ecosystem stability.

New Users: Start Small, Earn BigFresh faces are welcomed with structured incentives. By staking IOST and staying active, newcomers unlock rewards that vest over time, integrating them smoothly into the ecosystem.

Developers & Builders Take Center StageA dedicated portion of the airdrop funds grants for DApps, infrastructure upgrades, and community projects. This ensures IOST remains a cutting-edge platform where builders thrive.

Early Supporters Reap Long-Term BenefitsThose who backed IOST’s governance early receive **2% of the total airdrop**, with 70% of their rewards distributed gradually over 12 months — a nod to their role in shaping the network’s future.

Breaking Down the Airdrop Mechanics

For Existing Holders: Compound Your Commitment

Initial Allocation: Based on current holdings.

Staking Multipliers: Lock tokens for 90 days (1.5x rewards), 180 days (2x), 365 days (3x), or 730 days (4.5x).

Distribution: Rewards are released monthly post-staking, but completing the full term unlocks immediate payouts.

Penalties: Early exits slash rewards, discouraging quick flips.

New Users: Grow with the Ecosystem

Progressive Rewards: Start staking to trigger a vesting schedule. For example, Season 1 (IOST 3.0 Launch) offers 20% upfront rewards, with 80% vested over six months.

BNB Chain Integration: Season 2 targets BNB Chain users, bridging communities by rewarding BNB holders who engage with IOST.

Ecosystem Fund: Building the Future

Grants and competitions will fuel developer creativity, while governance-approved proposals ensure funds are allocated transparently.

Safeguarding Fairness and Value

IOST’s plan includes checks to prevent exploitation:

Voting Caps: No single entity can dominate governance decisions.

Milestone-Based Funding: Ecosystem grants are tied to measurable progress.

Anti-Dumping Measures: Gradual vesting and staking penalties discourage speculative behavior.

Airdrop Seasons: Opportunities to Jump In

Season 1: IOST 3.0 Launch

Goal: Kickstart participation post-rebranding.

Requirements: Stake a minimum IOST amount + one monthly transaction.

Rewards: 20% unlocked immediately; 80% over six months.

Season 2: BNB Chain Collaboration

Goal: Cross-chain growth by onboarding BNB users.

Requirements: Hold BNB and engage with BNB Chain products.

Rewards: Same six-month vesting as Season 1.

A Community-Centric Vision

IOST’s airdrop isn’t just about distributing tokens — it’s about cultivating a resilient, engaged community. By aligning rewards with long-term participation, the network ensures that every stakeholder, from developers to day-one holders, contributes to its evolution.

Whether you’re a seasoned IOST supporter or a curious newcomer, now is the time to stake, build, and vote. The future of IOST is decentralized, dynamic, and designed to reward those who invest in its growth.

Stay active. Think long-term. And be part of the IOST revolution.

IOST Airdrop & Staking Plan: Fueling Long-Term Growth in a Thriving Ecosystem was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

We are incredibly grateful to the participants who took part in our recent rebranding vote. Your engagement and support are what drive IOST forward, and we truly appreciate your involvement in shaping the future of our project.

As we move forward, our next priority is to work closely with exchanges to ensure that all steps are aligned and executed correctly. We are dedicated to securing the necessary approvals from these exchanges to ensure a smooth transition and implementation.

Once we have the green light, we are eager to roll out our comprehensive plan as quickly as possible. Our L2 mainnet launch, which is targeted for February, promises to be a milestone moment for IOST. We’re excited to unveil plenty of new features and updates alongside this launch, marking a major step forward in our blockchain journey.

Note: The L2 is fully ready to go, and there’s a lot happening behind the scenes to ensure everything is set for the upcoming launch. Stay tuned for more updates as we work towards this exciting new phase.

Reflecting on Our Progress Since Q4 2024

Since last October, we’ve successfully launched and completed several key initiatives that have helped solidify IOST’s position in the Web3 space. Notable among these are our AMA sessions, which have served as a vital tool for engaging with our community and providing updates on our progress. These sessions have allowed us to dive deeper into important topics and gather valuable feedback.

Live X spaces featuring Blake and Hedy — December 22, 2024

IOST on X (formerly Twitter): "https://t.co/m82MnovBxN / X"

https://t.co/m82MnovBxN

Live X spaces in Mandarin Chinese — January 3, 2025

<a href="https://medium.com/media/c83287a06360c53cff7cc4091e4f129f/href">https://medium.com/media/c83287a06360c53cff7cc4091e4f129f/href</a> Recap: Text AMA with Co-CEO Blake — November 21, 2024

Recap: IOST AMA with Co-CEO Blake — November 21, 2024

In addition, we’ve shared detailed insights into our journey through our Medium articles, with a series of updates published over the past months. Here’s a quick recap of the major highlights:

IOST Launches ‘Make IOST Great Again’ (MIGA) Campaign to Revitalize the Ecosystem — November 20, 2024

IOST Launches ‘Make IOST Great Again’ (MIGA) Campaign to Revitalize the Ecosystem

The Manifesto: Redefining IOST with PayPIN — December 5, 2024

The Manifesto: Redefining IOST with PayPIN

IOST 3.0: Transforming into a Specialized BNBChain Layer 2 for Next-Gen Web3 Payments — December 12, 2024

IOST 3.0: Transforming into a Specialized BNBChain Layer 2 for Next-Gen Web3 Payments

Understanding IOST’s New Tokenomics — December 20, 2024

Understanding IOST’s New Tokenomics

Path Forward: IOST 3.0’s Roadmap to Global Adoption — December 30, 2024

Path Forward: IOST 3.0’s Roadmap to Global Adoption

Comprehensive Guide to IOST Voting Details and Rules — January 3, 2025

Comprehensive Guide to IOST Voting Details and Rules

Thank you once again for your continued support. The future of IOST is looking brighter than ever, and we’re thrilled to have you with us on this journey.

A New Chapter Begins: Rebranding Vote Successful and Next Steps Ahead was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Follow this easy guide to create an account, review proposals, and cast your vote on IOST’s future developments.

Step 1: Create an Account

If you don’t have an account yet, start by downloading iWallet Pro here. Then, create an account for free by visiting IOST Account Creation.

For additional details, you can refer to this New User Guide on Medium.

Useful links:

Introducing iWallet Pro: The Enhanced Plugin Wallet for IOST Users

New User Guide: How to Register an IOST Mainnet Account

Step 2: Set Up and connect Your Wallet

Once you’ve created your account, import your wallet into iWallet or use any compatible mobile wallet. To vote, you must connect your wallet to the voting portal. Simply unlock your wallet and visit IOST Governance on iostscan with your wallet unlocked.

Note: You must have at least 1000 IOST in your wallet and maintain this holding until the proposal is concluded. This is required for voting eligibility.

Signing in at the voting portal is also an option. Click the [Sign in wallet] button and reload the page.

Click [Vote Now] to participate Step 3: Review the Proposal

Once you’re on the proposal page, make sure to carefully review all the details provided, including IOST’s vision, the allocation framework, protection mechanisms, and more. This information has been shared previously on our social media channels, but now it is consolidated in this proposal for your convenience.

Details: https://www.iostscan.com/govern/proposal/rebranding

Step 4: Cast Your Vote

Once you have reviewed all the details, now comes the important part: cast your vote. You can either click [Approve] if you support the proposal or [Reject] if you don’t.

Choose wisely — this vote will help shape the future of IOST!

Join the movement and discover the endless possibilities of the IOST ecosystem

If you would like to hang out with the IOST community on chat or social media or discuss product development, we have something for everyone:

Telegram | Twitter | Japan Twitter | China Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Medium | Reddit

…………………………………………………….

How to Vote on IOST’s Governance Proposals: A Step-by-Step Guide was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Follow this easy guide to create an account, review proposals, and cast your vote on IOST’s future developments.

Step 1: Create an Account

If you don’t have an account yet, start by downloading iWallet Pro here. Then, create an account for free by visiting IOST Account Creation.

For additional details, you can refer to this New User Guide on Medium.

