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In a string of new crypto assets available on Tap Global, Chainlink is one of the latest supported cryptocurrencies. The platform is renowned for being one of the biggest oracle platforms in the cryptosphere, making it possible for real-world data to communicate with blockchain applications.

Okay, so it's time to break down exactly what Chainlink is. You might be wondering why you should even care about this network when there are plenty of other decentralized projects out there. It all comes down to the fact that Chainlink aims to fix one obstacle that has prevented smart contracts from becoming more widespread in business and industry. Below we take a deeper look at what Chainlink is and what the platform has to offer. 

What is Chainlink (LINK)? 

Chainlink is a decentralized oracle platform designed to merge the blockchain world with the real world through data integration. The main aim of the platform is to allow smart contracts to capture real-world data, merging the two worlds.

Smart contracts are digital agreements that automatically execute when the agreed-upon conditions are met. Native to the blockchain industry, there is a significant gap between smart contracts capturing blockchain-specific data and external data like the weather, fiat currencies prices, sports scores, etc. 

Bitcoin, for instance, has a very small range of these input capabilities, while Ethereum can handle more due to its smart contract functionality. Chainlink is designed to provide a far greater range of input across the blockchain space through its network of oracles. 

These oracles are data providers that provide a bridge between smart contracts and external data sources. Each oracle is incentivized through a "reputation score" system to provide accurate data and rewarded accordingly with the platform's native token, LINK. 

Who Created Chainlink?

In 2014, Sergey Nazarov and Steve Ellis created a platform called SmartContract which allows smart contracts to come to life by connecting them to external data and widely accepted bank payments. This acted as the prelude to what would become Chainlink. 

The first version of Chainlink first emerged on the scene in mid-2017, founded by SmartContract. Three months later, the Chainlink whitepaper was launched by Navarov and Ellis. This was followed by a successful ICO which raised funds equating to $32 million, selling roughly 35% of the max supply of 1 billion LINK, funding the further development of the platform.

How does Chainlink works?

Alright, so now let's dig down into the nitty-gritty of how Chainlink works. Chainlink allows smart contracts to access external data. To do this, it provides an off-chain infrastructure that links smart contracts to all kinds of different data providers. This makes it much easier for smart contracts to get the information they need. The smart contract can then use this data in whatever way it needs to.

The first thing to understand is that smart contracts need external data in order to do their jobs. This makes sense, right? Your standard contract clearly specifies what happens when certain conditions are met. So what determines whether (and when) those conditions occur? Usually, it's some external force that a smart contract simply doesn't know about.

That means a blockchain-based smart contract can't fulfil its purpose without a way to get information from outside of the blockchain. So what do you do? You could have every individual app developer write their own oracles for each and every smart contract... or you can use a decentralized oracle network.

But what is the difference between centralized and decentralized oracles? Chainlink is great because it can be used to provide an 'outside view' to smart contracts... chainlink allows blockchain applications to securely access off-chain resources like traditional APIs, bank payments, and any other resource that's not currently on the blockchain.

Chainlink provides the security that developers need to run smart contracts without worrying about whether their favourite API is having problems. Chainlink also makes it possible for new data sources to be added to any smart contract which needs them.

Chainlink has three main processes in which it facilitates the communication of off-chain data with on-chain smart contracts. This is done through oracle selection, data reporting and result aggregation, as outlined below.

Oracle Selection

In this step, network users create a service-level agreement (SLA) outlining a set of desired data requirements. The platform then connects that SLA with relevant oracles providing that data. Parameters are then set and the user submits the SLA and deposits the required amount of LINK into what is called an Order-Matching contract, which is matched to the best bidding oracles. 

Data Reporting

Oracles then acquire the necessary real-world data outlined in the SLA from external sources, process the information and send it back to the smart contracts operating on the Chainlink network.

Result Aggregation

The results obtained by the data oracles are then tallied in an Aggregation contract, which assesses the validity of the data. It then allocates a score of the sum of all the data received to the user. This "track record" is used to verify an oracle's integrity, keeping a log of its completed requests, amount of LINK staked and average response time. 

Chainlink is also able to connect with oracles outside of its own blockchain network which is able to collect real-world data requested by the contracts. This process is managed by the Chainlink Core and Chainlink Adapter nodes. 

The network uses a Proof-of-Stake (Pos) consensus, relying on a staking protocol to ensure the network's security. 

