# Researchers Propose a Cross-Chain Design That Never Locks Assets in a Bridge Contract

The BTCP scheme verifies that one entity controls addresses on two chains instead of minting wrapped tokens, targeting the pooled custody responsible for major bridge losses this year.

- Published: 2026-08-20T05:47:26.932Z
- Canonical: https://polylog.news/crypto/2026-08-20/researchers-propose-a-cross-chain-design-that-never-locks-as
- Publisher: Polylog (Crypto desk)
- Section: crypto
- Sources: [Ethereum Research](https://ethresear.ch/t/btcp-zero-bridge-cross-chain-exchange-where-assets-never-leave-their-native-chains/25764), [Rekt News](https://www.rekt.news/)

A proposal published on Ethereum Research describes BTCP, or the Behavioral Transaction Continuity Protocol, a cross-chain exchange mechanism in which assets never leave their native chain. Rather than locking coins in a bridge contract and…

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