Uniswap launched cross-chain swaps in one click: exchange of tokens between L2 without bridges

The decentralized exchange Uniswap has rolled out a revolutionary update to its web interface and mobile application – cross-chain swaps based on the Intents architecture and the open standard ERC-7683. Now cryptans no longer need to manually switch networks in their wallet, look for verified cross-chain bridges and pay exorbitant fees to transfer liquidity between Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, Polygon and the Ethereum mainnet.

Why is the new system safer than classic cross-chain bridges?

For years, traditional bridges remained the most vulnerable point in crypto: smart contracts for blocking tokens were regularly hacked by hackers, stealing hundreds of millions of dollars. Uniswap used a model of fillers and market makers. The user simply signs an exchange request (for example, give USDC on the Base network and receive ARB on the Arbitrum network), and professional fillers instantly pay out the required tokens to the target network from their liquidity. The user does not risk freezing funds in the bridge contract and receives tokens in a couple of seconds.

How does paying for gas in any token work without topping up the native balance?

The main pain of any active user of L2 networks is the need to constantly keep some native ETH on their balance to pay for gas. In the new Uniswap system, the commission for executing a cross-chain transaction is calculated in advance and is automatically deducted from the volume of the exchanged token. If you exchange a memcoin on Base for a stablecoin on Arbitrum, you will not need to search for ETH for the fee on both networks – the transaction takes place in one click.

How will this make memcoin trading and ecosystem activity easier?

For traders and drop hunters, the speed of capital movement is critical. Previously, transferring funds between networks through official bridges could take from 15 minutes to several hours, which is why many missed profitable entry points during hype and pumps. Instant cross-chain swaps allow you to fly into hot tokens and profit pools in any supported network without unnecessary commissions and technical difficulties.