Polygon (POL) Token to Replace MATIC in Major Ecosystem Upgrade

The Polygon ecosystem is set for a significant transformation with a proposal to transition its native token from MATIC to POL. This change aims to enhance the utility and functionality within the network, according to blog.bitfinex.com.

Polygon Ecosystem Token (POL)

Blockchain records indicate that the Polygon Ecosystem Token, commonly referred to as POL, was established on October 25, 2023. The Polygon team’s recent announcement highlighted POL’s role in energizing an extensive network of Layer 2 chains based on zero-knowledge technology. A notable feature of POL is its re-staking protocol, which offers token holders the flexibility to stake across multiple chains, enabling diverse functionalities.

The introduction of POL marks a significant step in the progression of the Polygon 2.0 roadmap. This includes developing a new staking layer within the Polygon ecosystem, transitioning the existing PoS network to a zkEVM Layer-2 structure, and establishing a unified liquidity protocol that spans all Polygon networks.

Transition and Supply

POL is not yet operational within the Polygon network but is set to migrate on September 4th, 2024. The current staking processes on Polygon PoS and Polygon zkEVM are still conducted with MATIC, which is also used to pay gas fees on the PoS network. Once the migration occurs, users and exchanges will need to switch their MATIC to POL tokens.

The initial supply of POL tokens is set at 10 billion, maintaining a 1:1 ratio with the existing supply of MATIC. This symbolizes a direct upgrade rather than introducing an entirely new token.

POL's Role and Functionality

POL aims to bolster ecosystem security by creating a large, decentralized pool of validators to run and secure any Polygon chain, rewarding validators for their contributions and penalizing any malicious activities. The token supports the expansion of the validator pool, enabling the network to manage thousands of Polygon chains, a step towards what is termed as “hyperblockchainization.”

From a utility perspective, validators will be required to stake POL to join the validator pool, increasing the ecosystem’s security through mechanisms like preventing Sybil attacks and enabling slashing for malicious validators. To incentivize validators, POL will be distributed as protocol rewards, proportional to the amount staked. Additionally, POL will be a key component in governance, allowing holders to participate in the governance frameworks of Polygon.

Future Prospects

The upgrade to POL is expected to make Polygon a unique and advanced blockchain platform, offering high scalability, enhanced security, innovative economic models, and a frictionless experience, all governed by a community-driven approach. These attributes are set to position Polygon at the forefront of blockchain technology, especially for large-scale and diverse applications.

The transition from MATIC to POL is planned as a seamless upgrade, requiring token holders to exchange MATIC for POL through a straightforward technical process, with ample time provided for the migration.

Regarding supply and emission, POL features a predefined emission rate, serving two primary purposes: validator rewards and ecosystem support. The proposed yearly emission rate of 1% of the POL supply for each purpose ensures a balance between providing adequate support to the ecosystem and maintaining token scarcity, a vital aspect for network security and market attractiveness.

Conclusion

The POL upgrade will make Polygon a unique and advanced blockchain platform, offering high scalability, enhanced security, innovative economic models, and a frictionless experience, all governed by a community-driven approach. These attributes are set to position Polygon at the forefront of blockchain technology, especially for large-scale and diverse applications.

The multifaceted utility of POL revolves around its role in validator incentivization. Validators are required to stake POL to join the validator set, contributing to the network’s security through mechanisms such as Sybil attack prevention, alignment with ecosystem success, and slashing for misconduct. In return, validators can earn rewards through protocol emissions, transaction fees, and additional incentives offered by individual Polygon chains.

To future-proof the ecosystem and support its growth until Web3 reaches mass adoption, a continuous emission of POL is proposed to fund a Community Treasury. This fund will be vital for protocol development, research, ecosystem grants, and adoption incentives, with governance vested in the Polygon community.