Why is zrx going up

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: ZRX (0x) is experiencing price increases primarily due to growing adoption of its decentralized exchange (DEX) protocol, which processed over $1.5 billion in trading volume in Q1 2024. Recent developments include the launch of 0x v4 in October 2023, which introduced gasless trading and improved liquidity aggregation. Additionally, partnerships with major platforms like Coinbase and Uniswap have expanded its utility, while the broader DeFi market recovery in early 2024 has boosted investor confidence in ZRX as a governance token.

Key Facts

0x protocol processed over $1.5 billion in trading volume in Q1 2024
0x v4 launched in October 2023 with gasless trading features
ZRX is used as a governance token for the 0x DAO
0x protocol powers DEX aggregation on platforms like Coinbase and Uniswap
ZRX price increased by approximately 40% in the first quarter of 2024

Overview

0x (ZRX) is an open-source protocol built on Ethereum that enables decentralized exchange (DEX) of ERC-20 and ERC-721 tokens. Founded in 2017 by Will Warren and Amir Bandeali, the protocol was designed to facilitate peer-to-peer trading without intermediaries. The native ZRX token serves dual purposes: as a governance token for the 0x decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) and for paying protocol fees. Since its inception, 0x has evolved through multiple versions, with v1 launching in August 2017, v2 in December 2018, and v3 in November 2020. The protocol has gained significant traction in the DeFi space, with over $150 billion in cumulative trading volume since launch. Major integrations include partnerships with Coinbase Wallet, MetaMask, and Uniswap, making 0x one of the most widely used DEX infrastructures in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

How It Works

The 0x protocol operates through a system of off-chain order relayers and on-chain settlement. Market makers create signed orders specifying token pairs, prices, and expiration times, which are broadcast to a network of relayers. These relayers aggregate orders from multiple sources and provide liquidity to takers (traders). When a taker fills an order, the transaction is settled on the Ethereum blockchain through smart contracts, ensuring trustless execution. The protocol uses a modular architecture with pluggable components for features like liquidity aggregation, gasless trading, and multi-chain support. 0x v4, launched in October 2023, introduced significant improvements including native gasless transactions through meta-transactions, enhanced liquidity aggregation from sources like Uniswap and Curve, and support for NFT trading. The protocol's fee structure involves a small protocol fee (typically 0-0.1%) paid in ZRX, which is distributed to liquidity providers and governance participants.

Why It Matters

The 0x protocol matters because it addresses critical limitations in decentralized trading, particularly liquidity fragmentation and high gas costs. By aggregating liquidity from multiple DEXs, 0x enables better prices and reduced slippage for traders, making DeFi more accessible. Its governance model, powered by ZRX token holders, allows for decentralized decision-making on protocol upgrades and treasury management, aligning with Web3 principles. Real-world applications include powering DEX features in major wallets like Coinbase Wallet and MetaMask, facilitating billions in trading volume annually. The protocol's impact extends beyond trading to broader DeFi composability, enabling developers to build customized trading interfaces and financial products. As DeFi continues growing, 0x's infrastructure plays a crucial role in creating efficient, user-friendly decentralized markets.