The future of fintech is increasingly tied to custom blockchain infrastructure, and according to experts at OP Labs, nearly every major cryptocurrency exchange and fintech platform will operate its own blockchain within the next five years.
This shift is being driven by the success of Base, a Layer-2 (L2) blockchain developed by Coinbase using Optimism’s OP Stack, which allows Ethereum-compatible blockchains to operate faster and at lower cost.
Base’s Success Sparks Industry-Wide Shift
Base has quickly become one of the top L2 networks by total value locked (TVL). It allows Coinbase users to move assets like Bitcoin to Base and borrow USDC against them, enabling new lending and borrowing opportunities without leaving the platform.
“Holding dormant crypto in custody has become expensive and inefficient,” says OP Labs’ leadership. Layer-2 solutions offer a way to monetize and utilize those assets more effectively.
Optimism’s OP Stack Powers the Movement
Built on Ethereum, Optimistic rollups like Base and Kraken’s new ‘Ink’ chain enable high-speed, low-cost transactions by processing them off-chain and only submitting final results to Ethereum’s Layer-1 for security.
Optimism’s modular architecture envisions a “Superchain” network, where different blockchains can interoperate seamlessly — similar to navigating between websites on a browser.
“Users will be able to switch between different chains as easily as clicking a link,” OP Labs noted.
Fintech Joins the Blockchain Revolution
In addition to crypto exchanges like Kraken, Bybit, OKX, and Bitget, fintech firms such as Robinhood are actively exploring launching their own Layer-2 chains to reduce transaction fees and improve scalability.
This move also helps address long-standing inefficiencies in crypto custody. Unlike equities, where firms earn revenue through lending behind the scenes, crypto has traditionally incurred high costs just for secure storage.
“With custom L2 chains, crypto can evolve to become more dynamic and profitable for both platforms and users,” McIngvale explained.
The Next Era of Crypto UX
The user experience is also evolving. While early crypto adopters tolerated slow speeds and high fees, today’s users demand instant confirmations and minimal costs. L2 blockchains built by fintech firms aim to deliver just that.
With mass adoption of OP Stack-based chains, the future of decentralized finance may be shaped by individually operated, interconnected blockchains across the fintech and exchange landscape.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss