Wrapped Bitcoin WBTC: Why It Matters


The original token is “wrapped” into a new token on a different network. Wrapped tokens bear the necessary traits and characteristics that allow them to communicate with the wrapping network. Enhance security — Tokenization enables users to have full control of key update could send cryptocurrency ether even higher the private keys of the asset. Users who do not want to hold keys can reduce counterparty risk by moving it from exchanges to a security-focused custodian. Centralized — assets are stored with a custodian organization that regularly publishes proof of reserves.

  • Whenever you involve third-party custodians that custody large amounts of Bitcoin, mint new tokens, and monitor the value of the Bitcoin collateral, you have a market ripe for a concentration of power.
  • Other dApps in the Ethereum ecosystem use this protocol to monitor BitGo’s balance sheet when accepting wBTC as collateral or exchange equivalency.
  • The whole DeFi framework is built on the Lego blocks type of structure.
  • Yield Farming is another DeFi protocol that continues to gain momentum in the sector.

Today, the Wrapped Bitcoin project holds 283,904 Bitcoins in its coffers. The market cap, as measured by CoinMarketCap, stands at 283,774 Bitcoins. Let’s see how the market is treating this unusual cryptocurrency. The Wrapped Bitcoin token combines key features from the two largest cryptocurrencies in a single how to protect your bitcoin and cryptocurrency package. Because this exchange requires trust from multiple parties, BitGo partnered with Chainlink to provide an automated auditing system — similar to the direct live feed from the previous analogy. Following Binance’s playbook, the crypto brokerage will consolidate rival tokens with its new USD-A position.

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Launched by the Ren Project, a protocol that provides inter-chain liquidity for DApps, renBTC now has a market capitalization of $500,000. Similar to WBTC, renBTC is primarily used by DeFi investors on the Ethereum network. In the top 100 digital assets by market capitalization, you will also find renBTC and BTCB. Conversely, Ethereum users can swap ETH, USDT, or any other Ethereum-based token to WBTC on a decentralized exchange like Uniswap or Kyber to gain access to the tokenized bitcoin asset. CoinMarketCap explains that Wrapped Bitcoin is a fairly new innovation that effectively brings Bitcoin to the Ethereum blockchain.

How do blockchain bridges work?

Blockchain bridges work just like the bridges we know in the physical world. Just as a physical bridge connects two physical locations, a blockchain bridge connects two blockchain ecosystems. Bridges facilitate communication between blockchains through the transfer of information and assets.

As you think about how to buy cryptocurrency, it’s important to note that although you can buy WBTC on the secondary market, the tokens are destroyed once they’re redeemed with trusted merchants. It’s also important to realize the WBTC is tied to BTC, so it will never be more valuable than Bitcoin. Whether WBTC is a good investment depends on your needs and portfolio strategy. It’s important to note that WBTC is tied to Bitcoin’s price, so it costs the same as BTC.

Historical Price Information

It is the second interoperability method that generates wrapped tokens. In the case of WBTC, the bridge would typically convert deposited Bitcoin into ERC-20 tokens. This gives Bitcoin all the functionality and compatibility of any other ERC-20 based altcoin. Case in point, what if one wants to use Bitcoin as a collateral on Ethereum’s lending dApp like Aave?

Here is an outline of the value advantages you can find with wrapped BTC. Wrapped Bitcoin vs. Bitcoin comparison in the fact that wrapped BTC is basically an Ethereum token. The Ethereum token provides representation for Bitcoin on the Ethereum itrader reviews and tutorials blockchain network. BTCB holders can then deploy the BEP20 version of the pegged bitcoin token in Binance Smart Chain-powered DeFi apps to earn DeFi returns. As a result, DeFi users have been especially receptive to tokenized bitcoin.

Different wBTC Models

WBTC has also helped shift trade volume away from centralized exchanges to DEXes. Ethereum is increasingly attracting digital assets from other blockchain protocols. With new design patterns, it’s now possible to put digital assets like Bitcoin or Filecoin on Ethereum so they can interact with DeFi applications. The second and more advanced way to wrap Bitcoin is via a decentralized system. The Keep Network offers users wrapped BTC services in the form of tBTC.

Is buying WBTC the same as BTC?

It is BTC 'wrapped' in Ethereum, making it compatible with its smart contracts. In other words, WBTC is an Ethereum smart contract token of ERC-20 standard that tracks Bitcoin's price, meaning it can be purchased with Bitcoin, at a 1:1 ratio.

Instead, you get your Wrapped Bitcoin and can use it on a number of compatible Ethereum-based platforms. But what if you could access Bitcoin on the Ethereum blockchain? That’s the idea behind Wrapped Bitcoin, which is a wrapped token based on Bitcoin but used on the Ethereum blockchain.

Know Everything About Wrapped Bitcoin

Because the overall value of Ethereum is significantly smaller than Bitcoin, this limits how much these protocols can grow. By bringing Bitcoin over, protocols get a boost in liquidity and thus can create more sources of collateral for their dapps. Wrapped Bitcoin also allows Bitcoin holders to hold it as an asset while also using DeFi dapps like Compound to borrow or lend money. Many of the most popular DeFi dapps on Ethereum require the use of collateral. Products such as MakerDAO and Compound require users to lock up crypto assets in order to borrow other crypto assets. Binance – Buy over 350 tokens in seconds with fees as low as 0% 0% FEES Spot, futures, options, NFTs, savings, staking, and Binance Card.

  • BTCB holders can then deploy the BEP20 version of the pegged bitcoin token in Binance Smart Chain-powered DeFi apps to earn DeFi returns.
  • Some may assume that this highlight reflects the sovereignty and security of each blockchain.
  • And with the massive amounts of Bitcoin sitting idly in cold storage wallets, it was a natural market to start harvesting.
  • You can also look at it as a version of Bitcoin that also offers Ethereum-like benefits such as smart contracts.
  • There’s nothing stopping you using ETH as collateral on DeFi platforms.
  • Custodians hold the actual BTC being wrapped and do the actual minting and burning of tokens on the Ethereum blockchain.

WBTC holders can thus carry out transactions at cheaper rates than those who hold BTC. The process of minting a Wrapped Bitcoin involves two main transactions — minting and burning. There are a number of official merchants who support Wrapped Bitcoin, including CoinList. In some cases, you may need to know through KYC checks where your identity will be verified. Alternatively, you could go through a DEX — that’s the shorthand for a decentralized exchange.


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