Across Protocol (ACX)

Cross-Chain Transfers

Across Protocol enables fast, low-cost, and secure transfers of tokens and assets between different blockchain networks, especially between Ethereum mainnet and Layer 2 solutions.

Intents-Based Interoperability

It uses an "intents" system where users specify desired outcomes rather than explicit steps, allowing relayers to find the best execution path. This improves user experience and reduces complexity in cross-chain operations.

Capital Efficiency

Across Protocol uses a single liquidity pool and competitive relayers to optimize capital use, enabling near-instant transfers with minimal fees and no slippage.

Developer Integration

Developers can embed standard order structures in their dApps to create seamless cross-chain experiences without building complex bridge logic themselves.

Security and Verification

The protocol is secured by UMA’s optimistic oracle, which verifies transactions efficiently and resolves disputes through a decentralized process, ensuring correctness without slowing down transfers.

Use in DeFi and dApps

Across Protocol supports decentralized finance applications by enabling instant asset transfers and cross-chain interactions, helping developers build interoperable dApps with better user experience.

Pros

• Fast and Efficient Cross-Chain Transfers: Across Protocol enables quick transactions between different blockchains using an optimistic oracle and bonded relayers.
• Capital Efficiency: Uses a single liquidity pool and a no-slippage fee model, which helps reduce costs and improve liquidity.
• Security: Employs UMA’s optimistic oracle and has been audited by OpenZeppelin, enhancing trustworthiness.
• User and Developer Friendly: Connects users to decentralized apps (dapps) via intents, simplifying cross-chain experiences without complex message passing.
• Community Ownership: The protocol supports decentralized governance through its ACX token, allowing token holders to participate in decision-making.
• Low Fees: Liquidity provider fees range from 0.06% to 0.12%, which is competitive in the cross-chain bridge space.

Cons

• Limited Supported Assets and Networks: Currently supports a select number of tokens and blockchains, which may limit use cases.
• Relayer Dependency: Uses third-party relayers to facilitate transfers, which could affect speed or availability depending on relayer performance.
• Market Performance: ACX token has shown some price volatility and underperformance compared to some other crypto assets.
• Community Effort Required: Being a crypto-native community project, active participation is needed to shape governance and growth, which may not suit all users.

For more details, visit Across Protocol website.

Founders

Across Protocol was co-founded by Hart Lambur and Allison Lu. Hart Lambur is also known for co-founding Risk Labs, the team behind the UMA protocol, which supports Across Protocol.

Team Roles

Hart Lambur serves as a co-founder and key figure in the project, while Allison Lu is also a co-founder involved in the protocol's development and community.

These founders helped build Across Protocol as a fast, secure, and cost-efficient cross-chain bridge connecting Ethereum and Layer 2 networks.

Lead Investors

Paradigm led the $41 million token sale round for Across Protocol.

Other Major Investors

Bain Capital Crypto, Coinbase Ventures, Multicoin Capital, and angel investor Sina Habinian also participated in the funding round.

Early Investors

Hack VC, Placeholder, and Blockchain Capital invested $10 million in a previous private token sale using a Success Tokens structure.

Token Allocation

• Risk Labs Treasury holds 195 million ACX tokens, mostly allocated to team members under vesting agreements.
• Seed investors received 110 million ACX tokens.
• Other investors hold about 110.6 million ACX tokens with lockup agreements.

These investors support Across Protocol’s mission to improve Ethereum interoperability and cross-chain bridging.

Halal Status of Across Protocol

• Yes, Across Protocol is generally considered halal because it functions as a blockchain interoperability protocol without involving interest (riba), gambling, or other impermissible activities.
• It focuses on secure, fast, and low-cost cross-chain transactions, similar to other blockchain projects that many scholars consider halal.
• However, as with all cryptocurrencies, individual use and specific financial activities (like lending or margin trading) should align with Islamic principles.

For a definitive ruling, consulting a qualified Islamic scholar familiar with crypto is recommended.