Citadel Dispatch CD182: ALEX B - ARKADE
Oct 29, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Alex B, Head of Ecosystem at Ark Labs, dives into the innovative Arkade protocol, which empowers self-custody for Bitcoin through advanced off-chain execution. He highlights Arkade's unique batching system that distinguishes it from Lightning, addressing double-spend risks and enhancing transaction efficiency. Alex also explores the protocol's potential for programmable finance, including loans and decentralized market options, emphasizing the importance of security and user autonomy in the evolving Bitcoin space.
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Batching Redefines Off‑Chain Bitcoin
- ARK is a new Bitcoin protocol enabling multi-party off-chain execution and efficient on-chain settlement via transaction batching.
- It creates virtual UTXOs coordinated by an operator to settle many operations into a single anchored output.
Collaborative VTXOs And Safer Zero‑Conf
- ARK uses a two-of-two collaborative spending model with an operator that co-signs off-chain transfers, creating VTXOs like on-chain UTXOs.
- Recipients can treat received payments as zero-conf but gain stronger safety by joining operator batches that anchor state on-chain.
Fraud Visibility And Unilateral Exits
- Double‑spend risk exists if an operator colludes, but ARK exposes fraud quickly and provides pre-signed unilateral exits for users.
- Operators isolate signing modules and can halt to limit damage while users retain a path to recover funds on-chain.