What is expected in the development of MNT?
Mantle’s 2026 roadmap centers on expanding institutional decentralized finance (DeFi), scaling real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, and growing its ecosystem.
- Mantle Banking Launch (Q1 2026) – A combined fiat and crypto digital bank that makes spending and earning yield easy.
- Mantle Index Four (MI4) Rollout (Q1 2026) – A tokenized crypto index fund supported by a $400 million treasury.
- Global Hackathon Finale (March 2026) – A $150,000 prize competition for builders focused on RWA and DeFi projects across six categories.
Deep Dive
1. Mantle Banking Launch (Q1 2026)
Overview: Mantle Banking will merge traditional currency (fiat) and cryptocurrencies into one platform. Users can deposit their paychecks, convert them into stablecoins (cryptocurrencies designed to hold steady value), and spend globally using virtual cards or invest in the MI4 fund to earn returns. This service is built on Mantle Network’s modular technology, designed to make moving between traditional finance and DeFi smoother and easier. (Mantle Team)
What this means: This is positive for Mantle (MNT) because it could bring everyday users into the crypto space, increasing transactions and demand for MNT tokens. However, integrating traditional banking with crypto faces regulatory challenges that could slow adoption.
2. Mantle Index Four (MI4) Rollout (Q1 2026)
Overview: MI4 is a tokenized fund that gives investors exposure to a mix of cryptocurrencies: 50% Bitcoin (BTC), 26.5% Ethereum (ETH), 8.5% Solana (SOL), and 15% stablecoins. It also offers extra earnings through staking certain assets. Backed by a $400 million treasury, MI4 allows easy trading on the blockchain and can be combined with other DeFi products. (Mantle Team)
What this means: This is a strong development for MNT because it could attract large institutional investors, increasing total value locked (TVL) and fee income. Still, price swings in the underlying cryptocurrencies remain a risk.
3. Global Hackathon Finale (March 2026)
Overview: Over 900 developers from more than 50 countries have been competing since December 2025 in a three-month hackathon focused on real-world assets, DeFi, and zero-knowledge proof innovations. The $150,000 prize pool rewards the best projects, which will receive support to launch on Mantle’s platform. (Source)
What this means: This is good news for MNT because new decentralized applications (dApps) can increase Mantle’s usefulness and competitive edge. However, keeping developers engaged after the event will be key for long-term growth.
Conclusion
Mantle’s 2026 plans emphasize making blockchain technology practical for everyday use through banking services, institutional investment products, and developer innovation. If executed well, this could lead to wider adoption. A key question remains: how will tokenizing real-world assets change Mantle’s fee structure and overall economy?
What updates are there in the MNT code base?
Mantle's latest updates focus on improving EigenDA technology and making cross-chain asset transfers faster and more efficient.
- EigenDA Proxy Integration (Jan 14, 2026) – Added a caching and proxy layer to improve data access reliability.
- Blob Size Expansion (Jan 14, 2026) – Doubled the amount of data that can be submitted in each transaction.
- Cross-Chain Settlement (Jan 20, 2026) – Simplified asset transfers from Ethereum and Arbitrum to Mantle’s mETH token.
Deep Dive
1. EigenDA Proxy Integration (Jan 14, 2026)
Overview: Mantle introduced the EigenDA Proxy, developed by the EigenDA team, to improve how Mantle accesses EigenDA data. This update uses caching technologies like S3 and Redis to store frequently requested data, which helps reduce delays and prevents network slowdowns during busy times.
Think of the proxy as a middleman that keeps popular data ready to go, so Mantle doesn’t have to ask EigenDA for the same information repeatedly. This makes the network more stable and reliable, especially for decentralized apps (dApps) that depend on fast and consistent data.
Why it matters: This update makes Mantle’s network stronger during heavy traffic, reducing failed transactions for users. Developers building data-heavy applications, such as platforms for real-world assets (RWA), will see more consistent performance.
(Source)
2. Blob Size Expansion (Jan 14, 2026)
Overview: Mantle increased the maximum size of data “blobs” submitted to EigenDA from 2MB to 4MB. This means more data can be sent in a single transaction.
