Axelar's General Message Passing Enables Seamless Cross-Chain Communication
Axelar operates as a decentralized overlay network built on Cosmos technology, connecting more than 80 independent blockchains through a unified gateway architecture. This enables seamless cross-chain communication between chains including Ethereum, Solana, Sui, and Aptos.
The protocol's core component is General Message Passing, which allows smart contracts on one blockchain to call functions on another without requiring developers to build custom bridge infrastructure. The entire process eliminates the need for developers to build custom bridges for each chain.
Axelar has gained institutional confidence through partnerships with Deutsche Bank and JPMorgan's Onyx Digital Assets division, which piloted cross-chain tokenized fund transfers using Axelar in late 2023.
The February 2025 Cobalt upgrade introduced a deflationary mechanism that permanently burns 98% of cross-chain transaction fees paid in AXL tokens. This upgrade aims to reduce the concentration of influence that large token holders would otherwise accumulate, encouraging broader validator participation and distributing security responsibility more evenly across the network.