THORChain Unlocks Direct Swaps Between Privacy Coins and Top Cryptos

THORChain has released its latest protocol upgrade, version 3.20, which enables native swaps between Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), stablecoins, and two prominent privacy-focused cryptocurrencies: Monero (XMR) and Zcash (ZEC). This upgrade removes the need for wrapped versions of XMR or ZEC, centralized exchange accounts, or custodians.

The integration is particularly significant for Monero, as its access to mainstream markets has been restricted due to regulatory concerns. With THORChain 3.20, users can now exchange XMR directly with BTC, ETH, and stablecoins without surrendering custody of their assets.

THORChain's model connects separate blockchain networks without relying on wrapped representations of assets. This upgrade also introduces a Stable Reserve for stablecoin-to-stablecoin swaps, Protocol-Owned Liquidity (POL), and renewed support for Solana, Base, and BNB.