Uniswap has made a strategic entry into the X Layer, a layer-2 blockchain developed by the cryptocurrency exchange OKX, positioning itself as the preferred decentralized exchange for this growing network. This integration marks a significant milestone as OKX seeks to enhance its decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.
With the launch in 2024, X Layer operates as an Ethereum Virtual Machine-compatible network, serving as essential infrastructure for OKX’s various DeFi applications. This newly formed partnership allows users on X Layer to access Uniswap’s extensive markets, including various crypto token pairs and liquidity pools. Notably, transactions will be executed at layer-2 costs, and Uniswap Labs will not impose any fees on users, as confirmed in communications with Cointelegraph.
Uniswap is recognized as one of the largest and most utilized decentralized exchanges in the crypto realm, currently boasting approximately $4.4 billion in total value locked, as reported by DefiLlama. Hayden Adams, the founder of Uniswap Labs, expressed optimism regarding the new integration, stating that it is likely to boost both activity and liquidity on the platform.
An OKX spokesperson highlighted that this collaboration is a pivotal part of the company’s “phase two” strategy, which aims to deepen partnerships with major DeFi protocols and strengthen its core infrastructure. This expansion reflects a broader trend among exchanges that are keen on bridging on-chain activities with their centralized user bases.
The move follows similar initiatives in the industry. In February 2023, Coinbase introduced Base, an Ethereum layer-2 blockchain designed to afford developers a secure and cost-effective environment for developing decentralized applications. By early 2024, Base had gained substantial traction among decentralized exchange traders, surpassing other networks, including Ethereum and Arbitrum, and claiming about 80% of Uniswap’s monthly active traders by January 2024.
In another notable development, crypto exchange Gate.io announced the launch of Gate Layer in September 2025, a layer-2 network constructed on the OP Stack and protected by GateChain. This initiative was presented as the cornerstone of Gate.io’s DeFi ecosystem, which intends to unveil on-chain trading as well as liquidity products as a part of its broader Web3 strategy.
As the landscape of decentralized finance continues to evolve, the integration of major exchange platforms with layer-2 solutions signifies a crucial step toward enhancing user experience and expanding the accessibility of DeFi products. The partnership between Uniswap and OKX is likely to serve as a catalyst for further innovation and growth in the decentralized finance space.
