AB Connect Upgrade Launch

The AB Connect upgrade separates system assets from transaction fees, directing fees into a dedicated account for better oversight [AB DAO, X Post, 2025-06-17]. This move aims to bolster security—a critical concern after $2 billion in cross-chain bridge hacks in 2022 [Chainalysis, 2022 Report]. A third-party audit by SlowMist, a trusted security firm, is scheduled from August 1 to September 9, 2025, with results public on September 10 [AB DAO, X Post, 2025-06-17]. This transparency push invites community feedback, potentially strengthening user trust in a centralized bridge system—a rarity in the decentralized crypto world.

Recent News

AB DAO, formerly Newton Project, rebranded in 2025, launching its native $AB token on Binance Alpha on June 7 [ZyCrypto, 2025-06-07]. This milestone, backed by Binance’s media push, has drawn over 10 million users to AB Wallet, supporting multi-asset management across languages like English and Korean [ZyCrypto, 2025-06-07]. However, the $AB token saw a 22.60% price drop recently, reflecting market volatility with a market cap of BTC7,093.0837 [CoinGecko, 2025-06-21].

Future Plans

AB DAO plans bilateral integrations with other blockchains to expand its “AB Anywhere” footprint, aiming to cut cross-chain costs and boost efficiency [ZyCrypto, 2025-06-07]. The AB Foundation will also enhance on-chain governance tools, refining voting workflows to empower its community. These steps signal a long-term vision to compete with platforms like Polygon or Cosmos in the interoperability space.

Onchain Data

Specific onchain metrics for AB Connect are not yet public, but stablecoin transaction trends offer context. Visa’s analytics show weekend volumes averaging billions daily, with higher activity than weekdays, hinting at round-the-clock demand for bridges like AB Connect [Visa Onchain Analytics, 2025]. Once audit data emerges, expect deeper insights into transaction flows.

Community Sentiment

X sentiment is cautiously optimistic. Users praise the SlowMist audit and fee separation [X Post Reactions, 2025-06-17], but some question the centralized architecture versus decentralized norms [X Discussions, 2025-06-18]. Influencers like @CryptoAnalystX note the upgrade’s potential to regain trust post-rebranding, though volatility concerns linger.

Additional Insights

AB DAO’s focus on security aligns with industry trends, as bridge hacks decline with better audits [Chainalysis, 2024 Update]. Competitors like Wormhole have similar upgrades, but AB’s community-driven approach could set it apart. Users benefit from lower risks and multi-chain access, though centralized elements may deter purists.

Risk Disclaimer: Crypto investments carry volatility risks; research thoroughly before engaging.