Top 10 DeFi projects zkSync
DeFi is continually reshaping financial transactions on the blockchain, and the zkSync Era Mainnet has established itself as a vital entity in this swiftly changing environment. Unlike its Lite phase, where only a handful of DeFi applications operated on zkSync, the Mainnet phase has seen a robust ecosystem grow.
With an increasing number of projects launching, users are presented with exciting opportunities to earn potential future retroactive rewards. This piece delves into an analytical overview of ten leading projects that have made a noteworthy impact on zkSync.

1. zkSync Bridge

The zkSync Bridge surfaced as a key platform right after the inception of the zkSync Era. Serving as a bridge for cross-chain transfers, it rapidly became one of the top seven gas users on Ethereum.
This bridge essentially serves as the backbone for engaging with the zkSync network, acting as a crucial factor in securing potential retroactive rewards from initiatives like Arbitrum. It’s important to remember that due to the high volume of transactions, transfer durations can fluctuate significantly.
2. Syncswap

Syncswap one of the pioneering decentralized platforms on zkSync Era, offers extensive token swapping options. Users can convert their assets into various tokens like ETH, USDT, MATIC, BUSD, and BNB, among others. Moreover, users can add their liquidity in the 'Pool' section and earn passive income.
In March 2023, Syncswap introduced its token, motivating user participation through activities such as token swaps and liquidity farming. The platform displays earned SYNC tokens in the 'Rewards' section, promoting increased transaction activity.
3. Mute

Mute, a decentralized exchange on zkSync, facilitates liquidity provision and autonomous market making. It notably offers unique tokens that aren’t available on other zkSync exchanges, including WISP, zCULT, and ZKRICE, among others.
Mute not only enables users to track their holdings but also presents outstanding yields on liquidity pools, with certain pairs delivering returns exceeding 40% annually. Additionally, it has its own token, which plays a critical role in farming initiatives and the DAO framework, currently valued at $50 million.
Read more: A Closer Look at ZK Rollups and Optimistic Rollups: Layer 2 Solutions to Scale Ethereum
4. SpaseFI

SpaseFI is a versatile platform in the zkSync Era, combining elements of a DEX, NFT marketplace, Starter, and DAO. The exchange of tokens and liquidity provision remain core activities that could lead to potential retroactive rewards. With only a modest amount of funds locked, some farming programs can yield an astounding 650% returns.
Within its NFT marketplace, users can purchase NFTs themed around celestial bodies. By locking native SPASE tokens into the xSPASE block, they can participate in the DAO and earn staking rewards.
5. Nexon Finance

Nexon Finance offers a comprehensive suite of cryptocurrency lending and borrowing options, allowing lenders to deposit their assets and earn interest. Currently, it facilitates transactions involving ETH and USDC, with a total liquidity locked volume of $3.5 million.
The platform features a Loan-To-Value (LTV) ratio reaching up to 80%, indicating the ratio of borrowed funds compared to the collateral locked.
Nexon Finance comes with additional features, including:
- Flexible Repayment Options : Borrowers may have the option to pay back their loans at their convenience, or there might be a minimum holding period.
- Smart Contracts : Like many DeFi platforms, Nexon Finance likely employs smart contracts to automate the lending process, ensuring secure and transparent transactions without the need for third parties.
- Risk Mitigation : The platform probably includes strategies to manage the price volatility risks of the involved cryptocurrencies. For example, a significant drop in collateral value might trigger liquidation procedures to safeguard lenders' interests.
- Regulatory Adherence : Depending on where it operates, Nexon Finance may be required to comply with specific financial regulations.
6. Maverick Protocol

Leading the charge in DeFi innovation, the Maverick Protocol is transforming the financial landscape with its pioneering Automated Market Maker (AMM). Tailored to meet the liquidity demands of traders, liquidity providers, DAO treasuries, and developers, Maverick brings forth an era of optimized market efficiency.
The Maverick AMM takes advantage of concentrated liquidity, which is automated to respond to price fluctuations. This automation enhances the capital efficiency, resulting in better market liquidity. Traders can enjoy more favorable prices, while liquidity providers benefit from increased fees. Additionally, liquidity providers are shielded from the high gas fees typically associated with modifying positions based on price changes.
In a bold move, Maverick enables liquidity providers to follow asset prices in one direction only. This approach resembles betting on the price trajectory of a specific token, akin to single-sided liquidity strategies. This ensures that liquidity providers may be significantly or entirely exposed to just one asset in the pool.
The Maverick Protocol's novel methodologies signal a transformative change in how smart contracts manage liquidity. Representing the pioneer of Dynamic Distribution AMM, Maverick streamlines liquidity strategies that would have previously required daily adjustments or metaprotocols.
Read more: An Introductory Guide to the zkSync Ecosystem
7. Velocore

Built on the strong framework established by Velodrome, Velocore has established a niche as the first and the optimal ve(3,3) DEX that operates across multiple chains. This innovative platform offers users a favorable trading environment marked by low fees and minimal slippage, while removing the necessity for protocols to inflate token rewards. The ultimate aim is to nurture a collaborative expansion of the broader DeFi ecosystem.
Velocore effectively resolves incentive misalignment issues, a challenge initially addressed by Solidly’s ve(3,3) model for protocols like Curve and SushiSwap. However, this solution did face its own hurdles, characterized by various inefficiencies and gaps.
As a revolutionary alternative, Velocore introduces a cutting-edge AMM model, in conjunction with a fluid voting framework via V2. This innovation transforms the trading landscape, addressing significant challenges and refining processes, thus setting a new benchmark for Decentralized Exchanges.
8. Symbiosis

