a16z-backed Eco launches Programmable Addresses to automate cross-chain payments

Eco, backed by a16z, unveils Programmable Addresses to simplify and automate cross-chain payments, revolutionizing crypto asset management.

Imagine a world where managing your crypto assets across different chains is as easy as clicking a button. Well, that future may be closer than we think! Earlier today, March 2, 2026, Eco, a stablecoin infrastructure platform backed by a16z Crypto, introduced an innovative feature known as Programmable Addresses, which is set to transform the way developers, enterprises, and institutional users handle cross-chain payments. What Are Programmable Addresses? With Eco's new Programmable Addresses, developers can assign a single address to a user or product that operates seamlessly across Ethereum-compatible chains and Solana. This functionality has been launched to tackle the fragmented and often cumbersome process of managing assets in a multi-chain ecosystem. How Do Programmable Addresses Work? Traditionally, when users received funds, they had to manually bridge, swap, or redistribute crypto assets. This process not only consumes time but also involves multiple transactions, additional fees, and risks associated with potential bridge failures and partial executions. Programmable Addresses resolve these issues by embedding execution logic directly into the address. Why Is This Shift Significant? Eco’s CEO Ryan Saxe stated, “The industry has long viewed the receipt of funds as the conclusion of a transaction. However, in any functional economy, it is just the beginning.” This perspective shift allows developers to automate workflows such as cross-chain routing, treasury consolidation, and payroll distribution without manual intervention. What Benefits Do Programmable Addresses Offer? By leveraging Eco’s intent-based execution layer and solver network, transactions settle atomically with cryptographic guarantees, removing the complexities typically associated with gas tokens, liquidity fragmentation, and reconciliation. This makes cross-chain interactions much more straightforward and efficient. What’s Next for Eco? This functionality is just a part of Eco's broader vis