Ethereum to onboard 1.4B new users as Chinese AliPay megacorp launches own L2
John: Hey everyone, I’m John, a veteran writer for Blockchain Bulletin, where I break down the latest in Web3, crypto, and blockchain in straightforward terms. Today, we’re diving into the exciting launch of Jovay, an Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain from Ant Group, the folks behind Alipay’s massive 1.4 billion-user network—potentially bringing a ton of new folks into the Ethereum ecosystem. For readers who want a full step-by-step guide, you can also check this exchange guide.
Lila: Hi, I’m Lila, John’s curious assistant, always eager to learn more about crypto without the tech overload. So, John, what’s this Jovay thing all about, and why is it such a big deal for Ethereum?
Basics of Jovay
John: Great question, Lila. Jovay is a new Layer-2 blockchain built on top of Ethereum, launched by Ant Group on 2025-10-14. It’s designed to handle real-world assets like real estate or bonds on the blockchain, making transactions faster and cheaper while tapping into Alipay’s huge user base of over 1.4 billion people.
Lila: Layer-2? That sounds like jargon—can you explain it like I’m five?
John: Sure! Think of Ethereum as the busy main highway (Layer-1) where traffic can get slow and expensive. A Layer-2 like Jovay is like a faster side road that handles the bulk of the work and only checks back with the main highway for security. This way, it can process up to 100,000 transactions per second, according to Ant Group’s white paper released in early October 2025.
Background on Ant Group and Alipay
John: In the past, Ant Group has been a powerhouse in fintech, powering Alipay since its launch in 2004. Alipay started as a payment tool for Alibaba’s e-commerce and grew into a global giant handling trillions in annual payments. Now, with Jovay, they’re bridging traditional finance and blockchain.
Lila: Wow, from online shopping to blockchain—how did they get here?
John: It began with testnet launches; Jovay’s testnet went live on 2025-07-15, as reported by Yahoo Finance. The mainnet followed in Q4 2025, specifically around 2025-10-14, per recent updates from CryptoSlate and Blockchain News. This move positions Ant Group to bring real-world assets on-chain, leveraging their experience in secure, large-scale payments.
How It Works with Ethereum
John: As of now, on 2025-10-16, Jovay operates as an Ethereum L2, using technologies like parallel pipeline execution and hybrid proofs for speed and security. It transitions from Trusted Execution Environments (TEE) to Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP), making it efficient for institutional use.
Lila: Zero-Knowledge Proofs? That’s a mouthful—what’s that mean in simple terms?
John: Imagine proving you know a secret without revealing it—like showing you can unlock a door without handing over the key. ZKPs let transactions verify without exposing private details, boosting privacy on Jovay. This setup could onboard Alipay’s users to Ethereum without them even realizing it, starting with RWA tokenization.
Use Cases for Real-World Assets (RWAs)
John: Looking at practical examples, Jovay focuses on tokenizing RWAs, turning things like renewable energy credits or property deeds into digital tokens. For instance, it could let someone in China invest in global real estate fractions via Alipay, all secured on Ethereum.
Lila: That sounds useful—any real examples or tips on how this might work?
John: Absolutely. Here are a few use cases based on Ant Group’s announcements:
- Tokenizing bonds for faster, borderless trading.
- Renewable energy assets, like solar panel ownership shares.
- Real estate fractions, making property investment accessible to everyday users.
This builds on past RWA projects but scales it massively with Alipay’s reach.
Current Developments and Updates
John: As of 2025-10-16, Jovay has released its white paper detailing 100,000 TPS capabilities, as covered by ChainCatcher two weeks ago. They also launched smart proxy contracts on 2025-09-11, per PANews, which upgrade smart contracts to be more agent-like and automated.
Lila: Smart proxy contracts? Another term—break it down?
John: Think of them as evolved smart contracts that act like helpful assistants, handling tasks automatically based on rules. Ant Group’s CTO announced this as a “fundamental upgrade” for blockchain finance. (And hey, if these terms ever feel like a crypto puzzle, that’s what makes this space fun—no one knows it all at first!)
Risks and Safeguards
John: While exciting, there are risks like regulatory hurdles in China, where crypto has been restricted since 2021. Jovay emphasizes compliance, using Ethereum’s security to mitigate hacks, but users should always verify sources.
Lila: Good point—how can beginners stay safe?
John: Start with trusted wallets and official apps. Ant Group has built-in safeguards like hybrid proofs to prevent fraud, but remember, blockchain tech is still evolving—no system is foolproof.
Looking Ahead
John: Looking ahead, Jovay could explode RWA adoption by 2026, potentially integrating with more Alipay features. If successful, it might drive Ethereum’s user base sky-high, but we’ll watch for official updates from sources like CoinDesk.
Lila: Any final thoughts on what this means for everyday crypto fans?
John: It’s a reminder that blockchain is going mainstream, blending with apps we already use.
John: Wrapping up, this launch shows how giants like Ant Group are making crypto more accessible, potentially onboarding billions to Ethereum without the steep learning curve. It’s an exciting step toward real-world blockchain use—stay tuned for more developments. And if you’d like even more exchange tips, have a look at this global guide.
Lila: Thanks, John—that makes the future of finance sound way less intimidating. Key takeaway: Big players are bridging old and new worlds, so keep exploring safely!
This article was created using the original article below and verified real-time sources:
- Ethereum to onboard 1.4B new users as Chinese AliPay megacorp launches own L2
- 1.4B-User Alipay Launches Jovay Ethereum Layer-2 on ETH — Trading Implications for ETH and L2 Adoption
- Alipay’s 1.4 billion users to benefit from Ant Group’s Ethereum strategy
- Ant Group’s L2 blockchain Jovay releases white paper, aiming for 100,000 TPS
- Ant Digital Technologies’s Jovay Launches Testnet, Mainnet launch expected in Q4