Astar Network has launched a new HRMP channel with Acala to advance the creation of innovative decentralized apps and promote Web3 adoption. This update introduces aUSD to Shiden, Astar's sister network. The announcement follows the previous week's HRMP channel opening between Shiden and Karura, enabling the free movement of tokens like KAR, SDN, and aUSD across different chains.

User experience in cross-chain transactions was enhanced by integrating assets into the portal. By the end of the first quarter, Astar Network had joined the $250 million aUSD ecosystem to fund early-stage startups committed to leveraging stablecoins on Kusama and Polkadot parachains.

The new HRMP channels will enhance protocols on Shiden and Astar Network, with liquid tokens like LDOT and LKSM providing additional stablecoin pairing options. Astar's blog post also noted that ASTR and SDN tokens are available on Acala's Finance Network, customized for decentralized finance and protocols based on Acala’s EVM+ environment.

Astar's CTO, Hoon Kim, emphasized the potential for decentralized applications, given the right tools and expertise. He described the update as a significant step towards making Astar a hub of innovation on Polkadot.

aUSD, pegged to the US Dollar, is a stablecoin protocol enabling decentralized, cross-chain activities. It allows users to earn, spend, trade, and access services without worrying about price volatility, retaining control over reserve assets. aUSD can be integrated seamlessly into any blockchain linked to Kusama or Polkadot, and through cross-chain operations, into other networks.

Acala powers the aUSD ecosystem as a DeFi network protocol, with Acala USD being its core product—a decentralized, crypto-backed, multi-collateral stablecoin. Astar Network, supported by Polkadot, helps build decentralized applications with EVM and WASM smart contracts. Its Build2Earn model allows developers to earn rewards for the code they write and deploy.