How does Chainlink benefit me?

Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network that allows smart contracts to connect to external data sources. These can include APIs, internal systems, or other types of external data feeds. Chainlink's goal is to create a platform where developers aren't restricted from having their smart contracts interact with the outside world in any way they see fit.

You can start using Chainlink right away - no new platforms to learn, APIs to configure or other complex integrations.

chain link will never charge a fee for access to any of our oracle services. Our only source of revenue is the tokens you stake when retrieving outsourced data from your peers on the network.

What is LINK?

LINK is the native token to the Chainlink network and facilitates the communication of data. Considered to be an essential tool in merging blockchain technology with real-world applications, the token has gained wide popularity in the blockchain industry. Users use LINK to pay the nodes for their retrieving, verifying and sending of data. These prices are established by the node operator and based on the current market and demand for that data.

The node operators stake LINK in the Chainlink network to prove their commitment and good intentions. Nodes with bigger stakes take priority over nodes with smaller ones when matching them with SLAs.

LINK is an ERC20 token that powers the ChainLink Network. The LINK token serves three primary purposes:

1. A method to pay ChainLink Node operators for the retrieval of data from off-chain data feeds, like web APIs and other inputs
2. Incentivize the development of oracles that provide data to smart contracts.
3. A method of staking by clients who want access to our oracle network. 

The primary purpose of the LINK token is to secure the network by staking them. The user must stake a certain amount of LINK tokens to run a ChainLink node, which then acts as an oracle. In return, the user is paid for providing this service.

How to buy Chainlink

If you'd like to incorporate LINK in your crypto portfolio you can easily do so through our app. Simply trade any of your current crypto or fiat portfolios for LINK. You can as well purchase ChainLink using a credit card or debit card directly on Tap. We provide the most convenient means to purchase LINK using Visa or MasterCard. If you're ready to take the next step and want to buy some ChainLink, take the next step with Tap!

You've likely heard the term being thrown around in the cryptosphere. In this piece, we're breaking down what a fiat wallet is, why one might choose to use it, and how to create one should you wish to.

What Is a Fiat Wallet?

A fiat wallet is a digital account where you can store, send, and receive traditional (fiat) currencies like USD, EUR, or GBP. Think of it as an online version of a bank account, but often integrated within a crypto or fintech platform.

Many crypto exchanges offer fiat wallets alongside crypto wallets, allowing users to buy and sell digital assets more efficiently. Instead of waiting for bank transfers to clear, users can use their fiat wallet to make instant deposits or purchases.

Fiat wallets are also popular in fintech apps and are typically operated under an e-money license. Some platforms may even offer perks like interest or rewards for holding fiat funds in the wallet.

What Is Fiat Currency?

Before we go further, it's important to understand what "fiat" means. A fiat currency is a government-issued currency—like the US dollar, Euro, or British pound—not backed by a physical commodity like gold but by the trust in the government that issues it.

These currencies are regulated by central banks and are legal tender in their respective regions.

How Does a Fiat Wallet Work?

Much like a crypto wallet, a fiat wallet stores currency digitally. The key difference? It holds regular government-issued currency, not crypto assets.

Users often keep fiat in these wallets on exchanges or fintech platforms to allow quick transactions, avoid delays, or earn passive rewards. For instance, you can instantly buy Bitcoin using funds from your fiat wallet—no need to wait for your bank to process a transfer.

It’s worth noting that fiat wallets are not connected to a blockchain. They operate entirely outside the crypto ecosystem, serving as a bridge between traditional finance and digital assets.

Why Use a Fiat Wallet?

The short answer: speed and flexibility.

Here are some common reasons users opt for a fiat wallet:

• To buy or sell cryptocurrencies instantly, especially during periods of volatility
• To avoid delays from traditional bank transfers
• To keep cash on hand for seizing market opportunities

Imagine spotting a huge dip in a crypto asset overnight. If you rely on a standard bank transfer, it could take 2–3 days before your funds are available—by then, the opportunity may be gone. With a fiat wallet, you could act immediately.

For traders and investors, having funds ready to go can make a big difference. In crypto, speed often equals profit.

Is Your Money Safe in a Fiat Wallet?

The safety of your funds depends on the platform hosting your fiat wallet. A well-regulated provider with strong security practices should offer robust protection—just like a traditional bank.

