Starknet

Sats Terminal has launched on Starknet, powered by Vesu, enabling users to borrow USDC against their Bitcoin holdings. **Key Features:** - Access to competitive lending rates across Starknet's BTCfi ecosystem - Integration brings Sats Terminal's existing base of 100,000+ unique wallets to Starknet - Expands Bitcoin's utility in decentralized finance through collateralized lending **Context:** This launch builds on Starknet's growing BTCfi infrastructure, which includes tBTC staking options through xtBTC and partnerships with protocols like Endur. The integration positions Starknet as a scaling solution for Bitcoin-based financial services. The expansion represents another step in bringing Bitcoin liquidity to Ethereum Layer 2 networks, allowing BTC holders to access DeFi services without selling their assets.

**Private swaps are now operational on Starknet through AVNU.** How it works: - Tokens are deposited into the STRK20 privacy pool - Balances and amounts become encrypted - Swaps settle inside the pool, keeping trades and received assets hidden from public view Key features: - One-click privacy toggle - Fixed fee of 4 STRK (~$0.12) regardless of transaction size - Works for amounts from $10 to $1 billion+ Developers can integrate using two methods: - **Wallet API**: For standard implementations where wallets handle viewing keys - **TypeScript SDK**: For full control over notes and proving The STRK20 standard uses note-based privacy pools with zero-knowledge proofs to verify transactions while keeping sender, receiver, and amount details encrypted.

Starknet has introduced a **flat-fee privacy solution** for onchain transactions, charging just **4 STRK (approximately $0.12)** regardless of transaction size. **Key features:** - Same fee applies whether shielding $10 or $1 billion - No variable pricing based on transaction amount - Aims to make privacy practical and scalable for everyday use This pricing model contrasts with traditional approaches where larger transactions typically incur higher fees. The fixed-cost structure makes private transactions predictable and accessible across all transaction sizes. The solution addresses a key barrier to privacy adoption: cost-effectiveness at scale.

Starknet has officially launched its privacy infrastructure for builders with the release of SDK and Wallet API tools. **What's New:** - Developers can now integrate privacy features into their applications using the new SDK and Wallet API - Shielded balances and private DeFi protocols are already operational on mainnet - The STRK20 standard enables users to shield any asset with one click **Key Features:** - Privacy layer works without requiring new token standards or wrapped assets - Built-in compliance layer for institutional use cases - Minimal integration work required for existing teams The infrastructure aims to bring practical privacy to crypto applications while maintaining compatibility with existing ERC-20 assets and DeFi protocols.

**STRK20** introduces privacy features for ERC-20 tokens on Starknet while maintaining regulatory compliance through encrypted viewing keys. **Key Features:** - Private balances, transfers, and swaps for any ERC-20 on Starknet - Fixed cost of 4 $STRK per transaction, regardless of size - Single shared privacy pool that strengthens as more users join - Encrypted viewing keys allow authorized auditors to access specific information on legitimate requests **How It Works:** Users can shield ERC-20 tokens into private balances, conduct private transactions, then unshield with one click—all within the same wallet and liquidity pools. The framework leverages Starknet's provable computation capabilities to verify private transactions without exposing details. As the privacy pool grows with more users and assets, individual transactions become harder to isolate. **Ecosystem Expansion:** STRK20 is rolling out across Starknet with integrations for [avnu](https://avnu.fi) and [Ekubo](https://ekubo.org), plus an open-source SDK. The [Proof of Privacy incubator](https://starknet.io) supports teams building private applications for payments, trading, identity, and DeFi. *Privacy by default, accountability when required.*

**Private swaps are now live on Starknet**, marking a significant milestone for privacy-focused DeFi on the network. **Key features:** - Private transactions enabled through Paymaster integration - Powered by AVNU protocol - Available on Starknet Mainnet This launch represents Starknet's entry into privacy-preserving DeFi, allowing users to execute token swaps without publicly exposing transaction details on-chain. The announcement includes a guide for users to begin swapping privately on the platform.

**Privacy doesn't have to mean breaking compliance rules.** Most privacy solutions face a problem: they either can't respond to legal requests without exposing everyone, or they isolate users in fragmented ecosystems. **STRK20 takes a different approach:** - Viewing keys are encrypted by an independent auditor - Legal requests can be answered with scoped access per user - Other users in the pool remain protected - No need to freeze funds or delist assets This design keeps privacy functional while meeting regulatory demands—connecting users to existing DeFi without the compliance risks that have plagued other privacy tools.

At Bitcoin 2026, a new privacy solution for Bitcoin was demonstrated on stage. **strkBTC** enables Bitcoin holders to conduct private transactions on Starknet through a privacy pool system. **How it works:** - Users bridge their BTC into the Starknet network - Balances and transfers become shielded within the privacy pool - Bitcoin remains fully redeemable back to native BTC at any time - External observers only see bridge deposits and withdrawals - Internal transaction activity stays private The solution gives Bitcoin users optional privacy without sacrificing the ability to return to native BTC. Users maintain control over when to enter and exit the privacy layer.

Starknet mainnet experienced a brief ~10 minute downtime starting at 8:10 AM UTC on April 20 for the v0.14.2 protocol upgrade. **Key Changes:** - **In-protocol proof verification** - Starknet can now verify proofs natively at the protocol level, eliminating expensive application-layer workarounds - **Native privacy unlocked** - Enables STRK20 and strkBTC tokens with built-in privacy features - **zkThreads foundation** - Lays groundwork for infinite scaling through parallel execution - **Decentralization building blocks** - Adds infrastructure for future decentralized validation The upgrade passed community vote on April 16 after STRK stakers and delegators approved the changes. Additional improvements include revised storage economics and StarkGate token contract upgrades. This represents a fundamental shift in how Starknet handles proof verification, moving critical functionality from the application layer into the core protocol.

**strkBTC is set to launch by end of April/early May**, bringing a new Bitcoin wrapper to Starknet that combines hard money principles with privacy and DeFi productivity. **Key features:** - Privacy-enabled Bitcoin transactions - Built on STRK20s privacy technology - Compliance integrated from day one - Full DeFi composability on Starknet **What this means:** Bitcoin holders will be able to do more than just HODL - they can participate in Starknet's DeFi ecosystem while maintaining privacy. The asset aims to provide Bitcoiners with confidential balances and private transfers. **Get involved:** Interested users can contact the team at [strk20.starknet.io](https://strk20.starknet.io/) to participate in the upcoming launch. Bitcoin can already be bridged to Starknet in preparation. This launch is part of Starknet's broader privacy initiative, which includes STRK20s - a privacy layer for all ERC-20 tokens with built-in compliance.