From Blocklabs, Block Labs, 7block, 7 Block, 7 Blocks, and 7th Block: What Web3 Studios Really Do

The Real Deal: What a Web3 Product Studio Brings to the Table in 2025

In 2025, a Web3 product studio isn't just playing around--it’s delivering some serious value. Let’s break down what you can expect from these studios, covering everything from rollups to real-world asset tokenization, wallets, payments, security, and compliance. You'll also find some solid examples, the latest data, and handy checklists for decision-makers to put into action.

Rollups: Scaling the Game

Rollups are all about scaling blockchain transactions without losing speed or efficiency. They bundle multiple transactions into one, easing the load on the main chain.

Example:

• Optimistic Rollups: These let you process transactions off-chain, making things quicker and cheaper. Just look at projects like Arbitrum and Optimism--they’ve made waves by boosting Ethereum’s capability.

Checklist for Implementing Rollups:

• Identify use case suitable for rollups.
• Choose between optimistic or zk-rollups.
• Ensure compatibility with the existing blockchain infrastructure.

Real-World Asset Tokenization: Bridging the Gap

Tokenizing real-world assets is a game-changer. It’s about taking valuable assets and turning them into digital tokens that can be easily traded and tracked on the blockchain.

Example:

• Real Estate Tokenization: Companies like RealT allow you to own fractions of properties through tokens, making real estate investing accessible for everyone.

Implementation Checklist:

• Conduct a legal feasibility study for asset tokenization.
• Choose a blockchain platform that supports asset tokenization.
• Develop a smart contract for managing asset tokens.

Wallets: Your Digital Cashiers

When it comes to wallets, it’s about making transactions smooth and secure. A good wallet is your go-to for managing your digital assets, and it's crucial for user adoption.

Example:

• MetaMask: This wallet has gained massive popularity due to its user-friendly interface and support for various tokens and decentralized applications.

Checklist for Wallet Development:

• Define user personas to guide wallet design.
• Incorporate top-notch security features (e.g., biometric authentication).
• Ensure compatibility with multiple tokens and protocols.

Payments: The Future of Transactions

Web3 isn't just about cool tech--it’s also about making payments seamless and efficient. Think crypto transactions that can easily replace the usual cash or credit card methods.

Example:

• Circle’s USDC: This stablecoin is already making waves in the payments world, offering a reliable way to transact without the volatility of other cryptocurrencies.

Implementation Checklist for Payment Solutions:

• Analyze the target market for payment needs.
• Select a blockchain that supports instant transactions.
• Integrate payment gateways that are user-friendly.

Security: Keeping It Safe

In the world of Web3, security is non-negotiable. A good product studio knows how to keep everything locked down tight.

Example:

• Fireblocks: This platform provides top-notch security solutions for digital asset storage and transfer, ensuring peace of mind for users.

Security Implementation Checklist:

• Conduct regular security audits.
• Implement multi-signature and hardware wallet solutions.
• Stay updated with the latest in security threats and mitigation strategies.

Compliance: Playing by the Rules

Navigating the regulatory landscape is crucial. A solid Web3 product studio will help their clients stay compliant with the latest laws and regulations.

Example:

• Coinbase Compliance Solutions: This team helps businesses navigate complex regulations, making it easier to focus on growth without the compliance headache.

Compliance Checklist:

• Stay informed about local and international regulations.
• Develop a compliance strategy that aligns with business goals.
• Integrate compliance monitoring tools into operations.

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With a Web3 product studio in 2025, you’re not just getting tech solutions; you’re investing in a comprehensive approach to scale and succeed in the digital economy. Use these insights and checklists to guide your efforts as you dive into this exciting landscape!

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Executive summary (for search and social)

Web3 studios are all about delivering real, regulated blockchain systems that actually work--no hype involved. Fast forward to 2025, and we're looking at building on modular L2 stacks, tokenizing cash and yield instruments, enabling stablecoin payments through account-abstracted wallets, and making sure we meet bank-grade compliance and observability standards. This guide dives into each of these key areas with the latest data, architectures, and 90-day rollout plans. Check out more over at (optimism.io).

