- THORChain launches version 3.20 with major protocol updates.
- The upgrade introduces native support for Monero (XMR) and Zcash (ZEC) swaps.
- It also introduces Protocol-Owned Liquidity, a Stable Reserve and support for Solana, Base and BNB.
THORChain has launched version 3.20 of its decentralized exchange protocol, adding native support for Monero (XMR) and Zcash (ZEC) swaps. The upgrade allows users to exchange the two privacy-focused assets directly with cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and stablecoins.
Previously, users looking to move XMR or ZEC into other parts of the crypto market often relied on centralized exchanges, custodial services or additional intermediaries. THORChain’s latest upgrade removes some of those steps by allowing the swaps to take place through its native cross-chain infrastructure.
Native Swaps Without Wrapped Assets
The integration does not require wrapped versions of XMR or ZEC. Users also do not need to create an account or transfer custody of their assets to a centralized exchange, keeping the process within a self-custodial setup.
The addition of Monero is particularly relevant as access to XMR through centralized exchanges has become more limited in several markets. THORChain’s support gives XMR holders another route to trade the asset against other major cryptocurrencies without depositing it with a centralized platform.
Version 3.20 also introduces several other protocol changes. These include Protocol-Owned Liquidity (POL), a new Stable Reserve and renewed support for Solana, Base and BNB.
The Stable Reserve enables stablecoin-to-stablecoin swaps without liquidity fees, while Protocol-Owned Liquidity gives THORChain additional tools to deploy protocol-owned capital across the network.
THORChain already supports native swaps across multiple blockchain networks, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. The addition of Monero and Zcash expands that functionality to privacy-focused assets that have traditionally had fewer options for decentralized cross-chain trading.
The upgrade further develops THORChain’s self-custodial model, allowing users to move between native assets across different networks without relying on wrapped tokens or centralized custodians.
