The Cardano Mainnet has successfully completed its inaugural direct Bitcoin transfer through BitcoinOS.

Cardano has successfully completed its inaugural direct BTC transfer through BitcoinOS, eliminating the need for any bridges or custodians. This advancement significantly enhances Cardano’s decentralized finance (DeFi) capabilities and cross-chain functionality. On May 4, 2025, BitcoinOS reported the successful bridgeless transfer of 1 BTC to the Cardano mainnet utilizing the BitSNARK protocol alongside the xBTC token standard. Following an update from Crypto News Flash, it was noted that Cardano previously partnered with BitcoinOS to bolster DeFi by initiating a Bitcoin bridging system via the Grail Bridge, which ensures secure and effective cross-chain transactions. Notably, the distinctive aspect of this upgrade is that the BOS team initially secured 1 BTC on Bitcoin Layer 1 using the BitSNARK protocol. We subsequently packaged it into a new unlinked token referred to as “xBTC.” In a groundbreaking development, BOS completed the transfer of its 2025 xBTC directly from its Bitcoin wallet to Sundial’s Cardano wallet, as highlighted in a recent tweet from BitcoinOS. On May 4, 2025, we successfully demonstrated the first *bridgeless* BTC transfer between the Bitcoin and Cardano mainnets. This was achieved in collaboration with @SundialProtocol and @adahandle, utilizing our newly established unchained token standard. Here’s a recap of the event. — BitcoinOS (@BTC_OS) May 5, 2025. This method removes the necessity for custodians or intermediary bridges, instead employing zero-knowledge cryptography to guarantee secure and verifiable transactions. Recent reports indicate that the transfer employed Sundial Protocol, a hybrid Layer 2 solution catering to both Bitcoin and Cardano, to gain the xBTC token on Cardano. Following this, the token was transferred to a wallet associated with ADA Handle, showcasing smooth integration within the Cardano network. The process concluded with the xBTC being burned and the original BTC being released back onto the Bitcoin blockchain, achieving a complete round-trip without the use of conventional bridge systems. This has significant implications for Cardano and the overall cryptocurrency landscape. Bitget states that this progress marks a significant enhancement in Cardano’s functionality, establishing it as a strong competitor in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector. Cardano’s facilitation of direct Bitcoin transactions paves the way for innovative DeFi solutions and enhances the usability for Bitcoin holders. Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano, highlighted the significance of this development, noting that it marks a crucial advance towards a more integrated blockchain environment. Future Perspectives: Cardano’s Tactical Positioning. The successful transfer of BTC without a bridge highlights Cardano’s strategic emphasis on both interoperability and security.