LayerZero is a decentralised blockchain protocol designed to connect different blockchains so they can easily share information and assets. It helps developers build cross-chain applications, allowing tokens, messages, and data to move smoothly between networks like Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Avalanche. By removing the need for centralised bridges, LayerZero improves security and user experience in the Web3 space.
The protocol is built with interoperability at its core, meaning it’s designed to let different blockchains work together and share information easily. The goal is to make using multiple blockchains feel like using just one. Developers can build apps that work across all blockchains from a single codebase, instead of having to create and manage separate versions for each one.
It uses the ZRO token as a utility token for transaction fees, staking, and governance. With its decentralised design, LayerZero allows anyone to participate in the ecosystem and build apps that work across multiple blockchains.
Who created LayerZero?
LayerZero was founded in 2021 by Bryan Pellegrino, Ryan Zarick, and Caleb Banister with a mission to enable seamless communication between blockchains through one, unified interoperable system.
Bryan, a computer scientist and entrepreneur, Ryan, a full-stack engineer with expertise in distributed systems, and Caleb, a researcher with a background in cryptography, came together to build LayerZero as a secure, efficient protocol that connects blockchains without relying on centralised bridges.
The goal of LayerZero was to create a fully interoperable Web3 ecosystem by allowing developers to build cross-chain applications, enabling assets and messages to move freely across different blockchains.
How does LayerZero work?
LayerZero is a decentralised blockchain protocol that helps different blockchains connect and share information using a secure messaging system. Instead of relying on traditional bridges, LayerZero sends simple messages between blockchains directly. This allows developers to create decentralised applications (dApps) that work across multiple blockchains, making Web3 platforms more efficient and easier to use.
LayerZero does not rely on a single blockchain but supports many. It uses oracles and relayers to transfer data between blockchains in a trust-minimised way. This system reduces the risk of hacks common in traditional cross-chain bridges and allows users to move assets and information between blockchains with greater security and speed. Developers can also create omnichain applications, meaning apps that work on and across multiple chains at once.
With its focus on cross-chain communication, security, and decentralisation, LayerZero plays a crucial role in advancing the multi-chain future of Web3, allowing blockchains to work together more seamlessly than ever before.
What is LayerZero’s native cryptocurrency?
The native cryptocurrency of the LayerZero protocol is ZRO. It plays a key role in the ecosystem, where users can stake ZRO to support the network, pay for cross-chain messaging services, and potentially earn rewards. Developers use ZRO to build and operate decentralised applications that work across multiple blockchains through LayerZero’s infrastructure.
ZRO is also used for governance, allowing token holders to vote on important proposals that influence the protocol’s development. As LayerZero continues to expand its cross-chain capabilities, ZRO remains the core token for powering transactions, staking, and decentralised decision-making within the network.
Security incidents
LayerZero has experienced the following security incidents:
UltralightNode (ULNv1) Vulnerability (September 2022) Whitehat researchers discovered a bug in the first version of the protocol's UltralightNode. LayerZero Labs awarded a $250,000 bug bounty for the discovery, which was resolved before any exploitation occurred. Source: Medium
Backdoor Vulnerability Allegations (January 2023) The CTO of Nomad alleged that LayerZero's Endpoint and UltraLightNodeV2 contracts contained trusted-party vulnerabilities that could allow the LayerZero MultiSig to pass arbitrary messages without Relayer or Oracle sign-off. LayerZero’s CEO refuted these claims, stating they only applied to the protocol's default, configurable state. Source: Coindesk
The above list of incidents may not be exhaustive. As always, it’s important that you do your own research to ensure you’re comfortable with an asset’s associated risks before investing in it.
Token supply and concentration
LayerZero has a maximum supply of 1.00 billion ZRO. As of June 20, 2024, the top 10 wallet addresses on Ethereum collectively hold ~680.87 million ZRO (~68.10% of the maximum token supply).
Visit this external link to see the distribution among ZRO’s top token holders.
Tip
Keen to explore LayerZero a bit more? You can learn about ZRO basics and get all the latest cryptocurrency news on Luno Discover.
Want to know how to buy, sell, send, or receive ZRO? We’ve got answers in the following help articles:
This information is not intended to be nor does it constitute financial, tax, legal, investment or other advice; nor is it a call to trade. The information is intended as general market commentary for information purposes only. Before making any decision or taking any action regarding your finances, you should consult a qualified Financial Advisor.