THORChain Protocol Version Update

TRON's USDT is now available natively on THORChain, eliminating the need for bridges, KYC requirements, or intermediaries. **Key Points:** - Direct integration enables native swaps without wrapped assets - Users can trade USDT alongside BTC, ETH, TRX, and other assets - No third-party custody or bridge risks involved This development expands THORChain's native asset support, allowing users to swap TRON-based USDT directly with other blockchain assets through the protocol's cross-chain liquidity infrastructure.

THORChain has announced itself as the world's leading Bitcoin decentralized exchange (DEX). **Key Features:** - 100% non-custodial front-end interface - CEX-style user experience with DEX security - Cross-chain swaps across BTC, ETH, XRP, LTC and other assets - No wrapped assets required for trading - Full user control of assets throughout the swap process The platform targets traders familiar with centralized exchanges like Binance who prefer self-custody solutions. Users can access the service at [swap.thorchain.org](https://swap.thorchain.org).

A growing emphasis on **native cross-chain execution** is challenging the dominance of swap aggregators in decentralized finance. The core argument: competitive rates become meaningless when users must surrender control of their assets during cross-chain swaps. Proponents argue that true self-custody requires native execution capabilities rather than relying on intermediaries. **Key points:** - Best swap rates don't matter if custody is compromised during execution - Native cross-chain solutions maintain user control throughout the transaction - The debate highlights tensions between convenience and decentralization principles This perspective suggests the DeFi industry may need to prioritize execution architecture over rate optimization, particularly as cross-chain activity increases. The discussion reflects broader questions about what "self-custody" actually means when using various DeFi protocols.

**Key Launches** - **Messari** released a [THORChain Spotlight Dashboard](https://messari.io) tracking liquidity, trading activity, and ecosystem metrics in one interface - **THORWallet** introduced "Decentralized Only" routing option, letting users prioritize fully decentralized venues per swap or globally - **Vultisig** enabled seed phrase imports, allowing users to convert traditional wallets into MPC vaults while maintaining multi-chain asset access - **THORDEX** launched Community Bounties offering 42 $RUNE for accepted bug reports or UX improvements **Protocol Updates** - **Rujira Network** deployed most FIN v1.2 upgrades, setting foundation for increased activity and liquidity on RUJI Trade **Milestones** - **Maya Protocol** celebrated 3 years since genesis block - **Symbiosis** marked 4 years with $7.5B+ volume, 4.5M transactions, and 800K unique addresses The updates focus on infrastructure improvements and user control, with new analytics tools and routing options giving users more transparency and choice in how they interact with decentralized protocols.

THORChain generated $5M in swap fees last quarter, with integrated wallets earning additional revenue through affiliate fees ranging from 0.3% to 0.9% per swap. **How it works:** - Wallets integrate THORChain and set affiliate fees (0-10,000 basis points) - Users swap assets like BTC to SOL through their wallet interface - Wallets earn fees automatically without custody or risk - THORChain handles all technical infrastructure **Key benefits:** - Wallets earn sustainable revenue from user activity - Users get seamless cross-chain swaps - THORChain gains broader distribution **Recent data:** - Affiliates earned over $35M in fees since launch - Trust Wallet earned $15M+ - Ledger earned $4M+ since Q3 2024 - 15,000+ new users added monthly With Solana now live, wallets serving that ecosystem can integrate and start earning immediately. The model turns THORChain into revenue-generating infrastructure.