Chainlink Q4 2023 Product Update now available with audio

Chainlink Labs CBO Eid Johanns outlined the **second stage of blockchain evolution** at SmartCon 2025. The focus shifts from connecting crypto to crypto toward **bridging traditional finance with DeFi**. This represents a fundamental change in how blockchain infrastructure develops. Key points from the keynote: - Moving beyond internal crypto connections - **Integrating global financial systems** with decentralized finance - Creating a more connected global economy through Chainlink's infrastructure This strategic direction positions Chainlink as the **critical bridge** between legacy financial systems and emerging DeFi protocols, potentially transforming how traditional markets operate.

**Seven major Hyperliquid projects** have integrated Chainlink infrastructure to enhance their DeFi operations. **Key integrations include:** - **Kinetiq** ($1.8B+ TVL): Added CCIP for cross-chain kHYPE transfers and Data Streams for sub-second market data - **HyperLend** ($690M+ deposits): Upgraded to Data Streams for enhanced performance - **Hyperdrive**: Integrated Data Feeds for secure stablecoin lending markets - **PrimeFi**: Added Price Feeds and DataLink for institutional-grade pricing - **HyperUnit**: Now offers uBTC, uETH, and uSOL price feeds for developers - **Vision**: Expanded CCIP usage for HyperCore-HyperEVM transfers - **Looping Collective**: Uses new wHLP and lHYPE data feeds for tokenized strategies These integrations provide **faster data delivery**, **cross-chain functionality**, and **enhanced security** across Hyperliquid's growing ecosystem.

**Securitize**, the tokenization platform managing over **$4 billion in tokenized securities**, has integrated Chainlink's data standard to price tokenized funds used as collateral on Aave Horizon. The integration begins with **VanEck's VBILL**, a tokenized fund backed by short-term U.S. Treasuries. VanEck manages over $130 billion in assets globally. **Key developments:** - Aave Horizon has surpassed **$450 million in deposits** - Powered by Chainlink NAVLink with LlamaGuard NAV risk controls - Now the **largest RWA lending market** for institutional borrowing - Institutions can borrow stablecoins against tokenized assets This adoption significantly **expands utility and liquidity** for Securitize's tokenized assets, providing secure access to DeFi's largest decentralized liquidity market through Aave. The integration demonstrates the continued **convergence of traditional finance and DeFi**, with Chainlink serving as the infrastructure bridge between these ecosystems.

**Deutsche Börse Group** has integrated with Chainlink to deliver institutional-grade market data across **40+ blockchains**. Dr. Alireza Dorfard explains how this partnership brings trusted data from major trading venues including: - Eurex - Xetra - 360T - Tradegate The integration enables **2,400+ DeFi protocols** to access real-time, multi-asset class market data through Chainlink's DataLink platform. This marks a significant step in bridging traditional finance with blockchain infrastructure, unlocking new opportunities for **tokenized asset adoption** and institutional-grade financial products in Web3.

Chainlink launches **Rewards Season 1** on November 11, introducing a new community engagement program for LINK stakers. **How it works:** - Eligible LINK stakers receive **Cubes** (non-transferable points) - Cubes can be allocated to preferred Build projects - Token rewards are claimed based on proportional Cube allocation **Key Timeline:** - **Nov 3:** Snapshot taken for Cube balances - **Nov 11-Dec 9:** Allocation period (Cubes expire after) - **Dec 16:** Claim period begins **Nine participating projects** include Dolomite, SpaceandTime, Brickken, Folks Finance, and others across AI, DeFi, gaming, and NFT verticals. The program builds on Season Genesis success, offering LINK stakers more choice in selecting rewards from Build program projects. **Security reminder:** Only use [rewards.chain.link](http://rewards.chain.link) - beware of phishing attempts.