Hyperlane: Permissionless Cross-Chain Protocol Connecting Over 150 Blockchains

This report was conducted by Tiger Research, analyzing the permissionless cross-chain protocol of Hyperlane, which has now connected over 150 blockchains with a modular security framework and breakthrough potential in eliminating integration barriers in Web3 interoperability.

TL;DR

• Truly permissionless deployment: Unlike competitors requiring approval processes or whitelisting, Hyperlane allows any developer to immediately deploy and connect to multiple chains without gatekeeping, creating a completely different onboarding model compared to other interoperability protocols.

• Flexible modular security: While other bridges use fixed security models, Hyperlane's Interchain Security Module (ISM) allows applications to self-configure security levels (from basic validator signatures to multi-layered verification), enabling infrastructure that can support both high-speed microtransactions and transactions of assets requiring maximum security.

• Developer-first architecture: Hyperlane's TypeScript SDK, CLI tools, and comprehensive documentation help lower technical barriers in cross-chain integration. Instead of complex self-deployment, developers only need to call simple APIs to access interchain messaging.

1. A Turning Point for Blockchain Connectivity

The blockchain ecosystem is shifting from an isolated development model to genuine connectivity. Instead of building closed environments, more and more projects are seeking integration into a larger network.

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At this step, Ryan sends a test message from Tiger Chain to Ethereum for verification. This message is not just text, but a specific executable command: "Transfer 100 TIGER tokens to Ethereum address 0x123...". The process occurs as follows: 1. Tiger Chain initiates a message to transfer 100 $TIGER to Ethereum. 2. Hyperlane validator verifies and signs the message. 3. Relayer transfers the signed message to Ethereum. 4. ISM on Ethereum verifies the message and releases 100 $TIGER to the recipient. As long as both the source and destination chains have a Mailbox, no additional configuration is needed. The message is transmitted, verified, and executed. The successful test confirms that the two chains are connected correctly. **Step 4: Register in Public Registry** Finally, Ryan registers Tiger Chain's connection information in the Hyperlane Registry. This Registry functions as a public directory on GitHub, gathering information about all connected chains, including identifiers like domain ID and Mailbox addresses. The purpose of this registry is to help other developers easily find the necessary information to connect to Tiger Chain. It works like a "phone book" — once registered, anyone can look up and start communicating with Tiger. By registering just once, Tiger Chain benefits from the entire Hyperlane ecosystem's network effect. The core of this architecture is a simple but powerful principle: **anyone can connect without approval, and any chain can be used as a destination without permission.** This model is best understood through a familiar comparison: email. Just as anyone can send an email to any address worldwide without prior coordination, Hyperlane allows any blockchain to communicate with another blockchain, provided the Mailbox is installed. **It creates an environment where permissionless connectivity becomes the default standard — something traditional approval-based systems cannot achieve.** ## 2.2. Multi-VM Compatibility **From the beginning, Hyperlane was designed with a modular architecture to support different VM (Virtual Machine) environments.** Currently, it allows interaction between Ethereum's EVM, CosmWasm for Cosmos SDK-based chains, and Solana's SVM, while developing support for Move-based chains. **Connecting different VM environments is inherently complex.** Each blockchain operates with its own execution model, data structure, consensus mechanism, and asset standards. Achieving interoperability between these systems requires a specialized framework capable of "translating" between completely different architectures. For example: Ethereum's EVM supports 18 decimal digits, while Solana's SVM uses only 9 digits. **Overcoming such small differences while ensuring security and reliability is one of Hyperlane's significant technical achievements.** **To address this challenge, Hyperlane introduces Hyperlane Warp Route — a modular cross-chain asset bridge that allows permissionless token transfers between chains and supports moving various assets across different environments.** Simply put, Warp Route operates based on asset characteristics and use cases. **Sometimes it's like a vault, sometimes like a currency exchange, and other times like a direct wire transfer — each route is optimized for specific scenarios.** This entire process operates across different VM environments using Hyperlane's interchain messaging. [The rest of the translation follows the same approach, maintaining the original structure and technical terminology.]

Hyperlane Warp Routes play a crucial role in expanding Hyperlane's vision of modular, permissionless interoperability between chains. Developers only need to configure contracts according to the specifics of each chain, while the rest — from messaging, verification to distribution — are handled by Hyperlane's infrastructure, helping them deploy cross-environment connections without having to build complex translation mechanisms.

2.3. Modular Security: Interchain Security Module (ISM)

While Hyperlane allows seamless message and asset transfer between different chains — a key strength in scalability — it also poses an important challenge: How can the receiving chain be certain that a message truly comes from the declared source chain? Sending a message is one thing, but verifying its authenticity is another.