Useful links:

Introducing iWallet Pro: The Enhanced Plugin Wallet for IOST Users

New User Guide: How to Register an IOST Mainnet Account

Step 2: Set Up and connect Your Wallet

Once you’ve created your account, import your wallet into iWallet or use any compatible mobile wallet. To vote, you must connect your wallet to the voting portal. Simply unlock your wallet and visit IOST Governance on iostscan with your wallet unlocked.

Note: You must have at least 1000 IOST in your wallet and maintain this holding until the proposal is concluded. This is required for voting eligibility.

Signing in at the voting portal is also an option. Click the [Sign in wallet] button and reload the page.

Click [Vote Now] to participate Step 3: Review the Proposal

Once you’re on the proposal page, make sure to carefully review all the details provided, including IOST’s vision, the allocation framework, protection mechanisms, and more. This information has been shared previously on our social media channels, but now it is consolidated in this proposal for your convenience.

Details: https://www.iostscan.com/govern/proposal/rebranding

Step 4: Cast Your Vote

Once you have reviewed all the details, now comes the important part: cast your vote. You can either click [Approve] if you support the proposal or [Reject] if you don’t.

Choose wisely — this vote will help shape the future of IOST!

Join the movement and discover the endless possibilities of the IOST ecosystem

If you would like to hang out with the IOST community on chat or social media or discuss product development, we have something for everyone:

Telegram | Twitter | Japan Twitter | China Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Medium | Reddit

…………………………………………………….

How to Vote on IOST’s Governance Proposals: A Step-by-Step Guide was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Everything You Need to Know About Eligibility, Weight Calculation, and Proposal Approval Criteria

Voting Period

Start Time: Fixed at January 5, 2025, 00:00:00 (UTC+8).

Duration: 7 days from the start time.

End Time: January 12, 2025, 23:59:59 (UTC+8).

Voting Eligibility

Eligibility to Participate (an address must meet at least one of the following conditions):

Holds at least 1,000 IOST tokens.

Staking (voting for a node) with a staked amount of at least 1,000 IOST.

Voting Restriction:

Each address can only vote once. After a vote is cast, it cannot be changed or revoked.

Initial Weight Calculation

Initial Weight (TIW): TIW = BW + (SW x 1.2)

BW: The amount of IOST held by the user at the time of voting.

SW: The amount of IOST staked (for node votes) by the user.

1.2: The staking weight coefficient.

Time Weight (TW)

Weighting Rule: After voting begins, linear weighting is applied, decreasing as the remaining days in the voting period decrease.

Weighting Formula: TW = 1 + (Remaining Days x 0.04286)

Maximum Weighting Ratio: 30%

Note : The factor 0.04286 corresponds to distributing a 30% maximum increase across the 7 days (0.30 / 7 ≈ 0.04286).

Final Weight Adjustment

Snapshot: At the start of voting (January 5, 2025, 00:00:00 UTC+8), record each voting address’s initial IOST balance (IBW) and initial staked amount (ISW).

Monitoring and Disqualification:

During the voting period, each address’s current IOST balance and staked amount are continuously monitored.

If any voting address’s current balance + current staked amount is less than 90% of its snapshot total $$(\text{IBW} + \text{ISW})$$, that address’s voting eligibility is immediately revoked.

Final Weight (FW) Calculation:

For addresses qualified: FW = ITW = (BW + (SW x 1.2)) x TW

For addresses disqualified, the final weight (FW) is 0.

Maximum Weight Limit

Limit Setting: The maximum voting weight for a single address is capped at 2% of the total voting weight.

Total Voting Weight: Calculated at the end of the voting period, as the sum of the final weights (FW) of all voting addresses.

Applying the Limit: If any address’s final weight exceeds this 2% cap, its weight is reduced to that cap.

Definition of Proposal Approval

Voting Options:

There are only two options:

APPROVE: Indicates approval of the proposal.

REJECT: Indicates disapproval of the proposal.

Voting Result Calculation:

After voting ends, calculate:

TotalSupportWeight: The sum of final weights (FW) of all addresses that voted “APPROVE”.

TotalAgainstWeight: The sum of final weights (FW) of all addresses that voted “REJECT”.

Approval Rate:

(Expressed as a percentage; for example, 50%.) Proposal Passing Conditions:

A proposal is approved if its Approval Rate exceeds 50%.

Comprehensive Guide to IOST Voting Details and Rules was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Unveiling our roadmap for global expansion, merchant adoption, and regulatory compliance in the Web3 payments space

In previous articles, we explored how IOST 3.0 introduces new Web3 payment tools. During this transformative period, our strategic roadmap focuses on infrastructure development and expanding the ecosystem. Below is a high-level timeline of upcoming milestones designed to provide clarity on the steps forward as we harness the benefits of blockchain infrastructure, streamlined merchant adoption, and regulatory frameworks. Our aim is to establish IOST 3.0 as the foundation for a new generation of compliant cross-border payment solutions.

Foundation for Growth

Building on years of prior successes with both B2B frictionless transactions and long-standing relationships across various markets, we’re now well-positioned to integrate blockchain-based solutions into everyday commerce. By leveraging the synergy between advanced technology and responsible regulatory and risk management, IOST 3.0 addresses two major obstacles to widespread adoption: ease of use and compliance. Our approach ensures a balanced, forward-looking framework for sustainable growth.

Strategic Implementation Timeline

Phase 1: Infrastructure Development (Months 1–4)

With a dedicated R&D and product development budget, we’re establishing the core infrastructure:

Layer-2 development

Partnerships for technology

High-performance blockchain infrastructure

Security framework development

SDKs

Phase 2: Ecosystem Growth (Months 5–18)

Our focus is on creating user trust and driving adoption through strategic initiatives:

Key merchant partnerships

API integrations with e-commerce platforms

Educational events to spur adoption

Developer incentives for plug-in development

Pilot programs with select partners

Phase 3: Global Expansion (Months 18–36)

Following the initial growth phases, we will ramp up global adoption:

Additional partners in the EU and Asia

Cross-border remittance solutions

Open developer ecosystem expansions

Further compliance and licensing initiatives

Implementation Foundation: PayPIN and PayFi Integration

The integration of PayPIN and PayFi creates a powerful foundation for merchant adoption. By streamlining crypto transactions, merchants can hedge against volatility, accept payments, and realize smoother integration into their core operations. Both PayPIN and PayFi come bundled with settlement, and multi-currency conversion features that greatly reduce barriers to entry for merchants and users alike.

Through PayFi’s robust framework, merchants gain access to a comprehensive payment solution that supports a broad range of cryptocurrencies. PayPIN’s compliance features ensure that adoption doesn’t come at the cost of regulatory oversight. By combining these two technologies, we can deliver a frictionless checkout process while maintaining the strong protections needed for broader commercial use.

PayPIN’s smart contract capabilities automatically handle currency conversion, settlement, and regulatory reporting.

Enhanced Regulatory Compliance Through PayPIN

PayPIN’s inbuilt compliance layer offers a one-stop shop for meeting regulatory requirements. Whether you’re operating in a jurisdiction with demanding data-protection regulations or subject to anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) checks, PayPIN ensures a smooth on-ramp to crypto acceptance, contributing significantly to merchant confidence and broader adoption.

The system’s multi-layered verification process includes real-time identity verification through merchant APIs, standard AML screening, and transaction monitoring. This creates an environment where businesses can confidently embrace crypto payments without compromising on compliance.

Global Liquidity Through CCIP Integration

To expand global reach, scalability, and user adoption, we’re tapping into the Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCIP). CCIP provides near-universal connectivity across multiple blockchains and payment networks. It unlocks faster liquidity pools and de-fragmenting regulatory compliance, reducing access barriers for both merchants and users and enhancing price stability through broader market exposure.

Building a New Global Transaction Market

Beyond direct merchant integrations, blockchain-based solutions — now far better understood and regulated — are bridging gaps in financial systems. By enabling easier currency conversions between major fiat and crypto, we unlock new pathways for global cross-border transactions. This is particularly impactful for emerging markets, where local currencies may face volatility, and remittances are a primary source of funds.

