Ethereum-based layer 2 blockchains are likely to benefit from the network's upcoming Shanghai hard fork, also known as the “Shapella” upgrade, said Max Williams, chief operating officer at digital asset-management firm Runa Digital Assets.

“There's a big benefit here coming to layer 2’s,” Williams told CoinDesk TV’s “First Mover” on Thursday about Ethereum's software upgrade that is scheduled for April 12.