WBTC: What Is Wrapped Bitcoin and How It Powers DeFi

When you hear WBTC, Wrapped Bitcoin is a tokenized version of Bitcoin that runs on the Ethereum blockchain, allowing Bitcoin holders to interact with Ethereum-based DeFi apps. Also known as Wrapped BTC, it bridges the gap between Bitcoin’s security and Ethereum’s smart contract power. WBTC isn’t a new coin—it’s Bitcoin locked up and represented as an ERC-20 token. Every WBTC is backed 1:1 by real Bitcoin held in custody by trusted custodians like BitGo. This means you get Bitcoin’s value without leaving Ethereum’s ecosystem.

Why does this matter? Because Ethereum hosts most DeFi protocols—lending platforms, decentralized exchanges, yield farms—and until WBTC came along, Bitcoin holders couldn’t join without selling. Now, you can lock your Bitcoin into WBTC, then use it to earn interest on Aave, trade on Uniswap, or provide liquidity on Curve. It’s not speculation—it’s utility. WBTC also helps reduce friction between chains. If you own Bitcoin but want to trade on a DEX that only accepts Ethereum tokens, WBTC is your bridge. It’s not magic, though. There are risks: custodians can be hacked, audits can lag, and the whole system depends on trust in centralized entities. That’s why WBTC isn’t for everyone—but for active DeFi users, it’s one of the most useful tools in the toolbox.

Related to WBTC are other wrapped assets like wETH (wrapped Ether) and renBTC, but WBTC stands out because of its scale and transparency. Over $6 billion in Bitcoin has been wrapped into WBTC since its launch, making it the most trusted Bitcoin bridge on Ethereum. It’s used daily by traders, liquidity providers, and institutional wallets that want exposure to Bitcoin without moving off Ethereum. You’ll find posts here that dig into how WBTC compares to other wrapped tokens, which exchanges list it, how to mint and redeem it safely, and even how it affects Bitcoin’s price when large amounts are swapped in or out of DeFi.

Below, you’ll find real reviews of exchanges that support WBTC trading, guides on how to use it in DeFi protocols, and warnings about scams pretending to offer WBTC airdrops. Some posts even show how WBTC fits into broader trends like cross-chain liquidity and tokenized assets. Whether you’re holding Bitcoin and want to earn yield, or you’re new to DeFi and wondering how Bitcoin fits in, the articles here give you straight answers—not hype.