WBTC (Wrapped Bitcoin)

When working with WBTC, WBTC, a tokenized version of Bitcoin that lives on the Ethereum blockchain. Also known as Wrapped Bitcoin, it lets you move Bitcoin value into Ethereum‑based DeFi apps without selling your original BTC.

That brings us to Bitcoin, the original proof‑of‑work cryptocurrency. Bitcoin on its own can’t interact with smart contracts, so projects created wrappers to bridge the gap. The wrapper process is a custodial service: a trusted entity locks real BTC and mints an equal amount of WBTC, maintaining a 1:1 peg.

How WBTC Fits Into DeFi

In the DeFi world, WBTC is treated just like any other ERC‑20 token, the standard format for assets on Ethereum. Because it follows the ERC‑20 spec, you can deposit WBTC into lending platforms, provide it to liquidity pools, or trade it on decentralized exchanges with a single click. That means the entity relationship "WBTC requires ERC‑20 compatibility" is built into every smart contract that accepts it.

Liquidity pools are the beating heart of this ecosystem. A liquidity pool, a smart contract that holds pairs of assets for automated trading can contain WBTC paired with ETH, stablecoins, or other tokens. When you add WBTC to a pool, you help keep the market liquid and earn a share of transaction fees. This creates the semantic triple: "Liquidity pools enable WBTC trading" and "WBTC boosts DeFi liquidity".

DeFi protocols also use WBTC as collateral. Borrowing platforms let you lock WBTC to take out loans in stablecoins, while yield farms reward you with extra tokens for staking WBTC. The benefit is clear: you keep exposure to Bitcoin’s price upside while unlocking the earning power of Ethereum‑based finance. In other words, "WBTC bridges Bitcoin and DeFi" – a simple phrase that captures the whole idea.

Security is a top concern, so it’s worth noting who controls the custody of the underlying BTC. Companies like BitGo act as custodians, providing multi‑sig wallets and regular audits. This custodial layer creates another triple: "Custodians safeguard the 1:1 peg", and "Audits provide transparency for WBTC holders". Whenever you see WBTC on a dashboard, you can trust that a real Bitcoin is locked somewhere safe.

From a user perspective, the workflow is straightforward: transfer BTC to a custodian, receive WBTC on Ethereum, then interact with any DeFi app that accepts ERC‑20 tokens. If you later want to exit, you reverse the process – burn the WBTC and the custodian releases the original BTC. That two‑step conversion keeps you in control of your assets while letting you tap into the fast, cheap transactions of Ethereum.

Across the articles we host, you’ll find deep dives on topics like "How funding rates affect WBTC‑based perpetual futures", "The role of WBTC in cross‑chain bridges", and "Risk‑aware strategies for using WBTC in volatile markets". Whether you’re a beginner curious about tokenized Bitcoin or a seasoned trader looking for advanced arbitrage ideas, our collection covers the breadth of WBTC use cases.

Ready to see the full picture? Below you’ll discover guides, analyses, and practical tips that break down every angle of Wrapped Bitcoin—from the tech behind the peg to real‑world strategies for maximizing returns.

Top Wrapped Assets by Volume: Rankings, Trends, and How to Track Them
Jul, 21 2025

Top Wrapped Assets by Volume: Rankings, Trends, and How to Track Them

Explore the highest‑trading wrapped crypto assets, why volume matters, and how to monitor them. Get rankings, trends, risk tips, and real‑time tracking methods.