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Key Takeaways:
- Polygon’s Katana Layer 2 introduces cross-chain DeFi yield with native AggLayer integration.
- $240M+ in early deposits and major DeFi partnerships indicate strong adoption.
- 15% KAT token airdrop to POL holders boosts incentives and community engagement.
Polygon has officially launched its much-anticipated Layer 2 blockchain, Katana, a move the Polygon Foundation CEO Sandeep Nailwal describes as the beginning of a “new era for DeFi.” The network is designed to maximize decentralized finance (DeFi) experiences and address fragmentation challenges by consolidating liquidity into a unified ecosystem.
Ecosystem Announcement 🚢
— Sandeep | CEO, Polygon Foundation (※,※) (@sandeepnailwal) June 30, 2025
Katana is live on mainnet. Katana will bring in a new era for DeFi that will change how users earn yield on their assets, with Agglayer’s Vault Bridge.
In just three weeks, Katana already has over $240M in productive pre-deposited assets.
The Agglayer… https://t.co/9sQTtfoxUY
Katana Uses Custom OP Stack to Power AggLayer Integration
Katana is a product of the Polygon Labs incubation program in collaboration with top crypto market maker GSR. Built using a customized version of the OP Stack called cdk-opgeth, Katana is natively interoperable with the AggLayer Vault Bridge, a cross-chain protocol that enables tokens to generate yield even while bridged.
This integration makes Katana a powerful liquidity layer, allowing digital assets to work for holders across multiple ecosystems. The aim is to minimize idle capital and boost DeFi returns through innovative vault-based strategies, solving longstanding issues around siloed liquidity.
Major DeFi Protocols and New Tokens Join the Network
During a private mainnet phase starting in late May, several high-profile DeFi platforms—Morpho (lending), Sushi (DEX), and Vertex (perps)—connected with Katana. In addition, the network added support for next-gen assets including Agora’s AUSD, Lombard’s liquid LBTC, and EtherFi’s weETH, underscoring its commitment to composable DeFi products.
This robust ecosystem formation before the full launch demonstrates Katana’s goal of becoming a hub for interoperable DeFi innovation and a preferred destination for developers building high-yield strategies.
$240M in Deposits and KAT Airdrop Signal Strong Market Confidence
Even in its early stages, Katana saw impressive traction. Over $240 million in “productive” deposits were recorded within three weeks of soft launch, with users rewarded in the platform’s native KAT token. This surge reflects growing user trust in the network’s value proposition.
Also Read: Polygon Launches Heimdall v2 Upgrade with 5-Second Finality, Eyes 5,000 TPS by October 2025
To incentivize broader participation, Polygon has announced a major airdrop of 1.5 billion KAT tokens—15% of its total supply—to POL token holders. This distribution strategy aims to deepen community ownership and incentivize early engagement.
Katana is poised to become the core liquidity engine within Polygon’s AggLayer framework, facilitating deep capital access and high staking yields for POL holders. With its combination of yield optimization, composability, and cross-chain access, Katana is positioned to reshape the DeFi landscape.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m a crypto enthusiast with a background in finance. I’m fascinated by the potential of crypto to disrupt traditional financial systems. I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative projects in the space. I believe that crypto has the potential to create a more equitable and inclusive financial system.
