Chainlink Launches CCIP v1.5 Upgrade, Introduces Cross-Chain Token (CCT) Standard

On October 30th, according to an official announcement, Chainlink announced the launch of the CCIP v1.5 upgrade, which is now live on all supported blockchain testnets and will soon be available on the main blockchain network.CCIP v1.5 introduces the Cross-Chain Token (CCT) standard, which enables token developers to self-service the integration of new and existing tokens with the CCIP in minutes. CCT is a native cross-chain token protected by CCIP.CCT supports self-service deployment, full developer control and ownership, enhanced programmability, and zero-slip transfers - all backed by CCIP's industry-standard defense-in-depth security. Notably, CCT is independent of token logic, meaning token developers can deploy pre-vetted token pool contracts, transform any ERC20-compatible token into a CCT, or deploy their own customized token pool contracts for custom token use cases.CCT does not require token developers to inherit any CCIP-specific code in their tokens' smart contracts.

In addition, CCIP v1.5 introduces a new Token Developer Attestation feature that enables token developers to participate in an optional verification layer of their CCT by attesting to a token destruction or locking event on the source chain before the CCIP is able to mint or unlock tokens on the target chain. Developers of tokenized assets have commonly requested this functionality to support their security models and meet their compliance needs. The Token Developer Proof feature is currently available in private beta.