Stellar Wallet Freighter Rebrands as Varial With New App Directory
3 min read
The Stellar Development Foundation has renamed its Freighter wallet Varial, adding an application directory, token swaps and portfolio tools. The changes were detailed in the foundation’s official announcement, circulated during the Meridian 2026 conference.
Key Takeaways
- Discover provides an in-wallet directory for finding and connecting to Stellar applications, subject to eligibility and review requirements.
- Blockaid protection helps screen malicious transactions while users retain control of their private keys.
- Blend lending integration and cross-network USDC deposits remain planned features rather than confirmed live services.
From Developer Tool to Discovery Hub
Freighter launched in 2020 as a browser extension and reference implementation for Stellar developers. It subsequently became the network’s first wallet supporting smart contracts, according to the foundation.
The foundation reports that Stellar’s total value locked has increased more than 30 times since Freighter’s introduction. Blockchain.News noted that the announcement provides no starting figure or measurement date for that comparison.
Discover Directory and Wallet Features
The new Discover directory allows users to browse decentralised applications and connect directly from their wallets without first navigating to separate application websites.
The foundation says listed applications are third-party products, not owned or operated by SDF. Inclusion and promotional announcements are subject to review and eligibility requirements, meaning directory placement should not be treated as an independent security certification.
Varial also introduces native token swapping, price charts for tracking asset performance and a Collectibles section for viewing and managing Stellar-issued NFTs.
Advanced swap-routing integrations are still being developed to help users find competitive exchange rates across the network.
The foundation says Varial charges no wallet fees, although Stellar network fees and charges from third-party providers may apply.
Security and Account Management
Private keys remain stored on users’ devices, while Blockaid protection helps identify and block malicious transactions. These safeguards do not eliminate every risk associated with interacting with third-party applications.
The foundation also outlined simpler account management, including support for importing unlimited seed phrases and secret keys.
Improved transaction previews are intended to show changes affecting signers, trustlines and allowances before users approve transactions, providing greater visibility into wallet operations.
Planned Lending and Cross-Chain Deposits
The forthcoming Earn feature will integrate the Blend lending protocol, allowing users to enter decentralised finance positions and monitor their portfolios within Varial.
Varial is also developing deposit addresses with the Stellar-native team Lightsail to make it easier for users to fund Stellar accounts from other networks.
The planned deposit-address feature will allow users to transfer USDC from EVM-compatible wallets into their Stellar accounts.
For developers, upcoming direct mobile connections alongside WalletConnect are intended to simplify application integration. Eligible projects may also receive visibility through Varial’s homepage and in-app notifications.
Are Stellar applications automatically endorsed?
No. Applications in Discover are independently operated third-party products. Their inclusion is subject to eligibility and review rather than an assurance against financial or technical risks.
When will the planned features launch?
The foundation has announced the additional lending and deposit capabilities but has not specified release dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will existing wallet keys still work?
The foundation says existing users retain their wallet keys following the name change. Users should check that any extension or mobile application they install comes from an official Varial distribution channel.