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1) Strategy first: how studios scope “blockchain fit” in 2025

The top studios don’t kick things off by picking from a long list of options; they begin with a set of limits:

• Regulatory perimeter: The MiCA regulations kick in for stablecoins on June 30, 2024, and the full CASP licensing will be rolling out across the EU by December 30, 2024. There’s also a transition period for member states that could stretch until July 1, 2026. This timeline is key if you're thinking about issuing, holding, or just integrating custody/payments in Europe. (esma.europa.eu)
• Throughput/cost targets post-Dencun: With Ethereum’s Dencun upgrade rolling out on March 13, 2024 (that’s EIP-4844 for those keeping track), we’re seeing the introduction of “blobs.” This nifty addition is slashing rollup data costs and making sub-cent L2 transactions a reality in many scenarios. Make sure you choose stacks that leverage blobs right from the get-go. (blog.ethereum.org)
• Interop/settlement: If your plans involve moving value across different chains or into banking systems, it’s a smart move to get yourself set up with CCIP/CCTP and custodial hooks from the start. (dtcc.com)

A typical discovery sprint wraps up with a handy decision tree that breaks down four execution patterns:

• If you’re in a hurry for liquidity and want to keep things simple, go ahead and use an existing layer 2 like Base, OP Mainnet, Arbitrum One, or Polygon PoS.
• When it’s time to launch something special, like an app-specific rollup, you can check out options like OP Stack, Arbitrum Orbit, zkSync ZK Stack, or the Polygon CDK--these are great for when you need customized fees, specific MEV policies, or compliance gates.
• Consider mixing different data availability layers like Ethereum blobs, EigenDA, or Celestia/Avail. This helps you balance cost and security according to your needs.
• Don’t forget to keep a mainnet settlement anchor handy for those on-chain proofs and ensuring everything works together smoothly!

Key Market Signals to Consider for Your Decision:

• OP Stack’s Superchain has launched permissionless fault proofs (Stage 1) and is introducing interoperability features. As noted by Messari and Optimism’s reports, it's already handling a significant portion of L2 activity with some big-name brands like Base, Sony’s Soneium, Uniswap’s Unichain, Kraken’s Ink, and Worldcoin’s World Chain. You can read more about it here.
• Polygon’s AggLayer is up and running, making it feel like a single chain. They’re really pushing to connect more chains through their AggLayer Breakout Program. If you want to dive into the details, check it out here.
• ZK‑forward stacks like zkSync’s ZK Stack and Hyperchains are aiming high with a target of 10,000 TPS and fees around $0.0001 in their 2025 roadmap. This makes them a great match for super low-latency apps. Get the full scoop here.
• Alternative data availability is becoming standard. For instance, Orbit and OP Stack rollups can easily connect with Celestia, and EigenDA is live on mainnet, offering free or whitelisted throughput tiers. More details can be found here.

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2) Build on L2s the 2025 way: rollups, DA, and sequencing

What “studios really do” when it comes to infrastructure now looks like this:

• Pick a stack:
  • OP Stack (Superchain): You'll get interop-ready contracts with Upgrade 16, fault proofs are live, and there’s a shared roadmap. Plus, performance work with Flashbots means you might see ~200ms confirmations on some OP-based chains. Check it out here: (docs.optimism.io)
  • Arbitrum Orbit: This one lets you use permissioned validators for enterprise chains or BoLD permissionless validation. It also comes with Stylus for super high-performance WASM. More info here: (docs.arbitrum.io)
  • Polygon CDK + AggLayer: This stack features ZK-proofed aggregation which helps unify liquidity and gives you better control over policies. Catch the details here: (coindesk.com)
  • zkSync ZK Stack/Hyperchains: With sovereign L3s and recursive proofs, you’re looking at some serious scaling capabilities. New research like ChonkyBFT is behind the consensus too. Dive deeper here: (arxiv.org)
• Choose your DA:
  • Start off with Ethereum blobs (EIP‑4844) for a straightforward and cost-effective approach. You can always switch or mix in EigenDA or Celestia when you're after some price predictability or need major throughput. More on that here: (ethereum.org)
• Plan your sequencing:
  • Centralized sequencers are the quickest to get up and running, but if you're looking for something that enhances censorship resistance and allows for cross-rollup composability, you might want to check out shared/decentralized sequencers like Espresso or Astria. Espresso has even tested integrations across OP Stack, Polygon zkEVM, and Arbitrum. It’s exciting to see shared sequencing moving from testnets to real production pilots! Get the scoop here: (coindesk.com)
• Make it happen with RaaS:
  • Platforms like Caldera and AltLayer offer rollups for OP/Orbit/CDK/ZK Stack along with plug-in DA options (think Celestia), restaked rollup AVSs for fast finality and decentralized sequencing, and they even have no-code dashboards to simplify everything. Check it out: (caldera.xyz)

