Gate Unveils Gate Layer and GT Tokenomics Enhancement

Gate, the prominent cryptocurrency exchange, has officially introduced Gate Layer, a cutting-edge Layer 2 network engineered to enhance the speed and cost-effectiveness of decentralized applications for both users and developers.

Gate Layer is constructed on the foundation of Optimism's OP Stack, with GateChain serving as the Layer 1 settlement layer. The network boasts full compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).

Promising exceptional performance, Gate Layer claims to achieve a throughput surpassing 5,700 transactions per second, coupled with impressively swift one-second block times. Gate asserts that transaction expenses on their Layer 2 solution are substantially lower compared to most existing alternatives.

The debut of Gate Layer brings with it three flagship tools. Perp emerges as a hub for high-liquidity perpetual futures trading, Gate Fun takes on the role of an incubator for emerging Web3 projects, while Meme Go facilitates real-time trading of popular meme-inspired cryptocurrencies.

These services are designed to create a cohesive ecosystem, attracting traders, developers, and liquidity providers. The announcement emphasizes, "Gate is crafting an open ecosystem with 'All in Web3' as its cornerstone."

GT Tokenomics Enhancement

Alongside the Layer 2 launch, Gate has revealed an upgrade to the GT tokenomics model. GT is set to become the exclusive gas token for Gate Layer while maintaining its existing dual burn mechanism.

As of the second quarter of 2025, more than 180.5 million GT tokens have been permanently removed from circulation, representing over 60% of the initial 300 million supply.

The platform continues its practice of quarterly token burns based on performance metrics, with all records publicly accessible for verification.

Market analysts suggest that GT's new role as the gas token could potentially drive up its demand and value. At the time of reporting, GT is trading in the vicinity of $16.20, with a market capitalization of approximately $1.33 billion.

Industry Shift: Exchanges Developing Proprietary Layer 2 Networks

The introduction of Gate Layer aligns with a broader industry trend, where leading cryptocurrency exchanges are developing their own Layer 2 networks to capture a larger share of on-chain activity. These platforms are integrating infrastructure with native tokenomics to enhance liquidity and evolve into comprehensive Web3 service providers.

This movement was initiated by a major U.S.-based exchange in 2023 with the launch of an Ethereum rollup built on Optimism's OP Stack, which quickly gained traction across various blockchain sectors including DeFi, NFTs, and gaming.

Subsequently, other prominent exchanges followed suit. One introduced a Layer 2 solution also built on Optimism, focusing on minimal fees and seamless integration with its existing smart chain ecosystem. Another rolled out a Polygon-powered zkEVM network supporting Ethereum interoperability, while a San Francisco-based exchange developed its own Layer 2 solution.

As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, the development of exchange-specific Layer 2 networks represents a significant step towards more efficient, scalable, and user-friendly blockchain ecosystems.