The decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape is evolving, and 1inch is at the forefront of a major innovation. The DeFi exchange platform has introduced a groundbreaking feature that allows for native cross-chain swaps between the Solana network and Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) networks. This new functionality eliminates the traditional need for bridges or messaging protocols, which have often been a point of vulnerability and friction in asset transfers between different blockchains.
A New Era of Cross-Chain Interoperability
The new cross-chain swap feature went live on 1inch’s decentralized application, wallet, and Fusion+ API. This industry-first development allows users to securely and efficiently swap assets directly between Solana and over 12 EVM chains. The system leverages 1inch’s Dutch Auction settlement model combined with cryptographically linked, chain-specific escrow contracts, ensuring that resolvers can fulfill cross-chain orders in a trustless manner. This technical architecture marks a significant step toward a more unified and seamless DeFi experience.
A Vision for a Unified DeFi Experience
According to Sergej Kunz, co-founder of 1inch, this upgrade is a significant move toward the company’s long-term vision. He highlighted the current fragmentation of DeFi, where liquidity is often trapped in isolated pools tied to specific chains. By enabling direct swaps between Solana and EVM networks, 1inch is removing one of the biggest barriers in the space. The goal is to make the underlying blockchain choice irrelevant to the end-user, who simply wants the best rate and security, regardless of where the liquidity resides.
The Benefits of a Bridge-less System
The new Fusion+ cross-chain swaps provide a crucial advantage: they allow liquidity to remain in its native ecosystem while still being instantly swappable across chains. This means that liquidity on Solana and EVM networks can serve each other without the need for centralized custody or additional token layers. This approach is more efficient and secure than traditional bridging methods, which have been susceptible to hacks and exploits. It creates more robust and interconnected markets across both ecosystems.
The Path to a Chain-Agnostic Future
This innovation follows 1inch’s recent integration with the Solana network, which allowed users to trade Solana-based tokens directly within its DApp. This latest feature is a natural progression of that integration, building on the Fusion+ architecture that was first revealed in 2024. Fusion+ combines on-chain and off-chain liquidity to offer swaps that are protected against Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) attacks, adding another layer of security for users.
Looking ahead, Kunz envisions a future where blockchains become an anachronism to the user experience. He predicts that within two to three years, the DeFi space will evolve into a truly interoperable, multi-chain ecosystem where protocols are chain-agnostic. In this future, users would simply interact with a DApp, and the system would automatically source liquidity, execute trades, and settle them on the most efficient chain, eliminating the need for users to think about chains, endpoints, or wallets. This is a bold vision that 1inch is actively working to make a reality.
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