OKX, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, officially launched its new layer-2 blockchain network, X Layer, on its public mainnet. This strategic move aims to integrate its 50 million users into a seamless blockchain environment. It leverages the advanced technology of zero-knowledge proofs, a mechanism celebrated for enhancing security and scalability.

Polygon’s Chain Development Kit (CDK) is selected for X Layer because it offers faster and cheaper transactions across blockchains. This launch is particularly notable for Ethereum developers due to X Layer’s compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which facilitates easier migration of applications.

Since its initial beta release in 2023, X Layer has successfully integrated more than 50 decentralized applications (dApps). Popular QuickSwap and Curve are some of these dApps. These applications span a variety of functions, providing more robust asset transfers and access to a diverse range of services.

The integration with Polygon’s AggLayer is expected to significantly bolster liquidity sharing across networks, thereby drawing a larger pool of users into the broader blockchain ecosystem. According to OKX’s Chief Marketing Officer, Haider Rafique, X Layer is very valuable in the growth of the Web3 space. He stated:

“We envision X Layer and other layer-2 chains as the highway infrastructure of the Web3 world, with dApps as the marketplaces and self-hosted wallets as the vehicles that take you there.’’

This initiative reflects a broader trend among leading cryptocurrency exchanges to establish their own layer-2 networks. For example, Coinbase made a similar move by introducing its layer-2 blockchain called Base last year. The launch of X Layer is a clear signal of blockchain technology’s increasing integration into mainstream digital transactions.