1inch rolled out its Aqua protocol, a shared liquidity layer spanning 13 EVM-compatible chains like Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, and Avalanche. The protocol allows liquidity providers to allocate virtual balances from a single wallet across multiple DeFi strategies without locking their tokens.
Aqua tracks virtual balances by maker, application, strategy hash, and token through a registry-based system. The core contract, deployed at address 0x499943e74fb0ce105688beee8ef2abec5d936d31, creates a unified structure for managing liquidity positions across all supported networks.
Once a strategy is set up on Aqua, it cannot be changed, but 1inch built in “dock-and-ship mechanics” to allow updates and modifications without altering the original setup. The protocol also integrates with SwapVM to boost strategic liquidity options.
Developers gained access to Aqua on November 17, 2025, complete with an SDK, documentation, and a bounty program offering up to $100,000 for contributions and bug reports. The first public frontend is expected in Q1 2026, with full deployment across all chains by mid-2026.
Aqua’s virtual balance approach keeps tokens in the provider’s custody while enabling liquidity across multiple chains. This design eliminates the risk tied to bridging tokens and potential exploits, since no actual token transfers occur only accounting entries represent liquidity commitments.
The bounty program highlights 1inch’s focus on developer engagement rather than user-focused liquidity mining campaigns. The upcoming public launch will be a key moment to measure demand beyond technical users.
