Ren (REN) is the native token of the Ren protocol (formerly Republic Protocol), a decentralized cross-chain bridge that enables trustless transfer of assets between blockchains by using secure multi-party computation (MPC) and dark nodes to lock assets on one chain and mint wrapped versions on another. Launched in 2017, Ren allows users to move BTC,
ETH, and other assets across chains without centralized custodians, with wrapped tokens (renBTC, renETH, etc.) usable in
DeFi protocols. The REN token is used for
staking to run dark nodes and earn fees, governance voting on protocol upgrades, and incentives for node operators in a decentralized bridging ecosystem secured by audited MPC technology.
When Did Ren Launch?
Ren was founded in 2017 and launched its REN token through an
ICO in early 2018. The protocol achieved mainnet activation in 2020 with renBTC and renETH bridges, expanded asset support in 2021–2022, and transitioned governance to the Ren DAO in 2023. In 2025, Ren focused on maintenance, security upgrades, and integration with new chains, maintaining active bridging volume by December 2025.
What Are the Key Features of Ren?
Ren features trustless cross-chain bridging using secure MPC and dark
nodes, support for major assets like BTC, ETH, and stablecoins, no centralized custodians, staking rewards for dark node operators, governance through the Ren DAO, audited security, and integration with DeFi protocols for wrapped asset usage in lending, trading, and yield farming.
What Is REN Used For?
REN is used for staking to run dark nodes and earn bridging fees, voting in Ren DAO governance on protocol upgrades and treasury allocation, providing liquidity for yields, and accessing ecosystem incentives for node operators and developers.
What Is the REN Token Utility?
REN secures dark node operation through staking and reward distribution from bridging fees, powers governance voting on protocol parameters and treasury, captures value from cross-chain volume allocated to stakers, incentivizes node operators and liquidity providers, and funds ecosystem growth through treasury allocations for development and integration.
What Blockchain Does Ren Operate On?
Ren operates as a cross-chain protocol with dark nodes on Ethereum for core MPC and
smart contracts, supporting bridges to multiple chains including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and others.
What Are REN Tokenomics?
REN has a fixed supply of 1 billion tokens, with nearly full circulation as of December 2025 following vesting and distribution. Allocation prioritizes node rewards, governance incentives, team vesting, liquidity, treasury; deflationary via potential fee burns.