Polygon Breaks from Decentralization as Sandeep Nailwal Assumes Full Control

Polygon is entering a new chapter, with co-founder Sandeep Nailwal assuming the role of CEO at the foundation that oversees its ecosystem.

This marks a clear departure from its previous decentralized governance model, as the project doubles down on streamlining leadership amid intensifying competition in the Ethereum layer-2 space.

Nailwal’s appointment signals a return to fast-paced execution. He emphasized that after a few years focused on research and institutional structuring, it’s time for Polygon to act boldly again. His first order of business: overhaul the foundation’s focus and accelerate the rollout of key infrastructure upgrades.

Among the most significant changes is the foundation’s renewed focus on AggLayer, an interoperability layer designed to link fragmented chains. A major upgrade, AggLayer v0.3, is expected by the end of the year.

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Meanwhile, Polygon is preparing to retire its zkEVM chain by 2026, citing scaling issues that hindered its effectiveness. Instead, attention is shifting to the PoS chain, which is being transformed into a “GigaGAS” network capable of processing over 100,000 transactions per second. This upgrade is positioned to drive real-time payment capabilities and enable support for trillions in tokenized assets.

A major protocol enhancement, the Bhilai upgrade, is set to launch in July. It promises faster settlement, cheaper gas, and seamless integration with AggLayer—key for Polygon’s ambitions in enterprise adoption, where firms like JPMorgan and Stripe are already involved.

These bold moves come amid a wave of leadership changes. Nailwal steps in just weeks after fellow co-founder Mihailo Bjelic announced his exit from day-to-day operations. Two other early contributors, Jaynti Kanani and Anurag Arjun, also left over the past two years.

As Polygon revamps its foundation and refocuses its tech stack, Nailwal’s leadership may usher in a more centralized—but more agile—era for one of Ethereum’s most prominent scaling solutions.

Alexander Stefanov

With over 8 years of experience in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, Alexander is a seasoned content creator and market analyst dedicated to making digital assets more accessible and understandable. He specializes in breaking down complex crypto trends, analyzing market movements, and producing insightful content aimed at educating both newcomers and seasoned investors. Alexander has built a reputation for delivering timely and accurate analysis, while keeping a close eye on regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic trends that shape the future of digital finance. His work is rooted in a passion for innovation and a firm belief that widespread education is key to accelerating global crypto adoption.