IOST

About IOST (IOST)

What Is IOST (IOST)?

IOST is a blockchain infrastructure project focused on delivering high-performance, scalable, and enterprise-ready decentralized systems. Originally launched as a high-throughput smart contract platform, it has evolved toward multichain blockchain infrastructure supporting Web3 payments and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.

The project aims to provide underlying blockchain architecture for decentralized applications and financial services that require fast transaction finality, low costs, and reliability suitable for real-world adoption.

Core Purpose of IOST

IOST is designed to address several limitations of traditional blockchains, including:

• Scalability constraints under high transaction loads
• Slow settlement times that are unsuitable for payments
• Infrastructure not optimized for enterprise or institutional use

The platform positions itself as a practical blockchain solution focused on performance, efficiency, and real-world applicability rather than experimental or purely speculative use cases.

How the IOST Network Works

IOST uses a consensus mechanism called Proof-of-Believability (PoB), a Proof-of-Stake–based model that evaluates validators using multiple factors such as:

• Token holdings
• Reputation and long-term participation
• Network contributions
• Behavioral history

This approach is designed to enable fast transaction processing while discouraging malicious behavior and excessive centralization.

To improve scalability and efficiency, IOST incorporates technical optimizations such as distributed sharding, microstate blocks, and optimized Byzantine Fault Tolerance mechanisms.

In its current architecture, IOST also operates as a BNB Chain Layer 2, allowing high-throughput transaction processing while benefiting from BNB Chain’s settlement security.

What Makes IOST Unique?

IOST differentiates itself by focusing on infrastructure-level adoption rather than consumer-facing applications.

Key distinguishing factors include:

• High transaction throughput with low fees
• Reputation-based validator selection
• Infrastructure designed for enterprise-scale usage
• Emphasis on Web3 payments and real-world financial applications
• Expansion into real-world asset tokenization

Rather than competing with entertainment or DeFi-first platforms, IOST targets use cases where performance, compliance compatibility, and reliability are critical.

Real-World Asset (RWA) and Payments Focus

In recent years, IOST has shifted toward supporting tokenized real-world assets, particularly fixed-income and bond-like instruments. Its infrastructure is described as enabling the separation of principal and yield components, improving capital efficiency while maintaining ownership rights.

Alongside RWA tokenization, IOST provides Web3 payment capabilities designed for commercial and institutional environments, offering near-instant settlement and low transaction costs.

This dual focus reflects IOST’s strategy to bridge traditional finance and blockchain technology.

IOST Token Utility

The IOST token is used within the ecosystem for:

• Transaction fees
• Staking and validator participation
• Network governance
• Settlement of payments and on-chain activity

IOST launched with an inflationary model capped at 90 billion tokens. As part of its BNB Chain Layer 2 expansion, additional tokens were approved by the community with a gradual unlock schedule extending into 2030.

Team and Project Background

IOST was founded in 2017 by Terrence Wang, Kimmy Zhong, and Ray Xiao. The founding team has academic and professional backgrounds from institutions such as Princeton, Harvard, MIT, and Carnegie Mellon.

The project reportedly raised around $40 million from investors including Sequoia Capital, Matrix Partners, DHVC, and ZhenFund. Development is led by a team focused on infrastructure, enterprise adoption, and long-term sustainability.

Risks and Considerations

Key considerations for IOST include:

• Strong competition in the smart contract and infrastructure space
• Dependence on institutional and enterprise adoption
• Execution risk around RWA-focused initiatives
• Lower retail visibility compared to consumer-oriented blockchains

IOST is positioned more as backend infrastructure than a retail-facing ecosystem.

Where Can You Buy IOST (IOST)?

IOST can be traded on centralized cryptocurrency exchanges. The most popular exchange to buy and trade IOST is Binance (IOST/USDT). Other exchanges that list IOST include OKX, Upbit, HTX, Bithumb, Coincheck, and Bitget.