Key services and several dApps on aelf are back online.
Welcome back! If you run into any issues while using a dApp, please reach out in the project's official community or contact its support team.
Read the latest update: https://t.co/TyMnGjzTHz
3.0/ 5
Our score
Fair
Layer
Layer 1
Consensus / design
Delegated PoS
Native token
ELF
EVM compatible
No
What is aelf?
aelf is a modular Layer-1 blockchain network designed around a multi-dAppChain structure that enables parallel smart contract execution across isolated application chains. Launched in 2017, the network separates transactions across its main chain and individual sidechains space.
Team and background
aelf is headquartered in Singapore and was introduced to global investors in December 2017. The project is led by co-founder and CEO Auric, who holds a computer science degree from Tianjin University and previously founded GemPay, Allcoin, and Hoopox. Early backers of the network include Arrington Capital, Draper Dragon, and Galaxy Digital.
Architecture and core mechanics
The network operates through a hybrid model composed of an AELF MainChain and dedicated sidechains. Sidechains can run in shared or exclusive modes, where exclusive chains permit custom fee configurations and require developers to pay resource tokens for CPU, RAM, DISK, and NET usage. Sidechain creation passes through an on-chain proposal submitted to a cross-chain contract, which requires approval from designated parliament organization members within 24 hours. The ecosystem integrates Portkey, an account abstraction wallet, along with eBridge to manage cross-chain token and data transfers between aelf and EVM-compatible networks including Ethereum and BNB Chain.
Track record and incidents
On August 18, 2026, malicious smart contract activity caused the network to halt block production for approximately one week during an emergency shutdown. The development team initiated a controlled recovery phase involving block producer (BP) key rotations, software validation on an isolated test environment, and node re-synchronization. Public full-node access returned in early September, and core dApp services along with the explorer were restored online by September 14, 2026. Prior to this, aelf sunsetted its ETransfer utility in February 2026, shifting transfer volume to eBridge with a 2,000,000 ELF liquidity allocation in June 2026.
Risks and limitations
Governance and chain deployments rely heavily on parliament approvals and block producer voting, which centralizes protocol emergency actions. Decentralized finance activity remains narrow, with total value locked standing at $15,398 in October 2026. Additionally, centralized exchange liquidity shifted in September 2026 when OKX delisted ELF spot trading pairs and Gate removed the ELF/ETH pair.
Founders
AuricCo-founder and CEO
Holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Tianjin University and previously founded GemPay, Allcoin, and Hoopox.
Best for:Developers needing dedicated sidechainsTeams building EVM cross-chain integrationsC# and multi-language smart contract programmers
Pros and cons
Pros
- Parallel smart contract execution improves scaling and compute throughput
- Native bridge connects directly to Ethereum and BNB Chain
- Development history dating back to 2017
Cons
- Halted block production for about one week in August 2026 following malicious activity
- Total value locked is low, registering under $20,000 in October 2026
- OKX delisted ELF spot trading pairs in September 2026
- Sidechain proposals require 24-hour governance approval by parliament members
Our review
3.0/5
Fair
aelf provides a modular, multi-chain architecture for enterprise dApps, but low on-chain liquidity and an extended August 2026 network halt weigh on its track record.
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, aelf is a cloud-native Layer 1 blockchain structured around a central MainChain and multiple specialized dAppChains. Led by co-founder and CEO Auric, the platform uses a multi-chain framework that separates smart contracts across distinct side chains, aiming to prevent resource competition and enable parallel transaction execution. Contracts run via C# and native SDKs across languages like Java, JavaScript, Python, and Go, supported by tools such as Portkey Wallet and the eBridge cross-chain connector.
Developers can configure exclusive side chains with custom fee structures, paying block producers through resource tokens (CPU, RAM, DISK, and NET) rather than competing for global block space. Cross-chain indexing allows side chains to interact with the MainChain and connect to EVM environments through eBridge, supported by a 2,000,000 ELF liquidity allocation made in June 2026. Forest NFT is an NFT marketplace with low gas fees.
However, recent events expose notable operational and adoption hurdles:
- In August 2026, malicious smart contract activity forced an emergency pause that halted block production for about a week, requiring block producer key rotation and node rebuilding before core services restored in September 2026.
- On-chain liquidity remains minimal, with total value locked sitting at approximately $15,398 in October 2026.
- Centralized exchange support has contracted, reflected by OKX delisting ELF spot pairs and Gate removing the ELF/ETH market in September 2026.
- Side-chain creation relies on approval from an established parliament governance organization rather than purely permissionless deployment.
Specs
| Layer | Layer 1 · unverified |
|---|---|
| Consensus / design | Delegated PoS · unverified |
| Native token | ELF |
| EVM compatible | No · unverified |
| Smart contract languages | C# · unverified |
| Sequencer | Not applicable · unverified |
| Gas paid in | ELF · unverified |
Not disclosed by the provider: Block time, Typical transaction fee, Finality, Validators / sequencer, Mainnet since, Throughput (TPS), Data availability.
Data from the provider's website and public sources. Fees and availability change; confirm on the official site before you sign up.