Why This Matters to You

After the Dencun update on March 13, 2024, Layer 2 costs have taken a nosedive thanks to blobs. This shift means the market is now favoring apps that pass those savings down to their users. So, if you're still seeing costs above $0.20 per action, it might be time to take a good look at your DA/stack. For more details, check out the full announcement here.

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3) Tokenization that actually clears compliance and liquidity

Studios aren’t just “minting coins”; they’re actually transforming their treasury operations and funds into programmable collateral:

• Money‑market/treasury funds
  • BlackRock just rolled out their BUIDL fund (a tokenized fund created with Securitize) in March 2024, and guess what? By March 2025, it had already crossed the $1 billion mark! It’s not just hanging out on Ethereum anymore; it’s branching out to other chains like Solana, and even more down the line. Plus, major platforms are using it as collateral. (coindesk.com)
  • Franklin Templeton’s got their BENJI fund (OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund) which is making things easier with P2P share transfers and USDC on‑/off‑ramps. They’ve also set up a Luxembourg vehicle to offer a European route. (franklintempleton.com)
  • The market is heating up! Tokenized Treasuries hit a whopping ~$4.2 billion in March 2025, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down. RWA trackers are showing depth with multi‑billion, multi‑issuer options. (coindesk.com)
• Fund operations & data standards
  • DTCC’s Smart NAV pilot with Chainlink (CCIP) has been showcasing how standardized NAV distribution can work on-chain across various institutions like JPMorgan, Franklin, BNY Mellon, and State Street. When it comes to building tokenized funds, it’s all about integrating these data rails right from the get-go. (dtcc.com)
• Regional signals
  • Over in Abu Dhabi, ADGM and a few others are now offering tokenized T-bill vehicles with regulatory approval, which is expanding non‑US issuance options. Pretty exciting stuff! (reuters.com)

Implementation Pattern (90 Days)

1. Choose Your Transfer Agent / Issuer: Decide between options like Securitize, the Franklin platform, or something similar, and pick your investor whitelist model (you’ll want to consider KYC/AML and sanctions here).
2. Map Out Your Wallet Policy: Figure out whether you’re going for self-custody with an MPC custodian like Fireblocks or a regulated broker custody.
3. Expose NAV/Holdings: Set up CCIP-secured feeds to show your Net Asset Value and holdings.
4. Utilize On-Chain Assets: Use your assets as collateral on-chain, and make sure you’ve got clear redemption Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in place.

For more details, check out the article on DTCC.

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4) Payments that settle now: stablecoins, wallets, and UX

2025: When “Crypto Payments” Went from Meme to Mundane

2025 is when “crypto payments” stopped being a meme and became just the boring plumbing of our financial system.