Taking Latin America as a prime example, the current global financial system, most notably dominated by the US dollar, creates unnecessary friction and dependencies. Blockchain-based marketplaces are helping businesses and consumers leapfrog traditional banking constraints, creating smoother cross-border B2B and B2C relationships. Merchant settlement effectively lowers the barriers to receiving payments from international customers.

The implications can be transformative. Local businesses throughout Latin America and other emerging markets can efficiently conduct traditional transactions at a fraction of the cost, reinvesting the time and resources saved into their core operations.

Revolutionary Cross-Border Potential

Integration with APIs allows, for example, a Colombian exporter to list goods in an e-commerce marketplace while receiving payments from buyers in Brazil or Mexico. This synergy drastically simplifies logistics by circumventing expensive wire transfers, currency fluctuations, and complex compliance challenges.

Each integration point creates a network of liquidity for local assets and easy connections into the global economy. The net result is a Web3-driven supply chain that streamlines the exchange of goods across regions. Developers can build layered solutions on top, bridging local regulations to robust on-chain protocols, while merchants benefit from real-time settlements, lower overheads, and new customer pools. In short, we’re unlocking the massive potential for cross-border commerce, all while maintaining a seamless global reach.

Conclusion: Building the Future of Finance

As more merchants and geographies come online, IOST 3.0 is creating a network where blockchain-based transactions become mainstream. Our strategic roadmap sets the stage for regulatory compliance, frictionless user experience, and overarching trust. By iterating on new solutions, adopting local partnerships, and supporting global developer communities, we envision local businesses and everyday citizens alike benefitting from digital finance.

With this momentum — and continued collaboration with partners, consumers, and regulatory stakeholders — IOST 3.0 stands ready to adapt to new market demands. Together, we strive toward a payment and settlement ecosystem that maintains the highest standards of security, compliance, and accessibility.

Join the movement and discover the endless possibilities of the IOST ecosystem

If you would like to hang out with the IOST community on chat or social media or discuss product development, we have something for everyone:

Telegram | Twitter | Japan Twitter | China Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Medium | Reddit

…………………………………………………….

Path Forward: IOST 3.0’s Roadmap to Global Adoption was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

AMA Recap: Shaping the Future of Web3: IOST’s Rebrand, Vision, Innovation, and Community-Driven Growth

Questions from the host

Question 1: How does IOST resonate with the blockchain community and ensure its vision aligns with user expectations?

Blake: Great question! IOST’s vision centers around reliability and user empowerment. We’ve focused on building a platform that not only provides scalable and secure blockchain infrastructure but also prioritizes real-world usability. For instance, our network has processed over 930 million transactions with zero outages — a milestone that sets us apart in terms of reliability.

To ensure we resonate with our community, we’ve also designed our tokenomics with the users in mind, with 97% of newly issued tokens allocated to community incentives, staking rewards, and ecosystem development. This means our users are directly benefiting from the network’s growth.

Tools like PayPIN Rings further demonstrate our commitment to making blockchain accessible and practical for everyday use. These innovations connect traditional finance with Web3, empowering users to interact with the blockchain in a seamless and simple way. This ongoing focus on value creation ensures that our vision aligns with the expectations of our users, building trust and fostering a long-lasting connection with the community.

Question 2: What makes IOST’s staking program unique, and how does it ensure adoption among both crypto-savvy and non-crypto-savvy users?

Blake: With the upcoming rebranding, we’re upgrading our staking rewards system to offer enhanced benefits and align with long-term growth.

Enhanced Rewards System: The new system will reward users based on both staking duration and commitment, offering up to 4.5x multipliers for long-term participants. This encourages sustained involvement and strengthens the network.

User-Friendly Experience: Upgraded tools and features, like PayPIN Rings, make staking accessible to newcomers while providing advanced options for experienced users.

Ecosystem Alignment: Part of the rewards will fund DApps and infrastructure development, ensuring the IOST network grows stronger with community contributions.

This revamped approach ensures our staking program is more rewarding, accessible, and aligned with the goals of our rebranding effort.

Question 3: The team has recently started a lot of diverse initiatives. If IOST truly wants to achieve the goals IOST has set for the future, I believe it’s essential to bring in new, talented individuals. I’d like to hear your thoughts on this.

Blake: While we can’t reveal everything just yet, we’ve already brought on board some top talent and are actively continuing our recruitment efforts. Today, we’re joined by one of them, Hedy. Hedy, could you please introduce yourself briefly?

Hedy: I’m Hedy. When I first got in touch with Blake and the team, I was very impressed by how the team got such a solid foundation, and also, where the future is going is in line with my professional journey. I went to Harvard for my degree in CS. After that, I started to work. My professional journey includes invaluable experience at one of the world’s largest hedge funds, where I worked extensively on integrating real-world assets into scalable financial systems. Additionally, I’ve held key roles at the largest fintech and banking institutions in the U.S., contributing to the development and management of credit card systems that served over 40 million users. These experiences have equipped me with a deep understanding of how to bridge the gap between traditional and decentralized financial ecosystems effectively.

Background….At IOST, I have the privilege of guiding key strategies that drive innovation in Payment and Real-World Asset tokenization. Through initiatives like PayPIN Rings, I’m focused on delivering solutions that empower our users while shaping the future of decentralized finance.

Question 4: Based on recent announcements, there appear to be various initiatives in the Payment and RWA fields. Can we assume that this recruitment effort is related to those areas?

Hedy: Thank you for noticing, and you’re absolutely right — there’s a lot happening at IOST as we continue to innovate in the Payment and RWA (Real-World Asset) spaces.

As I said, I’m deeply passionate about bridging traditional finance and blockchain technology. With extensive experience in scaling payment systems and integrating real-world assets into decentralized ecosystems, I’ve dedicated my career to creating solutions that empower users while ensuring scalability, compliance, and trust.

At IOST, we’ve formed top-tier talent to strengthen these areas, specifically focusing on initiatives like our PayPIN Rings for seamless payments and AssetFoundry™ for compliant RWA tokenization. These efforts are part of a larger strategy to enhance user experiences, expand into high-growth markets like LATAM and SEA, and ensure IOST remains a leader in Layer 2 blockchain innovation.

I’m confident that with our strong foundation and the addition of promising builders to the team, we’re on track to deliver exceptional value to our community. We’re not just creating technology — we’re building an ecosystem that fosters innovation, inclusivity, and long-term growth.

Community questions

Question from FIREANT: I recall seeing details about additional token issuance in the rebranding announcement. Could you share more specific numbers regarding token issuance?

Blake: An additional 21.32 billion IOST tokens will be issued. However, these tokens will not be released all at once but will vest over a period of 5 years. The allocation is as follows:

97% for community growth

3% for the team

For detailed information about the allocation and vesting schedules for each category, please refer to the recently published Tokenomics article.

If your inquiry was only about the numbers, I hope this helps. However, if you’re looking for more details about our plans regarding this, please let me know.

Follow-up Question: What are the specific allocations for these tokens?

Blake: The allocation breakdown is as follows:

60%: Node incentives

20%: Staking drops

8%: PayFi community incentives

5%: Community developer grants

4%: Nexus DAO

3%: Team

Each allocation will vest over a period of 3 to 5 years.

Question by Devendra Pun: IOST is planning to release tokens equal to current circulating supply? Burning plan is a nice incentive, but doesn’t it dilute the market more?

Blake: There are so many tokens listed on exchanges right now that have a vested allocation. If you are worried about that part, you, in principle, shouldn’t invest in that newly listed token since they have a large number of tokens to be unlocked in a short period of time. However, when you believe and know what the project is about, you invest in them.

I understand it’s not a small amount, but we issue with a greater goal in mind — improving our ecosystem. Also, our new deflationary model will help enhance the ecosystem further, aligning everyone’s goals and finally achieving them.

Question by Devendra Pun: How about making IOST account free and easy to create, now it costs some IOST to create as far as I know? Wouldn’t it be easy and helpful to make it free to board more users?

Host: Dapps are developed by third parties that are not under our direct control, so our guests will unlikely be able to answer on their behalf.

Blake: Just as a heads-up, there is a site that offers free account creation, and you can visit it right now, which is https://donotclick.xyz/

After rebranding is conducted, you will be able to create an account for free from the L2 side of IOST for free, which I think will help increase our usability.

