In a major strategic expansion for decentralized finance, the Uniswap protocol has officially launched on X Layer, the Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain developed by cryptocurrency exchange OKX. The integration, confirmed on January 16, 2026, fundamentally expands access to one of DeFi's most prominent decentralized exchanges, allowing X Layer users to utilize Uniswap's automated market maker for token swaps and liquidity provision.
The deployment is Uniswap v3 and follows a successful governance process where Uniswap DAO token holders approved the move via a temperature check and snapshot vote. The integration is technically seamless due to X Layer's status as an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible chain built using Polygon's Chain Development Kit (CDK) as a zkEVM zero-knowledge rollup.
A key user benefit is the elimination of Uniswap interface fees on X Layer, coupled with extremely low transaction costs. Swaps on the network can cost as little as $0.01, paid in the chain's native gas token, OKB. This is a stark contrast to Ethereum mainnet fees, which can range from $10 to $50+. Transaction finality occurs in under 2 seconds.
The launch provides immediate access to core markets on X Layer, including native trading pairs for xBTC, USDT, and the stablecoin USDG. OKX has likely facilitated initial liquidity bootstrapping for major pairs to ensure a positive user experience with minimal slippage.
Strategically, this move is significant for the competitive Layer 2 landscape. For X Layer, which launched in 2024, securing a flagship DeFi application like Uniswap is a major coup that elevates its profile and can attract other complementary protocols. For Uniswap, it represents further distribution, protocol fee diversification, and an entry into OKX's large, established exchange user base.
The integration allows users to access Uniswap on X Layer directly through the Uniswap web app (app.uniswap.org), wallet, and trading API by simply connecting a self-custody wallet like MetaMask configured for the X Layer network. This deployment follows Uniswap's existing presence on other Layer 2 networks like Arbitrum, Optimism, and Polygon.
Analysts note that the partnership aligns with broader trends of exchanges building integrated ecosystems, but the introduction of a dominant, neutral protocol like Uniswap offers users choice within OKX's ecosystem. The move is seen as part of a wider push to blend centralized exchange access with decentralized trading infrastructure, making sophisticated DeFi tools more accessible and efficient for a global audience.
