Starknet

**Chance** has launched on Starknet, introducing a safeguard system for AI agent transactions. **How it works:** - Before execution, Chance simulates each agent transaction and verifies it against the user's mandate - Transactions that don't match are blocked before funds move - Uses programmable escrow wallets where agents propose transactions, but funds only release when actions satisfy user mandates **Privacy features:** - Leverages Starknet's STRK20 privacy framework - Keeps agent mandates and settlement context private - Allows selective disclosure of receipts when needed The system addresses a growing concern as AI agents gain more control over financial transactions. By combining transaction simulation, mandate verification, and programmable escrow, Chance aims to prevent agents from making unauthorized or erroneous transfers while maintaining user control over funds and privacy settings.

Starknet has launched native privacy shielding that allows users to hide their balances and on-chain activity with a single click in their wallet. **Key Features:** - One-click activation through wallet interface - Hides balances and transaction activity - Protects staked positions from public view - Fully reversible - users can return to public mode anytime The shielding feature is built directly into Starknet's infrastructure, making privacy accessible without additional tools or complex processes. Users maintain full control over their privacy settings and can toggle between private and public modes as needed. This native privacy layer represents a significant step toward giving users more control over their financial data on-chain, while maintaining the flexibility to operate transparently when desired.

A Bitcoin bridge project has outlined its **four-phase roadmap** toward trust minimization: - **Phase 1**: Federation-based system (current implementation) - **Phase 2**: Bitcoin-native verification techniques, including Quantum-Secure Bridges (QSB) - **Phase 3**: Trust-minimized BitVM implementation - **Phase 4**: Fully trustless design using OP_CAT The timeline and phases are **subject to ongoing research and development**. This represents a gradual progression from federated trust models toward cryptographic verification methods native to Bitcoin. The approach acknowledges that federation is a starting point, not the final architecture.

SuperVega has launched options trading on Starknet, expanding the platform's derivatives offerings. This follows their April deployment of 28 traditional finance markets on Starknet, which included: - 16 equities (Amazon, Google, NVIDIA, Tesla) - 7 commodities (Gold, Oil) - 3 indices/ETFs (S&P 500) - 2 forex pairs (EUR/USD) The options trading feature represents the next phase of bringing traditional financial instruments to the Starknet ecosystem, allowing users to trade derivatives alongside the existing spot markets for equities, commodities, and forex pairs.

Ready wallet has integrated STRK20 Shielding for Ledger hardware devices, enabling users to keep private keys in cold storage while maintaining balance privacy on Starknet. **Key Features:** - Hardware wallet security meets on-chain privacy - Keys remain on Ledger device throughout shielding process - Flat 4 STRK fee (~$0.12) regardless of amount - Works with Starknet's native privacy infrastructure **How It Works:** Tokens are deposited into STRK20 privacy pools where balances and amounts are encrypted. Users can then perform private swaps through [AVNU](https://avnu.fi) with one-click privacy toggle. This integration extends Starknet's privacy stack to cold storage users, combining the security of hardware wallets with confidential transactions.

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 user base of over 100,000 unique wallets to Starknet - Builds on Starknet's existing BTCfi infrastructure, which includes tBTC staking options **Context:** Starknet has been developing its Bitcoin DeFi capabilities since launching direct tBTC minting in June. The network offers: - tBTC staking through Endur with target yields around 2.5% APR - Auto-looping vaults via xtBTC (liquid staking token) - Bridge connections from Ethereum L1 The expansion positions Starknet as a scaling solution for Bitcoin-based decentralized finance, combining faster transaction speeds with Bitcoin liquidity. *Note: DeFi protocols carry inherent risks including smart contract vulnerabilities and market volatility.*

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.