Not only was Kraken's Layer 2 launched early, but it is also supported by numerous DeFi projects and Optimism from the outset.

Crypto exchange Kraken has officially launched its Layer 2 (L2) blockchain, Ink. This event occurred several months ahead of the original plan, as Kraken had initially scheduled the release for early 2025. The early launch highlights Kraken’s push to expand its ecosystem amid other exchanges developing their own custom Layer 2 solutions.


trợ tương tác chuỗi chéo giữa các blockchain.ChatGPT đã nói:ChatGPT

Ink is built using Optimism's OP Stack technology, a scalability solution for the Ethereum blockchain. The OP Stack is a customizable toolkit that enables the creation of interoperable Layer 2 solutions. This means that Ink can interact with other blockchains using OP Stack, such as Coinbase’s Base.

Prior to its official launch, Ink underwent a successful testnet phase, recording impressive numbers, including:

  • Over 8.17 million transactions processed.

  • More than 1.22 million wallet addresses engaged.

  • Over 90,600 tokens deployed on the network.

Ink’s ecosystem is also supported by strategic partners, including DeFi applications like Curve, Frax, Gelato, and LayerZero. The participation of these applications aims to enhance liquidity and encourage both users and developers to engage with Ink’s ecosystem.

Curve is a popular decentralized exchange (DEX) in DeFi, Frax is a stablecoin platform, Gelato provides Layer 2 infrastructure, and LayerZero facilitates cross-chain interoperability.


Kraken has announced that Ink will reach its Decentralization Stage (Stage 1) in January 2025. At this stage, the "permissionless fault proofs" mechanism will be activated. This mechanism allows anyone to audit and dispute potentially invalid transactions, thereby enhancing accountability and transparency within the network.

With the launch of Ink, Kraken is joining the trend of developing custom Layer 2 solutions, similar to other major exchanges. Coinbase's Base is a prominent example of the success of this model, with steady revenue since its launch. Additionally, Ink is among the blockchains built on Optimism's OP Stack, alongside notable projects like Sony's Soneium and World Chain.

After updating to the new token standard introduced by Optimism, users can now interact with and trade Superchain ERC20 tokens. This not only expands connectivity with other chains in the Superchain ecosystem but also provides access to popular DeFi products such as decentralized exchanges (DEX), lending platforms, cross-chain bridges, and liquid staking.


The current Ink ecosystem. Source: Ink

Before launching Ink, Kraken made several strategic changes. In October, Kraken announced a restructuring plan that included staff cuts, streamlining the management structure, and appointing Arjun Sethi as Co-CEO. This move helps Kraken optimize its operations and focus resources on long-term strategic projects, including the development of Ink.


The New York Times reported that Kraken reduced its workforce in October 2024. Source: The New York Times.


Ink represents Kraken's commitment to making crypto more accessible to everyone. We want to eliminate the barriers that once existed between the centralized (CEX) and decentralized (DEX) worlds.
-- Kraken --

Additionally, Kraken has received a grant of 25 million OP tokens from the Optimism Fund to support the development of Ink. This funding enables Kraken to implement OP Stack technology and accelerate the launch of Ink. The support from the Optimism Fund also reflects the community's confidence in the project.

#Layer2Coin #NewsAboutCrypto #MarketNewHype #INK #kraken
$BTC $ETH $SOL