Polygon, the leading Ethereum Layer-2 scaling solution, migrated its native $MATIC token to a new token, $POL. This is part of Polygon's plan to advance its infrastructure and integrate zero-knowledge (ZK) technology.
Why Migration to $POL
The upgrade from $MATIC to $POL is crucial for Polygon’s ambitious plans to evolve into a zero-knowledge Ethereum Virtual Machine (zkEVM) system as part of its Polygon 2.0 roadmap. $POL will be used across multiple interoperable blockchains within the Polygon ecosystem. $POL will serve several functions beyond gas fees and staking. Validators who stake $POL will not only secure the Polygon Proof-of-Stake (PoS) chain but also have the opportunity to earn rewards by staking on other chains in the Polygon ecosystem, a concept known as the “AggLayer.” This feature is designed to consolidate liquidity and state across the network, making $POL a critical component of Polygon’s future growth.
Transition Process
For most $MATIC holders, the transition to $POL will be seamless. If you hold $MATIC on the Polygon PoS chain or centralized exchanges, your tokens will automatically convert to $POL on a 1:1 basis. However, if you hold $MATIC on the Ethereum network or on Polygon’s zkEVM layer 2, you will need to manually migrate your tokens to $POL using a migration contract provided by Polygon. The process is straightforward but recommended for experienced users to avoid any potential issues. Despite Polygon's assurances that there is no immediate deadline for completion, it is advisable to act sooner rather than later to avoid any complications during the transition.
Implications for Token Holders
With the transition to $POL, Polygon introduces new tokenomics designed to support the network’s long-term growth. One of the key changes is a new annual emission rate of 2%. This emission rate is split between validator rewards and a community treasury, as Polygon Labs CEO, Marc Boiron, told CoinTelegraph. The treasury is intended to be a self-sustaining ecosystem fund, supporting various activities within the Polygon network. $POL will also play a role in Polygon’s broader technology stack, being used in block production, zero-knowledge proof generation, and participation in Data Availability Committees (DACs). These functionalities are critical for maintaining and expanding Polygon’s capabilities as a leading Layer-2 solution.
The migration of the $MATIC token to $POL marks a significant step for Polygon towards improving its infrastructure and expanding its capabilities. Validators and token holders should participate in this process to ensure a smooth transition and further network growth.
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