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Polymarket, a blockchain-based prediction market platform, has announced its most comprehensive infrastructure overhaul to date, introducing a rebuilt trading system and unveiling a new native stablecoin. The changes are designed to enhance both performance and user experience, while supporting the project’s ambitions to expand further into the U.S. market.
Major infrastructure update and the launch of Polymarket USD
As part of the upgrade, Polymarket will deploy new smart contracts and an improved central limit order book. This revamped architecture is intended to deliver quicker order execution, tighter market spreads, and better operational efficiency. The development team pointed out that the new matching engine reduces complexity, supporting features like EIP-1271 signatures for smart contract wallet compatibility.
A key element of the rollout is the introduction of Polymarket USD, a native stablecoin backed one-to-one by $USDC. This token will replace $USDC.e, which is a bridged version of the $USDC stablecoin currently used on the platform. The move marks a shift away from bridged assets, which can bring cross-chain risks and inefficiencies. By deploying a proprietary collateral token, Polymarket aims to have better control over settlement, more predictable liquidity, and a simplified trading process for its users.
Polymarket shared that most users will be able to make the transition to the upgraded platform seamlessly, as the interface will manage the conversion of existing holdings into the new stablecoin. However, advanced traders and integrations may need to perform manual steps, including interacting with the new collateral contract and updating technical connections to fit the restructured platform.
During the upgrade, all existing order books will be cleared in a scheduled maintenance window. This step, set to take place in the coming weeks, is intended to align new and legacy systems and ensure fair, consistent migration to the enhanced infrastructure. Users will be informed ahead of the maintenance period, and the company plans to minimize disruption during the transition.
Expanding operations and future plans for governance
Polymarket has experienced substantial growth, with trading volumes reaching significant highs in recent months. Activity exceeded $10 billion in March alone, highlighting increasing demand for event-driven markets among both crypto users and traditional traders.
The infrastructure overhaul also signals a broader strategic shift for Polymarket, focusing on greater vertical integration and control. Previously, the platform relied on external dispute resolution mechanisms, but upcoming plans could include launching a native governance token, potentially named POLY. This asset may play a role in decentralized decision-making and outcome validation within Polymarket’s environment.
If implemented, a native governance asset would allow Polymarket to internally manage market validation and outcome determination, thus reducing dependence on outside protocols. The company views this as a step toward improved market integrity and transparency for participants.
The upgrade also aligns with Polymarket’s renewed focus on the U.S. market. The company, which had previously paused domestic activity, has now registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. This registration positions Polymarket to operate under an established regulatory structure as it seeks to expand its services for U.S. users.
Founded in 2020, Polymarket operates decentralized prediction markets that allow participants to trade the outcome of real-world events using blockchain technology. The platform is recognized for integrating crypto-native tools and transparency into such markets. The latest developments follow a recent direct investment of $600 million from Intercontinental Exchange, the parent of the New York Stock Exchange, strengthening Polymarket’s capital base and institutional support.
Summing up the planned changes, Polymarket described the upgrade as a step toward becoming a full-spectrum exchange, blending improved execution infrastructure with tighter control of collateral and governance mechanisms.