Is Stargate V1 Safe?

|Bridge
B-

Risk Grade: B- (30/100)

Stargate V1 is rated as moderate risk — some novel mechanisms, generally well-understood.

Moderate risk — battle-tested bridge with clean security record, though LayerZero dependency and transition to V2 create ongoing considerations for V1 users.

Stargate V1 is the first cross-chain bridge built on LayerZero, enabling native asset transfers (USDC, USDT, ETH) across 80+ chains without wrapping. With ~$11M TVL in V1 pools, it pioneered the Delta algorithm for cross-chain liquidity management and charges a 6bps fee. The B grade reflects its clean track record and strong documentation, though LayerZero dependency and V1's legacy status as V2 scales present considerations.

TVL

$11M

Mechanisms

6

Interactions

5

Value Grade

C

Key Risks for Stargate V1 Users

1.

Stargate depends entirely on LayerZero's messaging infrastructure — any LayerZero downtime directly affects all transfers

2.

V1 is legacy infrastructure now that V2 has launched — security attention may increasingly focus on V2

3.

STG token is being acquired by LayerZero (conversion to ZRO), creating transition uncertainty

Top Risk Factors

  • LayerZero messaging layer dependency — Stargate's cross-chain transfers rely on LayerZero's relayer and oracle network for message verification
  • Liquidity pool imbalances across chains can lead to delayed or failed transfers when destination pools are depleted
  • V1 is legacy infrastructure as V2 has launched — ongoing maintenance and security attention may decline
  • STG/veSTG governance concentration could allow large holders to direct protocol parameters

Risk Score Breakdown

Stargate V1's highest risk area is Vitality Risk (9/10). Here's how each dimension contributes to the overall 30/100 score:

Mechanism Novelty3/15
Interaction Severity5/20
Oracle Surface2/10
Documentation Gaps2/10
Track Record3/15
Scale Exposure3/10
Regulatory Risk3/10
Vitality Risk9/10

Read the Full Stargate V1 Risk Report

This protocol has 2 collapse scenarios. 1 high-severity interaction risks identified. See the full mechanism classification, interaction matrix, and deep-dive recommendations.

View Full Report →

Related Bridge Safety Analyses

Related Bridge Investment Analyses

Ratings use Hindenrank's eight-dimension risk rubric. Lower score = lower risk. Grades range from A (safest) to F (riskiest). This is not financial advice.