Payments

What is Cross-chain bridge?

A cross-chain bridge transfers messages or represents value between separate blockchain networks. Bridges use different trust models, including validators, light clients, multisignature controls, or canonical protocol mechanisms; each adds assumptions that must be reviewed independently.

A source-chain transaction is not proof that the destination-chain transfer completed. Track both sides with stable references, validate the bridge's message and finality rules, and provide recovery states for delayed or failed destination execution.

Bridge designs can have different validator, upgrade, or custody assumptions. Evaluate the actual bridge contract and operational controls rather than treating all cross-chain transfers as one standard mechanism.

Definitions are educational and general. Nothing here is financial, legal or tax advice, and regulatory descriptions summarise frameworks that change — check the current rules for your jurisdiction before relying on them.