Cross-Chain Bridge: How Crypto Moves Between Blockchains

When you send ETH from Ethereum to Polygon to trade a token, you’re using a cross-chain bridge, a technical system that connects separate blockchains so tokens and data can move between them. Also known as a liquidity bridge, it’s what makes DeFi feel seamless—even though each blockchain operates in its own isolated world. Without it, you’d be stuck holding ETH only on Ethereum, SOL only on Solana, and so on. That’s not just inconvenient—it kills flexibility. Cross-chain bridges let you access better yields, lower fees, or faster trades without selling your assets.

But not all bridges are built the same. Some, like the one behind Anyswap, a pioneering cross-chain DeFi exchange that later became Multichain, used complex smart contracts to lock and mint tokens across chains. Others rely on trusted validators or federated nodes. The problem? Many have been hacked. Anyswap’s collapse wasn’t just about branding—it was about security flaws in how it moved value. That’s why you need to ask: Who’s guarding the bridge? Is it open-source? Has it been audited? A bridge isn’t just a tool—it’s a trust layer. If you’re moving $10,000, you’re trusting its code more than your wallet.

That’s why the posts here focus on real-world cases: what worked, what failed, and what you should avoid. You’ll find reviews of exchanges that rely on bridges, breakdowns of failed projects tied to cross-chain tech, and warnings about fake airdrops that exploit bridge confusion. Some bridges enable DeFi growth; others are just exit ramps for scammers. This collection doesn’t just explain how bridges work—it shows you where they’re safe, where they’re risky, and why most users don’t realize how much they depend on them.

Whether you’re staking ETH on Lido, swapping tokens on a DEX, or chasing an airdrop that requires bridging assets, you’re already using this tech. But knowing how it actually works—before you click "Confirm"—could save you from losing everything. Below, you’ll find real stories, not theory. No fluff. Just what happened, why, and what it means for you next time you move crypto across chains.