Most platforms apply:

• Data encryption
• Multi-factor authentication
• Biometric verification or one-time passwords (OTP)

Fiat wallets and crypto wallets typically share the same level of platform-based security, so always choose a provider that meets compliance standards and prioritizes user safety.

Store Your Fiat Currencies in Fiat Wallets on Tap

With Tap, you can securely store your fiat currencies in a regulated environment.

Here’s how to deposit into your fiat wallet:

1. Open the Tap app
2. Go to your Cash Wallet
3. Select your desired fiat currency
4. Choose between bank transfer or debit card
5. Complete the transaction

Once the bank clears the funds, your wallet will be credited and ready to use. You can hold the funds as long as you like, or send them back to your bank at any time with just a few taps.

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Scarcity is a simple economic term that refers to the gap between supply and demand, looking at the concept of "there's just not enough to go around". Typically, when a resource or asset becomes scarce this instigates an increase in price. Let's learn more about scarcity and how it differs from shortage, and how it pertains to the financial world. 

What is scarcity?

According to economics, scarcity is the lack of plentiful resources in comparison to theoretically infinite wants. This term refers to this definition; any resource with a non-zero cost associated with consuming it means that it's scarce to some degree.

The concept of scarcity often drives people to make decisions about how they want their resources allocated so that everyone can satisfy not just their basic needs, but also additional wants whenever possible.

What are the three causes of scarcity?

Scarcity is a term that economists use to describe the limited availability of a good or resource, turning some things that might have once been abundant into scarce resources. The root causes can be broken down into three categories: 

• Demand-induced scarcity: when consumer demand outweighs supply, e.g. face masks in the wake of the global pandemic. 
• Supply-induced scarcity: This happens when outside forces make a resource less attainable, decreasing supply with little impact on demand. E.g. commonly with a natural resource, such as water in a drought.
• Structural scarcity: When some have greater access to a resource than others. Structural scarcity often happens because of political or economic reasons.

Scarcity in the sense of natural resources

We usually think of scarce resources as natural resources that exist on Earth without humankind's intervention, such as gas, coal, or water. These commodities often have a limited supply. While some can be produced (like food), others will be gone forever once used up (such as oil).

The scarcity of natural resources also generally increases with growing populations. This brings in relative scarcity, which refers to the scarcity of a resource in one region while it may be more abundant in another. This concept applies not only to commodities but also to services that rely on these resources.

Scarcity in terms of the economy

Economic scarcity occurs when the quantity individuals want to purchase exceeds the amount available for trade, driving up its monetary value. For instance, Bitcoin, with its limited supply of 21 million coins, illustrates this concept. As the coins become scarcer, their value grows higher, making it a potentially valuable choice for traders.

Scarcity vs shortage

While scarcity and shortage might sound like interchangeable terms, there are several key differences between these terms and very different causes. 

Scarcity looks at the limited availability of something that cannot be replenished, natural resources for example. On the other hand, a shortage refers to a market phenomenon where the demand for something is greater than the quantity supplied at the market price.

When the market is balanced, there is an equal amount of supply and demand for a product. If these become unbalanced, we can have a shortage. Several things can create this scenario.

Firstly, it could be a result of increased demand. This is rarely permanent and can easily be reproduced. Secondly, it could be a result of a decreased supply. If the costs of a product increase causing the manufacturers to create less, and the demand stays the same, this will result in a shortage. In both instances, changes to the market can fix this. 

The main difference between scarcity and shortages is that shortages can usually be solved by altering supply and demand. With scarcity, however, there is a limit on the amount of a resource available with little that can be done to fix this problem. 

How does relative scarcity work?

Relative scarcity is when the distribution of resources can cause a resource to be less scarce for some but not for others. 

For example, in water-rich areas, people seemingly never have to worry about running out of water as the supply is limitless while in other areas people have no access to clean running water. In water-scarce areas, the costs increase, and authorities and citizens have to decide how to efficiently allocate resources. 

This relative scarcity concept can make a natural resource abundant in one area and a scarce resource in another. This is most often the case with raw materials (such as a diamond) and free natural resources (such as water).

The same can be said about land prices when you compare the prices of properties in the countryside versus ​​in the built-up city. Authorities cannot simply produce more land, so the prices increase alongside demand. 

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Got some exciting news—Card Auto Top-Up is finally here, and it’s about to make your life way easier.

