Here’s What’s Happening Across Layer 1s and DEX Infrastructure
March 31, 2026
The market may feel quiet, but infrastructure is moving fast. Today’s activity across Layer 1s and DEX ecosystems points to a clear shift toward performance, Bitcoin-native DeFi, and on-chain trading systems.
Live or Launching Today
Motoswap — The first native DEX on Bitcoin Layer 1 is launching today. Built directly on Bitcoin using the OP_NET framework, it enables swaps, staking, and yield generation without bridges or wrapped assets. Everything happens on Bitcoin itself. This marks a meaningful step toward Bitcoin-native DeFi becoming real.
TxFlow (Layer 1) — Mainnet is now live, introducing high-performance infrastructure built for on-chain finance. With throughput targeting up to 250K TPS, it also launches TxFlow DEX, a central limit order book designed for perpetual trading. Early access is limited, but the focus is clear: speed, liquidity, and multi-app financial systems.
edgeX (Perp DEX) — The EDGE token is launching today, with listings and trading activity already building. Backed by institutional players, with airdrops live and pre-market movement underway, this is one of the launches that could quickly pull liquidity into the perp ecosystem.
Very Recent Activity
Pharos Network (Layer 1) — Recently launched its mainnet and is already seeing integration from Circle, with USDC and cross-chain infrastructure being deployed. The focus is on real-world finance use cases, supported by a $10M incubator. Positioning is clear: global settlement and real asset integration.
OpNet (Bitcoin Layer 1 Smart Contracts) — Now fully live on Bitcoin mainnet. It introduces permissionless smart contracts, native token standards, and yield functionality directly on Bitcoin. Motoswap is building directly on this infrastructure, signaling a broader push toward Bitcoin-native applications.
Aster Chain (Layer 1) — A privacy-focused chain that launched earlier this month. It offers encrypted transactions by default, fast execution speeds, and zero gas fees for perpetual trading. It is quickly positioning itself as a strong contender for derivatives and DeFi trading environments.
Other Notable Developments
Pi Network — Validator rewards are expected to roll out today as part of its broader 2026 roadmap. This moves the network closer to deeper mainnet functionality and more defined token economics.
The Broader Trend
Bitcoin Layer 1 is heating up with native DeFi infrastructure
New Layer 1s are competing on speed, privacy, and real-world asset integration
DEXs are evolving toward more advanced trading systems, including order book models
Focus areas are shifting toward perps, RealFi, and tokenized assets
This is a clear move away from experimentation and toward execution.
Why This Matters Right Now
Today’s launches, especially Motoswap and edgeX, could drive immediate liquidity and trading activity
Bitcoin is beginning to support its own DeFi ecosystem without relying on external layers
Market sentiment is still tied to macro conditions, meaning volatility can shift quickly
The Takeaway
Even if price action feels slow, the infrastructure is not.
The next wave of liquidity will likely follow what is already live, usable, and scalable.
While the market looks quiet, the next phase is already being deployed.