Journalist
Posted:
Big names are building on Solana [SOL], while the network pushes out massive transaction numbers even during price dips. So what’s really going on here?
Let’s break it down.
Solana’s big moment
Banking giant Citi has just completed an internal tokenization proof-of-concept using Solana, in collaboration with PwC. The test simulated the full lifecycle of tokenized bills of exchange (from issuance and distribution to settlement) in a controlled environment.
The goal was to explore how TradFi instruments could move onto the blockchain in a real-world way.
Source: X
Meanwhile, Solana has been flexing its scale. Recent data from Token Terminal showed that the network handles about 3x more daily transactions than Ethereum [ETH]!
Source: Token Terminal
That lead is on more than Ethereum’s mainnet and all of its Layer 2 networks combined!
Where does Solana stand?
According to DeFiLlama, Solana’s total value locked (TVL) was at around $6.36 billion at the time of writing. While that’s below its late-2025 highs, activity across DEXs was strong with roughly $3.72 billion in DEX volume.
Source: DeFiLlama
Perpetual futures volume is also notable, coming in at about $1.45 billion.
Even though the market has been volatile and SOL’s price has fallen, people are still using Solana. That steady activity is important.
Greater ambitions
After a few red weeks, SOL spot ETFs recorded $8.89 million in weekly inflows, putting total assets at roughly $673.99 million. This happened even as SOL posted a 11% loss this week!
Source: SoSoValue
It’s becoming increasingly evident that investors are buying into the long-term vision.
That roadmap was summed up by Zheng Jie Lim, Research and Data Engineer, Artemis, who said,
“Solana is number one in users, transactions, developer growth, trading volume, and fees… That’s how Solana becomes the internet capital markets.”
So, institutions are experimenting while investors allocate capital. That combination doesn’t quite happen by accident!
Final Thoughts
- Citi’s Solana tokenization test and 3x dominance have added to the long-term SOL narrative.
- $8.89 million in SOL ETF inflows despite an 11% weekly drop means investors are looking beyond the near-future.