The Protocol: ZKSync Aims to Revamp Its Tokenomics Model

Welcome to The Protocol, CoinDesk's weekly roundup of the most important developments in cryptocurrency technology. Authored by reporter Margaux Nijkerk, this issue covers key advancements including the ZKsync proposal, Olas' new AI app store, and Ethereum's Fusaka upgrade. This publication provides critical updates on blockchain innovations shaping the tech landscape.

ZKsync's transformation plan is a pivotal proposal aiming to shift the ZK token from a governance role to an instrument of economic utility. Outlined by Alex Gluchowski, this initiative introduces revenue mechanisms such as onchain interoperability fees and offchain enterprise licensing fees. These changes are designed to align with ZKsync's evolving ecosystem, including modular chains, private 'Prividium' networks, and the Elastic chain for interoperability. As the proposal states, the ZK token could evolve to become the "heartbeat of an incorruptible economy."

The Pearl v1 platform by Olas introduces a decentralized 'AI agent app store,' allowing users to own and operate autonomous AI agents. Unlike centralized platforms, Pearl ensures user control and transparency by making every agent action verifiable onchain. Users can fund agents using conventional methods while maintaining full data ownership. Highlighting its potential, the beta launch saw Modius, a decentralized finance agent, deliver over 150% ROI within 150 days. This innovation merges Web2 ease with Web3 sovereignty, emphasizing ownership and accountability in an increasingly centralized AI sphere.

Ethereum has officially scheduled the Fusaka upgrade for Dec. 3, incorporating PeerDAS as its headline feature. PeerDAS allows data verification for smaller segments rather than entire data blobs, reducing bandwidth needs and transaction costs. These improvements aim to enhance Ethereum's efficiency for both everyday users and developers. The upgrade, set to activate at slot 13,164,544, follows successful deployment on the Hoodi testnet and marks a significant milestone for Ethereum’s scalability and cost-effectiveness.

Edge & Node, developers of The Graph, have introduced ampersend, a dashboard for managing operations of autonomous AI agents. Built with Coinbase's x402 protocol and Google’s A2A framework, ampersend offers tools for automation, compliance, and observability within the 'agentic economy.' Integrating Ethereum's emerging ERC-8004 standards for agent discovery and reputation tracking, this platform aims to bridge the gaps in tracking, policy management, and standardization for AI agents.

1. Gemini's Prediction Market Entry: Gemini is planning to enter the growing prediction market sector, an industry spotlighted during the 2024 U.S. elections with over $8 billion wagered.
2. U.S. Treasury Targets North Korean Crypto Laundering: Sanctions were imposed on individuals and entities linked to money laundering for Pyongyang’s weapons programs, stemming from illicit cryptocurrency schemes.
3. Former FTX CEO's Appeal Struggles: Sam Bankman-Fried's arguments for a retrial seem unconvincing to appellate judges, with debates centering on FTX's solvency, liquidity, and investor misrepresentation.

Stay informed with upcoming blockchain events:

• Nov. 17-22, 2023: Devconnect, Buenos Aires
• Dec. 11-13, 2023: Solana Breakpoint, Abu Dhabi
• Feb. 10-12, 2026: Consensus, Hong Kong
• Feb. 17-21, 2026: EthDenver, Denver
• Mar. 30-Apr. 2, 2026: EthCC, Cannes
• Apr. 15-16, 2026: Paris Blockchain Week, Paris
• May 5-7, 2026: Consensus, Miami