This change helps projects that need to handle large amounts of data, like decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols and RWA platforms. By sending bigger batches of data at once, it reduces the number of transactions needed, which saves on gas fees (transaction costs).
Why it matters: This update lowers costs for developers and speeds up processing for users interacting with data-heavy dApps, such as prediction markets or institutional settlement systems.
(Source)
3. Cross-Chain Settlement (Jan 20, 2026)
Overview: Mantle partnered with Everclear to enable direct swaps of wrapped Ether (wETH) from Ethereum, Arbitrum, and Polygon to Mantle’s mETH token without using traditional bridges.
This new method uses netting and automated balancing to remove extra steps, allowing cross-chain transfers to complete in under 60 seconds. It supports Mantle’s focus on real-world assets and Ethereum-based strategies by making it easier to move capital onto Mantle.
Why it matters: This update removes barriers for institutions and users to adopt mETH, making transfers faster and cheaper from major blockchain networks.
(Source)
Conclusion
These updates strengthen Mantle’s path toward scalable, institution-ready blockchain solutions and smoother cross-chain interactions. The improved EigenDA reliability is expected to accelerate growth in Mantle’s real-world asset ecosystem, making it a more attractive platform for developers and users alike.
What could affect the price of MNT?
Mantle’s price outlook depends on its technical upgrades and market position, especially in a cautious crypto environment.
- Technical Upgrade to ZK Rollup – Moving to Ethereum-native data availability improves security and could attract new investors, increasing long-term demand for MNT.
- Bybit Partnership & Venture Capital Activity – Strong exchange integration boosts practical use of MNT, but large investor deposits might cause short-term selling pressure.
- Overall Market Sentiment & Competition – Widespread caution and Bitcoin’s dominance put pressure on altcoins like MNT, which needs to outperform other Layer 2 solutions to gain momentum.
Deep Dive
1. Protocol Upgrade to Full ZK Rollup (Positive Outlook)
What’s happening: On January 22, 2026, Mantle announced it will switch to using Ethereum blobs for data availability, moving from a Validium model to a full ZK rollup secured by Ethereum (Coinspeaker). This change, made possible by Ethereum’s Fusaka upgrade, aims to improve security and reduce costs. It’s a big technical step that could make Mantle more attractive to developers and users who prioritize security.
Why it matters: This upgrade could significantly increase Mantle’s value. By aligning more closely with Ethereum’s security, Mantle may attract more decentralized apps (dApps) and increase network activity. Past Layer 2 upgrades have led to steady growth in Total Value Locked (TVL) and token demand. For MNT, this means more use as a gas and governance token, creating a strong, long-term positive outlook.
2. Exchange Partnership and Institutional Activity (Mixed Impact)
What’s happening: Mantle has a strong partnership with Bybit, which offers MNT trading pairs and uses the token for fee discounts and VIP benefits (ANDR Crypto). This creates ongoing demand for MNT. However, on April 15, 2025, Mirana Ventures (Bybit’s investment arm) moved 13.65 million MNT (about $12.2 million) to the exchange after holding it for three years, which often signals potential selling (CoinMarketCap).
Why it matters: The Bybit partnership is a strong positive, driving steady demand for MNT similar to how Binance Coin (BNB) grew early on. But the Mirana deposit adds short-term risk. While $12.2 million is small compared to MNT’s $170 million daily trading volume, it could increase selling pressure. The price will likely fluctuate between steady demand from exchange use and occasional selling from big investors.
3. Market Sentiment and Layer 2 Competition (Challenging Environment)
What’s happening: The overall crypto market is cautious, with a “Fear” index at 34 and Bitcoin dominating 59.15% of the market. This environment favors safer assets over altcoins. Mantle also competes in the crowded Layer 2 space against established players like Arbitrum and Optimism.