• Acceptance Rails
  • Stripe is back at it, re-enabling crypto payments using USDC on Solana, Ethereum, and Polygon. The checkout experience is now pretty similar to using cards, and the fees are competitive too. If your checkout doesn’t have this in high-fee areas, you might be losing out big time. (coindesk.com)
  • Visa is making moves too, expanding USDC settlement to Solana and teaming up with partners like Worldpay and Nuvei. They even tried out some stablecoin-linked cards in LATAM, so stablecoins are blending in with familiar systems. (theblock.co)
  • Over at PayPal, they rolled out PYUSD on Solana in 2024 and are looking to go multi-chain in 2025. It’s interesting to see that supply traction on Solana has occasionally outdone Ethereum--looks like folks are really after those faster transactions and lower fees. (pymnts.com)
• Wallet UX (Account Abstraction)
  • Coinbase just launched their Smart Wallet, which comes with passkeys, gas sponsorship (think paymasters), and support across multiple chains (like Base, Ethereum, OP, Arbitrum, etc.). This makes “seedless” and “gasless” transactions pretty mainstream. If you’re all about that “one-click” onboarding ease, check out integrating an AA wallet SDK and a paymaster. (cointelegraph.com)
  • Base has introduced a handy reference paymaster service, along with Coinbase's ERC-20 gas paymaster, making USDC gas and sponsored user experiences super straightforward. (docs.base.org)

Implementation Pattern (60-90 Days)

• Start by adding AA wallet providers like Coinbase Smart Wallet, and consider a backup option like Safe or Passkeys. Don't forget to set up a paymaster to cover gas fees for first-time users!
• Introduce stablecoin pay-ins--think USDC and PYUSD, as long as they're compliant. You can settle to fiat through the regular PSPs or your custodian treasuries.
• Make sure to have refund and chargeback logic pre-integrated in simple terms that users can easily grasp. For example, you could use concepts like off-chain disputes and on-chain refunds. (cointelegraph.com)

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5) Interop that banks will actually use

• Chainlink CCIP and Bank Rails
  • SWIFT has been testing out how its existing messaging can team up with CCIP to connect bank systems with both public and private chains. This approach has inspired DTCC’s Smart NAV, which is built right on that model. Studios are integrating these for fund operations and multi-chain post-trade processes. Check it out on swift.com.
• Circle CCTP V2 (USDC)
  • The new CCTP V2, which launched on March 11, 2025, has drastically sped up cross-chain USDC settlements, reducing the time from about 13-19 minutes to just a few seconds. It’s rolling out across several chains and represents Circle’s main strategy going forward. If you’re currently using V1 for your treasury or bridge logic, make sure to plan your migration. More details can be found on circle.com.

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6) Security, monitoring, and incident response: the unsexy moat

• The risk baseline
  • So, for 2024, losses are looking to stay in the ballpark of $1.4-$2.2 billion, depending on how you crunch the numbers. DeFi continues to be the main target, although some big CeFi incidents can skew things a bit in certain quarters. Just remember, design your systems like you'll be tested on day one. (theblock.co)
• Modern SDLC for smart contracts
  • Think of incorporating static analysis with tools like Slither in your CI pipeline; also, don’t skip on property-based fuzzing (check out Foundry, Echidna, Medusa) for those reproducible failures. And hey, make sure your upgrade plans are easy to audit. (github.com)
• Ops and observability
  • Leverage Tenderly for simulations and forks before trades go live, plus keep those operator runbooks handy. For on-chain events, you can use Web3 Actions to set up serverless “if-this-then-that” responses (think auto-pausing or circuit breakers). (docs.tenderly.co)
  • Quick heads-up: OpenZeppelin is planning to sunset Defender by July 1, 2026, shifting gears to an open-source Relayer/Monitor. Start planning your migration now, and remember to keep your automation, alerting, and emergency controls as code. (blog.openzeppelin.com)

Security Playbook (Our Default Setup)

• We use multi-signature setups plus timelocks for admin actions, making sure to split keys between people, Hardware Security Modules (HSM), and Multi-Party Computation (MPC).
• There’s a handy "kill switch" pause feature that involves pre-authorized signers, and we’ve put it to the test on forks.
• We’ve got our CI gates in place, which include unit tests, Slither, invariant fuzzing suites, and gas snapshots.
• Before any upgrades go live, we run simulations on a fork that mirrors our production state, plus we simulate transactions for any privileged actions. Check it out here: github.com

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7) Digital identity and gated access, without data leakage

• Zero-knowledge identity has taken a big step forward beyond just proof of concepts.
  • Polygon ID has been rebranded as Privado ID, which is now protocol-agnostic. They're teaming up with system integrators like Telefónica Tech and launching pilots for bank-grade attestations. For real-world assets (RWA), this means you get KYC’d addresses combined with privacy-preserving proofs--so no bulk personally identifiable information (PII) is stored on-chain. You can read more about it here.

