Thorchain Network Restored, Trading Resumes After Month-Long Halt Following $10M Hack

Thorchain (RUNE), a decentralized exchange (DEX) specializing in cross-chain swaps, announced on X that its network has been fully restored and trading has resumed after a month-long suspension. Core functions, including swaps and liquidity provision, are now fully operational, marking a significant step in the platform’s recovery from a $10 million security breach.

Recovery Process Prioritized Stability Over Speed

According to the official announcement, Thorchain’s recovery process involved a thorough inspection of all vaults and keyshares. The project stated that it deliberately prioritized stability over speed during the restoration to ensure the network’s integrity. The halt, which began in late January, followed a sophisticated hack that exploited a vulnerability in Thorchain’s cross-chain infrastructure, leading to losses of approximately $10 million in various assets.

During the downtime, Thorchain developers worked closely with security auditors and the broader DeFi community to patch the exploited flaw and reinforce the platform’s defenses. The extended suspension was seen as a cautious approach, contrasting with some DeFi projects that resume operations quickly after incidents, sometimes risking further exploits.

Upcoming Features: Monero, Zcash, and Dynamic Fees

Beyond the immediate restoration, Thorchain outlined an ambitious roadmap for future enhancements. The project plans to launch a native Monero (XMR) swap feature, which would be a notable addition given Monero’s privacy-focused design and limited availability on decentralized exchanges. Support for Zcash (ZEC), another privacy coin, is also on the horizon.

Additionally, Thorchain intends to introduce dynamic fees, which could adjust transaction costs based on network demand and asset volatility, potentially improving user experience and reducing friction during high-traffic periods. The project also aims to expand liquidity across supported chains, a move that could attract more traders and liquidity providers.

Implications for the DeFi Ecosystem

Thorchain’s return is a positive signal for the cross-chain DeFi sector, which has faced increased scrutiny after several high-profile hacks in 2024 and 2025. The platform’s emphasis on thorough security checks and transparent communication may help rebuild user trust, though the broader market remains cautious. The planned integration of privacy coins like Monero and Zcash could also draw regulatory attention, as these assets are often associated with enhanced anonymity.

For users, the resumption means access to Thorchain’s unique cross-chain swap functionality, which allows trading between assets on different blockchains without wrapping or centralized intermediaries. Liquidity providers, who were unable to withdraw or earn fees during the halt, can now resume normal operations.

Conclusion

Thorchain’s restoration after a $10 million hack demonstrates a methodical approach to DeFi security, prioritizing long-term stability over quick recovery. With plans to support Monero and Zcash, and introduce dynamic fees, the platform is positioning itself for growth despite the recent setback. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on user confidence and the evolving regulatory landscape for privacy-focused DeFi services.

FAQs

Q1: What caused Thorchain’s month-long halt?
A: Thorchain suspended all swap and trading functions in late January after a hack resulted in losses of approximately $10 million. The project needed time to inspect vaults and keyshares and patch the exploited vulnerability.

Q2: What new features is Thorchain planning to launch?
A: Thorchain plans to introduce a native Monero (XMR) swap feature, support for Zcash (ZEC), dynamic fee structures, and expanded liquidity across supported blockchains.

Q3: Is it safe to use Thorchain now?
A: Thorchain has stated that all vaults and keyshares have been inspected and the network has been fully restored. The project prioritized stability during recovery, but as with any DeFi platform, users should conduct their own risk assessment and consider the platform’s security history.