Weekly News from Polkadot & Kusama #168

1. Web3 Foundation appoints 6 delegates for a new cohort of the Decentralized Voices program

The Web3 Foundation has announced the six selected delegates for Decentralized Voices Cohort 4, who will play a crucial role in shaping governance for Polkadot and Kusama. With 42M DOT and 180K KSM in voting power, these delegates will drive decision-making across OpenGov’s key tracks.

Cohort 4 welcomes:

• Hungarian Polkadot DAO,
• JAM Implementers DAO,
• KusDAO,
• PermanenceDAO,
• Polkaworld, and
• Trustless Core.

This diverse group brings technical expertise, regional advocacy, and governance experience. Their term begins April 14, 2025, with a commitment to transparency, collaboration, and quarterly governance reflections.

This cohort builds on community feedback, enhancing inclusivity and decentralization. As the ecosystem evolves, the Web3 Foundation continues to support OpenGov’s growth. Get involved, share insights, and help shape the future of Polkadot and Kusama governance.

2. Polkadot’s AssetHub is now on Uphold bringing seamless stablecoin transactions

Polkadot’s AssetHub is now integrated with Uphold, making stablecoin transactions smoother and more efficient. Users can now buy, sell, store, and transfer $USDT & $USDC with lower fees and faster speeds.

With 10M+ users, Uphold’s multi-asset platform offers access to 250+ cryptocurrencies and 27 fiat currencies, unlocking new DeFi opportunities for the Polkadot ecosystem.

3. tBTC now available on Hydration: Unlock new DeFi opportunities

tBTC is now available for collateral and borrowing on Hydration, expanding DeFi opportunities for Bitcoin holders. You can now use tBTC to unlock liquidity, earn rewards, and participate in a more inclusive financial ecosystem. Dive into Hydration and explore new ways to leverage Bitcoin!

4. Seamless EWT trading with Nova Wallet swap

EWT is in the house! You can now swap Energy Web’s EWT directly in Nova Wallet using its built-in Swap feature, powered by Polkadot & Hydration.

🌊 Stay hydrated & powered up: novawallet.io

Swap effortlessly, trade securely, and experience frictionless asset movement in the Polkadot ecosystem — all within Nova Wallet!

5. Nova Wallet v9.6.0 brings Unified Address Support

Nova Wallet v9.6.0 now supports Unified Address Formats (UAF) for networks that have transitioned!

Your address may look different, but nothing changes for you:
✅ Same account — only the format changed
✅ No action needed — your funds are safe
✅ Easily switch between UAF & legacy addresses

CEX deposits & withdrawals? Some exchanges may still require legacy addresses, but Nova Wallet lets you view & copy both formats so you can send and receive without issues!

🔗 Update now: novawallet.io

6. LAOS tokens now transferable to & from Moonbeam & tradable on StellaSwap

Great news for LAOS token holders — you can now transfer LAOS to and from Moonbeam effortlessly! Simply use the Moonbeam UI for smooth cross-chain transfers: Moonbeam XCM Transfers

Once on Moonbeam, trade LAOS on StellaSwap, one of the largest DEXs in the Polkadot ecosystem, unlocking deeper liquidity and new DeFi opportunities.

7. Meld on-ramp now live on Subwallet: Seamlessly enter the Polkadot ecosystem

Meld on-ramp is now integrated into Subwallet, making it easier than ever to enter the Polkadot ecosystem from fiat.

With just a few simple steps, you can buy tokens:
✅ Tap “Buy” on the home screen
✅ Select your token
✅ Choose “Meld” from the provider list and follow the steps

Thanks to Polkadot DeFi Bounty & Velocity Labs for their support in this seamless integration.

• Support our Polkadotters 🦐 Shrimp, 🐙 Octopus & 🐬 Dolphin validators on Polkadot and be a part of a more secure Web3 future
• Enhance Polkadot’s governance process by delegating your DOT or KSM to POLKADOTTERS, dedicated community supporters within the Polkadot ecosystem, enabling seamless participation in on-chain governance through Nova wallet or Polkadot Delegation Dashboard