TL;DR
- Launch: Starknet introduces strkBTC, the first STRK20 asset, enabling optional private Bitcoin balances and confidential transfers.
- Privacy model: STRK20 provides shielded and public modes, with auditor‑based scoped access for regulatory requests, all handled directly in supported wallets.
- Ecosystem: strkBTC is backed by BTC, bridged through multiple routes, supported by a Federation, and integrated with Avnu for private fees.
Starknet has launched strkBTC, the first asset built on the STRK20 privacy framework, bringing optional private Bitcoin balances and confidential transfers directly to the network. The release introduces a way to use BTC on the blockchain without giving up verifiability, while adding privacy controls that operate at the protocol and wallet level.
Bitcoin is the most sovereign money ever created.
It is also the least private money people have ever used.
strkBTC fixes that. Live on Starknet today.
— Starknet (Privacy arc) 🥷 (@Starknet) May 12, 2026
STRK20 Framework and How strkBTC Works
STRK20, developed by StarkWare, introduces shielded balances and private transfers on Starknet. strkBTC is an ERC20 backed by BTC locked on Bitcoin, with two modes available to users. Public mode functions like any standard token across Starknet applications. Shielded mode hides selected balances and transfers, with one‑click unshielding available inside supported wallets.
Privacy on the blockchain follows a contextual model. When users shield strkBTC, a viewing key is shared with an independent auditor. If a legitimate regulatory request arises, the auditor can grant scoped access to the relevant activity without exposing unrelated users. The design aims to provide confidentiality while remaining compatible with regulated environments.
Wallet Support, Fees, and Bridging Routes
strkBTC privacy features are accessed directly from wallets already used on the blockchain. Xverse and Ready support shielding, private transfers, and public balances in a single interface. Avnu provides the paymaster that enables private fee payments, preventing fee transactions from revealing the user behind a shielded transfer. BTC can be bridged into Starknet through strkbtc.io, atomiq.exchange, or Garden Finance. All routes lead to the same asset on Starknet. Users already on the blockchain can also swap into strkBTC through avnu.
Federation, Liquidity, and Upcoming Features
Every strkBTC is backed by BTC. The bridge currently runs under a federated model operated by Twinstake, NEAR Intents, Luganodes, UTXO, and Xverse, with a roadmap toward a trustless architecture. Liquidity incentives target lending markets and Ekubo pools, and Endur offers liquid staking through xstrkBTC. Starknet will extend STRK20 beyond strkBTC. Anonymous swaps on Ekubo and avnu are planned, enabling private execution and shielded acquisition of assets such as xstrkBTC. STRK20 will eventually bring shielded balances and private transfers to any ERC20 on Starknet.