Multiple questions from 흥자a:

1. To what extent have IOST’s Web3 payment infrastructure goals been achieved?

Hedy: We are still in a very early stage, so I don’t want to overshare and create confusion by announcing products before we are fully ready. What I can disclose is that we are already bringing initiatives, including decentralized payments and physical infrastructure — Paypin- that meet all the compliance instructions. Also, we are actively developing and working with strong ecosystem partners to get things ready to bring a surprise to our community. We have to be very careful when it comes to RWA-related development since any institution needs plenty of time to prepare. However, we can leverage our current resources and already meet the criteria, so we are wrapping up a few last steps to make sure our products are transparent and bring real value and growth.

2. How will the increase in distribution affect IOST’s short-term and long-term value?

Covered along the session

3. What markets are IOST’s global expansion plan specifically targeting?

Hedy: SEA, LATAM — i.e., Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, which are very crypto-friendly and other expanding and growing regions

Question from vipergti: IOST rebranding is moving towards a credit card payment and RWA. Will that raise security issues from the SEC?

Hedy: Important question. We prioritize compliance with all applicable regulation frameworks. Our approach has always been guided by official frameworks in the market, either crypto or regulatory best practices. As some of the government changes, the regulatory space might be dynamic, so we are always actively following the rulings.

Long story short: While I don’t think we are at the stage where we must be overly precautious yet, I don’t want to comment too much on the specifics at this point. What I can assure you is that our primary goal is to build a secure, scalable, and compliant ecosystem that aligns with the evolving regulatory landscape. We continue to work very transparently with our stakeholders to ensure all advancements are fully aligned with guidance from relevant authorities. I encourage everyone to follow our official channels to get the latest updates!

Question by Devendra Pun: Can Blake explain the part where long-time stakers will rewarded 5x or something as staking rewards are paid by node runners? How does it work?

To be fully transparent, we are currently working on that article right now, and we plan to publish it soon. Please wait patiently for some days, and you will get a detailed document on this matter.

Closing remarks

Blake:

Please read our content. We are preparing a lot of things right now, and the articles explain almost everything about rebranding and new direction. However, if you still have any questions, please join our next AMA session, as there are two more to come.

It’s really late in East Asia, yet so many listeners from there joined us today. Thank you so much! Please stay tuned as we prepare for a lot of exciting things that are coming ahead.

Hedy:

These two days have been a little negative, market-wise. However, regardless of how markets may shift, our vision at IOST is anchored in creating sustainable growth and real-world utility. I just wanted to ask everyone to please stay tuned while we are shifting towards are positive market, I hope very soon!

AMA Recap: Shaping the Future of Web3: IOST’s Rebrand, Vision, Innovation, and Community-Driven… was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Strategic Token Evolution

As IOST transitions into a leading Layer 2 payment solution, our ecosystem requires a comprehensive economic framework that matches the scale of our vision. The evolution of IOST’s tokenomics is driven by four fundamental market opportunities: First, the rapidly growing demand for efficient, low-cost payment infrastructure in the Web3 space, where transaction volumes are expected to increase by orders of magnitude. Second, the emergence of real-world asset tokenization, which opens up a potential market worth hundreds of billions of dollars. Third, the explosive growth of Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN), representing a paradigm shift in how real-world infrastructure is funded, operated, and incentivized. Fourth, the expanding adoption of decentralized infrastructure services, which requires robust economic incentives for node operators and infrastructure providers to ensure network reliability and scalability.

The convergence of these opportunities presents an unprecedented moment for IOST to establish itself as a cornerstone of Web3 payment infrastructure. Our technical excellence, demonstrated through processing over 930 million transactions with zero outages, positions us uniquely to bridge the traditional payment world with Web3 innovations. However, this bridge requires a sophisticated economic framework that can support the demands of modern financial infrastructure while maintaining the decentralized ethos of Web3.

To capitalize on these opportunities, IOST is introducing a Strategic Token Evolution Program that encompasses several key components:

Enhanced Staking Mechanisms: A sophisticated staking system that incentivizes long-term participation and infrastructure support, enabling the network to scale securely and efficiently. This system incorporates dynamic multipliers that reward both duration and amount of stake, creating a sustainable foundation for network security and growth.

Community-First Distribution: A carefully structured allocation where 97% of the Ecosystem Growth Reserve is dedicated to community development, node operations, and ecosystem expansion, with only 3% reserved for operational sustainability. This unprecedented commitment to community-driven growth ensures that the network’s expansion directly benefits its participants.

Value Protection Measures: Implementation of multiple token burn mechanisms, including transaction fee burning, MEV redistribution, and DAO-initiated burns, ensuring long-term value preservation. These mechanisms work in concert to create natural deflationary pressure as network usage increases.

Growth Acceleration Program Pool: The Ecosystem Growth Reserve supports critical initiatives including:

PayPIN node infrastructure deployment and maintenance

Cross-chain bridge development and operation

Geographic expansion into key emerging markets, starting with LATAM, and SEA

RWA integration and merchant adoption programs

Developer grants and community incentives

DePIN infrastructure support and incentivization

Layer 2 sequencer network development

Security audits and system upgrades

Our economic framework is further strengthened by a multi-layered approach to value preservation and growth:

Sustainable Scaling: The framework is designed to support exponential growth in transaction volumes while maintaining economic stability through carefully balanced incentive structures.

Infrastructure Investment: Significant resources are allocated to building and maintaining the robust infrastructure required for a global payment network, including high-performance nodes, cross-chain bridges, and security systems.

Market Development: Strategic initiatives to expand IOST’s presence in key markets, focusing on regions with high potential for Web3 payment adoption and RWA tokenization.

Technology Innovation: Continuous investment in cutting-edge technologies that enhance network capabilities, including Layer 2 scaling solutions, privacy-preserving technologies, and advanced security measures.

The token dynamics have been precisely calibrated through extensive market research and community feedback to support IOST’s evolution into a global payment infrastructure while maintaining long-term value for all stakeholders. This comprehensive approach ensures that as our ecosystem grows, value is created and preserved through multiple mechanisms:

Transaction Fee Optimization: A dynamic fee structure that balances network accessibility with value accrual to token holders.

Staking Rewards: Enhanced staking mechanisms that encourage long-term participation and network security.

Burn Mechanisms: Multiple token burn mechanisms that create natural deflationary pressure as network usage increases.

Value Capture: Innovative mechanisms to capture and distribute value from network activities, including MEV redistribution and fee sharing.

Through this comprehensive approach, we’re not just scaling our network — we’re building a sustainable economic model that can support the next generation of Web3 payments and drive genuine value creation for our entire ecosystem. The Strategic Token Evolution represents our commitment to building a resilient, scalable, and valuable network that can serve as the backbone of the Web3 payment revolution.

This carefully designed economic framework enables IOST to pursue its vision of becoming the premier Layer 2 payment solution while ensuring sustainable growth and value preservation for all stakeholders. As we move forward with implementation, we remain committed to transparency and community engagement, ensuring that our evolution serves the best interests of the entire IOST ecosystem.

The New Tokenomics Model

Our updated tokenomics model prioritizes sustainability, decentralization, and ecosystem development. The changes are designed to maintain a fair distribution, incentivize long-term participation, and ensure that IOST’s economic framework supports ongoing innovation and community-driven growth.

Token Allocation

The current supply of IOST tokens will be strategically adjusted to ensure both fairness and the robust participation of all ecosystem stakeholders:

97% of Newly Issued Tokens for Community Use:

Staking Rewards: Incentivizing validators and node operators to secure the network and foster long-term engagement.

Ecosystem Growth: Grants, partnerships, and airdrops aimed at driving adoption, technical advancement, and broad ecosystem development.

Merchant Incentives: Financial support for integrating IOST into payment systems, encouraging real-world use cases and further expansion.

3% Reserved for Operational Costs & Recruiting:

Funds dedicated to maintaining infrastructure and sustaining the project’s long-term vision, ensuring that the core network remains robust, efficient, and secure.

Breakdown of the New Allocation for Growth

a) PayPIN Node Reward (60%)

Establishes a robust validator network.

