Plasma, a recently launched Layer-1 blockchain network focused on improving the speed, cost efficiency, and reliability of global stablecoin payments, has announced the integration of NEAR Intents into its ecosystem. This move introduces a new layer of cross-chain swap routing directly into Plasma’s stablecoin-focused infrastructure. The integration reflects Plasma’s broader strategy of addressing long-standing inefficiencies in decentralized finance, particularly those related to stablecoin transfers across multiple blockchain networks.
NEAR Intents is a multichain routing and trading protocol built on the NEAR Protocol. It is designed around the concept of chain abstraction, which aims to remove technical complexity from user interactions with decentralized systems. Instead of requiring users to understand and manage the intricacies of multiple blockchains, NEAR Intents allows transactions to be executed through high-level intents that specify desired outcomes rather than detailed steps.
Simplifying Multichain DeFi Operations
The NEAR Intents protocol operates as a multichain router that reduces the need for manual actions typically associated with cross-chain activity. These actions often include bridging tokens between networks, managing gas fees on several blockchains, and handling multiple wallets or decentralized applications. By abstracting these processes, the protocol enhances the overall DeFi experience and lowers the technical barrier for both individual users and enterprises.
With the integration now live, Plasma users gain access to intent-based, chain-abstracted swaps within the Plasma blockchain environment. This allows stablecoin holders to move assets between Plasma and other supported blockchain networks more efficiently. The process eliminates the multi-step workflows that have traditionally made cross-chain stablecoin transfers slow, expensive, and error-prone.
Plasma’s Focus on Stablecoin Payments
Plasma was developed as a Layer-1 blockchain specifically optimized for stablecoin payments, an area that has seen rapid growth as digital dollars become more widely used in global commerce. While stablecoins are already one of the most prominent use cases in DeFi, many existing blockchains were not originally designed to support the scale, speed, and cost requirements associated with high-volume stablecoin transactions.
The Plasma network is engineered to handle large-scale stablecoin payments with fast settlement times and low transaction costs. It also supports both EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) and non-EVM environments, allowing it to interoperate with a wide range of blockchain ecosystems. Since its launch on September 25, 2025, Plasma has accumulated a total value locked of approximately $3.20 billion, according to data from DeFiLlama. This growth highlights the increasing demand for infrastructure tailored to global stablecoin use cases, including cross-border payments and digital dollar settlements.
Plasma is now live on NEAR Intents.
Users can seamlessly swap 125+ assets across 25+ major chains to and from Plasma’s native token XPL.
USDT0 deposits and withdrawals on @Plasma are also now supported via the NEAR Intents app. https://t.co/CITya0itE4 pic.twitter.com/R3yuuJwIFR
— NEAR Protocol (@NEARProtocol) January 23, 2026
Unlocking Liquidity Across Multiple Chains
Through its integration with NEAR Intents, Plasma removes barriers that previously separated its on-chain liquidity from other major blockchain networks. Users can now swap stablecoins from any of the more than 25 blockchains supported by NEAR Intents directly into Plasma without navigating multiple platforms. This development enables smoother liquidity flow and improves capital efficiency across the broader DeFi landscape.
The collaboration also reduces operational friction by eliminating the need for users to manage multiple wallets or rely on external bridging services. Instead, transactions are executed based on user-defined intents, with the underlying system handling routing and execution automatically.
Implications for the Future of DeFi
The partnership between Plasma and NEAR Intents represents a meaningful step toward a more user-friendly and scalable decentralized finance ecosystem. By combining Plasma’s stablecoin-optimized Layer-1 infrastructure with NEAR Intents’ chain abstraction technology, the integration supports a DeFi model that prioritizes simplicity, security, and interoperability.
As stablecoins continue to play a central role in digital finance, solutions that streamline cross-chain movement and reduce complexity are expected to gain broader adoption. The Plasma and NEAR Intents integration signals a shift toward infrastructure that allows users and businesses to interact with decentralized networks more intuitively, without sacrificing performance or security.