Why it matters: This cautious market makes it harder for MNT to gain ground. In times of uncertainty, investors often sell higher-risk tokens like MNT first, regardless of project updates. Mantle needs to keep innovating and attracting users to stand out. If the Layer 2 sector slows down or competitors take the lead, MNT’s price growth could stall or stay flat for a while.
Conclusion
Mantle’s price will depend on how well it turns its technical improvements into real-world adoption, while managing selling pressure from big investors and a cautious market. For holders, patience is key as the ZK rollup upgrade takes effect, while keeping an eye on exchange activity to see if demand outweighs selling.
Will increased activity from Mantle’s Ethereum-native upgrade help MNT break free from the overall altcoin downturn? Only time will tell.
What are people saying about MNT?
The Mantle (MNT) community is divided between those excited about its growing partnership with Bybit and traders concerned about a critical price support level. Here’s the latest:
- A major investor is confident in the Bybit partnership’s potential for 2026.
- A trader warns that if MNT falls below $0.885, it could drop sharply to August’s lows.
- An analyst points out a strong price bounce at $0.88 after a recent network upgrade.
Deep Dive
1. @0xFinish: Big bet on Bybit partnership for 2026 — Bullish
"$MNT is one of my biggest bets in 2026... The Mantle Vault already manages $100 million in assets, which is impressive."
– @0xFinish (141.6K followers · January 13, 2026)
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What this means: This is a positive sign for MNT. It shows the token is becoming an important part of Bybit’s platform, similar to how Binance’s BNB token grew. This could lead to steady demand from Bybit users.
2. @Famacrypt: Warning of a 30% drop if support breaks — Bearish
"Attention Mantle holders: $MNT is holding at $0.885—if it falls below this, we might see a sharp 30% drop to August’s lows."
– @Famacrypt (5.1K followers · December 31, 2025)
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What this means: This is a warning sign for MNT. It points to strong selling pressure from big investors like Dragonfly Capital. If the $0.885 support level fails, the price could fall significantly.
3. @cipher_4L: Noticing a bounce from $0.88 support — Bullish
"$Mantle (MNT) is holding the $0.88 support level—mainnet upgrade is live, and we’re ready for a bounce!"
– @cipher_4L (2.0K followers · January 13, 2026)
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What this means: This is a positive sign for MNT. The recent mainnet upgrade combined with the price holding steady at $0.88 suggests the token may be set for a recovery.
Conclusion
The outlook for Mantle (MNT) is mixed. On one hand, there’s optimism about its growing role within Bybit’s ecosystem. On the other, there’s concern about short-term price risks and selling by large investors. Keep an eye on the $0.85 to $0.88 support range—if MNT holds this zone, it could confirm the positive outlook. But if it breaks below, the price may face further declines.
What is the latest news about MNT?
Mantle is moving toward a more secure technical future while managing notable token activity. Here’s the latest update:
- Migration to Ethereum Blobs (January 22, 2026) – Mantle is adopting Ethereum-native data storage, moving closer to becoming a full zero-knowledge (ZK) rollup.
- Mirana Ventures Deposits $12.2M in MNT Tokens (April 15, 2025) – A major investor transferred a large amount of MNT tokens to the Bybit exchange after holding them for three years.
- Price Tests Support Amid Bearish Signals (January 21, 2026) – Technical analysis shows MNT forming potential reversal patterns but still facing downward pressure.
Deep Dive
1. Migration to Ethereum Blobs (January 22, 2026)
What happened: Mantle Network announced it will use Ethereum blobs as its main data layer. This change is made possible by Ethereum’s recent Fusaka upgrade. It marks a shift from Mantle’s previous Validium setup to a full ZK rollup, which is a more secure way to process transactions by relying directly on Ethereum’s security.
Why it matters: This is a positive development for Mantle (MNT) because it strengthens the network’s security and aligns it with Ethereum’s long-term scaling plans. This could attract bigger, more security-conscious projects to build on Mantle. The exact timeline for completing this migration hasn’t been shared yet. (Coinspeaker)
2. Mirana Ventures Deposits $12.2M in MNT Tokens (April 15, 2025)
What happened: Mirana Ventures, the investment arm of the Bybit ecosystem, moved 13.65 million MNT tokens (worth about $12.2 million at the time) to the Bybit exchange. These tokens had been held since early 2022.
