GateChain is a public blockchain specialized in asset security. The on-chain secure account and lazy recovery features are designed to provide blockchain asset security even after the private key has been hacked.

Overview

GateChain was co-founded by Wassilios Lytras, Patrick Allemann, and Thomas Kofler on April 30, 2016. ^[9] GateChain is a next-generation blockchain developed and launched^[11] by Gate.io in 2018 to grow and expand the Gate.io ecosystem^[10]. It is the public chain of Gate.io, founded by Lin Han. With its unique Vault account technology, and supporting transactions model design, GateChain has implemented a secured clearance mechanism to solve the problem of stealing lost assets and private keys.

It also supports decentralized trade and transfer chains, among other core applications. Compared to traditional blockchains such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, GateChain focuses on the security of the asset chain and creatively proposes a number of novel concepts such as standard accounts, Vault actions, Retro accounts, overcrowding, calendar hours, address types, transaction types, etc.^[1][2]

GateChain offered the vault account service to the user, which supports releasing digital assets without worries about private keys missing or theft during this period. As long as one can set a digital asset distribution ratio and release time, the user's digital asset will be transferred to their named beneficiary, accordingly. This asset processing method can also be used in other scenarios like scheduled fund granting, i.e., to send a certain amount of digital assets at the scheduled time.^[18]

GateChain Upgrade

In August 2024, GateChain released version v1.1.6, introducing a significant protocol update that implements a new transaction fee structure modeled after Ethereum’s EIP-1559. All nodes were required to upgrade before August 26, 2024.

The revised fee mechanism divides transaction costs into two components: a base fee, which adjusts dynamically with block usage and is permanently removed from circulation (burned), and a tip, which is awarded to validators and delegators as an incentive for participating in consensus. This structure is designed to make fees more predictable for users and introduces a deflationary element to the GT token supply.

Additional changes in v1.1.6 include:

• An upgrade to the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) version.
• Increased minimum gas price from 5 to 10 NANOGT.
• Support for EIP-2718, enabling multiple EVM transaction types.
• Compatibility with EIP-1559, supporting dynamic fee adjustment and base fee burning.
• Upgraded RPC interfaces and general process optimizations.
• Enhanced account management tools and various bug fixes.

These updates are intended to improve network efficiency, support broader EVM compatibility, and align GateChain’s transaction model with more modern standards. ^[19]

Domain Upgrade

In May 2025, Gate officially transitioned to the domain Gate.com and introduced a redesigned logo as part of a broader brand and strategic update. This change reflects the platform’s intention to unify its global identity and strengthen user trust as it expands its international presence.

The domain and logo update coincided with Gate’s 12th anniversary and aligns with its goal to evolve into a "next-generation crypto exchange." The rebranding emphasizes a shift from industry participation to innovation, combining a streamlined visual identity with a broader organizational alignment. Gate and its regional branches, including Gate Japan, Gate Dubai, and Gate Europe, now operate under a unified brand. ^[20]

Services

The GateChain includes elements like the GateChain mainnet, GateChain DEX, GT token, and wallets.

GateChain Mainnet

Its first version of Mainnet was launched in 2020. It ensures secure and efficient management and transfer of digital assets on the blockchain.

GateChain DEX

GateChain DEX is a decentralized exchange based on GateChain. The user having control over his private key to his account can exchange freely. GateChain DEX uses private own encrypted wallets or hardware wallets to safeguard users’ assets.

GateChain Token (GT)

GateChain Token is the native currency of the GateChain Mainnet. It is used to pay the transfer fees on the GateChain network.^[3]

GateChain Wallets

• Testnet phase - GateChain provided desktop wallets for Windows and Mac OS.
• Mainnet phase - GateChain provided a command-line wallet, a mobile wallet for Android and iOS, a web wallet, a multi-signature wallet, and a hardware wallet.^[13]

Asset Management

To meet the efficiency demand in daily payments and safety demand in asset storage, GateChain offered:

• Standard Account – is used to store a tiny fraction of assets for daily use. It allows instant payment and the transaction is irreversible. It does not allow restoring lost private keys, similar to the features of a Bitcoin address.
• Vault Account – is used to store the majority of the assets, which don’t need to be accessed immediately. It can set a transfer delay period. It allows revocable transactions and private key restoration.

For instance, the transaction is confirmed upon payment and is reversible. In the worst case, when the Standard Account’s private key is lost or stolen, the user's loss is limited to a small portion. The risk is still under control. When the asset in the Standard Account is insufficient, the user can transfer more from the Vault Account. The transfer will be received with a 2-day (say) delay. If theft is concluded during the delay period, the user can simply initiate a 'Revoke' request. The stolen transaction will be revoked and moved to a 'Retry Account'.^[17]

Projects

All the projects mentioned below were built on GateChain.

• DeFi: TripleFi, Emiswap, DRx, TrustFi.
• NFT Marketplace: Vefi NFT marketplace, Flat Pyramid.
• Infrastructure: Xhashtag, BitKeep, Seor, MultiChain, Legion Network, TP Pocket, Nabox, XP.Network, Dotoracle.
• Metaverse: MetaMirror, LasMeta.
• SocialFi: EarnTV, Eggheads.
• Other blockchains: GBC.AI^[14]

Features of GateChain

The main features of GateChain are as follows:

• PoS: The GateChain uses the proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism to maintain network health.
• Asset Issuance: Users can use GateChain to issue their own tokens.
• Multi-Signature: An account can be shared by multiple individuals. This is suitable for both enterprise and family use.
• Asset Safe Storage: The vault account system and clearing mechanism ensure 100% security from asset theft, private key loss, and abnormal transactions.
• EVM Compatibility: GateChain is compatible with Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). This ensures that developers can easily port their Ethereum dApps on GateChain. Additionally, GateChain users have account support for both Ethereum and GateChain assets.
• Cross-Chain Interoperability: This interoperability expands the reach and utility of digital assets, enabling efficient asset transfers and interactions across different blockchain networks.^[12]

Ecosystem

Hipo DeFi

Hipo DeFi is a one-stop shop for all DeFi needs. It is a platform that collates real-time data on every DeFi project allowing users to compare exchange ratios, yields, loans, and interest rates. Users can discover new investment opportunities and access them directly through Hipo Defi’s UI, with no added fees.^[16]

GateBridge

GateBridge is an asset bridge between the most popular blockchains based on EVM. It enables fast and safe asset transfer and a pioneered mechanism

• 'Cross-chain Liquidity Mining'.

Farming

Liquidity Providers(LP) can get transaction fee distribution and staking LP tokens could earn more rewards for the user.

Magic Box

Launched in 2021, the NFT Magic Box is an NFT marketplace built on top of GateChain.

Features

Its core features are:

• No minting fees: Minting NFTs on the Magic Box costs nothing. This ensures that artists can focus on creating instead of other factors.
• Low fees: Being built on GateChain makes the platform very affordable.
• High-quality works: NFT Magic Box has partnered with the likes of Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) and NBA legend Allen Iverson.
• Artist-first: The Magic Box has already minted over 300,000 NFTs and offers INO (Initial NFT Offering) for promising artists looking for funding.^[15]