THORChain is a decentralised cross-chain liquidity protocol that allows users to exchange tokens from different blockchains such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, without the need for intermediaries. It aims to enhance interoperability and liquidity within the cryptocurrency market by enabling seamless and non-custodial cross-chain swaps.
THORChain operates by utilising continuous lending pools where supported cryptocurrencies are deposited alongside its native token, RUNE. This setup facilitates the cross-chain exchange of non-native tokens. It employs the Tendermint consensus engine and Cosmos-SDK for network management and uses the GG20 Threshold Signature Scheme (TSS) for enhanced security.
THORChain can be used as a decentralised protocol for cross-chain liquidity, allowing seamless asset swaps between different networks. It also serves as a DeFi bridge for exchanging cryptocurrencies, supports staking and lending within liquidity pools, and enables instant double-swaps for non-native crypto assets. It has been integrated into applications like ShapeShift and Synthetix, illustrating its real-world utility across various industries including decentralised finance and cryptocurrency trading.
THORChain was founded on June 1, 2018, by John-Paul Thorbjornsen and his team. Significant milestones include the launch of its mainnet in June 2022, deployment of THORNames, and various integrations with other networks such as Cosmos and Avalanche. The latest updates include the addition of the BNB Smart Chain and a hard fork upgrade to improve network security. Over the years, THORChain has evolved to become a pivotal player in the DEX landscape, supporting a wide array of cryptocurrencies and enhancing its technological framework for trustless cross-chain asset swaps.