A permissionless points system is reshaping how DEX protocols reward user participation. One of the key emerging approaches focuses on a fundamental principle: meaningful incentives drive real engagement.

Orders-based protocols are now rolling out customizable points modules that DEX operators can activate directly. The logic is straightforward—today's activity translates into tomorrow's value. By baking native points functionality into the protocol layer, protocols make it easier for any DEX to launch incentive programs without rebuilding infrastructure.

This approach matters because it democratizes access to engagement mechanics. Instead of each platform writing their own code, a shared module lets smaller DEXs compete on equal footing with established players. Points then serve as the transparent bridge between user effort and ecosystem rewards, creating a cleaner feedback loop across the entire trading infrastructure.

As DEX competition intensifies, protocols that make growth accessible tend to attract healthier ecosystems.