Deep Dive
1. Flashblocks Implementation (June 2025)
Overview: Avantis integrated flashblocks—a low-latency transaction processing system—to rival CEX speeds. This upgrade targeted high-frequency traders by reducing order execution times to sub-second levels.
Developed in collaboration with Base engineers, flashblocks optimize block space allocation for derivatives trades. Early testing showed a 7.8x improvement in throughput, critical for handling Avantis’ $1.5B monthly ZFP volume.
What this means: This is bullish for AVNT because faster execution reduces slippage, attracting professional traders and increasing protocol fees. (Source)
2. Zero-Fee Perpetuals Expansion (Q4 2025)
Overview: The protocol expanded its zero-fee perpetuals (ZFP) model to 100% of its asset portfolio, including RWAs like tokenized equities.
Originally limited to BTC/ETH/SOL, ZFP now covers 80+ markets. Market makers receive subsidies from protocol revenues instead of user fees, narrowing spreads by ~15% post-upgrade.
What this means: This is neutral for AVNT—while increased trading activity boosts revenue, subsidy costs could pressure short-term tokenomics if volume stagnates.
3. RWA Infrastructure Upgrade (Q3 2025)
Overview: Avantis launched MetaTrader 5 (MT5) integration for institutional-grade RWA trading terminals, supporting forex and commodities.
The upgrade introduced dynamic collateral pools allowing cross-margining between crypto and traditional assets. Open interest for oil/gold perpetuals grew 214% in Q4.
What this means: This is bullish for AVNT as bridging TradFi markets could unlock billions in institutional capital, directly tying RWA adoption to token utility.
Conclusion
Avantis’ codebase prioritizes scalability (flashblocks), accessibility (ZFP), and cross-market interoperability (RWA upgrades). These changes position AVNT as infrastructure for both crypto-native and traditional traders. Will protocol revenues outpace subsidy costs as adoption scales?