Decentralized exchange (DEX) PancakeSwap has unveiled one-click cross-chain swaps leveraging Across Protocol, aiming to solve a fundamental user experience (UX) challenge in decentralized finance (DeFi).

The integration allows users to swap assets seamlessly between BNB Chain, Arbitrum, and Base without using complex blockchain bridges or third-party infrastructure, thereby simplifying the process and minimizing associated fees.

Across’s intent-based transfer system enables users to simply define their desired outcome (e.g., swapping USDC on Base for WETH on Arbitrum), with a network of relayers competing to fulfill the transaction.

PancakeSwap’s Crosschain Swaps
PancakeSwap’s Crosschain Swaps Source: PancakeSwap

Historically, cross-chain transfers relied heavily on bridges, which proved vulnerable.

For instance, in 2022, the Axie Infinity’s Ronin Bridge was drained of over $600 million worth of cryptocurrency during a major exploit, highlighting the security risks of locking assets in contracts.

“Crosschain swaps using intent-based bridges are generally safer because they don’t lock your assets in a contract, reducing the risk of exploits,” stated Chef Kids, Head Chef of PancakeSwap. “Instead, swaps are settled in real time through a decentralized network of relayers, improving security and providing a smoother, faster experience.”

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Intent-based swaps promise to make DeFi safer, faster, and easier to integrate with existing financial systems, potentially unlocking broader institutional adoption, according to PancakeSwap and Across.

“Crosschain swaps reduce operational complexity, lower smart contract risk by avoiding asset lockups, and offer clearer execution paths.”
– Chef Kids (PancakeSwap)

Across co-founder Hart Lambur emphasized the standard’s potential for wider adoption, saying: “It delivers security, auditability and clean execution without the operational overhead typically required to interact across chains.”

Other DeFi protocols are also developing cross-chain transfer solutions to minimize the friction of traditional bridges.

In October 2024, Unichain suggested ERC-7683 for streamlining cross-chain activity, receiving support from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin.

Across itself also integrates with UniswapX, using a decentralized network of over 30 solvers who ensure quick execution, with swaps averaging three seconds.

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