Say goodbye to those "uh-oh" moments at checkout. This feature automatically tops up your card when your balance gets low—on your terms, no surprises.

You asked, we delivered. We took your feedback and built Auto Top-Up to take the stress out of managing your spending. Your card stays ready to go, so you can focus on more important things (like deciding what to order for lunch).

And here’s the cherry on top 🍒—you can now use your crypto for payments!  Pick any of your crypto holdings, top up your card, and start spending—simple as that.

Let’s break it down and show you why Auto Top-Up is about to be your new favorite feature.

No More "Oops, My Balance!" Moments 🙀
We've all been there—your card balance runs low right when you need it most. Auto Top-Up has your back.

Set It and Forget It
Activate it once, and you're good to go. No more scrambling to manually top up your card every time funds run low.

Your Money, Your Rules 💸
Prefer fiat? Crypto? A mix of both? Auto Top-Up lets you choose what works best for you.

Always Ready to Spend
With Auto Top-Up, your card stays funded, so you’re always ready to pay—no interruptions, no stress.

How it works? ✨

With Auto Top-Up, you're in complete control. You decide:

• The minimum balance that triggers an automatic reload amount.
• How much to add when your balance dips below your set threshold.
• Which currency you want to use.

Imagine you're about to make an important purchase, only to realise your card balance is too low. Frustrating, right? Those days are over. 

Set your minimum balance to threshold, and Tap will automatically reload your card before you ever hit zero, using your preferred currency.

Ready to make your life easier? Enabling Auto Top-Up is quick and easy:

1. Log in to your account.
2. Navigate to your card settings.
3. Enable Auto Top-Up and customize your preferences.
4. Enjoy your card!

Built for peace of mind 😌

Auto Top-Up takes the hassle out of managing your card. Whether you’re travelling, shopping online, or covering everyday expenses, your Tap card will always have your back when you need it.

Ready to get started? 

Make sure your Tap app is up to date to start using the new Auto Top-Up feature, and then follow the flow within the Card section. 

Got any questions about Auto Top-Up? Our support team is ready to help you get started. 

Sure, crypto markets reacting negatively to macroeconomic policy shifts is nothing new, but these “worse than expected” Liberation Day tariff announcements have been particularly brutal. 

Looking at the numbers, the sweeping tariffs introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump have resulted in mass liquidations. Almost a week later, $8.27 trillion has been wiped from global stock markets and $233 billion from crypto markets, bringing the overall crypto market cap down 8.5%.

But how exactly do tariffs influence crypto? The immediate reaction was a sharp downturn, with big names like Bitcoin falling below $82,000, and later $74,700, and Ethereum dropping to lows of $1,400. 

In the long term, could these economic policies position crypto as a safe haven? Let’s explore the interplay between trade policy, traditional finance, and crypto prices.

Firstly, what are tariffs, and how do they affect the markets?

In a nutshell, tariffs, or taxes on imported goods, create ripple effects across various financial markets. Historically, they have had an impact on:

• Foreign exchange (FX) markets: The USD typically strengthens when tariffs are imposed, as more global investors seek stability, and in response, a stronger USD often puts downward pressure on Bitcoin and altcoins.
• Equities: Stocks, particularly in sectors reliant on global trade, tend to decline as tariffs increase business costs and disrupt supply chains.
• Inflation & interest rates: Tariffs can contribute to higher consumer prices, influencing Federal Reserve policy and liquidity conditions, which in turn affect investment in risk assets like crypto.

The interconnected nature of these macroeconomic factors proves once again that digital assets are not insulated from traditional market turbulence. Let’s explore the damages.

Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement

So, what happened? On 3 April, Trump announced a 10% baseline tariff on U.S. imports, with 60 countries, including Cambodia, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Bangladesh, facing tariffs of up to 50%. Companies in the EU will see 20% tariffs, all taking effect a week later. 

Previously announced 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and foreign-made cars remain in place.

How the crypto market responded

Never missing a beat, the crypto market reacted swiftly to the tariff announcements:

• Bitcoin has dropped ~10% since February. On 3 April, the price fell from $87,106 to $82,526 in a matter of hours, falling to lows of $74,700 days later. 
• Ethereum followed a similar trajectory, dipping to lows of $1,430.
• Altcoins were hit harder, with SOL dropping nearly 25% to $97.52 - its first dip below $100 since February 2024.
• Crypto-related equities tanked, with Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) down 15%, and mining firms like MARA Holdings and Riot Platforms losing 11%.
• Correlation with equities strengthened, as the Nasdaq and S&P 500 also experienced sharp declines.