Supports ecosystem growth.

Released in installments over 60 months.

b) Airdrops and Stakedrops (20%)

Airdrops for existing IOST holders and ecosystem contributors.

Includes liquidity mining plans.

Incentives for ecosystem development.

Released in installments over 48 months.

c) PayFi Community Incentive (8%)

Supports PayFi application development.

Provides subsidies for merchant adoption.

Incubation funds for RWA, DePIN, and Payment projects.

Covers market promotion efforts.

Released in installments over 36 months.

d) Community Developer Grant (5%)

Funds infrastructure development.

Supports technical innovation and research.

Covers security audits.

Developer tools.

Released in installments over 36 months.

e) Nexus DAO (4%)

Operational funds for the DAO.

Incentives for community governance.

Proposal execution funding.

Emergency reserves.

Released in installments over 48 months.

f) Team (3%)

Funds recruitment of relevant talent.

Tied to the achievement of development goals.

Ensures long-term team commitment.

Incentivizes continuous innovation.

12-month lock-up followed by linear release over 36 months.

Token Burn Mechanisms to Enhance IOST Value Token Burn Mechanisms to Enhance IOST Value

To maintain a healthy economic balance and introduce a deflationary element, we’ve implemented four interconnected token burn mechanisms:

1. Transaction Fee Burning

Six months after the launch of IOST L2, gas fees will be denominated in IOST.

A portion of these fees will be automatically burned.

On-chain governance will adjust burn rates to ensure equitable incentives and overall network health.

2. Node MEV Burning

A portion of validator profits from MEV will be burned.

On-chain auctions will ensure fairness and discourage unethical practices.

3. Ecosystem-Based Burning

Ecosystem partners integrate burn mechanisms into their business models.

The IOST Ecosystem Fund supports partners in adopting these features, reducing token supply as the ecosystem matures.

4.DAO-Initiated Burning

Community-driven proposals and votes will determine additional burn events.

Decentralized governance ensures that the community maintains collective stewardship over the token’s long-term value.

Voting is conducted quarterly.

Token Burn Impact Analysis

The combination of our four burn mechanisms is expected to create significant deflationary pressure as network adoption grows. Based on our projected metrics and market analysis:

Transaction Fee Burning

Projected daily transactions by end of 2025: 12M/day

Estimated average transaction fee: $0.0025

Burn rate: 20% of transaction fees

Annual burn impact: $2.19M

2. MEV Burning

Estimated MEV value: 1% of total transaction volume

Projected monthly volume by Q4 2025: $200M

MEV burn rate: 30% of extracted value

Annual burn impact: $1.8M

3. Ecosystem-Based Burning

Target RWA tokenization: >$0.5B by Phase 2

Average fee rate: 0.1% for RWA transactions

Average tx per year per token: 10 times

Burn rate: 15% of fees

Annual burn impact: ~$1M

4. DAO-Initiated Burning

Based on network usage metrics

Conservative estimate: 0.5% of network fees

Annual burn impact: ~$3M

Total Projected Annual Burn:

For the end of 2025 scenario using the provided figures, the estimated total annual burn impact is approximately $8 million. This represents a substantial likelihood of deflationary effect that scales with network growth and usage.

The burn mechanisms are designed to become more impactful as network adoption grows, creating a natural balance between ecosystem expansion and token value preservation. For context, these burn rates would offset a significant portion of any new token emissions from the Ecosystem Growth Reserve, helping maintain price stability while supporting network growth.

It’s important to note that these are conservative estimates based on our initial targets. As we achieve higher network adoption and transaction volumes, the actual burn impact could be substantially higher. The dynamic nature of these mechanisms ensures that increased network usage automatically leads to increased burning, creating a sustainable economic model that scales with ecosystem growth.

Vesting Schedule for Long-Term Stability

Vesting Schedule for Long-Term Stability A structured vesting schedule ensures a predictable, gradual release of tokens:

Gradual Unlocks: Prevent oversupply and stabilize the market over time.

Ecosystem Funds and Developer Grants: Reserved for innovation and partnerships, unlocked quarterly over 3–5 years.

Staking Rewards: Continuous rewards for validators and node operators, ensuring steady network participation and security.

Team and Early Supporters: Multi-year vesting schedules align their interests with the network’s long-term success.

Detailed Vesting Schedule

Long-Term Impact

Our goal is to build a long-lasting foundation that ensures meaningful, enduring value for all participants in the ecosystem. To achieve this, we’re focusing on strategies that go beyond short-term gains, such as introducing a structured token burn mechanism to preserve long-term value, implementing predictable vesting schedules that encourage responsible growth, and aligning incentives so that every stakeholder — be they developers, users, or investors — benefits as the network matures. By fostering a community-driven and scalable ecosystem supported by sustainable innovation and the principles of decentralized finance, we aim to maintain relevance, adapt to emerging trends, and lead within the broader Web3 environment. In short, every initiative we undertake is guided by the conviction that true, transformative impact unfolds over time.

Looking Ahead: A Growing Ecosystem and A new Species of PayFi + DePin

These adjustments to IOST’s tokenomics lay the foundation for a more resilient, community-focused, and value-driven ecosystem. By prioritizing sustainable incentives and deflationary controls, we aim to foster an environment where collective innovation thrives, market confidence grows, and long-term value accumulates naturally.

As we continue to evolve and refine the platform, we are excited to share that a Node Sale is on the horizon. This upcoming initiative will further enhance network participation and opportunity. Stay tuned for more details as we continue building a stronger, more inclusive ecosystem for everyone involved.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

This isn’t just another blockchain upgrade — it’s a carefully orchestrated evolution positioning IOST at the forefront of Web3 payment. With proven technology, strong partnerships, and unwavering community focus, we’re not just participating in the future of payment — we’re defining it.

The foundation is laid. The technology is proven. The partnerships are secured. Now, it’s time for action.

Welcome to the future of IOST. Welcome to the future of payment.

Join the movement and discover the endless possibilities of the IOST ecosystem

If you would like to hang out with the IOST community on chat or social media or discuss product development, we have something for everyone:

Telegram | Twitter | Japan Twitter | China Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Medium | Reddit

…………………………………………………….

Understanding IOST’s New Tokenomics was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

A memorable gathering of Web3 innovators, stakeholders, and community leaders celebrating the milestones of 2024 and looking ahead to an exciting year for the industry.

On December 18th, a year-end party for Japan’s Web3 community took place at XEX ATAGO GREEN HILLS, a venue offering stunning views of Tokyo Tower and the city skyline. The event was hosted by OKJ and Aptos, with IOST and Mask co-hosting. IOST’s CEO, Blake, also participated in the event.

Nearly 100 attendees, including representatives from various project communities, cryptocurrency exchange executives, stakeholders from Japan’s Web3 industry, and international project representatives, gathered to celebrate the occasion.

The event was hosted by the well-known Japanese influencer, CryptoBaby. The opening remarks were delivered by OKJ’s COO, Mr. Hakkaku, who reflected on OKJ’s accomplishments in 2024 and shared the company’s aspirations for 2025.

During the project introductions, which brought energy to the year-end celebration, Thomas from Aptos, Yan from Mask Network, and Blake from IOST delivered insightful speeches. Blake highlighted IOST’s progress in advancing Web3 payment solutions and shared exciting plans for community campaigns in 2024.

To honor the Web3 community’s efforts throughout 2024, Thomas from Aptos and Mr. Hakkaku from OKJ led a lively toast, celebrating the achievements of the year.

Following the toast, attendees enjoyed delicious food and drinks while networking and taking in the breathtaking Tokyo night views, making for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.

Blake also shared a special message with the community from Tokyo.

<a href="https://medium.com/media/18887583a9de3e27fd019ad3d3973087/href">https://medium.com/media/18887583a9de3e27fd019ad3d3973087/href</a> Join Us in Shaping the Future

This isn’t just another blockchain upgrade — it’s a carefully orchestrated evolution positioning IOST at the forefront of Web3 payment. With proven technology, strong partnerships, and unwavering community focus, we’re not just participating in the future of payment — we’re defining it.

