1inch launches Aqua shared liquidity layer across 13 chains

Jul 28, 2026

DeFi aggregator 1inch has launched Aqua, a shared liquidity layer, across 13 blockchains to unify fragmented markets. The protocol allows providers to offer liquidity directly from their wallets without depositing into pools, improving capital efficiency. All swaps are executed by verified counterparties in a risk-controlled environment. An incentive program with 10M 1INCH tokens and 500k USDC aims to drive adoption.

Aqua public launch details

▪The public launch of Aqua followed an eight-month period where it was only available to developers.
▪The Aqua protocol has been deployed on 13 EVM-compatible blockchains, including Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, BNB Chain, and Robinhood Chain.
▪Decentralized exchange aggregator 1inch launched Aqua, a shared liquidity layer, for public use on July 28, 2026.

Shared liquidity mechanism

▪Aqua functions as a registry, allowing liquidity providers to authorize strategies against their wallet balance without depositing assets into a pool.
▪With Aqua, assets remain in the provider's wallet until a trade settles and are only pulled when a swap's terms are met.
▪The system allows a single wallet balance to be advertised across multiple protocols, but a swap will fail if it exceeds the actual available balance.

Verified counterparty execution

▪Aqua can be used by resolvers holding a 1inch-issued access credential.
▪Every swap on Aqua is executed by a 'verified counterparty,' defined as a verified market maker or arbitrage bot.
▪The verification of counterparties is enforced on-chain at the time of a swap, which 1inch calls a first for a liquidity venue.

Independent security audits

▪Auditing firms for Aqua included OpenZeppelin, Nethermind, Hexens, and Bailsec.
▪The Aqua protocol has undergone eight independent security audits.

Smart contract risks

▪1inch has cautioned that Aqua is designed for 'experienced users' who must manage their own market and smart contract risk.
▪Risks for liquidity providers on Aqua include non-guaranteed fees and prices moving against their positions.

Provider rewards program

▪The incentive program aims to accelerate liquidity growth and swap activity on the Aqua protocol.
▪An incentive program for Aqua includes 10 million 1INCH tokens from the 1inch Foundation and 500,000 USDC from the 1inch DAO.
▪The 500,000 USDC allocation from the 1inch DAO is pending approval from a tokenholder vote.