On April 17, the crypto project Converge, jointly released by Ethena Labs and Securitize, unveiled its preliminary technical specifications and development roadmap. As an innovative platform aiming to bridge traditional finance (TradFi) and DeFi, Converge focuses on high performance, institutional-grade security, and user-friendliness, planning to launch its mainnet this year and drive the adoption of large-scale financial applications. This article will provide a detailed analysis of Converge’s technical specifications, roadmap highlights, and potential impact.

I. Jointly Crafted by Ethena Labs and Fintech Firm Securitize

Converge is jointly developed by Ethena Labs and the fintech company Securitize, positioned as a high-throughput blockchain network dedicated to supporting the tokenization of real-world assets and DeFi applications. The project aims to attract institutional capital into the crypto ecosystem through technological innovation and compliance design, while providing retail users with an efficient DeFi experience. Its core vision is to break down the barriers between traditional and crypto finance, promoting the global integration of capital flows and interest rate markets.

Ethena Labs has accumulated rich DeFi experience through the rapid growth of USDe (which once had a market value of over $6 billion, ranking as the third-largest stablecoin), while Securitize has deep expertise in compliance and technology in the asset tokenization field. Their collaboration endows Converge with unique strengths: meeting institutions’ strict requirements for security and compliance while offering the openness and innovation of DeFi.

II. High-Performance EVM Chain with USDe and USDtb as Gas Fees

The Converge network will support both permissionless DeFi applications and permitted institutional-grade products, integrating traditional finance and crypto infrastructure on a single chain. Converge’s technical architecture is designed around three pillars: performance, security, and user experience. Below is a detailed interpretation of its core technical specifications:

High-Performance EVM

Converge adopts an architecture based on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) to ensure compatibility with the existing DeFi ecosystem, while achieving ultra-high performance through customized optimization. At network launch, it will achieve a native block time of 100 milliseconds, with a maximum throughput of 100 million gas per second (Mgas/s). The roadmap shows that by the fourth quarter of 2025, block time will be further reduced to 50 milliseconds, and throughput is expected to reach 1 billion gas per second (Gigagas/s). This performance metric far exceeds most existing Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks, sufficient to support large-scale financial transactions and complex smart contract execution.

Integration of Arbitrum and Celestia

Converge achieves low latency and high scalability by integrating Arbitrum’s Rollup technology and Celestia’s data availability layer. Arbitrum provides an efficient transaction processing and smart contract execution environment, while Celestia reduces network costs by separating data storage, ensuring stable and predictable transaction fees. This modular design allows Converge to balance performance and cost, making it particularly suitable for institutional applications.

Stablecoins as Gas Fees

To enhance user experience, Converge chooses stablecoins like USDe and USDtb as gas fee tokens instead of traditional volatile native tokens. This design allows users to estimate and pay transaction fees in dollar-denominated units, avoiding the uncertainty brought by crypto asset price fluctuations. In addition, the network supports the ERC-7702 account abstraction standard, simplifying wallet operations and eliminating the pain points of ERC-20 token pre-authorization and complex gas management.

Converge Validator Network (CVN)

Converge introduces a unique Validator Network (CVN), securing network security through staking Ethena’s ENA token. The CVN adopts a Permissioned Proof of Stake (PoS) model, combined with KYC/KYB (Know Your Customer/Business) mechanisms to ensure validators meet compliance requirements. This design is specifically targeted at institutional users, meeting their needs for risk management and compliance. Meanwhile, the network adopts a dual-layer architecture: the core network strictly controls access permissions, while the application layer supports optional permissionless interfaces, providing flexibility for developers. To participate in the CVN, validators must stake Ethena’s governance token ENA. The team stated that the CVN will go live shortly after the mainnet launch.

Customized G2 Sequencer

Converge uses a G2 sequencer customized by Conduit, combined with the Arbitrum technology stack, to provide efficient transaction sequencing and confirmation. This sequencer is a key component in achieving a 100-millisecond block time and ultra-high throughput, ensuring network stability under high-load scenarios.

