Decentralized exchange PancakeSwap has introduced one-click cross-chain swaps powered by Across Protocol, aiming to improve the user experience in decentralized finance (DeFi).
The new feature removes the need for users to rely on complex bridges or third-party tools, which often add friction and extra costs to cross-chain transactions.
Using Across’s intent-based transfer system, users can specify a desired swap—such as trading USDC on Base for WETH on Arbitrum—and a network of relayers competes to execute the transaction efficiently.
Now integrated into PancakeSwap’s interface, the one-click functionality allows seamless token swaps across BNB Chain, Arbitrum, and Base, helping unify activity across previously isolated blockchain ecosystems.
Traditionally, cross-chain activity has depended on blockchain bridges, which have often proven to be security weak points. In 2022, Axie Infinity’s Ronin Bridge suffered one of the largest exploits in crypto history, with attackers stealing over $600 million. The breach exploited vulnerabilities in a private key multisignature scheme that failed to provide adequate protection.
“Intent-based bridges for cross-chain swaps are generally more secure because they don’t involve locking assets in a smart contract, which lowers the risk of attacks,” said Chef Kids, head chef at PancakeSwap.
“Instead, swaps are executed in real time via a decentralized network of relayers, enhancing both security and user experience by offering faster, smoother transactions,” he added.
Chef Kids noted that intent-based cross-chain swaps could make DeFi infrastructure more secure, efficient, and easier to integrate with existing systems—potentially paving the way for broader institutional adoption.
“Crosschain swaps reduce operational complexity, lower smart contract risk by avoiding asset lockups, and offer clearer execution paths.”
Hart Lambur, co-founder of Across, believes intent-based blockchain infrastructure is essential for bringing both institutions and retail users into the space.
“It offers the security, auditability, and clean execution institutions need—without the operational complexity usually involved in cross-chain interactions,” he told Cointelegraph.
Other projects are also developing solutions to streamline cross-chain transfers and reduce the reliance on vulnerable blockchain bridges.
In October 2024, Unichain introduced ERC-7683, a proposed standard designed to simplify cross-chain transactions by standardizing how data is transmitted across networks. This enables a decentralized network of solvers to fulfill orders from any protocol.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has backed the proposal, calling it “an open standard for marking crosschain orders.”
Across, which also supports UniswapX, uses a decentralized network of 30 solvers who front users the destination chain’s assets and assume the finality risk. Transactions average just three seconds.
Meanwhile, on June 10, DEX aggregator 1inch rolled out its Pathfinder upgrade, claiming it delivers swap rates 6.5% better on average while improving transaction speed and user experience.
