What is zkLink (ZKL)?

Deep Dive

1. Purpose & Value Proposition

zkLink addresses liquidity fragmentation across blockchains by aggregating assets from Ethereum Layer 2s (like Optimism, Arbitrum) and Layer 1s into a single Layer 3 rollup. This allows users to trade, lend, or borrow assets across chains without bridging, reducing costs and complexity. For example, ApeX Omni uses zkLink X to enable cross-margin trading with hidden order sizes via ZK proofs.

2. Technology & Architecture

zkLink combines zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) with a modular rollup design:
- zkLink Nova: A Layer 3 zkEVM rollup that consolidates liquidity from Ethereum L2s, using ETH as gas but allowing ZKL for discounted fees.
- zkLink X: A customizable scaling engine letting developers deploy app-specific rollups with shared liquidity.
This architecture compresses transaction data into ZK proofs, enabling high throughput (10,000+ TPS) while maintaining Ethereum-level security.

3. Tokenomics & Governance

The ZKL token (1B max supply) serves three roles:
- Gas Discounts: Users pay fees in ZKL for up to 30% savings on Nova.
- Governance: Holders vote on upgrades via Snapshot, with proposals initially limited to core contributors.
- Infrastructure Access: Developers stake ZKL to deploy App Rollups on zkLink X.

Conclusion

zkLink positions itself as a liquidity unification layer for multi-chain ecosystems, leveraging ZK-proofs to balance scalability and security. Its dual-product approach (Nova for users, X for builders) could streamline cross-chain DeFi – but can it attract enough integrations to offset Ethereum’s own scaling advancements?