Zest Announces Deadline for Stacks Users to Exit aeUSDC Bridge

Why the Bridge Closure Matters

Zest, a decentralized lending protocol on the Stacks blockchain, has set a deadline for users to withdraw their aeUSDC holdings before the Allbridge bridge closes on November 3. The move follows the protocol’s upcoming migration to version 2, which will not support the aeUSDC token.

The announcement came after Allbridge, the cross‑chain bridge that enabled aeUSDC transfers between Ethereum and Stacks, confirmed it would shut down the aeUSDC link on Nov. 3. Zest’s migration will occur in a single transaction, but the new version will exclude aeUSDC. Users must act before the deadline to avoid losing access to their funds.

The aeUSDC bridge has been a key feature for Stacks users seeking to leverage stablecoin liquidity from Ethereum. By locking aeUSDC on Stacks, users could earn interest on the Zest platform and participate in other DeFi activities. With Allbridge’s shutdown, the ability to move aeUSDC in and out of Stacks disappears, effectively rendering the token useless for Stacks‑based protocols.

What Users Must Do Now

Zest’s decision to exclude aeUSDC from its next‑generation platform reflects the broader shift toward native Stacks assets. The protocol’s developers argue that focusing on native tokens reduces complexity and improves security. However, the move forces users who rely on aeUSDC to find alternative strategies, such as converting to native Stacks stablecoins or withdrawing to Ethereum.

Users holding aeUSDC on Zest must withdraw their balances before November 3. The protocol offers a one‑step migration to V2, but this process does not support aeUSDC. Therefore, the only viable option is to transfer the stablecoin back to Ethereum via Allbridge before the bridge’s shutdown. After the deadline, any remaining aeUSDC on the platform will be inaccessible.

Zest’s team has issued a reminder to its community through official channels, urging users to check their balances and act promptly. The protocol also provides a migration guide that outlines the steps for withdrawing aeUSDC and converting to compatible assets. Failure to comply could result in permanent loss of funds.

How This Affects the Stacks Ecosystem

The closure of the aeUSDC bridge signals a tightening of cross‑chain interoperability for Stacks. While the platform continues to support other assets, the loss of a major stablecoin could reduce liquidity and user activity. Developers may need to adapt their contracts to accept native Stacks tokens or other supported assets.

For the broader DeFi community, the move underscores the importance of diversified asset strategies. Relying on a single bridge or token can expose users to operational risks. As the ecosystem evolves, protocols may prioritize native solutions to minimize dependency on external infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my aeUSDC after November 3? Any aeUSDC remaining on the platform after the deadline will be locked and inaccessible. Users must withdraw before the shutdown to preserve their holdings.

Can I convert aeUSDC to another token on Stacks? Zest’s version 2 will not support aeUSDC, so direct conversion on the platform is unavailable. Users need to move the stablecoin back to Ethereum and trade there.

Will Zest support other stablecoins in the future? Yes, the protocol will continue to support native Stacks stablecoins and other assets that align with its security and scalability goals.