In a strategic move to enhance its decentralized finance (DeFi) offerings, OKX has integrated Uniswap into its X Layer, a layer-2 blockchain developed by the exchange. This collaboration establishes Uniswap as the primary decentralized exchange on the X Layer network, reflecting OKX's drive to deepen its involvement in the DeFi space. By incorporating Uniswap, X Layer users gain direct access to a wide range of crypto token pairs and liquidity pools, benefiting from cost-effective, layer-2 transaction fees. Notably, Uniswap Labs imposes no additional fees for these transactions.
X Layer, launched in 2024, is designed to be compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine and serves as a pivotal infrastructure component for OKX's DeFi applications. The network seamlessly integrates with OKX's existing wallet and exchange services, enabling users to transfer assets efficiently into the layer-2 ecosystem.
Uniswap, renowned as one of the largest decentralized exchanges, currently holds approximately $4.4 billion in total value locked, as reported by DefiLlama. Hayden Adams, the founder of Uniswap Labs, highlighted that this integration is set to boost Uniswap’s activity and liquidity significantly.
According to Star Xu, founder and CEO of OKX, this integration is a fundamental element of the company's second phase in a broader three-phase rollout plan. This phase emphasizes the integration of key DeFi protocols and the strengthening of core infrastructure.
The pursuit of linking onchain activity with centralized user bases is becoming increasingly popular among exchanges. For instance, in early 2023, Coinbase introduced Base, its own Ethereum layer-2 blockchain. Designed to offer developers a cost-effective and secure environment for decentralized application development, Base quickly gained traction among decentralized exchange traders. By early 2024, it had surpassed other networks like Ethereum and Arbitrum, capturing around 80% of Uniswap’s monthly active traders, as per Token Terminal data.
Similarly, in September 2025, Gate.io launched Gate Layer, a layer-2 network built on the OP Stack and secured by GateChain. This move was part of Gate.io’s strategy to establish a solid foundation for its DeFi ecosystem, focusing on onchain trading and liquidity solutions as part of its Web3 ambitions.
As the DeFi landscape continues to evolve, these developments underscore the growing trend of exchanges fortifying their presence in the decentralized finance sector through innovative layer-2 solutions.