Bitcoin integrates Starknet's Asset Runes, enabling the arrival of USDC and other digital tokens.
Starkware's Layer 2 solution, Starknet, introduces Asset Runes, enabling Bitcoin users to access stablecoins and other tokens directly within the Bitcoin network without the need to leave it. This feature, announced on May 27 through a post on X, aims to broaden Bitcoin's scope by exposing users to various assets while preserving the network's unique features.
Backed by full reserves, Asset Runes can be redeemed 1:1. Users can currently exchange these for USDC, with Starknet, Ethereum, and Tether to follow soon. The system operates through a trust-minimized Bitcoin-Starknet bridge, which is reinforced by contributors like Xverse and UTXO Management. By implementing this bridge, the need for centralized intermediaries is eliminated, providing Bitcoin holders with Ethereum-like capabilities such as trading and decentralized finance.
In addition to Asset Runes, Starknet is set to launch Bitcoin staking in Q3 2025, allowing users to stake wrapped Bitcoin versions and earn STRK rewards. This move will open doors for various DeFi use cases like lending, borrowing, and yield farming.
Starknet's expanding collaboration with the Bitcoin ecosystem was further strenghtened by its partnership with Lombard Finance to onboard LBTC, a leading Bitcoin liquid staking token, on May 14. Moreover, a concept named Broly was unveiled, which facilitates the direct triggering of Bitcoin inscriptions from Starknet wallets, enhancing Bitcoin's native technology applications.
In a separate development, Ethereum grapples with the impacts of DeFi and Layer 2 chains. DeFi protocols drive economic growth on Ethereum, increase user adoption, and foster cross-chain asset flows. Layer 2 solutions boost Ethereum's scalability, reduce transaction costs, enhance security, and attract a robust developer ecosystem, thereby solidifying Ethereum's position as a leading blockchain platform for decentralized financial activities.
Starknet's Asset Runes and forthcoming Bitcoin staking initiatives aim to bring Bitcoin users closer to the wider crypto economy, leveraging Ethereum's successes in scalability and DeFi integration.
- The introduction of Asset Runes by Starknet's Layer 2 solution enables Bitcoin users to access not only stablecoins but also other tokens directly within the Bitcoin network, similar to Ethereum's capabilities.
- Backed by full reserves, users can exchange Asset Runes for USDC, with Ethereum, Tether, and more to follow soon, operating through a trust-minimized Bitcoin-Starknet bridge.
- In Q3 2025, Starknet is set to launch Bitcoin staking, allowing users to stake wrapped Bitcoin versions and earn STRK rewards, opening doors for various DeFi use cases like lending, borrowing, and yield farming.
- Starknet's collaboration with the Bitcoin ecosystem was further strengthened by its partnership with Lombard Finance to onboard LBTC, a leading Bitcoin liquid staking token, and the unveiling of Broly, a concept facilitating the direct triggering of Bitcoin inscriptions from Starknet wallets.
- Ethereum, grappling with the impacts of DeFi and Layer 2 chains, drives economic growth, increases user adoption, and fosters cross-chain asset flows. Layer 2 solutions on Ethereum boost scalability, reduce transaction costs, enhance security, and attract a robust developer ecosystem.
- Starknet's Asset Runes and Bitcoin staking initiatives seek to bring Bitcoin users closer to the wider crypto economy, leveraging Ethereum's successes in scalability and DeFi integration, in an attempt to replicate its impact on the broader cryptocurrency landscape.