The foundation is laid. The technology is proven. The partnerships are secured. Now, it’s time for action.

Welcome to the future of IOST. Welcome to the future of payment.

Join the movement and discover the endless possibilities of the IOST ecosystem

If you would like to hang out with the IOST community on chat or social media or discuss product development, we have something for everyone:

Telegram | Twitter | Japan Twitter | China Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Medium | Reddit

…………………………………………………….

Recap: 2024 End-of-Year Web3 Community Party in Tokyo was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication

TL;DR: From Complexity to Singularity: The PayPIN Design Odyssey

PayPIN is more than a payment solution — it represents a fundamental reimagining of how humans coordinate economic activity in the digital era. Inspired by pivotal moments in history, such as the Medici banking networks and the advent of decentralized internet protocols, PayPIN challenges the unnecessary complexity of modern financial systems with an elegant, human-centered design approach.

Key Takeaways:

Design Philosophy: True innovation isn’t about adding complexity but about stripping it away. PayPIN focuses on making blockchain technology invisible and intuitive, much like how the internet protocols that power our lives operate seamlessly in the background.

Human-Centric Innovation: Guided by historical patterns, PayPIN’s development was rooted in how humans naturally form trust relationships. From prototypes of wearable bracelets to the timeless design of rings, the journey reflects a commitment to embedding technology into forms that feel natural and effortless.

Breakthrough Moment: PayPIN’s vision crystallized in the realization that the most transformative technologies disappear into the fabric of everyday life. Rings, with their rich history as tools of authentication and symbols of trust, became the perfect medium for blending cryptographic systems with natural human interaction.

This journey of simplification and human-centered innovation lies at the heart of PayPIN’s design. By studying historical breakthroughs and drawing inspiration from timeless human behaviors, the IOST design team set out to reimagine how decentralized systems could be seamlessly integrated into everyday life. Here’s a deeper look into how this vision unfolded — from the challenges faced to the pivotal insights and the ultimate creation of a product that redefines what wearable technology can achieve.

Where the Journey starts

Throughout history, true innovation has emerged not just from technological advancement but from fundamentally reimagining how humans interact and coordinate. The Medici family transformed medieval finance by creating banking networks built on trust rather than institutional control. The internet revolutionized communication by replacing centralized systems with distributed protocols. Each of these transformations represented more than just technical progress — they fundamentally restructured how society operates.

In today’s landscape, the financial infrastructure we’ve inherited stands as a monument to unnecessary complexity. Despite blockchain technology proving that trustless consensus is possible, we still rely on layers of intermediaries, custodians, and settlement systems that create artificial barriers to economic activity.

This is where PayPIN emerges — not as just another payment solution but as a fundamental reimagining of how humans coordinate economic activity in the digital age. By seamlessly integrating biometric authentication, decentralized identity, and instant settlement into an elegant, unified system, PayPIN addresses a core challenge: enabling effortless economic coordination without institutional gatekeepers.

Our initial focus was clear: bridge the expanding gap between blockchain’s immense potential and its daunting user experience. The cryptocurrency wave had demonstrated blockchain’s power to revolutionize finance, but it remained trapped behind screens, wallets, and complex interfaces. We knew that for blockchain to achieve mass adoption, it needed to become as invisible as the internet protocols that power our daily digital lives.

For months, our research and development team explored this territory, understanding that true innovation requires deep engagement with both historical patterns and emerging possibilities. Our studio walls became living documents of this exploration — each sketch and prototype representing not just a technical iteration but a hypothesis about the future of human coordination.

Early drafts showcasing craftsmanship behind IOST PayPIN The Journey of Innovation

The history of financial innovation reveals a persistent pattern: transformative breakthroughs emerge not from incremental improvements but from fundamental reconstructions of trust architectures. Bitcoin’s consensus mechanism wasn’t merely a technological innovation — it was a radical reimagining of how humans could coordinate without institutional trust. Smart contracts didn’t simply automate agreements; they reconstructed the very nature of economic relationships.

From inception, we recognized that meaningful disruption requires engaging with these deeper patterns of technological evolution. PayPIN was conceived as another layer in the Web3 stack and a fundamental reimagining of how humans interface with cryptographic systems. This wasn’t merely evolution; it was a recognition that the next frontier in decentralized systems lies not in protocol design, but in human interface.

Our initial exploration led us to wearable technology, manifesting first in bracelets merging cryptographic primitives with physical form. These early prototypes were groundbreaking in their own right — demonstrating how distributed systems could manifest in tangible, everyday objects. The bracelets validated our core thesis: that cryptographic systems could transcend their abstract digital nature and become embodied in physical objects.

Yet as we refined these prototypes, testing them against real-world interaction patterns and governance requirements, we began to sense an opportunity for even deeper innovation. A late-night analysis session, surrounded by years of prototypes, brought forth fundamental recognition: the future of decentralized systems lies not in their complexity, but in their disappearance into natural human gestures.”

Reimagining everyday accessories as stylish, intuitive PayPIN wearables. Initial Designs of PayPIN Initial Designs of PayPIN wearables and chargers The Pivot Before Mass Production

This insight — that true innovation should disappear into natural human gestures — led us down an unexpected path. While our early bracelet prototypes had proven the technical feasibility of wearable cryptographic systems, we began to question whether we were truly achieving our goal of invisible technology. Through rigorous testing and user feedback, we discovered that even the most elegantly designed bracelet still felt like a technological device rather than a natural extension of human interaction.

Our breakthrough came from observing centuries-old patterns of human behavior. Throughout history, rings have served as both personal adornments and powerful tools of authentication and authority. From ancient signet rings used to seal official documents to modern wedding bands symbolizing trust and commitment, rings have always occupied a unique position at the intersection of identity, authority, and daily wear.

IOST First Draft PayPIN, where form meets function in stunning design. IOST Team tried over 50 materials on bands

This historical insight guided our pivot. Rather than creating another piece of obvious technology, we began exploring how to embed our cryptographic systems into the familiar, timeless form of a ring. This wasn’t simply a change in form factor-it represented a fundamental shift in our approach to human-centered design.

We experimented with over fifty different materials and countless prototypes, each iteration bringing us closer to our goal of creating something that would feel as natural as wearing a traditional ring while quietly enabling seamless interaction with the digital world. Our focus shifted from showcasing technology to mastering subtlety — how to create a device that could authenticate transactions, verify identity, and enable secure payments while maintaining the elegance and comfort of fine jewelry.

As we refined our designs, we discovered that this pursuit of simplicity actually pushed us to even greater technical innovation. How could we miniaturize our security systems without compromise? How could we ensure reliable operation in a form factor small enough to be worn comfortably? These challenges drove us to completely rethink our approach to both hardware and software design.

The Breakthrough

Beyond Occam’s Razor: PayPIN’s Quest for Elegant Simplicity

Innovative prototypes to bring PayPIN seamlessly into everyday objects.

In nature, evolution favors solutions that balance effectiveness with efficiency — streamlined adaptations that endure through time. Our breakthrough emerged not from adding complexity but from a profound recognition: the most transformative technologies are those that fade into the fabric of everyday life.

This insight led us down an enlightening path of design exploration, revealing how technological innovation often mirrors historical patterns of power redistribution. Just as the signet ring once served as both a tool of authentication and a symbol of institutional authority, our initial prototypes sought to embed cryptographic primitives within familiar circular geometries. These early designs weren’t mere technological artifacts; they represented a fundamental shift in how distributed trust systems could be democratized through elegant form factors.

Through iterative refinement, our understanding deepened of how physical interfaces could reshape the dynamics of decentralized networks. Each new design stripped away layers of complexity while expanding capability — a pattern reminiscent of how the Internet protocol suite systematically dismantled communication hierarchies. The ring form factor emerged as the perfect embodiment of this principle: minimal in form yet transformative in function.

This was our Cambrian moment, where a year of exploration crystallized into a clear vision. Like the historical transition from institutional banking to trustless networks, our breakthrough revealed that true innovation means reducing sophisticated systems to their essential form. Each ring in our system wasn’t just another blockchain interface; it was a philosophical statement about the future of human coordination — seamless, elegant, invisible. Much as TCP/IP abstracted away the complexity of network routing, our design concealed the intricacies of cryptographic operations behind natural human gestures.

