Thorchain's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Exceed Expectations

THORChain introduced Rapid Swaps, an upgrade to their existing Streaming Swaps feature. While Streaming Swaps split large trades across multiple blocks to reduce slippage, Rapid Swaps execute multiple sub-swaps within the same block. **How it works:** - Protocol matches opposing trades against each other rather than just the liquidity pool - Functions as a peer-to-peer matching layer on top of the AMM - Example: A BTC→ETH swap and ETH→BTC swap in the same queue settle against each other instantly **Key details:** - Frontends must explicitly activate the feature - Increased volume generates more affiliate fees for integrators - 75% of network revenue flows to nodes and liquidity providers - Portion of fees burned daily

Trust Wallet has launched a new AI agent kit that incorporates THORChain for executing cross-chain swaps. The integration enables AI-powered bots to leverage THORChain's permissionless native liquidity infrastructure for automated trading across different blockchain networks. **Key Points:** - Trust Wallet's AI agent toolkit now supports THORChain integration - AI agents can execute cross-chain swaps using permissionless liquidity - The integration builds on Trust Wallet's existing THORChain support for users Read more: [Trust Wallet AI Crypto Trading](https://yellow.com/news/trust-wallet-ai-crypto-trading)

**Maya Protocol is expanding its role in cross-chain infrastructure** As 9 Realms transitions out of THORChain, Maya Protocol is stepping in to handle development and maintenance. The team is dedicating one developer plus shared infrastructure across both ecosystems. Meanwhile, **Cardano integration is imminent**. Stagenet testing for $ADA and v129 is live, with mainnet release expected within days. Liquidity will be seeded gradually, with more tokens coming after launch. **New tools launched this week:** - [THORStackAPI](https://thorstackapi.com) - Free API for builders (REST, WebSocket, gRPC) - Limit Orders now live in THORWallet - [Vault Explorer](https://vaultexplorer.com) - Visual guide to THORChain's custody system - [leodex V2](https://leodex.io) - 0.45% fees across 107+ DEXes - Node-level privacy option increases censorship resistance 10x **Notable milestone:** ZenGo surpassed 1M Android downloads. Unstoppable Wallet's duress mode feature allows multiple unlock PINs - each revealing different wallet sets for security when traveling.

**The Challenge** Integrating privacy-focused UTXO blockchains into DeFi protocols presents a fundamental technical problem. Cryptocurrencies like Zano operate with privacy by default - there are no visible balances for protocols to interact with. **The Solution** Zano's upcoming Hardfork 6 introduces **gateway addresses** as a potential solution. This innovation could enable privacy chains to integrate with cross-chain protocols like THORChain. **Why It Matters** This development addresses a core limitation preventing privacy-preserving cryptocurrencies from participating in broader DeFi ecosystems. Gateway addresses may provide the technical bridge needed for private chains to maintain their privacy features while enabling cross-chain functionality.

THORChain's liquidity pools suffer from a structural inefficiency: external arbitrage bots extract $3 million monthly by correcting price deviations that average 0.40% from market rates. **The Problem** - $800M in monthly arbitrage volume flows to external traders - Users experience suboptimal swap execution - Pool prices lag behind real market rates **The Solution** Rujira Network's App Layer implementation uses: - Dynamic concentrated liquidity tracking oracle prices - Smart contracts that correct deviations faster than external bots - Direct integration with THORChain's enshrined oracle system (deployed August 2025) **Projected Impact** - Capture 10-50% of arbitrage volumes ($190K-$925K monthly) - Tighter spreads and faster execution for users - Value retained within the ecosystem instead of extracted This demonstrates how App Layer builders can optimize base protocol infrastructure without modifying the core system. The approach internalizes arbitrage profits while improving user experience through better price accuracy.