When is Vertex Protocol Phase 4 Final Closure? Here's The Explanation

The much-anticipated Vertex Protocol Phase 4 final closure has officially taken place. After a structured 4-phase shutdown, Phase 4 concluded on August 14, 2025, marking the end of an era for Vertex Protocol. 

If you're a part of the Vertex community or an investor keeping an eye on DeFi projects, this article is here to explain everything you need to know about the final phase, its impact, and what lies ahead for Vertex Protocol.

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Understanding the Vertex Protocol Shutdown Process

What is Vertex Protocol Phase 4?

Vertex Protocol Phase 4 marked the final phase in the shutdown sequence of the protocol. It began on July 16, 2025, and officially closed on August 14, 2025 at 14:00 UTC. 

This phase involved the complete cessation of all trading activity, including forced closures of outstanding borrows and perpetual positions.

During this period:

• Spot market price feeds were frozen.
• Outstanding borrow positions were closed via collateral swaps, and funds were transferred directly to user wallets.
• All trading and borrowing activities were halted across the platform.
• Web application trading pages were deprecated, but users retained access to trade history for up to four weeks post-shutdown.

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What Happened During the Final Phase?

Key Activities in Phase 4

The final phase of the Vertex Protocol shutdown involved critical steps that brought an end to the project’s operations across its nine EVM chains:

1. Spot Market Price Feeds Frozen: This ensured that there would be no further changes in market prices for assets, effectively freezing the value of any positions held on the platform.

2. Forced Closure of Borrow Positions: All outstanding borrow positions were forcefully closed through collateral swaps, and the funds were returned to users' wallets.

3. Perpetual Settlements Distributed: Any perpetual settlements that were previously forced closed in Phase 3 were distributed to user wallets during this phase.

4. No More Deposits or Withdrawals: From Phase 4 onward, deposits and withdrawals were disabled, leaving users with limited actions available.

Transition to Ink Foundation

The Phase 4 closure wasn’t the end for Vertex Protocol. Instead, it marked the protocol’s migration to the Ink Foundation, signaling a strategic pivot. 

The core technology behind Vertex, including its synchronous orderbook engine and perpetuals, is now being integrated into the Ink Layer-2 network. 

The migration included the sunset of the VRTX token, with users receiving airdrops of INK tokens at a conversion rate of 1 VRTX = 0.018 INK tokens.

This transition brings new opportunities for users and the community, as Vertex Protocol embarks on the next chapter under the Ink Foundation banner.

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What Does the Vertex Protocol Closure Mean for Users?

Impact on Users and VRTX Token Holders

For users who were involved in the Vertex Protocol, this shutdown has several important implications:

• Airdrop for VRTX Holders: All holders of VRTX tokens are eligible for an airdrop of INK tokens, which is part of the transition to the Ink Foundation.
   
• No More Staking or Trading with VRTX: After the shutdown, the VRTX token has no further utility in the system. Users can no longer stake, trade, or participate in any of the Vertex Protocol activities.
   
• Access to Trade History: For those who need to review their trading history, Vertex Protocol will allow users to access their data for up to four weeks post-shutdown.

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The Transition to the Ink Foundation

What’s Next for Vertex and the Ink Ecosystem?

The migration to Ink Foundation is a significant move for the Vertex Protocol. As part of the transition, Vertex will rebrand and launch a new version of the decentralized exchange (DEX) on the Ink Layer-2 network. This new chapter will bring improvements, including:

• Enhanced performance and liquidity
• Increased institutional participation through improved scalability and cost-efficiency provided by Ink’s L2 solution
• New features to expand DeFi services for the Vertex community

With INK token integration, Vertex Protocol is positioning itself for the future of on-chain trading and enhanced decentralized finance. This shift opens up new opportunities for both retail and institutional traders looking to participate in the evolving DeFi landscape.

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What Are the Key Takeaways from the Vertex Protocol Shutdown?

Key Points for Users

The shutdown process of Vertex Protocol has been thorough, but it's important for users to understand a few key points:

1. Phase 4 was the final step in the shutdown, ensuring all positions were settled and funds returned to users.

2. The VRTX token is now obsolete, and its holders have received INK tokens through an airdrop. 

3. Vertex Protocol has migrated to the Ink Foundation, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the platform.

As the transition to the Ink Foundation takes place, Vertex Protocol aims to serve as a leading player in the DeFi space, offering a high-performance decentralized exchange that is better aligned with the needs of institutional and retail investors alike.

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Conclusion

The Vertex Protocol Phase 4 final closure represents the culmination of the protocol’s strategic migration to the Ink Foundation. While it marks the end of operations on nine EVM chains, it also signals a promising new chapter for Vertex within the growing Ink Layer-2 ecosystem.

The migration opens up new opportunities for both Vertex users and VRTX token holders, with INK tokens being a central part of the new ecosystem. 

Vertex Protocol’s commitment to high-performance DeFi trading ensures that its community will continue to benefit from enhanced liquidity and scalability as the platform evolves.

For users who still have VRTX tokens or are involved in the Vertex ecosystem, the shutdown sequence provides clear instructions on how to transition smoothly. 

The Vertex Protocol’s exciting future within the Ink Foundation is something to watch as it continues to shape the next generation of DeFi exchanges.

FAQ

When did Vertex Protocol Phase 4 officially close?

Phase 4 of the Vertex Protocol officially closed on August 14, 2025 at 14:00 UTC, marking the end of all trading activities.

What happened during Vertex Protocol Phase 4?

In Phase 4, all trading activities ceased, and outstanding borrows were force-closed, with funds sent to users' wallets. Spot market price feeds were frozen, and withdrawals and deposits were disabled.

What is the future of Vertex Protocol after Phase 4?

Vertex Protocol has transitioned to the Ink Foundation and will be rebranding and launching a new version of the decentralized exchange (DEX) on Ink Layer-2.

What is the INK token airdrop for VRTX holders?

VRTX holders received an airdrop of INK tokens at a conversion rate of 1 VRTX = 0.018 INK tokens as part of the transition to the Ink Foundation.

Can I still access my trade history after Phase 4?

Yes, trade history will remain accessible for up to four weeks after the Phase 4 shutdown for users to retrieve their trading records.