In previous articles, we have explored how #IOST 3.0 introduces new Web3 payment tools from a forward-looking perspective. In this innovative phase, our strategic roadmap will focus on infrastructure development and ecosystem expansion. Below, we present a milestone timeline aimed at providing clear planning and guidance on how we utilize blockchain infrastructure, simplify merchant adoption, and refine regulatory frameworks. Our goal is to establish IOST 3.0 as the solid foundation for the next generation of compliant cross-border payment solutions.

Cornerstone of Growth

With years of deep practical experience accumulated in the field of frictionless B2B transactions and the long-term ecological relationships built with diverse markets, we now possess sufficient strategic advantages to integrate blockchain solutions into daily business operations. By fully leveraging the synergy between advanced technology and prudent regulatory oversight and risk management, IOST 3.0 effectively addresses the two core challenges that hinder the widespread application of blockchain technology: usability and compliance. We have established a balanced and forward-looking framework aimed at driving sustainable ecological development.

Strategic Planning

Phase 1: Infrastructure Development (Months 1–4)

By allocating dedicated R&D and product development budgets, we are building core infrastructure:

  • Layer 2 Development

  • Technical Partnerships

  • High-Performance Blockchain Infrastructure

  • Security Framework Development

  • Software Development Kit (SDK)

Phase 2: Ecological Development (Months 5–18)

Our focus is to build user trust and drive adoption through the following strategic initiatives:

  • Key Merchant Partnerships

  • API Integration with E-commerce Platforms

  • Educational Activities to Encourage Adoption

  • Developer Incentives for Plugin Development

  • Pilot Projects with Specific Partners

Phase 3: Global Expansion (Months 18–36)

After the initial growth phase, we will accelerate global adoption:

  • Expanding more partnerships in Europe and Asia

  • Providing cross-border remittance solutions

  • Expanding an open developer ecosystem

  • Further advancing compliance and licensing programs

Implementation Foundation: PayPIN and PayFi Integration

Innovating Merchant Adoption

The deep integration of PayPIN and PayFi lays a solid foundation for large-scale adoption by merchants. By significantly simplifying the cryptocurrency transaction process, merchants will be able to effectively hedge against market volatility, conveniently receive digital asset payments, and achieve seamless integration with their core business processes. Both PayPIN and PayFi come equipped with settlement and multi-currency conversion functions, significantly lowering the entry barriers for merchants and users.

Through the powerful technical framework of PayFi, merchants can access a comprehensive payment solution supporting multiple cryptocurrencies. The compliance mechanism of PayPIN ensures that necessary regulatory oversight is not sacrificed during the adoption process. By ingeniously combining the two innovative technologies of PayPIN and PayFi, we can offer users a frictionless payment experience while building a robust guarantee system for broader commercial applications.

In addition, the smart contract functionality of PayFi can automatically handle currency conversion, settlement, and compliance reporting.

Enhancing Compliance through PayPIN

The built-in compliance layer of PayPIN provides a one-stop solution for meeting various regulatory requirements. Whether merchants are in regions with stringent data protection regulations or need to comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) checks, PayPIN ensures a smooth integration into the cryptocurrency receiving process. This will significantly enhance merchants' trust and strongly promote broader commercial adoption.

The system's multi-layered verification process includes real-time identity verification via merchant APIs, standardized anti-money laundering (AML) screening, and continuous transaction monitoring. This creates an environment for businesses to confidently accept cryptocurrency payments without compromising on compliance.

Achieving Global Liquidity through CCTP Integration

To further expand global coverage, enhance scalability, and increase user adoption rates, we are actively deploying Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP). CCIP provides near-universal connectivity across multiple blockchains and payment networks, unlocking more efficient liquidity pools and achieving regulatory-compliant defragmentation. This will effectively lower access barriers for merchants and users, enhancing price stability through broader market exposure.

Building a New Global Trading Market

In addition to direct merchant integrations, blockchain solutions—having undergone iterations—are becoming increasingly mature and subject to more robust regulations—effectively bridging long-standing barriers in the traditional financial system. By simplifying the exchange processes between mainstream fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies, we are opening new pathways for global cross-border transactions. This is particularly crucial for emerging markets, where local currencies may face severe fluctuations and remittances are a vital pillar of capital flow.

Taking Latin America as an example, the current global financial system, especially the dollar-dominated situation, leads to unnecessary friction and dependence. Blockchain-based markets are helping businesses and consumers bypass the constraints of traditional banks, building smoother cross-border B2B and B2C relationships. Instant settlements for merchants effectively lower the payment threshold for international clients.

These transformative impacts are far-reaching. Local businesses in Latin America and other emerging markets can conduct traditional transactions efficiently at very low costs, allowing them to reinvest saved time and resources into expanding their core business.

Revolutionary Cross-Border Potential

Through deep integration with APIs, exporters in Colombia can conveniently display products on e-commerce platforms while receiving payments from buyers in Brazil or Mexico. This synergy greatly simplifies cross-border logistics processes and effectively avoids high wire transfer fees, currency fluctuations, and complex compliance challenges.

Each integration point creates a local asset liquidity network that conveniently connects with the global economic system. Ultimately, this will form a supply chain driven by Web3 technology, greatly simplifying the circulation of goods between regions. Developers can build layered solutions on this basis, achieving an organic integration of local regulations and robust on-chain protocols. Merchants will enjoy benefits such as real-time settlement, reduced operating costs, and the expansion of new customer bases. In short, we are unleashing the enormous potential of cross-border commerce in unprecedented ways while achieving seamless global coverage.

Conclusion: Building the Future of Finance

As more regions and merchants connect to the IOST network, IOST 3.0 is building a mainstream application ecosystem dominated by blockchain transactions. Our strategic roadmap lays a solid foundation for regulatory compliance, a frictionless user experience, and an overall trust system. By continuously iterating innovative solutions, deepening local partnerships, and actively empowering the global developer community, we hope to benefit local businesses and the general public, allowing them to reap the benefits of digital finance transformation.

With this momentum and continuous interaction and collaboration with partners, users, and regulators, IOST 3.0 is fully prepared—moving forward, we will build a payment settlement ecosystem that maintains excellent standards in security, compliance, and operability to actively respond to the emerging challenges and demands of the market.

Introduction to IOST

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, IOST has received support from top global investment institutions, including Sequoia Capital, Matriy, and ZhenFund.

Currently, IOST has developed a decentralized Web3 payment network through PayPIN. Based on IOST 3.0, PayPIN utilizes chain abstraction layers, DID, and unified payment protocols to achieve seamless cross-chain payments and multi-chain asset management.

Official Website: iost.io

Block Explorer: iostscan.com

Link3: link3.to/iost

Zendesk: iost.zendesk.com

IOST Chinese Community X: x.com/IOST_CN

IOST Chinese Community Telegram: t.me/IOSTChina

IOST Chinese Community Medium: medium.com/iost-cn

The Development Path of IOST: Roadmap and Vision was originally published in IOST_CN on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.