dYdX Chain

dYdX Chain is a Cosmos-based Layer 1 network custom-built to power the next generation of decentralized trading. Unlike typical rollups or appchains, dYdX Chain runs its own validator set and orderbook-based matching engine, giving users true performance without compromising decentralization.

$DYDX is used for staking, governance, and gas fees — bringing utility and alignment across the entire network.

Why it matters

dYdX Chain was built to solve a key challenge: how to deliver a centralized exchange-like experience, with the transparency and security of DeFi. With ultra-low latency, full decentralization, and control over the entire stack, dYdX Chain enables pro-level trading at scale.

For finance teams, it unlocks a new layer of complexity — validator economics, protocol revenue, cross-chain bridges — all of which need to be accounted for with precision.

4 Key Features of dYdX Chain

1. App-Specific Cosmos Layer 1

Designed from the ground up to serve high-frequency trading, running its own Tendermint-based validator set for performance and finality.

2. Off-Chain Orderbook, On-Chain Settlement

Optimized for speed — orders match off-chain, but all trades settle on-chain for transparency and accountability.

3. $DYDX Staking and Rewards

Delegators and validators earn a share of protocol fees, paid in USDC — introducing recurring income streams for contributors.

4. Full Decentralization

Unlike dYdX v3, there’s no central operator. The chain, protocol, and governance are fully decentralized and community-controlled.

Accounting on dYdX Chain is different

Running a validator? Earning fees? Bridging in capital? Here’s where finance teams face new challenges:

• Protocol fees are distributed in USDC, requiring cross-asset tracking

• Validator rewards fluctuate, based on trading volume and uptime

• Bridging between Ethereum and dYdX Chain adds reconciliation overhead

• Off-chain vs on-chain logic can cause confusion when tracking realized activity

Integral ingests every on-chain transaction, classifies validator rewards, bridge flows, and token usage — giving your team clean books without the manual lift.