To solve this issue, Hyperlane introduces the Interchain Security Module (ISM) — a modular security system that helps verify the authenticity of messages before the destination chain accepts them. ISM is an on-chain smart contract used to verify whether a message was actually created from the source chain, thereby ensuring anti-forgery and source authenticity.

Simply put: when the Mailbox of the destination chain receives a message, it asks: "Does this message truly come from the original chain?". Only when verification is successful, the message is forwarded to its destination. If verification fails or there are suspicious signs, the message will be rejected.

This process is similar to border control when you travel internationally. Before entry, immigration officers check the validity of your passport: "Was this passport truly issued by your country?" The passport contains anti-forgery elements and cryptological components proving its legitimacy. While anyone can create fake documents, only passports that can prove their origin through cryptographic verification are accepted.

Importantly, ISM has high flexibility, allowing configuration of security models that suit service needs. In practice, security requirements vary by context. For example, a small-value token transaction might only need basic validator signatures for quick processing. Conversely, a multi-million dollar asset transaction might require multi-layered security models — including Hyperlane validators, external bridges like Wormhole, along with additional multisig verification.

In this way, the ISM framework reflects an important design decision: Hyperlane prioritizes both connectivity and security through modular verification. Applications can customize their own security models while maintaining the protocol's permissionless nature.

3. Developer Tools and Accessibility: The Easiest Connection Method

Hyperlane prioritizes developer experience by providing high accessibility and ease of use. The toolset including command-line interface (CLI) and TypeScript-based SDK are core components that help integrate new chains into the Hyperlane ecosystem, send interchain messages, and configure Hyperlane Warp Routes.

Both CLI and SDK are completely open-source and anyone can use them. Developers only need to install code from GitHub to start integration, without needing licenses or approval processes. Official documentation provides step-by-step guidance, making it easy for even blockchain developers with little experience to access.

4. Hyperlane's Future Path

Hyperlane has demonstrated rapid growth since launching its testnet in the second half of 2022. Initially named Abacus, the project rebranded to Hyperlane in autumn 2022 and began implementing its ecosystem expansion strategy.

The year 2023 marked the foundational stage for Hyperlane's technical development. The team introduced a modular security stack, allowing customized security configuration for each chain. In parallel, Hyperlane implemented a permissionless deployment system, enabling any developer to connect new chains without permission.

Simultaneously, the project focused on enhancing developer experience, simplifying the complex cross-chain process, and making multi-chain application development more intuitive. Through integration with key projects like Circle, Hyperlane also achieved significant progress in ecosystem expansion.

4.1. Positioning for Breakthrough Growth

Currently, Hyperlane supports over 150 blockchains, including Ethereum, Solana, and Avalanche. With bridge asset volumes reaching billions of dollars, the protocol has moved beyond the testing phase to commercial-scale deployment.

One of the most notable trends is network effect. The more chains connect to Hyperlane, the stronger the momentum for other chains to join. New participants can immediately access liquidity, users, and interoperability from connected networks. Developers prioritize infrastructure supporting broad compatibility, while users seek more utilities and flexibility.

Two core competitive advantages are driving Hyperlane's growth:

1. Superior connectivity with over 150 chains — far ahead of competitors.

2. A permissionless architecture that significantly reduces onboarding barriers and accelerates ecosystem expansion.

Combined, these advantages provide Hyperlane with a growth trajectory superior to traditional interoperability solutions.

4.2. Making $HYPER Useful

After launching the $HYPER token in April 2025, Hyperlane's greatest challenge is ensuring long-term utility for the token. The critical question is: Can $HYPER evolve from a speculative asset to an indispensable part of the protocol's operation?

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Strengthening security remains a top priority. Through the bug bounty program, Hyperlane awards up to $2.5 million to those who discover critical vulnerabilities in smart contracts. This has proven to be an effective mechanism to encourage active participation from security researchers.

However, risks still exist — especially due to the open-source and permissionless nature of the protocol. Continuous monitoring is necessary, particularly when users customize modules, which could potentially create unforeseen vulnerabilities.

4.4. Becoming the Core Infrastructure for the Interactive Web3 Era

As interoperability becomes a fundamental requirement of Web3, Hyperlane's progress and potential become increasingly important. If the project's vision is realized, users can interact with blockchain services without worrying about which chain they are using.

This represents a blueprint for a truly unified blockchain ecosystem. At this critical moment, Hyperlane's next steps will be decisive in realizing that vision to what extent.

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