Orbs Revolutionizes On-Chain Trading as a Layer 3 Infrastructure: Insights from CBO Ran Hammer

Orbs has emerged as a pioneering force in on-chain trading, positioning itself as a "Layer 3 infrastructure for on-chain trading," according to Chief Business Officer (CBO) Ran Hammer. In an exclusive interview during Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) on August 24, Hammer emphasized that Orbs empowers retail investors to deploy trading strategies on-chain with the sophistication typically reserved for institutional players.

Launched in 2017, Orbs has spent the past eight years developing a robust ecosystem of trading solutions, including on-chain derivatives (Perpetuals), liquidity aggregation via its Liquidity Hub, and advanced order functionalities. With a strong focus on addressing key challenges facing decentralized finance (DeFi), Orbs is reshaping how traders interact with blockchain technology.

Understanding Orbs and Its Foundations

Orbs, operational since 2019 with its mainnet launch, is the result of years of innovation and market adaptation. As Ran Hammer explained, "Orbs is a Layer 3 blockchain specifically designed for on-chain trading. We aim to enhance the overall DeFi trading experience for market participants."

Hammer, actively involved in the Korean blockchain space since 2018, highlighted that the company’s initial goal was to build a general-purpose blockchain. However, recognizing limited usage, the team shifted its focus to a more specialized area: on-chain trading. This strategic evolution placed Orbs at the forefront of DeFi innovation, solidifying its position as a trading-focused Layer 3 solution.

Evolving for Longevity: Orbs’ Strategic Focus

Over the past eight years, Orbs has undergone several strategic pivots to sustain its relevance in a rapidly evolving industry. "We asked ourselves a pivotal question," noted Hammer. "'What is the core value of crypto?' The answer led us to concentrate on on-chain trading, where we saw the most potential."

Orbs' transition from a general-purpose blockchain to a trading-specialized Layer 3 solution allowed the company to carve a niche within the broader decentralized finance ecosystem. Its offerings are tailored to address real-world challenges and enable high-performance trading for users of all levels.

Addressing Core Challenges in On-Chain Trading

One of the most significant hurdles in on-chain trading is Miner Extractable Value (MEV), which occurs when validators exploit their position to prioritize or manipulate trade execution for profit. Hammer explained, "MEV distorts pools and creates an unfair playing field. Orbs tackles this issue by using an independent taker network to execute trades across multiple blocks, effectively neutralizing MEV."

Additionally, Orbs’ Liquidity Hub plays a crucial role in combating another common issue—single pool distortions. By aggregating liquidity from multiple sources, the Liquidity Hub ensures fair pricing and seamless execution for traders, reducing the risks caused by imbalanced or constrained liquidity.

Advanced Order Features: Bridging the Gap for Retail Traders

Orbs sets itself apart by offering advanced order options such as Time-Weighted Average Price (TWAP), limit orders, and dollar-cost averaging (DCA). Hammer noted, "These tools enable traders to manage the timing and execution of their transactions, which is usually not possible with basic smart contracts."

These features are geared toward democratizing access to sophisticated trading strategies. Orbs plans to expand its suite of tools with stop-loss and take-profit functionalities this year, bringing features traditionally exclusive to institutional traders into the hands of retail investors. "Our aim is to empower retail users with the same benefits that institutional players enjoy," Hammer added.

A Unique Approach to On-Chain Derivatives

In the competitive on-chain derivatives market, Orbs has adopted a distinct approach known as the B2B2C white-label model. This strategy offers Orbs-based perpetual trading solutions to decentralized exchanges (DEXs), allowing them to operate under their own branding. Hammer emphasized, "This model lets projects access institutional-grade liquidity while maintaining their individuality."

Hammer also outlined three prevalent models in the on-chain derivatives space—Automated Market Maker (AMM), order book, and intent-based systems. Orbs’ intent-based model ensures that projects can leverage high liquidity from the outset, providing them with a competitive edge in attracting user participation.

Monetizing Innovation: Orbs’ Revenue Model

Orbs’ revenue strategy is multi-faceted, designed to align with its product offerings and community-focused goals. The company charges a 25 basis point (bp) fee for advanced order features and a 10bp trading fee on perpetual contracts. Additionally, the Liquidity Hub introduces a unique approach by improving slippage conditions for users and sharing the resulting cost savings as revenue.

Hammer elaborated, "Revenue generated through our solutions is shared with integrated DEXs. Over time, our aim is to accumulate funds within a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), which will allow the community to manage and distribute resources."

Expanding in Asia: A Focus on South Korea and Beyond

South Korea stands as Orbs’ primary market, with token listings on prominent exchanges such as Bithumb and Upbit since 2019. Hammer acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Orbs’ Korean team members, including Eddy and Edward, in fostering collaboration with the local community.

Beyond Korea, Orbs is expanding its reach across Asia, with active initiatives in Japan and exploratory efforts in emerging markets like the Philippines and India. These strategic moves underscore Orbs' commitment to building a strong presence in the world's most dynamic crypto regions.

A Solid Relationship with the Korean Community

Hammer expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering support from the Korean blockchain community since Orbs was founded in 2017. "Korea has been a cornerstone of our success, and we’re committed to reciprocating that support by generating revenue and sharing it with our community," he said. "Orbs will continue striving for growth and delivering meaningful results for all stakeholders."

Conclusion

Orbs is redefining the landscape of on-chain trading by addressing key challenges and introducing innovative solutions tailored to the needs of both institutional and retail traders. Through its advanced features, strategic partnerships, and commitment to fairness, the company is solidifying its position as a leading Layer 3 infrastructure in decentralized finance. With a clear vision for growth and a strong connection to the Korean market, Orbs continues to shape the future of on-chain financial systems.