Expand your decentralized application (DApp) to the Polkadot ecosystem using Acala, a smart contract platform that is compatible with Ethereum and specifically designed for decentralized finance (DeFi). Acala serves as Polkadot's primary network for finance and a hub for liquidity, functioning as a scalable, layer-1 solution that offers seamless integration with Ethereum while enhancing DeFi capabilities through pre-existing financial tools and liquidity options. Thanks to its trustless exchange mechanism, decentralized stablecoin known as aUSD, DOT Liquid Staking (LDOT), and EVM+ compatibility, Acala empowers developers to harness both Ethereum's advantages and the comprehensive capabilities of substrate technology. Users can interact with DOT-based assets and derivatives, access a Polkadot-native stablecoin, and engage with assets across the Polkadot ecosystem as well as cross-chain assets from Bitcoin and Ethereum. Notably, Acala’s blockchain is tailored for DeFi purposes and is designed to evolve continuously without the need for forks, allowing for the integration of new features as desired by developers. Innovative on-chain 'keepers' automate protocol functions, enhancing risk management and user experience, while also allowing transaction fees to be settled with nearly any token available. This flexibility and adaptability make Acala a formidable choice for developers looking to thrive in the DeFi landscape.