Weekly News from Polkadot & Kusama #186
1. Decentralized Voices Cohort 5 announced with more participation and tighter governance
The Web3 Foundation has announced Decentralized Voices Cohort 5, running from September 2025 to January 2026, with a focus on broadening community participation and strengthening governance integrity.
This iteration introduces more delegate seats with reduced individual voting power and a new DV-Light track — trusted subject-matter guardians who vote selectively and can be retroactively funded by the community.
Stricter rules enforce one delegate per person, conflict recusal, and a two-strikes delegation removal policy to prevent capture. Cohort 5 blends diverse regional, technical, economic, and experimental AI perspectives to enhance Polkadot and Kusama OpenGov decision-making transparency and accountability.
Decentralized Voices Cohort 5 includes the following members:
DV DAOs (Delegated Entities):
- Le Nexus
- Permanence DAO
- Polkadot Poland DAO
- REEEEEEEEE DAO
- Saxemberg
- Trustless Core
- PBA Alumni Voting DAO
DV-Light Guardians (Individual Delegates and AI agents):
- Cybergov — AI Agent
- Daniel Olano
- Flez
- GoverNoun AI (Governance Agent)
- The White Rabbit
These members bring diverse regional, technical, and economic perspectives, reinforcing transparent and accountable governance for Polkadot and Kusama OpenGov.
2. FIFA Rivals named AppStore’s Game of the Day
FIFA Rivals has been officially selected as AppStore’s Game of the Day, highlighting its rapid rise and popularity within mobile and Web3 gaming communities. This recognition reflects FIFA Rivals’ engaging gameplay, seamless blockchain integration on the Mythos parachain, and growing global player base. The award further cements its status as a leading title in the next-generation sports gaming landscape.
3. Borussia Dortmund joins FIFA Rivals in major multi-year partnership
Borussia Dortmund (BVB) has partnered with FIFA Rivals for multiple years, bringing the iconic Black and Yellow club straight into the game. From August 18 to 24, players can claim a free BVB player drop daily just by logging in, featuring stars like Kobel, Jobe, and more. This full-club integration includes official kits, emblems, and in-game events inspired by SIGNAL IDUNA PARK. FIFA Rivals supports multiple languages and plans giveaways of signed jerseys, merch, and match tickets, offering fans worldwide a true BVB gaming experience.
4. Bifrost Creator Program launches to reward quality content
Bifrost has launched its Creator Program, aiming to shift online feeds away from algorithm-driven engagement and towards meaningful content. The initiative rewards creators for original, relevant, and insightful posts that are clearly presented and spark genuine dialogue. Those who contribute consistently stand out as Bifrost seeks to build a healthier, more engaging community that values substance over chatter.
5. Asset Hub migration scheduled to October & November
Asset Hub migration is set for October 7 on Kusama and November 4 on Polkadot, moving balances and assets to Polkadot’s unified “mint + vault” for fungible tokens and NFTs. With runtime 1.6.0, Kusama Asset Hub now supports smart contracts, with the same coming to Polkadot. The shift consolidates architecture, reduces legacy complexity, and paves the way for features like Ethereum‑compatible smart contracts.
6. Hydration ranks 4th in TVL using tBTC for DeFi
Hydration has emerged as the fourth-largest platform by total value locked (TVL) utilizing tBTC, a Bitcoin representation designed specifically for DeFi with 1:1 redeemability. Ranked just behind Aave, Curve Finance, and Uniswap, Hydration holds $14 million in TVL using tBTC. This highlights the growing trend of integrating Bitcoin liquidity into decentralized finance protocols, empowering users to maximize their assets beyond traditional cold storage.
7. Hydration launches public testnet for decentralized stablecoin HOLLAR
Hydration unveiled the public testnet for its decentralized stablecoin, HOLLAR, last week. Designed to be backed by the full range of assets available on the Hydration money market, HOLLAR aims to offer a robust and diversified stability mechanism. This launch marks a key step toward bringing scalable, asset-backed decentralized stablecoins to the Polkadot ecosystem and broader DeFi communities.
8. New peaq explorer launched with Tenderly integration
peaq has unveiled a new explorer powered by Tenderly, designed to provide a comprehensive overview of activity within the Machine Economy. This integration also delivers enhanced developer tools, enabling builders on peaq to simulate transactions and debug code more efficiently. The upgrade aims to empower the community and accelerate innovation on the peaq network. Explore the new experience at peaqscan.xyz.
9. Unique Staking now live on SubWallet app
Unique Network staking is officially live and accessible through the SubWallet app’s dApps list. Users can now stake their UNQ tokens seamlessly by opening SubWallet, navigating to the dApps section, and searching for “Unique Network.” This integration simplifies participation in Unique’s growing ecosystem and makes staking more convenient for token holders.
10. Seamless tBTC bridging to Hydration live on SubWallet Extension
BTC holders can now access Polkadot’s DeFi ecosystem directly by bridging tBTC from Ethereum to Hydration through Snowbridge on the SubWallet Extension. This seamless, trustless bridge eliminates wrapped tokens and intermediaries, providing pure decentralized access to Polkadot’s growing financial network. It simplifies BTC liquidity integration, making it easier than ever to leverage Bitcoin within Polkadot’s DeFi.
11. Polkadot launches Polkadot Capital Group to bridge Wall Street and Web
Polkadot has unveiled Polkadot Capital Group, an institutional arm focused on connecting traditional finance players — asset managers, banks, OTC desks, and VC firms — with the Polkadot ecosystem. Led by David Sedacca, the group aims to foster adoption through data-driven education, market insights, and strategic partnerships.
Polkadot Capital Group seeks to evolve market infrastructure by blending traditional finance expertise with Web3 innovation, empowering institutions to engage confidently with Polkadot’s interoperable blockchain network.
- Support our Polkadotters 🦐 Shrimp, 🐙 Octopus, 🐬 Dolphin & 🦈Shark validators on Polkadot and be a part of a more secure Web3 future