Practical pattern:

• Leverage verifiable credentials like KYC/AML status, jurisdiction, and accreditation that are tied to a wallet. Make sure to verify proofs for access or transfers (like allowing only eligible EU buyers under MiCA). Check out more details here.

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8) What a Web3 studio actually ships (scope you can hold us to)

• Product & Compliance Architecture
  • We've got a requirements document that maps out MiCA/SEC exposure, data residency, sanctions, the travel rule, and consumer redress.
• Chain Selection Memo
  • This includes a shortlist of the tech stack with fee and latency service level objectives (SLOs) post‑4844, the tradeoffs for decentralized applications, an interoperability plan, and a matrix for vendors and custodians. Check it out here: (blog.ethereum.org).
• Wallets & Onboarding
  • We’re working on account abstraction (AA) wallet SDKs that support passkeys, along with a paymaster configuration for a gasless first session, and we’re also designing a recovery plan.
• Payments & Treasury
  • Looking at stablecoin acceptance in regions using USDC and PYUSD, along with fiat off-ramps and hooks for CCTP/CCIP. Plus, we’re drafting a treasury policy that treats tokenized T-bills as on-chain “cash.” For more details, head over to (circle.com).
• Smart Contracts
  • We're focusing on audited, fuzz-tested, upgradeable components, complete with operator runbooks and rehearsals for forked states. You can find our code here: (github.com).
• Observability & Incident Response
  • We’ve set up dashboards, alerts, and simulation gatekeeping, along with a 48-hour incident response playbook to keep everything running smoothly.

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9) Two “90‑day from kickoff” examples (with current‑gen components)

1) Stablecoin Checkout + Smart Wallet Onboarding

• Week 1-2: Kick things off with a solid threat model; bring in the Coinbase Smart Wallet along with passkeys. Don't forget to integrate the paymaster for a smoother, sponsored UX on Base. (cointelegraph.com)
• Week 3-5: Time to roll out a Stripe-style USDC checkout and streamline merchant settlement. If it fits, let’s add in some optional PYUSD where it makes sense, and also set up a fiat off-ramp. (coindesk.com)
• Week 6-8: Let’s integrate Tenderly simulations and Web3 Actions for those essential pre-trade checks and auto-responses. We’ll also set some KPIs, aiming for a median of less than $0.02 per user action. (docs.tenderly.co)
• Week 9-12: Finally, we’ll do a soft launch, review our Service Level Objectives (SLOs), and get ready to go live!

2) Tokenized Cash Management for a Protocol Treasury

• Week 1-2: First up, let’s focus on our custody stack. We’ll be using MPC with Fireblocks or something similar. We also need to put together a policy document for Real-World Assets (RWA). Check out Fireblocks here.
• Week 3-5: Next, it's time to get on board with BENJI/BUIDL through the approved channels. We'll also wire the Net Asset Value (NAV) data feeds using CCIP/Smart NAV. For more details, you can read about it on Franklin Templeton's site.
• Week 6-8: During this phase, we’ll collateralize BUIDL/BENJI where it’s possible. We'll also set up redemption processes and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) while making sure we have some liquidity buffers in place. Want to learn more? Here’s a good Coindesk article on the topic.
• Week 9-12: Finally, we’ll wrap things up with some reporting automation and make sure we get the necessary sign-offs from the board and risk teams.

