The digital currency began operating on an upgraded network known as Ethereum 2.0, a long-awaited innovation that crypto experts say will help the Ethereum network operate at scale and process many more transactions at a faster rate, similar to how Visa and Mastercard function. The technological transition taking place is also known as “proof of stake.” (CNBC, Bloomberg)

Talking point: The price of Ether has gone up by over 350 per cent since the beginning of the year, in tandem with Bitcoin’s own price surge. But Ethereum enthusiasts in particular have been waiting for the launch of Ethereum 2.0, because they say that in addition to speeding up the network, the upgrade will reward “stakers,” or those who invest in building the Ethereum network, for building it in a more secure manner. Ether Capital, a publicly listed Canadian company that owns Ether tokens, announced Tuesday that it would be participating in staking. “The transition to staking has been part of Ether Capital’s roadmap since inception and means that Ether holders are now able to generate an Ether-denominated return, or yield, by participating in network validation,” the company’s CEO Brian Mosoff said. Ether Capital’s stock was up by over three per cent on news of the network upgrade.