Decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator 1inch Network has taken a major step forward in enhancing cross-chain trading efficiency by integrating ZKsync, a leading Ethereum layer-2 scaling solution. This integration is designed to deliver faster, more cost-effective transactions for users swapping assets across blockchain networks—without compromising security or decentralization.
The move aligns with growing demand for seamless interoperability in the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. As users increasingly navigate multiple blockchains for yield, trading, and asset management, tools that simplify cross-chain operations while minimizing fees and slippage are becoming essential.
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Seamless Cross-Chain Swaps Powered by Fusion+
With this update, 1inch users can now execute cross-chain swaps involving ZKsync Era directly through the platform. Unlike traditional bridge-dependent methods, which often involve high gas costs, long wait times, and security risks, 1inch leverages its proprietary Fusion+ technology to enable trust-minimized, bridgeless transactions.
Fusion+ was launched in beta in September 2024 and has already facilitated millions of dollars in trading volume. By aggregating liquidity not only within individual chains but also across them, 1inch optimizes routing paths to ensure users receive the best possible exchange rates.
Sergej Kunz, co-founder of 1inch Network, emphasized the strategic importance of this integration:
"With bridgeless, trust-minimized cross-chain swaps now available on ZKsync Era, 1inch expects a notable uptick in trading volumes and user adoption."
This approach eliminates the need for users to lock funds in third-party bridges—a common attack vector in DeFi. Instead, transactions are settled using cryptographic coordination between relayers (known as “resolvers”) who compete to offer optimal pricing.
How Resolver-Based Fee Model Reduces Costs
One of the standout innovations behind 1inch’s cross-chain functionality is its resolver-based fee model. In traditional setups, users bear the full cost of network fees when bridging assets between chains. With 1inch’s system, these costs are instead covered by resolvers.
To qualify as a resolver, participants must stake 1INCH tokens, creating an economic incentive to act honestly and efficiently. Resolvers compete to process swaps at the lowest effective cost, passing savings directly to end users.
This mechanism results in:
- Lower effective transaction fees
- Faster settlement finality
- Improved price execution
- Reduced exposure to bridge-related exploits
As Kunz noted:
"Lower fees, faster finality, and enhanced security should attract both seasoned DeFi users and newcomers, fueling broader market participation and liquidity growth across the 1inch ecosystem."
Why ZKsync? Speed, Security, and Scalability
ZKsync stands out among Ethereum layer-2 solutions due to its use of zero-knowledge (ZK) rollup technology, which bundles hundreds of off-chain transactions into a single proof verified on Ethereum’s mainnet. This architecture preserves Ethereum’s robust security while dramatically reducing gas fees and increasing throughput.
Key advantages of ZKsync include:
- Up to 90% lower gas fees compared to Ethereum mainnet
- Near-instant transaction finality
- Native support for EVM-compatible smart contracts
- Strong developer adoption and ecosystem growth
According to its public roadmap, ZKsync aims to scale to 10,000 transactions per second (TPS) and is actively researching fee-abstraction mechanisms that could one day eliminate user-paid gas entirely.
The network’s growing institutional appeal was recently highlighted when Swiss banking giant UBS announced it was testing ZKsync’s layer-2 technology for a gold-backed financial product—signaling deeper interest from traditional finance (TradFi) institutions in ZK-powered blockchain infrastructure.
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Expanding the DeFi Horizon: Interoperability Meets Efficiency
The integration of ZKsync into 1inch’s aggregation network represents more than just a technical upgrade—it reflects a broader shift toward interoperable DeFi. Users no longer want to be siloed within individual blockchains; they expect fluid movement of capital across ecosystems like Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon, and now ZKsync.
By removing friction from cross-chain swaps, 1inch strengthens its position as a go-to platform for traders seeking optimal liquidity and execution quality. The combination of low-latency settlements on ZKsync and intelligent routing via Fusion+ creates a powerful synergy for active DeFi participants.
Moreover, this development lowers the barrier to entry for new users who may have previously been deterred by high fees or complex multi-step bridging processes. A smoother onboarding experience means increased adoption—and ultimately, greater decentralization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a DEX aggregator?
A: A DEX aggregator scans multiple decentralized exchanges across various blockchains to find the best available prices for token swaps. It routes trades through optimal paths to minimize slippage and maximize returns for users.
Q: How does 1inch achieve bridgeless cross-chain swaps?
A: Using its Fusion+ protocol, 1inch enables direct asset transfers between chains without relying on traditional bridges. Instead, staked resolvers facilitate swaps through cryptographic coordination and shared liquidity pools.
Q: Is ZKsync secure?
A: Yes. ZKsync uses zero-knowledge proofs to validate transactions off-chain while anchoring security to Ethereum’s mainnet. This ensures high scalability without sacrificing trust assumptions.
Q: Do I need to pay extra fees to use ZKsync on 1inch?
A: No. In fact, users typically experience lower effective costs because resolvers absorb network fees in exchange for swap volume incentives. You only pay the quoted price for your trade.
Q: Can I swap any token on ZKsync via 1inch?
A: Most major ERC-20 tokens supported on ZKsync are available for swapping. Availability depends on liquidity depth and protocol compatibility.
Q: What role does the 1INCH token play in this system?
A: The 1INCH token is used for staking by resolvers who facilitate cross-chain swaps. Staking ensures accountability and aligns incentives for honest behavior within the network.
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Final Thoughts
The integration of ZKsync into 1inch Network marks a pivotal advancement in cross-chain DeFi infrastructure. By combining cutting-edge zero-knowledge scaling with intelligent aggregation and resolver-driven economics, 1inch delivers a user-centric solution that addresses some of the most pressing pain points in multi-chain trading.
As layer-2 ecosystems continue to mature and interconnect, platforms like 1inch will play an increasingly vital role in unifying liquidity, improving capital efficiency, and driving mainstream adoption.
For traders, developers, and institutions alike, the future of DeFi lies not in isolated blockchains—but in seamless, secure, and scalable interoperability. And with tools like 1inch’s Fusion+ leading the charge, that future is already unfolding.
Core Keywords: DEX aggregator, 1inch Network, ZKsync, cross-chain swaps, Ethereum layer-2, Fusion+ technology, bridgeless swaps, zero-knowledge rollups