Messari Analyst: Chain Abstraction Will Meet Current Needs for Cross-Chain Experiences and Liquidity Aggregation

Messari analyst Kinji Steimetz explores trends in chain abstraction in his latest report. The cryptocurrency industry often focuses on the endgame of infrastructure and applications, but misses the importance of timing. Focusing on the endgame means building for future needs, not current ones.

Chain abstraction addresses the current needs of users for cross-chain experiences and liquidity aggregation, as well as the future needs of protocols deciding which chains and applications to use. Currently, 90% of DeFi activity is focused on seven blockchains, including Ethernet, Solana, Base, and Arbitrum, and users have clear preferences for specific blockchains and applications.

Likely directions for chain abstraction over the next two to three years include the integration of cross-chain bridges with cross-chain messaging, intent-based applications, and the commoditization of messaging protocols.