Deep Dive
1. Across Shop Launch (Near-term)
Overview: The team has teased that something is "coming soon to the Across shop" (Across). While details are scarce, this typically indicates a move to launch branded merchandise, NFTs, or other community-centric products. Such initiatives aim to strengthen brand loyalty and create new engagement channels beyond core protocol usage.
What this means: This is neutral for ACX as it focuses on community building rather than direct protocol utility. It could generate minor revenue and increase brand visibility, but the primary price drivers remain network usage and technical upgrades.
2. Across V4 Expansion & Integrations (Ongoing)
Overview: The core technical focus is the continued rollout and adoption of Across V4. This major upgrade introduces a zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) architecture, enabling faster, more secure expansion to non-EVM chains like Solana and Monad, where it is already live (Across, Across). The roadmap involves deepening existing partnerships (e.g., Uniswap, PancakeSwap) and onboarding new dApps to use Across as their embedded cross-chain engine.
What this means: This is bullish for ACX because each new integration drives transaction volume and fees, directly increasing the protocol's utility and value accrual potential. The shift to a universal ZK verification model reduces integration overhead, making Across more competitive against bridges like LayerZero and Wormhole.
3. Governance & Treasury Management Upgrades (2026)
Overview: Following 2025's allegations of treasury mismanagement, a key upcoming focus is likely to be governance reforms. The DAO may see proposals for enhanced transparency measures, clearer vesting schedules for team grants, and strategic allocation of the remaining treasury funds (52.5% of total supply) to fuel ecosystem growth, as outlined in the original tokenomics (Across).
What this means: This is bullish for ACX if executed well, as robust governance restores investor confidence and ensures long-term resources are deployed efficiently. However, it is bearish if the community remains divided or if proposals fail to address past transparency issues, perpetuating uncertainty.
Conclusion
Across Protocol's immediate trajectory is defined by commercializing its community, technically scaling via V4, and maturing its governance—a balanced mix of growth, utility, and risk management. Will successful execution of V4 integrations be enough to overcome the lingering governance overhang and drive sustained adoption?