Introduction to Blockchain Interoperability
The concept of progress in the blockchain space is often misleading, as new chains emerge with sleek branding, faster confirmation times, and promises to “finally fix” existing issues. However, these ecosystems appear siloed, leaving users and businesses uncertain about the proper procedures to follow. In reality, the lack of interoperability hinders enterprise adoption and scalability, as developers are spread across ecosystems, rebuilding the same tools to bridge incompatible networks.
According to recent data, more than $2 billion was stolen in 2024 due to security risks associated with token bridges and APIs. True interoperability requires blockchains to validate transactions across networks without the need for custodians or wrappers natively. As institutions like JP Morgan and central banks test cross-ledger systems, interoperability is becoming core infrastructure, making blockchain as seamless and reliable as the internet.
The Current State of Blockchain Development
Developers are building on multiple ecosystems, with one in three working across multiple chains, indicating a high level of fragmentation in corporate adoption. Even contractors are cautious, as no single network seamlessly interacts with others. Wrapped tokens are used to facilitate communication between chains, but this approach is holding blockchain back from serious enterprise integration. If the industry wants to scale, interoperability must evolve beyond marketing slogans.
The World Bank reported that the average cost of sending a $500 cross-border payment in the first quarter of 2025 was 4.26%. This is still far from the “near-zero” cost that blockchain once promised. The Financial Stability Board has warned that the G20’s 2027 targets for cheaper and faster cross-border payments are unlikely to be met. Each chain has its own economics, making transitions between networks costly and complex.
The Myth of Interoperability
Many networks claim to be interoperable, offering token bridges or APIs that allow apps to interact across chains. However, these solutions can fail during times of stress, such as network congestion, high transaction volumes, or cyber attacks. Chainalysis reported that hackers stole $2.2 billion in 303 incidents in 2024. By mid-2025, global losses had already exceeded $2.17 billion. The problem lies in the fact that edge connectors span trust boundaries that should never be met.
True interoperability means blockchains can natively discover, validate, and execute transactions from other networks without the need for custodians, wrappers, or fragile bridges. Until this common ground is reached, any “interoperable” solution will remain a patchwork of solutions. The hidden costs of using multiple chains, including gas fees and unpredictable costs, can erode margins and impact user experience.
The Entrepreneurial Turning Point
Companies have a long tradition of promoting standardization. In the early internet era, competing formats for file transfers and email caused chaos until protocols such as TCP/IP, HTTP, and SSL became widely accepted. Blockchain is heading towards the same convergence, with signs of this shift already visible. Financial giants like JP Morgan have launched pilot USD deposit tokens on Base, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore is conducting live pilots of tokenized funds and assets with traditional institutions.
The BIS 2024 survey found that 91% of 93 central banks are exploring some form of central bank digital currency. These institutions are driving the demand for blockchain rails that run across multiple networks by default, making interoperability the infrastructure itself. Once this happens, blockchain will break the corporate ceiling, not because of speculation or shiny tokenomics, but because it becomes reliable, standardized, and invisible.
As the CEO of FP Block, 
Wesley Crook leads a global team of software engineers and blockchain developers, driving innovative solutions. With over 35 years of consulting experience, he has successfully scaled FP Block and delivered impactful blockchain and software projects for clients. As a member of the Forbes Technology Council, he shares strategic insights with industry leaders.
For more information on the importance of blockchain interoperability for enterprise adoption, visit https://crypto.news/enterprises-need-blockchain-that-speaks-every-language/
