In Today’s Issue:

• Need to Know DeFi Ecosystem Shifts

• This Week in Hemi: Protocol Updates

• Community Spotlight

• This Week’s Hemi Yield Opportunities

Q: Who provided Bitcoin’s first real-world confirmation by running the software at launch and receiving the network’s first transaction?

DeFi Revenue Becomes the Primary Signal, Not TVL Alone

Uniswap recorded an industry-high daily fee capture this week, reinforcing the idea that protocol revenue and fee generation are emerging as core usage signals beyond simple TVL figures.

Security Events Reinforce the Cost of Fragile Design

The Truebit Protocol suffered a major exploit, with 8,535 ETH ($26.5 M) drained and its native token collapsing, serving as a stark reminder that designing smart contracts around risk and exploits remains a chief parameter for protocol health and security.

Payments and Stablecoin Infra Regain Momentum

Polygon Labs unveiled a new stablecoin payments framework designed to streamline onchain money rails, and stablecoin supply metrics continue to expand, reflecting ongoing demand for programmable dollar liquidity.

Network Upgrades Advancing

Multiple protocol upgrades across MinerFi infrastructure, node operations, and core network components are moving through final testing, focused on improving performance, usability, and long-term resilience.

VBK Claims Opening Soon

VBK claim registration is set to open imminently, with distributions rolling out in batches. Eligible participants are encouraged to register early to be included in the first release window.

Shift Toward Liquid Onchain Incentives

Hemi continues transitioning toward liquid, onchain incentive models supported by Merkle-based distributions, enabling more immediate, transparent rewards and greater flexibility for targeted ecosystem programs.

Hemi allows BTC to serve as stablecoin collateral, to activate trillions in dormant crypto-native capital flow, and expand DeFi markets.

Read more.

A New T-Shirt Contest Starts Next Week

On Monday, January 12, 2026, the Hemi community will kick off a new T-shirt design contest for Hemigo of the Week. The program launches the following Monday, with winners announced each Friday. Winners are selected for meaningful contributions to the Hemi community across Discord and X, and receive an exclusive T-shirt and 25k Hemi Discord XP.

Keep an eye out for additional details in the Hemi Discord announcements channel.

A: Hal Finney.