Crafted with precision, blending elegance and stylish innovation. A Human-Centric Vision for the Future

Throughout our journey, human behavior and coordination patterns have remained our north star. Each design iteration is guided not by technical complexity but by a deep understanding of how humans naturally form trust relationships and participate in networks. Our breakthroughs emerge from recognizing that true innovation must align with fundamental patterns of human interaction.

Today’s decentralized landscape echoes historical moments of profound technological transformation. Just as the printing press decentralized knowledge production and early computers disrupted institutional monopolies, we stand at a similar threshold — redistributing capabilities from institutions to individuals through elegant, wearable technology.

The Dawn of a New Era: The PayPIN Ecosystem

In late January 2025, IOST will unveil PayPIN — a quartet of rings that embody this vision of human-centered decentralized coordination. Each ring is designed not just as advanced technology but as an extension of natural human behavior:

The Aegis Ring — The Sovereign Foundation Just as signet rings once sealed the fate of kingdoms, the Aegis Ring stands as the cornerstone of personal digital sovereignty. It transforms complex cryptographic operations into intuitive gestures, making secure authentication as natural as wearing jewelry.

The Axis Ring — The Bridge Builder Like how standardized shipping containers revolutionized global trade by creating a universal interface, the Axis Ring creates seamless connections across previously siloed networks, enabling frictionless value movement through natural interactions.

The Aurora Ring — The Market Maker Following the pattern of how early banks transformed letters of credit into reliable commerce instruments, the Aurora Ring converts digital assets into immediately usable value, bridging the gap between crypto and real-world commerce through elegant simplicity.

The Arcadia Ring — The Governance Guardian Echoing how early democratic innovations transformed political participation, the Arcadia Ring enables fluid participation in network governance while maintaining the understated elegance of everyday jewelry.

Together, these rings form more than a product line — they represent a new paradigm in human-computer interaction. Each piece is meticulously crafted to serve as exquisite jewelry and a gateway to decentralized coordination, making sophisticated technology as natural and intuitive as wearing a ring.

This approach draws inspiration from historical patterns where seemingly simple interfaces catalyzed profound changes in human coordination. The PayPIN rings serve not as technological endpoints but as bridges to more sophisticated networks of human interaction, each designed to fade into the fabric of everyday life while enabling unprecedented capabilities.

We are launching those four rings in the coming month. Stay tuned for the continuing evolution of PayPIN’s next generation of decentralized coordination technology.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

This isn’t just another blockchain upgrade — it’s a carefully orchestrated evolution positioning IOST at the forefront of Web3 payment. With proven technology, strong partnerships, and unwavering community focus, we’re not just participating in the future of payment — we’re defining it.

The foundation is laid. The technology is proven. The partnerships are secured. Now, it’s time for action.

Welcome to the future of IOST. Welcome to the future of payment.

Join the movement and discover the endless possibilities of the IOST ecosystem

If you would like to hang out with the IOST community on chat or social media or discuss product development, we have something for everyone:

Telegram | Twitter | Japan Twitter | China Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Medium | Reddit

…………………………………………………….

Journey to PayPIN was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Understanding IOST’s Community-First Tokenomics Evolution

Since its inception, IOST has maintained an unwavering commitment to its community. As we embark on our journey to transform IOST into a leading Layer 2 PayFi solution, this commitment grows even stronger. The evolution of our tokenomics model represents more than just a technical upgrade-it embodies our vision of a truly community-driven ecosystem where every participant can thrive.

A Commitment to Sustainable Growth

Our decision to enhance IOST’s tokenomics comes from deep reflection on how best to serve our community’s long-term interests. With nearly a billion transactions processed and a consistently growing user base, IOST has proven its technical capabilities. Now, as we step into the Web3 payment era, we recognize the need to evolve our economic model to support greater innovation, participation, and value creation.

The most significant aspect of this evolution is our dedication to community empowerment: 97% of newly issued tokens will directly support community development through various channels. This unprecedented allocation demonstrates our belief that IOST’s future lies in the hands of its community members, developers, and ecosystem partners.

Summary:

IOST started as a high-performance Layer 1 blockchain, demonstrating unmatched reliability and throughput over seven years, processing more than 930 million transactions with a consistent 10,000+ TPS and zero downtime. Building on this track record, IOST is now undergoing a profound transformation: evolving into a specialized Layer 2 solution that leverages the BNB Chain as a settlement layer. This transition is centered on the innovative PayPIN ecosystem, designed to revolutionize global Web3 payments — making them more accessible, efficient, and user-friendly than ever before.

Rethinking Web3 Payments

The global payments landscape is at a critical juncture. Traditional payment systems, while convenient, rely heavily on intermediaries, often leading to high fees, limited access in certain regions, and slow settlement times-especially for cross-border transactions. Meanwhile, blockchain-based payments have struggled to achieve mainstream adoption due to complexity, unpredictable costs, and sometimes sluggish transaction confirmation.

The Core Challenge: How do we ensure that Web3 payments are as intuitive and frictionless as swiping a credit card or using a mobile payment app — yet still embody the trustlessness, security, and global reach that decentralized blockchains promise?

IOST 3.0’s Vision: By integrating deeply with BNB Chain and shifting core functionalities to a Layer 2 environment, IOST 3.0 aims to overcome these hurdles. Through the PayPIN operating system and payment protocol, IOST as an L2 unlocks unprecedented scalability, cost efficiency, and seamless interoperability. The result is a system where anyone — from a small shop owner in a remote village to a multinational e-commerce platform — can benefit from near-instant, low-cost, and globally accessible transactions.

Introducing PayPIN: The Engine of the New Payment Paradigm

PayPIN is not just another layer on top of a blockchain — it’s a reimagined approach to how blockchains can power payments. Think of it as a “payment operating system” that sits atop a foundational blockchain layer (BNB Chain) and interfaces with multiple other chains and services. Its fundamental design principles include:

Chain Abstraction Layer: Traditional Web3 interactions often require users to understand addresses, gas fees, transaction complexities, and chain nuances. PayPIN’s chain abstraction layer alleviates this burden. Users interact with intuitive payment requests and confirmations, while PayPIN handles the underlying technical details — connecting to various blockchain environments behind the scenes.

Unified Payment Protocol (UPP): Instead of each chain or payment network having its own unique transaction format, PayPIN’s UPP defines a universal set of instructions for conducting transactions. This standardization eliminates friction between blockchains, enabling greater interoperability and ultimately fostering an ecosystem where liquidity, assets, and data flow more freely.

Decentralized Identity (DID): Identity is a cornerstone of trustworthy payments. By integrating W3C-compliant DIDs and advanced biometric verification, PayPIN ensures that users maintain control over their identities. This approach simplifies compliance, reduces fraud, and supports more sophisticated use cases like credit scoring, insurance claims, or regulated asset trading, all while preserving user privacy and autonomy.

End Result: For consumers, this means paying for a meal, purchasing digital goods, or sending money across borders can become as simple as clicking a button. For merchants and financial institutions, it means tapping into a global customer base and financial infrastructure with reduced overhead and minimal technical complexity.

A Deep Technical Exploration of IOST 3.0

For those ready to look under the hood, let’s dissect the technical architecture that makes IOST 3.0 and PayPIN’s visions a reality. We’ll cover the layered infrastructure, transaction lifecycle, security mechanisms, economic incentives, scalability techniques, and cross-chain communication protocols.

IOST Kernel 3.0: Layered Architecture for Performance and Security

The IOST 3.0 stack can be conceptualized as multiple layers, each responsible for a distinct set of tasks, but all working in harmony:

Base Settlement Layer (BNB Chain): This foundation provides data availability, consensus, and finality. By anchoring state commitments to the BNB Chain, IOST 3.0 ensures that transactions processed off-chain (in the L2 context) inherit robust security guarantees.

