Polkadot News Today: Polkadot's Network Upgrade Drives Scalability and Security Vision

Bitget, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, has announced its support for the Polkadot (DOT) network's transition to the Asset Hub, a critical upgrade scheduled for November 4, 2025, at 07:00 UTC, according to a Bitget announcement. The migration aims to enhance infrastructure efficiency by consolidating assets onto Polkadot's Asset Hub. To facilitate this, Bitget will temporarily suspend deposits and withdrawals for Polkadot tokens starting at 06:00 UTC on the same day. Trading of DOT tokens will remain unaffected during the transition.

The network upgrade has prompted multiple exchanges to implement similar precautions. South Korean exchanges Bithumb and Upbit have also halted DOT deposits and withdrawals as of 3:00 a.m. UTC on November 4, per a Bithumb notice and an Upbit notice. These measures are standard in the crypto industry to ensure user fund safety and network compatibility during major protocol changes. Bithumb emphasized that the suspension is a proactive step to prevent transaction errors or fund losses during the upgrade. Upbit similarly described the halt as necessary for the long-term health of the Polkadot blockchain.

The migration represents a broader effort to modernize the Polkadot ecosystem. Astar Network, a key smart contract platform within the Polkadot network, announced a parallel transition of DOT balances, staking, and governance functionalities to its Asset Center between November 3 and 7, according to an Astar announcement. This shift aims to streamline asset management and improve operational efficiency while maintaining security and service continuity.

For users, the temporary restrictions mean adjusting transaction timelines. Exchanges advise completing urgent DOT transfers before the suspension period. Once the migration is finalized and network stability confirmed, services will resume. Bitget noted it will communicate updates via official channels. Bithumb and Upbit have urged users to monitor their platforms for resumption details.

The upgrades underscore Polkadot's commitment to scalability and security, aligning with its vision of a decentralized web. By transitioning to the Asset Hub and Asset Center, the network aims to reduce complexity, enhance interoperability, and support future innovations.

Bitget, which serves over 120 million users globally, highlighted its role in driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships and educational initiatives. Its support for the Polkadot upgrade reinforces its position as a key player in the Web3 space.