Stellar's Testnet upgraded to Protocol 20 on September 20, enabling Soroban smart contract support. Developers can now test DeFi applications in a sandbox environment, with Mainnet upgrade expected before year-end. This unlocks cash-to-DeFi opportunities through partnerships like Moneygram.
The Stellar Testnet successfully upgraded to Protocol 20 on September 20 at 1500 UTC, introducing Soroban smart contract support and Turing-complete functionality for developers worldwide. Over 100 proofs-of-concept have been created during Soroban's development, and the Testnet upgrade provides a stable sandbox to test and harden code before Mainnet deployment. The upgrade combines Stellar's real-world financial infrastructure connections, including Moneygram's cash-to-crypto access points, with smart contract innovation to enable cash-to-DeFi applications. At Meridian conference, Beans wallet demonstrated integration with Blend lending protocol, showing how users in emerging markets could cash in via Moneygram and deposit into interest-generating accounts. Validators will vote on a Mainnet upgrade, with smart contracts expected on Stellar before year-end.