III. Testnet Launch in the Coming Weeks, Mainnet Scheduled for Q2 End

Converge also unveiled its 2025 roadmap, clearly outlining key milestones from testnet deployment to mainnet launch, specifically divided into the following stages:

Q2 2025: Testnet Launch

The testnet is expected to launch in the coming weeks, offering early access for developers to test network performance, smart contract deployment, and user interaction features. The testnet will focus on verifying the actual performance of the 100-millisecond block time and stablecoin gas fees.

Q2 2025: Mainnet Launch

In an interview, Securitize CEO Carlos Domingo stated that Converge plans to launch its mainnet by the end of the second quarter. The mainnet will support both institutional and retail users, initially focusing on the institutional distribution of USDe (e.g., through Special Purpose Vehicles, SPVs) and the development of DeFi applications.

Q4 2025: Performance Upgrade

By the end of 2025, Converge plans to reduce block time to 50 milliseconds and increase throughput to 1 Gigagas/s to meet the needs of tokenized assets and real-time financial transactions. In addition, the network will introduce more developer tools, such as enhanced account abstraction features and smart contract templates, to lower the development threshold.

IV. Conclusion

The launch of Converge coincides with the wave of integration between traditional finance and DeFi. Its high-performance architecture and compliance design give it certain advantages in institutional adoption. For example, in January 2025, Franklin Templeton CEO Jenny Johnson stated that a clear regulatory framework would drive the integration of TradFi and DeFi, and Converge’s KYC/KYB mechanisms and Permissioned Proof of Stake model are a positive response to this trend.

However, Converge also faces challenges. The Permissioned Proof of Stake model may raise community concerns about centralization risks. Although its application layer supports permissionless interfaces, control of the core network remains concentrated in the hands of a few validators. In addition, the realization of high-performance goals depends on the stability of Arbitrum and Celestia, and any technical bottlenecks could affect the roadmap schedule.

Converge represents an opportunity that combines technological innovation with practical application potential. However, its success still needs to be tested over time, especially in terms of regulatory environment, technical stability, and ecosystem competition. In the coming year, Converge’s performance is undoubtedly worth close attention.

On April 17, the crypto project Converge, jointly released by Ethena Labs and Securitize, unveiled its preliminary technical specifications and development roadmap. As an innovative platform aiming to bridge traditional finance (TradFi) and DeFi, Converge focuses on high performance, institutional-grade security, and user-friendliness, planning to launch its mainnet this year and drive the adoption of large-scale financial applications. This article will provide a detailed analysis of Converge’s technical specifications, roadmap highlights, and potential impact.

I. Jointly Crafted by Ethena Labs and Fintech Firm Securitize

Converge is jointly developed by Ethena Labs and the fintech company Securitize, positioned as a high-throughput blockchain network dedicated to supporting the tokenization of real-world assets and DeFi applications. The project aims to attract institutional capital into the crypto ecosystem through technological innovation and compliance design, while providing retail users with an efficient DeFi experience. Its core vision is to break down the barriers between traditional and crypto finance, promoting the global integration of capital flows and interest rate markets.

Ethena Labs has accumulated rich DeFi experience through the rapid growth of USDe (which once had a market value of over $6 billion, ranking as the third-largest stablecoin), while Securitize has deep expertise in compliance and technology in the asset tokenization field. Their collaboration endows Converge with unique strengths: meeting institutions’ strict requirements for security and compliance while offering the openness and innovation of DeFi.

II. High-Performance EVM Chain with USDe and USDtb as Gas Fees

The Converge network will support both permissionless DeFi applications and permitted institutional-grade products, integrating traditional finance and crypto infrastructure on a single chain. Converge’s technical architecture is designed around three pillars: performance, security, and user experience. Below is a detailed interpretation of its core technical specifications:

High-Performance EVM

Converge adopts an architecture based on the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) to ensure compatibility with the existing DeFi ecosystem, while achieving ultra-high performance through customized optimization. At network launch, it will achieve a native block time of 100 milliseconds, with a maximum throughput of 100 million gas per second (Mgas/s). The roadmap shows that by the fourth quarter of 2025, block time will be further reduced to 50 milliseconds, and throughput is expected to reach 1 billion gas per second (Gigagas/s). This performance metric far exceeds most existing Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks, sufficient to support large-scale financial transactions and complex smart contract execution.

