diff --git a/RELEASE_NOTES.md b/RELEASE_NOTES.md
index 7f45285b4a..d2e18167c8 100644
--- a/RELEASE_NOTES.md
+++ b/RELEASE_NOTES.md
@@ -1,16 +1,17 @@
-# Cosmos SDK v0.50.12 Release Notes
+# Cosmos SDK v0.53.0 Release Notes
 
 💬 [**Release Discussion**](https://github.com/orgs/cosmos/discussions/58)
 
 ## 🚀 Highlights
 
-This patch release fixes [GHSA-x5vx-95h7-rv4p](https://github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/security/advisories/GHSA-x5vx-95h7-rv4p).
-It resolves a `x/group` module issue that can halt chain when handling a malicious proposal.
-Only users of the `x/group` module are affected by this issue.
+Announcing Cosmos SDK v0.53
 
-We recommended to upgrade to this patch release as soon as possible.
-When upgrading from <= v0.50.11, please use a chain upgrade to ensure that 2/3 of the validator power upgrade to v0.50.12.
+We are pleased to announce the release of Cosmos SDK v0.53! We’re excited to be delivering a new version of the Cosmos SDK that provides key features and updates while minimizing breaking changes so you can focus on what matters most: building.
+
+Upgrading to this verison of the Cosmos SDK from any `v0.50.x` release will **require a coordinated chain upgrade**.
+
+For more upgrade information, check out our [upgrading guide](https://github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/blob/v0.53.0/UPGRADING.md)
 
 ## 📝 Changelog
 
-Check out the [changelog](https://github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/blob/v0.50.12/CHANGELOG.md) for an exhaustive list of changes, or [compare changes](https://github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/compare/v0.50.11...v0.50.12) from the last release.
+Check out the [changelog](https://github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/blob/v0.53.0/CHANGELOG.md) for an exhaustive list of changes, or [compare changes](https://github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/compare/v0.50.12...v0.53.0) from the last release.