About THORChain
THORChain is a decentralized cross-chain liquidity protocol that lets users swap native cryptocurrencies like BTC and ETH directly across different blockchains without wrapped tokens or centralized intermediaries. An anonymous team of developers started the project around 2018 to 2019, and the main network went live in early 2021. The protocol uses continuous liquidity pools where every supported asset is paired with RUNE, which acts as the universal settlement asset. Validators must bond RUNE to participate in consensus and secure the network. The consensus mechanism is a Tendermint-based proof-of-stake model with economically incentivized validator nodes. RUNE is the native token. It is the settlement asset in all liquidity pools, pays network fees, bonds validator security, and provides incentives for validators and liquidity providers. All swaps and liquidity activity on the protocol are economically centered on RUNE. The token launched with a maximum supply of one billion, which was later reduced to around 354 million through a burn mechanism. This gives RUNE a deflationary and effectively capped supply, with circulating supply reported at roughly 330 to 350 million tokens.
Arkham adds right-click shortcut to verify bridge transactions
Arkham's shortcut enhances user efficiency in cross-chain verification, potentially setting a new standard for blockchain analytics platforms.
The Bitget hack split the cross-chain market into two products
The Bitget hack highlights the tension between decentralization and security, prompting a reevaluation of cross-chain market practices.
Bitget CEO criticizes THORChain for inconsistent response to hacks
The incident underscores the tension between decentralization principles and regulatory pressures, potentially reshaping DeFi accountability norms.
GoPlus Security challenges THORChain’s decentralization claims over DPRK-linked funds
The debate over THORChain's decentralization highlights the tension between protocol control and true permissionless blockchain ideals.
D’CENT app wallet attack drains 12.4M XRP from thousands of users over 10-day spree
The attack highlights the critical need for robust security measures and timely updates to prevent large-scale cryptocurrency thefts.
Hacker turns 25 cents of Bitcoin into 46 billion fake BTC tokens on Symbiosis bridge
The exploit highlights the persistent vulnerabilities in cross-chain bridge infrastructure, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced security measures.
A sourced map of THORChain's relationships is on the way.
Partners, competitors and related assets, each link independently verified and source-linked before it appears here.
The Crypto Briefing podcast is on the way.
Conversations on THORChain and the wider market, hosted by our team, will appear here once episodes are live.