Starknet launches Asset Runes to bring USDC and other tokens to Bitcoin

Starknet has launched a new feature called Asset Runes, allowing Bitcoin users to gain direct access to tokens like USDC without leaving the Bitcoin network. 

Announced by Starknet on a May 27 post on X, Asset Runes seeks to expose Bitcoin (BTC) users to stablecoins, Ethereum-based assets, and real-world assets while maintaining all of the features that are unique to Bitcoin.

Because each Asset Rune is backed by full reserves, users can redeem them 1:1. USD Coin (USDC) is currently the first supported asset, and Starknet (STRK), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT) will be added shortly.

The system uses a trust-minimized Bitcoin–Starknet bridge and is secured by contributors like Xverse and UTXO Management. By facilitating two-way communication between Bitcoin and Starknet, this bridge removes the need for centralized middlemen and gives Bitcoin owners access to Ethereum-like features such as trading and decentralized finance.

This launch is an important step in improving the functionality and adaptability of Bitcoin. Up until this point, Bitcoin’s architecture focused on decentralization and security, but it did not provide access to tokens other than BTC. Asset Runes will address that, enabling users to access the wider crypto economy while remaining on Bitcoin.

Starknet’s expanding engagement with the Bitcoin ecosystem is further enhanced by this launch. On May 14, Starknet announced a partnership with Lombard Finance to onboard LBTC, a leading Bitcoin liquid staking token.

A proof-of-concept known as Broly was also unveiled, which enables the direct triggering of Bitcoin inscriptions from Starknet wallets, thereby creating new use cases for Bitcoin native technology.

Starknet also intends to launch Bitcoin staking in Q3 2025. This will allow users to stake wrapped versions of Bitcoin and earn STRK rewards, opening the door for more DeFi use cases like lending, borrowing, and yield farming.