Bitcoin News Today: Franklin Templeton CEO Shifts Focus to Crypto Infrastructure Innovation

Franklin Templeton’s CEO, Jenny Johnson, has emphasized the growing investment potential in the underlying infrastructure of the cryptocurrency market, rather than the assets themselves. Speaking at the SALT conference in Wyoming, Johnson argued that Bitcoin, while often seen as a safe-haven asset, may be overshadowing more transformative developments in blockchain infrastructure. She highlighted that the true innovation lies in the foundational technologies enabling digital assets, such as transaction validation and decentralized financial systems [1].

Under Johnson’s leadership since 2020, Franklin Templeton has expanded its engagement with the crypto sector, including launching tokenized investment funds and crypto exchange products built on blockchain platforms. She has expressed confidence in the potential of moving traditional financial instruments like ETFs onto blockchain, which could significantly reduce costs and increase transparency. However, she also warned that regulatory challenges remain the most significant barrier to progress in this area [1].

Meanwhile, the landscape of cryptocurrency mining has undergone a major transformation following Ethereum’s transition to a proof-of-stake (PoS) model on September 15, 2022. This shift rendered GPU-based proof-of-work (PoW) mining for Ethereum obsolete, prompting a significant redistribution of hash power across other PoW chains. Projects such as Ethereum Classic, Ravencoin, Ergo, and Flux saw hash rates surge by as much as 808% in the months following the transition [1].

The migration of hash power has highlighted the adaptability of GPU-based mining infrastructure, particularly in chains that use memory-intensive algorithms like Ethash and KAWPOW. These algorithms were designed to remain accessible to small-scale and individual miners, resisting centralization and maintaining decentralization. In contrast, Bitcoin’s reliance on SHA-256 and specialized ASICs makes it incompatible with GPUs, effectively excluding many smaller participants from its mining ecosystem [1].

The post-Ethereum shift has also prompted mining operations to relocate to regions with low-cost energy and more favorable regulatory environments. Countries like Paraguay are emerging as key hubs for mining, leveraging abundant hydroelectric resources. Similar developments are occurring in parts of Africa and the Middle East, where decentralized energy solutions such as solar power and flared gas are being explored to support local mining clusters [1].

Miners are also adopting dual-use computing strategies to enhance capital efficiency. For example, Hive Digital Technologies is repurposing GPU arrays for machine learning during market downturns. Others are integrating mining with renewable energy sources using real-time optimization software. These hybrid approaches reflect a broader industry trend toward sustainability and diversification [1].

Despite concerns over environmental impact, proof-of-work remains the most tested and censorship-resistant consensus mechanism in the blockchain space. Its security model is based on verifiable work and permissionless participation, which have proven resilient at scale. The Ethereum Merge demonstrated the adaptability of PoW infrastructure, ensuring its continued relevance in the evolving crypto landscape [1].

As the industry moves forward, the lines between Bitcoin and altcoin mining are blurring, with both sectors exploring new models for sustainability and profitability. While Bitcoin maintains its dominance in hashrate and security, smaller chains are carving out niche roles through innovation and community-driven development. The future of crypto is increasingly defined not just by the assets themselves, but by the evolving infrastructure and regulatory landscape that supports them [1].

Source: [1] Beyond Bitcoin: the shifting landscape of crypto mining, CoinShares, https://coinshares.com/es-en/insights/knowledge/beyond-bitcoin-the-shifting-landscape-of-crypto-mining/