1inch, a decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator, has launched a new cross-chain swap feature that enables direct asset transfers between the Solana network and over 12 Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) chains, eliminating the need for bridges or messaging protocols. This innovation, announced on Tuesday, is available across 1inch’s decentralized application (DApp), wallet, and Fusion+ API. The feature, described as “industry-first native decentralized crosschain swaps,” leverages 1inch’s Fusion+ architecture, adapted for Solana’s environment, to enable secure, MEV-protected swaps [1].

The upgrade marks a significant step toward 1inch’s long-term vision of a unified DeFi experience. According to co-founder Sergej Kunz, the DeFi space is currently fragmented into isolated liquidity pools, each tied to a specific chain’s tools and user experience. By enabling direct swaps between Solana and EVM chains, 1inch aims to remove one of the largest barriers in the space and make chain choice irrelevant for end-users. Users, Kunz noted, are increasingly focused on securing the best rates and the highest level of security, regardless of where liquidity is located [1].

The system operates through a combination of 1inch’s Dutch Auction settlement model and chain-specific escrow contracts, allowing cross-chain orders to be executed trustlessly by resolvers. This approach ensures that liquidity remains in its native ecosystem while still being swappable across chains, thus creating more efficient markets for both Solana and EVM ecosystems without the need for centralized custody or additional token layers [1].

1inch launched Solana compatibility at the end of April, and the new cross-chain swap feature follows this integration. Users can now trade Solana-based tokens directly within the 1inch DApp, with the Fusion+ feature aggregating the best swap rates across multiple DeFi platforms. The release emphasizes user safety by bypassing third-party bridges and messaging protocols, reducing exposure to MEV attacks [2].

Despite its rapid expansion and significant volume—$13.9 billion in 30-day trading volume—1inch’s native token, 1INCH, has struggled to regain momentum this cycle. The token, which launched in December 2020 at $2.36 and reached an all-time high of $7.45, currently trades at $0.24, reflecting a 96% decline [2]. However, the company remains optimistic about the future of multichain DeFi, with Kunz predicting that within two to three years, a fully interoperable DeFi stack could emerge where chain-agnostic protocols enable seamless liquidity flow between networks [1].

Looking ahead, 1inch aims to expand the reach and utility of its cross-chain capabilities, further solidifying its position as a leader in decentralized trading. As the DeFi ecosystem continues to evolve, the platform’s ability to offer secure, efficient, and MEV-protected swaps may play a key role in shaping the next phase of blockchain-based financial services.

Source: [1] 1inch launches Solana-to-EVM crosschain swaps without … (https://cointelegraph.com/news/1inch-solana-evm-crosschain-swaps-no-bridges) [2] 1inch Unveils Solana Integration for Cross-Chain Swaps (https://thedefiant.io/news/defi/1inch-unveils-solana-integration-for-cross-chain-swaps)