ZKsync Launches Atlas Upgrade to Boost Ethereum Transactions
ZKsync’s Atlas upgrade is now live, improving Ethereum’s transaction speed and Layer-2 connections. It supports over 15,000 transactions per second and confirms transactions in about one second. Fees remain very low.
Investor Alex highlighted on X that the upgrade enables Layer-2 networks (L2s) to use Ethereum as a real-time liquidity hub for institutional capital. Atlas allows L2-to-L2 interoperability in around one second. It also reduces Layer-1 to Layer-2 latency below Ethereum’s block finality time. This enables institutions to move capital between layers without needing separate liquidity hubs.
Before Atlas, each L2 network like Arbitrum One, Base, or ZKsync Era had to keep its own pool of funds. This often caused inefficiencies. Now, ZKsync-based networks can access Ethereum’s liquidity directly. Separate liquidity hubs become optional, making cross-network liquidity transfers easier.
Core Enhancements and Enterprise Focus
Matter Labs, the developer behind ZKsync, built Atlas to make Ethereum faster and more enterprise-friendly. CEO Alex Gluchowski said, “ZKsync represents the foundation of a new financial infrastructure era, where enterprises can operate on-chain with the same sovereignty and flexibility as internal systems, alongside cryptographic guarantees.”
Atlas delivers sub-second settlement, higher throughput, and deeper Ethereum compatibility. This supports the seamless flow of real-world assets and institutional capital between Ethereum and L2s. The upgrade marks a step toward broader enterprise and institutional blockchain adoption.
Developer den0 (zk/acc) explained that Atlas helps L2s meet institutional standards. “L2s can draw liquidity directly from Ethereum without a separate hub,” he said. Users will benefit from smoother transactions, lower slippage, and cheaper fees. Wallets will also become simpler, as users no longer need to track the Layer-2 they use.
Developers can now focus on building specialized networks for DeFi, payments, gaming, or fixed income. This allows better alignment with specific technical and regulatory needs.
Market Response and Expert Opinions
Since the Atlas launch, the ZKsync token (ZK) traded at $0.034426, up 17.71% in 24 hours, with $53 million in volume, according to CoinMarketCap. It rose 7% in the past week but dropped 38% in the last month.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin praised the upgrade, tweeting, “ZKsync has been doing a lot of underrated and valuable work in the Ethereum ecosystem. Excited to see this come from them!”
Crypto analyst Kyledoops said, “Atlas might’ve just flipped the script” on ZKsync. He noted the upgrade turns Ethereum into a capital hub for ZKsync chains, preferred by institutions for settlement. ZKsync now ranks second in the Real-World Assets (RWA) League.
A month before Atlas, GRVT raised $19 million in Series A funding to build a hybrid decentralized exchange on ZKsync’s Layer-2. The round was co-led by Further Ventures and ZKsync, with support from Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund.
Partners like EigenCloud and 500 Global continue supporting ZKsync’s infrastructure development. Their involvement highlights ongoing institutional interest in blockchain systems that can scale while meeting regulatory standards.