Symbiosis is a pioneering decentralized exchange that aggregates liquidity across a myriad of blockchains, no matter if they utilize EVM technology. With Symbiosis, users can trade any token and effortlessly transfer their assets between different blockchains. The platform simplifies the process, allowing for seamless cross-chain operations with just one click, all while providing competitive exchange rates and transaction fees.
The Symbiosis protocol is carefully crafted to facilitate a hassle-free cross-chain trading experience, adhering to these key principles:
- Absolute Decentralization: Symbiosis functions without a central authority, ensuring no single entity can disrupt its operations or limit user access.
- Interoperability: Symbiosis aims to create a connection with every blockchain that garners significant market attention, aspiring to forge a unified bridge spanning all blockchains.
- Non-custodial: User funds remain secure, as no one – not even the Symbiosis team – can access them.
- Endless Cross-chain Liquidity: The protocol focuses on a broad spectrum of token pairs across all blockchains, ensuring the best prices for swaps between any given token pairs.
9. zkSwap Finance

zkSwap Finance shines as the top DEX and introduces the first Swap to Earn DeFi AMM within the zkSync Era framework. It has launched a distinctive incentive model that generously compensates both liquidity providers and traders, as well as offering enticing retroactive rewards for early adopters.
Operating on zkSync Era, Ethereum's Layer 2 solution, zkSwap Finance presents a unique and engaging approach where every contribution to the platform is cherished and rewarded. The user-centric design emphasizes the sustainable development of the overall ecosystem.
At its essence, zkSwap Finance transcends being merely a DEX. It embodies a DeFi initiative that acknowledges the contributions of its users, whether they be liquidity providers, traders, or early supporters. It seeks to foster a fair and rewarding environment for all participants while challenging the limits of what can be achieved in the DeFi realm.
Read more: ZK-SNARKs vs ZK-STARKs: Understanding the Differences in ZK-Proofs
10. zkSync id

zkSync id aims to revolutionize the concept of digital identity by creating a decentralized identity and login system that leverages zk rollup technology to facilitate secure, scalable, and efficient transactions.
Working synergistically with the zkSync era, zkSync id introduces an inventive platform where users can engage in trading unique collectible IDs, adding a distinctive layer of value to their digital identities. The platform is empowered by the robust capabilities of ZK rollups, allowing for rapid and secure transactions while greatly alleviating the computational burden on the Ethereum network.
The Leading 10 DeFi Initiatives Shaping zkSync and the Metaverse
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is continually redefining how financial transactions are conducted within the blockchain world, and the launch of the zkSync Era Mainnet has established its position as a vital component.
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Published on August 4, 2023, at 9:31 AM, with updates on May 28, 2024, at 10:13 AM.
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FAQ
shapes the landscape of financial operations in the blockchain realm, evolving into a significant participant in this changing environment. Unlike its earlier Lite phase, when only a handful of DeFi applications thrived on zkSync, the Mainnet phase has fostered a vibrant ecosystem.
quickly became a central application following the dawn of the zkSync Era. It has established itself as a key facilitator for cross-chain transfers, ranking as one of the top seven gas-utilizing platforms on Ethereum.
This bridge serves as a crucial link for users within the zkSync network, playing a vital role in acquiring potential retrodrops from projects like Arbitrum. However, it's essential to understand that due to high transaction volumes, transfer durations can vary widely.
In March 2023, Syncswap introduced its own token, spurring user participation through activities like token exchanges and liquidity farming. Users are able to view their earned SYNC tokens in the 'Rewards' section, which motivates greater transaction activity.
Mute allows users to monitor their assets effectively while presenting impressive yields in liquidity pools, with some pairings offering returns exceeding 40% annually. The platform also has a dedicated token that plays a crucial role in farming campaigns and the DAO governance mechanism, currently with a market cap of $50 million.
SpaseFI, a versatile platform within the zkSync Era, combines functionalities of a DEX, an NFT marketplace, a starter launchpad, and a DAO. Token exchanges and liquidity provision are core activities that may lead to rewarding retrodrops. With relatively low locked funds, certain farming initiatives can yield incredible returns of up to 650%.
Read more:
- In its NFT marketplace, users can acquire NFTs inspired by planets and celestial themes. By locking native SPASE tokens in the xSPASE block, they can participate in the DAO and earn rewards for staking.
- Nexon Finance offers an exhaustive range of services for cryptocurrency lending and borrowing, allowing lenders to deposit their assets to receive interest. Currently, it enables transactions involving ETH and USDC, with a total locked liquidity of $3.5 million.
- The platform features a Loan-To-Value (LTV) ratio that extends up to 80%, indicating the percentage of funds lent relative to the collateral that is locked.
But Nexon Finance has more to offer. It may include additional functionalities such as: Airdrops Calendar .
Disclaimer
In line with the Trust Project guidelines Flexible Repayment Options: Borrowers could have the freedom to settle their loans at their convenience, or there might be a minimum period for loan terms.