Deep Dive
1. Mainnet Perps Launch (4 August 2025)
Overview: Synthetix launched a non-custodial perpetual futures exchange directly on Ethereum mainnet, bypassing Layer 2 solutions.
The codebase integrates an offchain matching engine for CEX-like speed (sub-second execution) while settling trades onchain. Key technical upgrades include multicollateral support (wstETH, cbBTC) and gasless trading via meta-transactions.
What this means: This is bullish for SNX because traders get centralized-exchange speed without sacrificing Ethereum’s security. Reduced reliance on L2 bridges lowers user friction and enhances composability with DeFi apps like Aave. (Source)
2. L2 Deprecation (14 June 2025)
Overview: Synthetix sunsetted Layer 2 deployments on Base and Arbitrum, liquidating LP vaults and disabling new deposits.
Code changes included disabling minting functions for L2-specific assets (e.g., Optimism leveraged tokens) and migrating governance controls to Ethereum mainnet. The team cited fragmented liquidity and infrastructure instability as reasons.
What this means: This is neutral for SNX – while it reduces operational complexity, it risks alienating L2 users. However, consolidating liquidity on L1 could deepen markets for Synthetix Perps. (Source)
3. Curve Pool Migration (6 August 2025)
Overview: Deprecated the legacy Curve 4pool and launched a new sUSDe/sUSD pool to support mainnet perps liquidity.
The update involved migrating $28M+ in liquidity programmatically, with smart contract adjustments to prioritize sUSDe (a yield-bearing stablecoin).
What this means: This is bullish for SNX because sUSDe integration strengthens collateral efficiency for perps traders, potentially boosting protocol revenue. (Source)
Conclusion
Synthetix’s codebase shifts signal a strategic pivot to Ethereum mainnet, prioritizing security and liquidity depth over multi-chain expansion. The Perps V4 launch and liquidity consolidation could revive protocol activity – but will traders embrace gas costs for L1-grade security?