Intents
Last updated 17 October 2026Last verified 17 October 2026
What are intents in crypto?
A design where a user specifies the outcome they want, such as swap X for at least Y, and third parties compete to fulfill it, rather than the user signing each transaction step. It improves usability but adds reliance on the solvers who execute on your behalf.
TradFi equivalentAn order worked by a broker on a best execution basis rather than a self-directed trade. The user states the outcome and competing solvers execute, which raises exactly the agency question best execution rules exist to police.