Pi Network Quietly Rewrites the Rules of Crypto Compliance

The Pi Network is making strides beyond its cryptocurrency roots with infrastructure updates and a strategic approach to market integration. A recent development includes the release of a Linux Node, expanding the network’s compatibility and accessibility. This move is significant for partners, developers, and technically inclined users, enabling more streamlined participation in the Pi ecosystem. The Linux Node complements existing support for Mac and Windows, offering a standardized solution for node operators and reducing reliance on custom builds, thus enhancing the network's resilience and adaptability [1].

Simultaneously, the Pi Network is preparing to transition its protocol from version 19 to version 23. This upgrade is based on improvements from the Stellar protocol and aims to enhance functionality and control within the Pi blockchain. The rollout is being staged with an initial focus on Testnet1, followed by Testnet2 and Mainnet in subsequent weeks. While planned outages are expected during the process, these are being communicated in advance to ensure that partners and users can prepare accordingly [1].

A notable aspect of the protocol upgrade is the decentralization of KYC (Know Your Customer) authority. Traditionally, KYC verification on Pi has been handled by the native solution, but with the upcoming changes, the protocol will allow for the delegation of this authority to other trusted entities. This development aligns Pi with broader industry trends such as ERC-3643, which embed identity and compliance logic directly into tokens. The shift supports a more distributed and community-driven verification process, maintaining regulatory compliance while expanding the network’s potential for integration with compliant third-party services [1].

Externally, Pi Network is also seeing strategic movement in the financial services space. The token is now available through Onramp Money, enabling direct purchases in over 60 countries via popular platforms like Alipay, Maya, and GCash. Despite this expansion in accessibility, the price of Pi has remained under $0.35, with recent data showing a decline of more than 80% in value over six months. This price stagnation suggests that the market is still digesting the broader implications of Pi’s strategy, which focuses on real-world integration over immediate price gains [2].

The controlled release of Pi tokens through foundation wallets to regulated partners such as Onramp, Banxa, and TransFi is seen as a deliberate effort to foster utility in commerce and peer-to-peer transactions rather than speculative trading. This cautious model is backed by institutions, as evidenced by the launch of a Pi-based exchange-traded product (ETP) in Europe. These developments suggest a growing institutional recognition of Pi’s compliance-focused approach, which differentiates it from other crypto projects that rely heavily on market hype [2].

While Pi's market performance remains muted, the project continues to build foundational infrastructure and strategic partnerships. Analysts suggest that the current phase is part of a broader long-term vision that prioritizes real-world integration and regulatory alignment over short-term price volatility. Whether this strategy will eventually translate into stronger investor interest remains an open question, but the groundwork laid by the Pi Network indicates a focus on sustainable, compliant growth [2].

Source:

[1] Linux Node Release and Upcoming Protocol Upgrades (https://minepi.com/blog/pi-linux-node/)

[2] Major Pi Network Listing News: Could This Be the Start of a ... (https://coindoo.com/major-pi-network-listing-news-could-this-be-the-start-of-a-massive-comeback/)