Gnosis Chain

Gnosis Chain is an EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain evolved from xDai Chain, using xDAI as its native gas token. Its core value lies in highly decentralized validation (over 200,000 validators) and stablecoin-based gas fees, which shield users from the volatility of native token prices. The network addresses the pain point of high and unpredictable transaction costs on other EVM chains, while also lowering the barrier for stablecoin-centric DeFi applications.

In the past six months, the most significant development was GnosisDAO's approval of GIP-153 in August 2026, transitioning Gnosis Chain from an independent L1 to an Ethereum Economic Zone (EEZ) Rollup. The proposal passed with 123,158 GNO in favor, exceeding the 75,000 quorum. Under this plan, the validator set will be dissolved, and the network will settle on Ethereum, becoming an L2 while retaining existing applications, balances, and xDAI as gas. The transition is targeted for late 2026 or early 2027, pending EEZ technology readiness. Notably, the proposal itself acknowledged that the standalone L1 positioning had failed, citing that fee revenue was insufficient to cover security costs and that the DAO treasury subsidized approximately 2.3% annual dilution for non-stakers. Standard Chartered analysts noted that EEZ could reduce reliance on vulnerable cross-chain bridges and improve asset interoperability across EVM networks.