IOST L2 Stack (PayPIN Network + PayFi Protocol):- PayPIN Network: Orchestrates payment logic, user identity, fee structures, and state transitions. It consumes standardized instructions from the Unified Payment Protocol and ensures seamless interaction with external components.- PayFi Protocol Engine: The transaction processing core, employing Optimistic Rollups and advanced cryptographic proofs. It batches transactions, executes state transitions, and publishes periodically verified state roots to the BNB Chain.

Cross-Chain Communication Layer: Bridges and interoperability modules connect IOST 3.0 with other blockchains, oracle networks (e.g., Chainlink), and identity systems. This layer enables asset transfers, data queries, and multi-chain liquidity aggregation.

Application & User Layer: Consumers, merchants, and developers interact at this top layer. APIs, SDKs, and integration frameworks make building new payment dApps or integrating Web3 payments into traditional platforms straightforward and intuitive.

Dual-Layer State Verification

IOST 3.0 employs a dual-layer state verification model. The first layer handles rapid transaction aggregation and validation off-chain (L2), while the second layer (BNB Chain) periodically attests to the correctness of those states. This ensures transactions are both fast and final:

Preliminary Validation (L2): Transactions are verified optimistically, meaning they’re assumed honest unless challenged. This approach reduces overhead and latency.

Final Confirmation (L1 on BNB Chain): Periodically, a batch of L2 transactions is condensed into a state commitment published on BNB Chain. If no one disputes the state, it becomes final after a challenge period.

Three-Phase Validation for Enhanced Security

To maintain integrity without sacrificing speed:

Initial Signature Verification: Ensures that all submitted transactions are properly signed by authorized entities.

State Transition Checks: Each transaction’s impact on the global state (balances, contract states, identity credentials) is computed and verified.

Consensus-Level Validation: After batching, state roots are posted on the BNB Chain. Any discrepancies can be challenged, ensuring attackers are deterred, and honest participants remain safe.

The Layer 2 Payment Engine on the BNB Chain

IOST 3.0’s integration with BNB Chain involves leveraging Optimistic Rollups and additional custom frameworks to achieve massive throughput, low latency, and predictable costs:

High-Speed Payment Channels: Employing OP stacks, transactions gain near-instant provisional confirmation. Users enjoy low-latency interactions akin to tapping a card reader. Meanwhile, underlying cryptographic assurances ensure that even if intermediaries try to cheat, disputes can be resolved favorably for honest users.

Smart Transaction Routing & Dynamic Fees: A network of routers and sequencers dynamically direct transactions through optimal paths. This reduces congestion and can cut latency by up to 80%. Dynamic fee models respond to network load, encouraging transaction batching during peak times and ensuring a balanced economic model that keeps costs fair.

Cross-Chain Payment Bridges: Optimizing for Interoperability: Inter-chain asset transfers are the lifeblood of a truly global financial system. By combining Optimistic Rollups with selective zero-knowledge proofs (ZK proofs) for sensitive transactions, IOST 3.0 ensures users can move assets from Ethereum, IOST L1, or other compatible chains without compromising security or privacy.

Cryptographic Foundations

IOST 3.0 uses advanced cryptographic techniques to secure communications and state transitions:

Merkle Trees: Used extensively for state commitments, these data structures allow for efficient proofs of inclusion and exclusion. They form the backbone of rollup proofs and cross-chain state verifications.

Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs): Selectively employed for confidential transactions, identity verification, and high-value cross-chain transfers. ZKPs allow the network to prove correctness without revealing sensitive details, preserving privacy and regulatory compliance.

Signature Schemes: Elliptic curve signatures (e.g., ECDSA, Ed25519) secure transactions. These lightweight, efficient schemes ensure authenticity without adding undue computational load.

Guardian Network: Decentralized Sequencers and Fair MEV Distribution

A critical innovation in IOST 3.0 is the elimination of single points of failure in transaction sequencing:

Decentralized Sequencers: Multiple independent nodes are responsible for ordering transactions into batches. This prevents any one entity from censoring transactions or manipulating ordering to extract undue value.

MEV (Miner Extractable Value) Mitigation: By distributing sequencing responsibilities and implementing fair ordering protocols, IOST 3.0 minimizes the potential for MEV exploitation. Combined with slashing conditions for malicious sequencers, the network creates a more equitable environment for all participants.

Redundancy and Resilience: Should a sequencer fail or attempt malicious behavior, others can step in to maintain smooth operation. This ensures high availability, even under adverse conditions.

Performance, Scalability, and Efficiency Gains

IOST 3.0’s architecture is finely tuned for performance:

Sub-Second Latency: Through parallel validation paths and optimistic execution, median confirmation times drop to ~500ms. Over 95% of transactions finalize in under 2 seconds, rivaling or surpassing most legacy payment rails.

Linear Scaling: As the network grows, performance scales almost linearly. State sharding, load balancing, and dynamic routing ensure that adding more validators or sequencers boosts total capacity rather than creating bottlenecks.

Resource Optimization: Advanced caching and state pruning strategies ensure that the state size grows logarithmically with transaction volume. This keeps hardware requirements manageable and stable, even as network usage explodes.

Economics and Incentive Structures

The network’s economic model is designed to reward honest actors and penalize malicious behavior:

Validator & Sequencer Rewards: Honest validators and sequencers earn transaction fees and periodic staking rewards, incentivizing them to maintain network integrity.

Fee Markets: Dynamic fees adjust based on congestion and resource demand. This ensures that the network can scale gracefully without risking instability or uncontrolled cost inflation.

Slashing & Dispute Resolution: Attempted fraud leads to economic penalties. Challengers who detect malicious state commitments or invalid transactions are rewarded, creating a healthy incentive for vigilance and honesty.

Security: A Multi-Layered Fortress

Security remains paramount:

Consensus-Level Security: BNB Chain’s robust consensus ensures that once a state root is finalized, it’s extremely costly and nearly impossible to revert.

Transaction-Level Security: Each transaction must pass through multiple checks. Even if a dishonest participant tries to inject invalid states, the challenge mechanism allows honest actors to prove fraud and restore integrity.

Defense-in-Depth: Every layer — from the application interface to the settlement layer — has distinct security measures. Code audits, formal verification of smart contracts, and continuous on-chain monitoring by independent nodes create a network that’s secure by design.

Empowering a Cambrian Explosion of Payment Innovations

The Cambrian explosion analogy underscores the potential impact of IOST 3.0 and PayPIN. Just as new biological traits led to a burst of life forms millions of years ago, PayPIN’s breakthroughs — chain abstraction, a unified payment protocol, scalable L2 architecture, and secure DID — enable a proliferation of payment use cases:

Micropayments & Microservices: Inexpensive, near-instant transactions pave the way for new business models: pay-per-article, pay-per-second content streaming, or dynamic pricing models in IoT networks.

Cross-Border Commerce & Remittances: Migrant workers can send money home instantly without high fees. E-commerce platforms can accept payments from customers anywhere in the world without foreign exchange headaches.

Real World Assets (RWA) & DeFi Integration: Traditional assets — bonds, property titles, commodities — can be tokenized and seamlessly integrated into DeFi ecosystems. Borrowing, lending, and insuring these assets become frictionless and globally accessible.

Regulated & Compliance-Ready Transactions: Traditional financial institutions can engage with decentralized finance with robust DID and flexible compliance modules. This bridges the gap between legacy banking and permissionless innovation.

As these use cases multiply, the entire ecosystem benefits. More participants mean richer liquidity, better price discovery, improved stability, and ultimately, a more inclusive global financial environment.

Join the Genesis of a New Financial Era

IOST 3.0 isn’t just upgrading a blockchain; it’s forging a new archetype for digital value exchange — one that values openness, trustlessness, and user experience equally. By participating now, as a user, developer, institution, or infrastructure provider, you’re stepping into a movement poised to redefine the very nature of payments and commerce.

Join the movement and discover the endless possibilities of the IOST ecosystem

If you would like to hang out with the IOST community on chat or social media or discuss product development, we have something for everyone:

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This isn’t just another incremental improvement; it’s a fundamental shift. Join us in witnessing — and shaping — the birth of a new paradigm in global finance.

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IOST 3.0: Transforming into a Specialized BNBChain Layer 2 for Next-Gen Web3 Payments was originally published in IOST on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.