Key features
Multi-dAppChain architecture
Executes contracts across isolated sidechains running parallel to the main chain.
Exclusive sidechain deployment
Allows developers to set custom transaction fee structures while paying block producers in compute resource units.
eBridge cross-chain transfers
Connects the aelf network to external EVM networks including Ethereum and BNB Chain for token and message passing.
Parliament governance approval
Requires on-chain parliament member review within 24 hours before a new sidechain creation request can be finalized.
Account abstraction wallet support
Integrates natively with the Portkey smart contract wallet to onboard Web2 identities into dApps.
Inside aelf
aelf Layer 1 Blockchain
The core cloud-native network operating on a MainChain and multi-dAppChain structure that supports parallel contract execution.
Portkey Wallet
An account abstraction wallet designed to onboard users from Web2 into Web3 applications on aelf.
eBridge
A cross-chain bridge protocol connecting aelf with EVM-compatible blockchains for token and data transfers.
Forest NFT
A digital asset marketplace on aelf for minting and trading NFTs with low gas fees.
aelf screenshots
What users say about aelf
User feedback is extremely limited, with no recurring positive or negative themes identified across multiple authors. Isolated issues include a stuck bridge transfer, but overall product discussion is sparse.
Based on 10 Reddit posts and comments from the last 12 months, checked Oct 21, 2026. These are posts by users on other sites, not reviews submitted on CryptoReview.
User reviews
No user reviews yet. Have you used aelf? Share your experience below.
Funding and investors
1Round
3Investors
-
Funding round Dec 2017 Amount undisclosed
FAQ
Who founded aelf?
aelf was founded in 2017 by Auric, who serves as Co-founder and CEO. He previously founded GemPay, Allcoin, and Hoopox.
Does aelf have a native token?
Yes, ELF is the native token of the aelf blockchain.
What security incidents have affected aelf?
On August 18, 2026, aelf paused the network due to malicious smart contract activity, halting block production for approximately one week. Block producer key rotation and forensics followed before core services resumed in mid-September 2026.
What smart contract languages are supported on aelf?
Smart contracts on aelf are primarily written in C#. The project also provides software development kits for JavaScript, Python, Go, and Java.
How does aelf connect to other blockchains?
aelf uses eBridge, a dedicated cross-chain bridge facilitating asset and data transfers between aelf and EVM-compatible networks. Its earlier ETransfer service was officially sunsetted in February 2026.
Latest from aelf on X
Recovery update
The aelf explorer is back online at https://t.co/ljf0AQg1gI. You can also transfer funds with FairyVault (https://t.co/U1JeZSzAzr) and trade on Awaken (https://t.co/BfsGz1f9lH).
Thanks for your patience. Please let us know if you run into any issues.
The aelf explorer is back online at https://t.co/ljf0AQg1gI. You can also transfer funds with FairyVault (https://t.co/U1JeZSzAzr) and trade on Awaken (https://t.co/BfsGz1f9lH).
Thanks for your patience. Please let us know if you run into any issues.
Recovery update
1. Public full-node access has been restored:
https://t.co/95a0Eo6G3r
https://t.co/m97q3poPYm
2. Explorer data restoration is underway:
https://t.co/ljf0AQg1gI
3. We are continuing to coordinate with exchanges.
1. Public full-node access has been restored:
https://t.co/95a0Eo6G3r
https://t.co/m97q3poPYm
2. Explorer data restoration is underway:
https://t.co/ljf0AQg1gI
3. We are continuing to coordinate with exchanges.
Recovery update
Our public full nodes have been redeployed and are now synchronizing data. Synchronization is expected to complete on September 4.
The production network has not reopened. We are working toward a safe resumption. No user action is currently required.
Our public full nodes have been redeployed and are now synchronizing data. Synchronization is expected to complete on September 4.
The production network has not reopened. We are working toward a safe resumption. No user action is currently required.
Recovery update
1. Functional testing of the upgraded nodes is complete.
2. Some partners have begun reviewing the upgraded node software.
The production network has not reopened. We are working toward a safe resumption. No user action is currently required.
1. Functional testing of the upgraded nodes is complete.
2. Some partners have begun reviewing the upgraded node software.
The production network has not reopened. We are working toward a safe resumption. No user action is currently required.
Recent public posts from @aelfblockchain, shown as published. Not reviewed or endorsed by CryptoReview.
Alternatives to aelf
Proof-of-stake layer-1 blockchain securing nearly $50B in DeFi value since 2015
Layer 1Proof of StakeEVM compatible
Ethereum optimistic rollup securing over $12B with ~0.25-second block times and Stylus Rust contracts
Layer 2Optimistic rollupEVM compatible
Sharded Layer-1 blockchain supporting 1.2s finality and cross-chain execution across 35+ networks
Layer 1Proof of StakeNEAR
EVM sidechain with sub-two-second settlement, $0.002 average fees, and over 8 billion processed transactions
SidechainProof of StakeEVM compatible
Proof-of-stake layer 1 with sub-second finality and customizable sovereign appchains
Layer 1Proof of StakeEVM compatible
Ethereum layer 2 built on the OP Stack and incubated by Coinbase
Layer 2Optimistic rollupEVM compatible