According to technical analysis, the overall market cap formed a bear flag pattern, signaling potential price declines (this pattern appears after a sharp drop, followed by a temporary upward channel). If the price breaks below this channel, a further decline is likely.

Source: Emmaculate, published on TradingView, April 3, 2025

Why Bitcoin might bounce back

A note from the bears. Despite the initial sell-off, Bitcoin could see a rebound for several reasons:

• Bitcoin as "digital gold": During economic uncertainty, BTC has historically been viewed as a hedge against inflation and fiat devaluation.
• Institutional movements: Exchange outflows suggest that institutions are holding rather than panic-selling, reducing BTC liquidity and potentially driving prices higher in the future.
• Monetary policy shifts: If the Federal Reserve pivots toward rate cuts or quantitative easing (QE), Bitcoin could benefit from increased liquidity.

BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes has argued that such macro conditions could push BTC toward $150,000 in the next cycle.

Do tariffs + the U.S. Dollar = a crypto opportunity?

The impact of tariffs on the U.S. dollar has direct implications for crypto:

• Reduced exports and lower bond demand could weaken the USD over time.
• A weaker dollar typically boosts Bitcoin, as investors look for alternative stores of value.
• Grayscale suggests that Bitcoin could benefit from a fragmented monetary landscape, particularly as central banks diversify reserves away from USD.

Tariffs, regulation & crypto’s role in the financial system

Trump’s policies could indirectly accelerate crypto adoption by:

• Increasing the use of crypto for trade settlements due to currency uncertainties.
• Encouraging alternative reserve assets beyond the U.S. dollar.
• Aligning with a potentially pro-crypto regulatory stance under a second Trump administration.

What should crypto investors do now?

Crypto investors should watch a few key things closely:

• When and how the new tariffs are rolled out, and if any changes are made along the way
• How other countries respond, especially with their own tariffs
• Changes in crypto regulations, as governments adjust to the new economic climate
• How money moves between traditional markets and crypto, which can impact prices and sentiment

• Consider long-term portfolio strategies, as crypto’s role in a shifting financial landscape could strengthen.

Conclusion: Tariffs may hurt now, but crypto could emerge stronger

While recent tariffs triggered a downturn across both traditional and crypto markets, it’s worth noting that this was driven more by uncertainty than fundamentals. As has previously been the case, crypto’s response is often tied to macro trends, with Liberation Day tariffs being no exception. 

The bottom line is that market dynamics are changing. As liquidity patterns shift and capital moves differently, crypto’s role within broader portfolios continues to evolve. While this can have both a positive and negative impact on portfolios, continuing to stay informed is the wisest step one could take. 

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Despite radically changing the financial landscape, the world’s leading cryptocurrency has limitations when interacting with newer blockchains like Ethereum. Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) solves this by allowing Bitcoin to function on the Ethereum network, enabling access to decentralised finance (DeFi) services.

Each WBTC token is backed 1:1 by Bitcoin, combining Bitcoin’s value with Ethereum’s smart contract capabilities. Unlike Bitcoin variants aiming to improve its technology, WBTC extends Bitcoin’s utility without replacing it.

This article explores how WBTC works, its benefits, risks, and how it connects Bitcoin to the broader DeFi ecosystem.

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TLDR

- Bridging Bitcoin & Ethereum: WBTC brings Bitcoin to Ethereum, enabling DeFi participation without selling BTC.

- Increased utility & liquidity: BTC holders can lend, borrow, trade, and earn yield while unlocking Bitcoin’s market value.

- Faster & more efficient transactions: WBTC uses Ethereum’s network for quicker, cheaper, and more flexible transfers.

- Trade-offs & risks: While enhancing Bitcoin’s use, WBTC involves custodial risks, centralisation, and reliance on trusted entities.

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What is Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC)?

Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) is an ERC-20 token that represents Bitcoin on the Ethereum blockchain. Launched in January 2019, approximately 10 years after Bitcoin's initial release, WBTC was created as a collaborative effort between BitGo, Kyber Network, and Ren (formerly Republic Protocol), along with other major players in the DeFi space including MakerDAO, Dharma, and Set Protocol. 

