Back to Blog
Industry News4 min read

Intent-Based Trading: How Solvers Are Replacing Order Books

Learn about intent-based architectures and how they provide better execution for DeFi traders.

What Is Intent-Based Trading?

Instead of users specifying exact execution paths (swap on this DEX, bridge via this protocol), intent-based systems let users express what they want: "I want to swap 1 ETH for USDC at the best price across any chain."

How It Works

  • User submits an intent (desired input/output)
  • Solvers compete to fulfill the intent
  • The solver offering the best execution wins
  • The transaction executes on-chain

    • Benefits

    • Better prices: Competition among solvers drives optimal execution
    • Simplified UX: Users don't need to understand routing or bridging
    • MEV protection: Solvers can protect users from front-running
    • Cross-chain native: Intents naturally extend across chains

    Relay's Solver Network

    Relay uses an intent-based architecture where professional solvers compete to provide the best cross-chain execution. This powers Alkizen's seamless trading experience.

    The Future

    Intent-based architectures are becoming the standard for cross-chain DeFi, replacing the manual bridging and routing that has defined multi-chain trading until now.

    intentssolversexecutionmev protection