LayerZero
Cross-chain messaging protocol enabling communication between different blockchains.
LayerZero is an omnichain interoperability protocol enabling smart contracts to communicate between different blockchains without a centralized bridging service.
How it works:
•Ultra Light Node (ULN) — compact proof on origin chain
•Oracle + Relayer system — independent message verifiers
•End result: message/token crosses chain without centralized custodian
Key differences from standard bridges:
•Standard bridge: lock on A, mint wrapped on B (custodial)
•LayerZero: direct message, no locked funds in multisig
•Smaller attack surface (no centralized smart contract treasury)
Omnichain fungible tokens (OFT):
•Token that lives "between" all chains
•Burn at source, mint at destination
•Stargate Finance — LayerZero DEX for cross-chain liquidity
Ecosystem:
•Supports 50+ blockchains (Ethereum, BSC, Avalanche, Solana, Aptos...)
•$ZRO token — governance, 2024 airdrop
•STG (Stargate) — liquidity protocol on LayerZero
Risks:
•Oracle compromise = cross-chain hack possible
•Smart contract complexity