THORChain Brings DeFi to Bitcoin, Challenging Traditional DEXs

THORChain is expanding its community engagement by launching its first video stream across X and other platforms. **What's Happening:** - Weekly THORSday streams will feature core contributors @CBarraford, @patriotsounds, and @KentonC137 - Content will cover latest protocol updates and alpha insights - Stream links will be shared just before going live **Why It Matters:** The move from audio-only X Spaces to video streaming represents a shift toward more accessible community communication for the cross-chain liquidity protocol. Tune in for the latest developments in decentralized swaps, lending, and liquidity provision.

**DeFi functionality is now live on THORChain** through the Rujira Network, marking a significant expansion of the protocol's capabilities. **Key features now available:** - Orderbook trading - Perpetual futures contracts - Lending markets - Native asset support including BTC, ETH, and XRP This development allows users to access advanced DeFi services while maintaining custody of their native assets, without requiring wrapped tokens or bridges. The integration builds on THORChain's existing cross-chain liquidity infrastructure.

**The bridge problem persists** - Cross-chain bridges remain a major vulnerability in crypto, with billions lost to hacks and exploits over the years. **Native settlement as the solution** - Instead of wrapping assets and moving them across bridges, native asset settlement allows traders to swap assets directly on their original chains. This eliminates the need for vulnerable bridge infrastructure. **How it works:** - Assets stay on their native blockchains throughout the entire trade - No wrapped tokens or intermediary chains required - Decentralized protocols coordinate swaps without centralized custody - Reduces attack surface and systemic risk **The infrastructure is maturing** - Decentralized liquidity protocols are now building the rails for native asset settlement across major chains like BTC, ETH, BNB, and Cosmos ecosystems. **Why it matters** - As cross-chain activity grows, the industry needs safer alternatives to traditional bridges. Native settlement offers a path forward that doesn't compromise on security for the sake of interoperability. Read the full analysis at [The Defiant](https://thedefiant.io/news/markets/beyond-bridges-why-native-asset-settlement-is-the-only-path-to-safer-trading)

**Most crypto users don't realize what happens behind the scenes when they swap tokens.** Many popular apps hide bridges, wrappers, or custody arrangements that users never explicitly consent to. Once you hit swap, there's no going back - and your funds could be at risk. **Key concerns:** - Funds can be compromised or frozen without warning - Hidden intermediaries add layers of risk - Protocol design matters more than convenience Defiant News explores why understanding the underlying protocol architecture is critical before executing any swap. The trade-off between convenience and safety is real, and most users are making uninformed choices. [Read the full analysis](link to article)

**THORChain's frontend processed $534 million in swap volume during Q4**, demonstrating significant adoption of decentralized cross-chain trading. **Key metrics:** - Zero affiliate fees saved users $1.8 million compared to typical DEX costs - No KYC requirements or custody risk - Competitive pricing with centralized exchanges **Supported assets include:** - Native BTC and ETH - Stablecoins - Multiple blockchain assets The platform enables direct cross-chain swaps without wrapped assets or bridges, allowing users to maintain full control of their funds throughout the trading process.