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10) 2025‑era “gotchas” we see--and how to avoid them

• Don’t pick a rollup before figuring out your DA and sequencer game plan. You’ll kick yourself when fees go through the roof; make sure to push for DA-agnostic setups (think blobs first, and Celestia/EigenDA can be optional). (caldera.xyz)
• Putting off interop until the last minute? Bad idea! If you ever plan to move USDC across chains, get on CCTP V2 now to dodge future headaches; sync up with CCIP where the big players are hanging out. (circle.com)
• Launching wallets without Account Abstraction? That’s a risky move. Passkeys and paymasters are must-haves for winning over users in 2025. (cointelegraph.com)
• Going for Real World Assets without solid transfer-agent grade workflows? Make sure your tokenized assets link up with clear registries (like BENJI/BUIDL) and standardized data (Smart NAV is a good one to keep in mind). (franklintempleton.com)
• Depending solely on old-school operations tools? Time to rethink that! With Defender winding down by July 2026, start shifting your alerting and automation to open-source relayers/monitors or Tenderly Actions right away. (blog.openzeppelin.com)

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11) Buyer’s checklist: selecting a Web3 studio

Before you put pen to paper, make sure to ask for and verify these documents:

• A detailed chain/DA/interop memo that highlights Dencun and the current L2 economics--nothing generic like “we like XYZ chain.” You can check it out here.
• A solid security plan that includes a CI toolchain (think Slither + fuzzing), an incident runbook, and some forked-state rehearsals. More info can be found here.
• A compliance matrix tailored to your markets, covering stuff like MiCA timelines, stablecoin issuer status, and any sanctions. Dive in here.
• A list of named vendors for custody, PSPs, and attestations, including Fireblocks, Anchorage, BitGo, Stripe, Visa, PayPal, and Privado ID. You can learn more here.
• A 90-day delivery plan that lays out clear SLOs, including latency, transaction costs, success rates, and authentication conversion.

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12) Where the puck is going (next 12 months)

• Sequencing: We're going to see some awesome production-grade shared sequencers and improved OP-ecosystem latency making their way to more chains. Plus, we're planning to let users choose their sequencer. Check it out here: (coindesk.com)
• Interop: CCTP V2 is set to become the go-to bridge for USDC, while CCIP will keep its role as the institutional abstraction layer. So, let’s work on building for both. More info here: (circle.com)
• Aggregation: With AggLayer and Superchain interop coming together, we're looking at “multi-chain apps that feel like single-chain” for users. Make sure to design the user experience with this in mind. Learn more here: (coindesk.com)
• RWA: Tokenized “cash” is already a huge market, raking in billions. We’re expecting it to branch out into private credit and bank deposits, but let’s keep compliance tight. More details here: (coindesk.com)

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TL;DR for decision‑makers

• Choose an L2 stack that includes blob-aware fees and optional data availability. And don’t forget to plan for interoperability with CCTP/CCIP and shared sequencing! (blog.ethereum.org)
• Think of wallets as a product. Features like passkeys and gas sponsorship are crucial for boosting conversions--no compromises here! (cointelegraph.com)
• Look into using tokenized cash instruments for your on-chain treasuries, making sure to involve proper transfer agents and get standardized NAV data feeds. This will keep things smooth and efficient! (franklintempleton.com)
• Make sure to incorporate a security software development lifecycle (SDLC) and set up operational automation from the get-go. And hey, practice on forks to stay sharp! (github.com)

If you're looking to turn this into a 90-day plan for your product, this is how studios like 7Block Labs roll: they define the boundaries, pick out modular components, connect to the platforms users already know and love, and then get it shipped!

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Here’s a rundown of the references we tapped into for the data points and dates in this article. We looked at announcements from Ethereum's Dencun (EIP‑4844), along with ecosystem reports from Optimism and Messari. Don’t miss Polygon’s AggLayer updates, zkSync research, and insights from DTCC/Chainlink Smart NAV. We also kept an eye on Circle’s CCTP V2, as well as the stablecoin rollouts by Stripe, Visa, and PayPal. Other key mentions include Coinbase Smart Wallet, Fireblocks' enterprise adoption, the spinout of Privado ID, and the tooling documentation from Tenderly, Slither, and Echidna. Check out the inline citations for more details. (blog.ethereum.org)