What to Know:
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OKX will launch USDG stablecoin and integrate Tether’s omnichain USDT.
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Leading DeFi protocols like Uniswap, Arbitrum, and Chainlink will join X Layer.
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A $100M Vision Fund will reward developers and projects building on X Layer.
At TOKEN2049 Singapore, OKX founder Star Xu laid out a bold roadmap for X Layer, OKX’s Ethereum-compatible Layer-2 network. The plan comes in three phases: a stablecoin launch, integration with major DeFi protocols, and a big Vision Fund to support developers.
This roadmap marks a turning point for OKX as it pushes deeper into on-chain infrastructure rather than being just a crypto exchange.
Phase 1: Stablecoin Coming Soon
The first step in the plan is the introduction of a native stablecoin called USDG. According to OKX, USDG will arrive in the coming weeks and will be usable on X Layer. Already, the Global Dollar Network (GDN) has announced that USDG is available for deposit and withdrawal on X Layer.
OKX also integrates USDT0, Tether’s omnichain version of USDT into X Layer and its wallet platform, bridging stablecoin liquidity across multiple chains. The goal is to provide a stable, predictable token users can rely on for trading and payments within the X Layer ecosystem.
Phase 2: Protocol Partnerships
In the second phase, OKX plans to bring in leading DeFi protocols to integrate with X Layer. Names mentioned include Arbitrum, Uniswap, Balancer, and Chainlink.
These partnerships aim to give X Layer core infrastructure such as decentralized trading, liquidity management, price feeds, and more so that developers and users can build familiar services on X Layer without starting from scratch.
Star Xu said OKX will be selective about memecoins: OKX may back well-run long-term projects, but it will avoid supporting tokens with high fraud risk.
Phase 3: $100M Vision Fund & Developer Incentives
The third and biggest part is a $100 million Vision Fund that will pay for projects that build on X Layer.
This fund will help new businesses, protocols, and developers. OKX wants to hold an on-chain developer conference where people can earn direct rewards for helping the ecosystem grow.
This is meant to show that OKX is serious about growing the X Layer ecosystem and that this isn’t just hype.
Technical Upgrades & Infrastructure
X Layer has already undergone a technical upgrade called the PP upgrade, which improved throughput to 5,000 transactions per second, cut gas costs, and aligned security more closely with Ethereum.
The network is powered by Polygon CDK, giving it compatibility with Ethereum and stronger scalability. Gas fees are very low and the network is meant to serve as the “new money chain” for OKX and its users. OKX previously announced the deprecation of its older chain OKTChain in favor of X Layer, consolidating its infrastructure.
Why It Matters
OKX wants X Layer to be the link between decentralized apps and traditional finance. OKX wants to build the core rails for on-chain finance by running its stablecoin, adding DeFi protocols, and funding projects through the Vision Fund. OKB, which is OKX’s ecosystem token, will become the gas token on X Layer. This means that fees and governance will be more closely tied to the people who hold the token.
X Layer wants to make Web3 easier for users by making it faster, cheaper, and easier to use with OKX’s wallet and exchange. This makes it easier for new people to get into DeFi.
Challenges & Risks
As OKX grows into infrastructure, it will be watched closely by regulators all over the world, especially since it is a major exchange. It’s easy to promise roadmaps, but it’s harder to make sure that they work, are safe, and are used. OKX needs to carefully choose which projects to support with its Vision Fund so that it doesn’t back projects that don’t work or are dishonest.
Many Layer-2s and DeFi ecosystems are competing for attention and liquidity. X Layer will need to carve out a clear value proposition.
What’s Next
The arrival of USDG on X Layer is already happening, and it is the first phase’s goal. People should pay attention to which DeFi projects join X Layer in Phase 2 and how well they work together. Then, check out the Vision Fund’s announcements to see which projects get seed money or rewards. Also, keep an eye on how OKX deals with regulatory issues and makes sure that execution is clear.
X Layer could become a big part of OKX’s vision if it can follow through on this roadmap. This vision is to combine exchange, wallet, payments, and DeFi into one seamless on-chain experience.
Also Read: Robinhood CEO Tenev: Stablecoins and Tokenized Stocks Will Redefine U.S. Assets