Integration of Arbitrum and Celestia

Converge achieves low latency and high scalability by integrating Arbitrum’s Rollup technology and Celestia’s data availability layer. Arbitrum provides an efficient transaction processing and smart contract execution environment, while Celestia reduces network costs by separating data storage, ensuring stable and predictable transaction fees. This modular design allows Converge to balance performance and cost, making it particularly suitable for institutional applications.

Stablecoins as Gas Fees

To enhance user experience, Converge chooses stablecoins like USDe and USDtb as gas fee tokens instead of traditional volatile native tokens. This design allows users to estimate and pay transaction fees in dollar-denominated units, avoiding the uncertainty brought by crypto asset price fluctuations. In addition, the network supports the ERC-7702 account abstraction standard, simplifying wallet operations and eliminating the pain points of ERC-20 token pre-authorization and complex gas management.

Converge Validator Network (CVN)

Converge introduces a unique Validator Network (CVN), securing network security through staking Ethena’s ENA token. The CVN adopts a Permissioned Proof of Stake (PoS) model, combined with KYC/KYB (Know Your Customer/Business) mechanisms to ensure validators meet compliance requirements. This design is specifically targeted at institutional users, meeting their needs for risk management and compliance. Meanwhile, the network adopts a dual-layer architecture: the core network strictly controls access permissions, while the application layer supports optional permissionless interfaces, providing flexibility for developers. To participate in the CVN, validators must stake Ethena’s governance token ENA. The team stated that the CVN will go live shortly after the mainnet launch.

Customized G2 Sequencer

Converge uses a G2 sequencer customized by Conduit, combined with the Arbitrum technology stack, to provide efficient transaction sequencing and confirmation. This sequencer is a key component in achieving a 100-millisecond block time and ultra-high throughput, ensuring network stability under high-load scenarios.

III. Testnet Launch in the Coming Weeks, Mainnet Scheduled for Q2 End

Converge also unveiled its 2025 roadmap, clearly outlining key milestones from testnet deployment to mainnet launch, specifically divided into the following stages:

Q2 2025: Testnet Launch

The testnet is expected to launch in the coming weeks, offering early access for developers to test network performance, smart contract deployment, and user interaction features. The testnet will focus on verifying the actual performance of the 100-millisecond block time and stablecoin gas fees.

Q2 2025: Mainnet Launch

In an interview, Securitize CEO Carlos Domingo stated that Converge plans to launch its mainnet by the end of the second quarter. The mainnet will support both institutional and retail users, initially focusing on the institutional distribution of USDe (e.g., through Special Purpose Vehicles, SPVs) and the development of DeFi applications.

Q4 2025: Performance Upgrade

By the end of 2025, Converge plans to reduce block time to 50 milliseconds and increase throughput to 1 Gigagas/s to meet the needs of tokenized assets and real-time financial transactions. In addition, the network will introduce more developer tools, such as enhanced account abstraction features and smart contract templates, to lower the development threshold.

IV. Conclusion

The launch of Converge coincides with the wave of integration between traditional finance and DeFi. Its high-performance architecture and compliance design give it certain advantages in institutional adoption. For example, in January 2025, Franklin Templeton CEO Jenny Johnson stated that a clear regulatory framework would drive the integration of TradFi and DeFi, and Converge’s KYC/KYB mechanisms and Permissioned Proof of Stake model are a positive response to this trend.

However, Converge also faces challenges. The Permissioned Proof of Stake model may raise community concerns about centralization risks. Although its application layer supports permissionless interfaces, control of the core network remains concentrated in the hands of a few validators. In addition, the realization of high-performance goals depends on the stability of Arbitrum and Celestia, and any technical bottlenecks could affect the roadmap schedule.

Converge represents an opportunity that combines technological innovation with practical application potential. However, its success still needs to be tested over time, especially in terms of regulatory environment, technical stability, and ecosystem competition. In the coming year, Converge’s performance is undoubtedly worth close attention.