rBTC is programmable Bitcoin on Rootstock. It is a trust-minimized, 1:1 representation of BTC that allows institutions and users to deploy capital across DeFi without sacrificing Bitcoin’s security.
With rBTC, your BTC becomes usable in smart contracts. You can lend, stake, earn structured yield, or bridge across chains. Rootstock makes this possible with strong security mechanisms, battle-tested infrastructure, and an institutional-ready ecosystem.
Architecture and Security Model
At the core of rBTC is a security model purpose-built for institutions. rBTC is issued on Rootstock, the only EVM-compatible blockchain secured by Bitcoin’s own miners. More than 80% of Bitcoin’s hashrate contributes to Rootstock’s security through merged mining.
This structure ensures that rBTC stays anchored to Bitcoin’s security assumptions while gaining smart contract functionality. Custody is managed through the PowPeg, Rootstock’s native bridge, and the most secure bridge to Bitcoin to exist. The PowPeg uses hardware-secured multisig to move BTC into and out of the Rootstock environment.
Key Features:
- Merge-mined security: Rootstock shares Bitcoin’s base-layer protection
- EVM compatibility: rBTC can interact with Ethereum-style smart contracts
- No validators or staking: Finality is tied directly to Bitcoin blocks
- Diverse ecosystem: rBTC enables permissionless access to 200+ DeFi apps on Rootstock
Where to get rBTC
rBTC is integrated across multiple chains, exchanges, and wallets, making it easy to access, manage, and deploy your Bitcoin in DeFi environments. Here’s where you can start:
Supported chains:
Rootstock (native), Ethereum, Arbitrum One, Base, Solana (via LayerZero OFT)
Wallets Supported
Metamask, Ledger, Rabby, SafePal, Gnosis Safe, Wallby, Trezor, Enkrypt, and others
Methods to Access rBTC
| Method | Best For | Min txn | Max txn | Custody |
| PowPeg (native mode) | Institutions with >0.005 BTC | 0.005 BTC | None | Non-custodial |
| PowPeg app with Flyover (Fast Mode) | Institutions with >0.005 BTC | 0.005 BTC | 15 BTC | Non-custodial |
| Boltz Exchange | DeFi users with small amounts of BTC | 0.00025 | 0.25 | Non-custodial |
| CEXs /Onramps | TradFi users with small amounts of BTC | None | <0.01 | Custodial or Non-custodial |
| On-chain Swaps | DeFi users with small amounts of BTC | Varies | Varies | Non-custodial |
What you can do with rBTC
rBTC can be used across a wide range of DeFi protocols on Rootstock. It allows BTC holders to retain native exposure while accessing lending, trading, and yield strategies through a growing ecosystem. Here are some of the strategies you can follow:
| Strategy | What you can do |
| Lending & Borrowing | Earn interest on rBTC or borrow against it without selling your Bitcoin |
| DEX Trading & Liquidity | Trade rBTC pairs or provide liquidity to earn fees |
| Yield Optimization | Automatically compound returns from DeFi strategies |
| Leverage & Trading | Use advanced tools to open leveraged positions and manage risk |
| Staking | Stake RIF to earn passive yield and help secure the Rootstock network |
| Liquidity Protocols | Provide liquidity to earn predictable protocol-level rewards |
| Vault Strategies | Deploy rBTC in structured, automated yield products (coming soon) |
Why Institutions Use rBTC
rBTC gives institutions a straightforward way to activate Bitcoin, while preserving control, transparency, and native exposure:
- Native BTC Exposure: rBTC maintains a transparent 1:1 peg to BTC, enabling smart contract functionality without giving up core asset alignment.
- Secure by Design: Rootstock is merge-mined with Bitcoin and uses a powerful multi layered design that provides unmatched security guarantees.
- Operational Simplicity: No validators, staking, or slashing. Just a direct path to deploy BTC using infrastructure you control.
- Familiar Interfaces: Compatible with Ethereum-based wallets, smart contracts, and partner protocols.
- Lower Costs: Transactions are up to 95% cheaper than Bitcoin and 55% cheaper than Ethereum.
- Ecosystem Access: rBTC is integrated with 200+ DeFi apps, giving you liquidity, flexibility, and composability from day one.
Explore sustainable, transparent yield opportunities on your Bitcoin with zero lock-up, automated strategy execution, and full control at all times.