Uniswap Launches Permissionless Cross-Chain Bridge on Nine Networks, Including Polygon and ZKsync

Seamless Asset Transfers Across Multiple Blockchains

Users can now transfer assets between prominent blockchains including:

• Ethereum
• Polygon
• Base
• Arbitrum
• Optimism Mainnet
• Zora
• Blast
• World Chain
• ZKsync

This feature significantly enhances the user experience, allowing for efficient asset transfers without relying on external services.

How Permissionless Bridging Works

The new bridging feature is powered by the Across Protocol, which enables users to move native assets—such as ETH on Ethereum or ARB on Arbitrum—directly through Uniswap’s interface. The system also supports stablecoins, enhancing its versatility.

Key aspects of the Across Protocol include:

• Decentralized liquidity pools
• Relayers that avoid reliance on centralized entities
• Increased security and transaction speed

According to Dune data, there are currently over six million Uniswap users utilizing multi-chain access. However, cross-chain swaps still represent a small portion of overall activity. With this new bridge feature, Uniswap aims to boost its usage across multiple networks, promoting growth in multi-chain DeFi operations.

Recent Developments in Uniswap

This update follows the recent launch of UniChain, a layer-2 chain developed specifically for cross-chain liquidity and decentralized finance. Launched in early October, UniChain aims to tackle ongoing challenges in DeFi, such as:

• Slow transaction speeds
• Lack of decentralization

While Uniswap is making strides in enhancing its platform, it is also facing regulatory scrutiny. Earlier this year, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a Wells notice to Uniswap Labs, indicating potential enforcement action. The SEC claims that certain tokens offered by the platform may qualify as securities. However, Uniswap disputes these allegations, maintaining that its tokens do not fall under securities law.

Conclusion

Uniswap’s new permissionless cross-chain bridging feature represents a significant advancement in the DeFi landscape, streamlining asset transfers across multiple blockchains. As the platform continues to innovate with tools like UniChain, it aims to enhance user experience while navigating regulatory challenges. This development could play a crucial role in shaping the future of decentralized finance.