Why it matters: This move is neutral to slightly negative in the short term. Large deposits to exchanges can sometimes mean the tokens might be sold, which could put downward pressure on the price. However, this amount is only a small part of Mantle’s daily trading volume, and it could also be routine portfolio management by a long-term partner. (CoinMarketCap)
3. Price Tests Support Amid Bearish Signals (January 21, 2026)
What happened: Mantle’s price has dropped 22% from its January high and is trading near $0.88. Technical charts show some bullish reversal patterns, like a double bottom forming within a downward channel. However, key indicators like the MACD and Aroon still suggest bearish momentum.
Why it matters: The outlook is mixed. If the price holds above $0.85 and breaks above resistance near $0.92, there could be a recovery. But if it falls below support, the price might drop further toward $0.67. (crypto.news)
Conclusion
Mantle is undergoing a major technical upgrade to improve security by integrating more closely with Ethereum. At the same time, significant token movements and a challenging market environment create short-term uncertainty. The key question is whether the stronger fundamentals from the ZK rollup transition will outweigh the current technical and selling pressures.
Why did the price of MNT go up?
Mantle (MNT) saw a small price increase of 0.88%, reaching $0.878 in the last 24 hours. This modest gain comes after a larger 9.5% drop over the past week, hinting at a possible short-term rebound fueled by positive news in its ecosystem. Here are the main points to know:
- Major Protocol Upgrade – Mantle is moving to use Ethereum blobs for data storage, which boosts security and moves the network closer to a full zero-knowledge (ZK) rollup.
- Technical Bounce from Oversold Levels – The price bounced back after hitting key support levels, as short-term indicators showed the coin was oversold.
- Large Venture Capital Deposit Handled – Mirana Ventures deposited $12.2 million worth of MNT to the Bybit exchange, which could have caused selling pressure, but the market absorbed it without a price drop.
Deep Dive
1. Ethereum Blob Migration (Positive for Mantle)
What happened: On January 22, Mantle announced it will switch to using Ethereum blobs as its main method for storing data. This change moves Mantle from a Validium model toward a full ZK rollup, which is a more secure and efficient way to process transactions on Ethereum (Coinspeaker). This upgrade follows Ethereum’s Fusaka update, which increased blob capacity.
Why it matters: By settling data directly on Ethereum, Mantle’s network becomes more secure and resistant to tampering. This makes Mantle more attractive for larger, institutional projects and investors, which could increase demand for MNT over time.
What to watch: Keep an eye on the official timeline for this migration and how it affects transaction fees and network activity.
2. Oversold Technical Rebound (Neutral)
What happened: MNT’s price found support near $0.87, close to a key Fibonacci level at $0.86255. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) was at 35.19, indicating the coin was oversold and due for a short-term bounce.
Why it matters: This price increase is likely a temporary correction within a larger downward trend. It shows some buying interest at lower prices but lacks strong momentum, as trading volume only rose by about 10.6%.
3. Mirana Ventures Deposit to Exchange (Potentially Negative)
What happened: On April 15, 2025, Mirana Ventures moved 13.65 million MNT (about $12.2 million) to the Bybit exchange after holding it for three years (CoinMarketCap). Large deposits like this often signal upcoming selling.
Why it matters: This deposit could create selling pressure on MNT. However, the fact that the price still rose slightly suggests that positive news, like the Ethereum blob upgrade, helped offset this risk for now. This remains a potential downside factor until those tokens are sold or withdrawn from the exchange.
Conclusion
Mantle’s small price gain today is mainly driven by a positive technical upgrade, which offsets concerns about a large venture capital deposit and oversold conditions. For investors, this suggests cautious optimism but not a clear trend reversal yet.
Key things to watch: Will MNT stay above the $0.862 to $0.87 support zone? And can trading volume stay strong enough to confirm this bounce?