1. WalletConnect: The Universal Standard for Connectivity
Since its launch in 2018, WalletConnect has become a cornerstone of Web3 infrastructure—often compared to the “Visa of crypto”—by enabling secure, seamless wallet-to-dApp connections across multiple blockchains. Today, it powers over 600 wallets and 40,000+ apps, with billions of connections processed.
Key pillars of WalletConnect:
Chain-agnostic: Works across Ethereum, Solana, Cosmos, Polkadot, Bitcoin, and beyond.
Privacy-first: End-to-end encrypted communication, never storing addresses or user data.
Bridging gaps: Originally designed to solve mobile-to-desktop dApp friction, it has evolved into a universal connectivity layer.
2. Evolution Through WCT (WalletConnect Token)
To further decentralize and empower its community, WalletConnect introduced WCT—its native token driving governance and network participation.
Core utilities of WCT:
1. Staking: Node operators, wallets, and SDKs stake WCT to secure the network and earn rewards.
2. Governance: Token holders influence protocol upgrades, fee structures, and incentive mechanisms.
3. Rewards: High-performing nodes and developers are compensated in WCT.
4. Future Fees: Potentially used as payment for relay services or premium features, pending community approval.
3. Token Dynamics & Transferability
WCT launched with a utility-first focus, initially non-transferable to prevent speculation and reward real contributors. On April 15, 2025, transferability went live—enabling use in DeFi and secondary markets.
Token Allocation (1B WCT):
27% → WalletConnect Foundation (ecosystem growth)
18.5% → Team (4-year vesting)
18.5% → Community airdrops (wallets, apps, nodes)
17.5% → Staking & rewards
11.5% → Early supporters
7% → Core protocol development
4. Shifting Users Into Co-Builders
WCT transforms WalletConnect from a service into a participatory network:
Users stake, earn, and vote—not just connect.
Developers and node operators gain recognition for reliability.
The community decides the network’s evolution, from fee models to governance structure.
WalletConnect is no longer just a bridge—it’s becoming a user-governed infrastructure layer.
5. Adoption & Growth Momentum
Strong staking: 106M+ WCT staked, 142K+ holders, APYs up to 22%.
Massive network usage: 292M+ total connections, 45M unique wallets, 62K+ integrated apps.
Exchange support: Listed on Binance, Upbit, KuCoin, OKX, and more, driving liquidity and reach.
6. Implications for Web3
WCT marks a new phase: connectivity infrastructure where users are co-creators.
Wallets, nodes, and dApps all earn real influence and rewards.
Governance grows more inclusive, setting the stage for a full DAO model.
Much like TCP/IP underpins the internet, WalletConnect is becoming a permissionless, community-owned utility layer for Web3.
