Cross-chain

Activity that spans more than one blockchain — bridge transfers, messaging, multi-chain protocols.

Cross-chain primitives (LayerZero, CCIP, Axelar, Wormhole) carry messages and assets between chains with varying trust models. The dominant stablecoin cross-chain mechanism is now issuer-canonical bridging (e.g., CCTP (Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol) for USDC).

Related terms

BridgeA protocol that lets assets move between chains, usually by lock-and-mint, burn-and-mint, or liquidity-network designs.
Canonical bridgeAn issuer- or chain-operated bridge that produces the version of an asset the issuer treats as its native off-chain representation.
CCTP (Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol)Circle's burn-and-mint protocol for moving native USDC between supported chains without third-party bridges.