As an ERC-20 token, WBTC adheres to Ethereum's token standard, making it compatible with the entire Ethereum ecosystem, including its smart contracts, decentralised applications (dapps), and wallets.

In structure, WBTC bears similarities to stablecoins like USDC or USDT, which are backed by reserve assets. However, while stablecoins aim to maintain a stable value (usually pegged to a fiat currency like the US dollar), WBTC's value fluctuates with Bitcoin's market price. 

Each WBTC token is backed by an equivalent amount of Bitcoin (BTC) held in reserve by a custodian, maintaining a strict 1:1 ratio – meaning 1 WBTC is always equivalent to 1 BTC in value.

Wrapped Bitcoin is now under the control of a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) called the WBTC DAO. This organisation oversees the protocol, ensuring the integrity of the wrapping process and maintaining transparency in the system. Unlike Bitcoin's fully decentralised nature, WBTC relies on certain trusted entities to maintain the backing of the tokens, which creates an interesting balance between utility and trustlessness.

WBTC belongs to a broader category of financial instruments known as "wrapped tokens." These are cryptocurrencies that are enclosed or "wrapped" in a digital vault and represented as another token on a different blockchain. While WBTC represents Bitcoin on Ethereum, there are other wrapped tokens in the cryptocurrency space, including Wrapped Ether (WETH) which, somewhat paradoxically, is a wrapped version of Ethereum's native token on its own blockchain that conforms more strictly to the ERC-20 standard.

Why does Wrapped Bitcoin exist?

Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) was created to bridge the gap between Bitcoin and newer blockchain platforms like Ethereum.

1. Bitcoin’s limited smart contract functionality
Bitcoin prioritizes security over programmability, making it unsuitable for complex dapps. In contrast, Ethereum supports smart contracts that power a wide range of automated financial services.

2. Access to DeFi for Bitcoin holders
Ethereum’s DeFi ecosystem offers lending, trading, and yield farming, but Bitcoin holders couldn’t participate without converting their BTC. WBTC solves this, letting them use Bitcoin’s value within Ethereum-based applications.

3. Unlocking Bitcoin’s liquidity
Bitcoin’s vast market capitalization holds significant untapped liquidity. WBTC brings this capital into Ethereum’s DeFi network, benefiting both Bitcoin holders and the broader ecosystem.

4. Faster, more flexible Bitcoin transactions
While Bitcoin transactions can be slow and costly, WBTC uses Ethereum’s network for quicker, cheaper trades—ideal for active traders and DeFi users.

In short, WBTC enhances Bitcoin’s utility without altering its core protocol, connecting it to the evolving world of decentralized finance.

How Wrapped Bitcoin works

Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) bridges Bitcoin and Ethereum through a secure, transparent process involving key participants and smart contracts.

1. Wrapping and unwrapping process:

• Wrapping (BTC → WBTC): Users send Bitcoin to a custodian, who secures it and mints an equivalent amount of WBTC on Ethereum, sending it to the user’s Ethereum wallet.
• Unwrapping (WBTC → BTC): Users burn WBTC, prompting the custodian to release the equivalent Bitcoin back to their Bitcoin wallet.
  This 1:1 pegging ensures WBTC is fully backed by Bitcoin reserves.

2. Key participants:

• Custodians (e.g., BitGo): Hold and safeguard the Bitcoin backing WBTC.
• Merchants: Authorized to request minting or burning of WBTC.
• Users: Individuals or entities using WBTC in Ethereum’s DeFi ecosystem.
• WBTC DAO Members: Stakeholders who govern protocol decisions.

3. Transparency and verification:

• Proof of reserves: Publicly verifiable Bitcoin addresses back every WBTC in circulation.
• On-chain verification: Minting and burning are recorded on both blockchains.
• Regular attestations: Independent checks confirm reserve accuracy.

4. Technical implementation:
WBTC operates as an ERC-20 token, making it compatible with Ethereum-based apps and exchanges. While users can acquire WBTC directly through merchants, most opt to swap BTC for WBTC on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) for convenience.

This system ensures WBTC remains a secure, transparent, and efficient way to use Bitcoin within Ethereum’s DeFi space.

The benefits of Wrapped Bitcoin

1. DeFi accessibility:
WBTC lets users leverage Bitcoin in DeFi platforms for:

• Lending & borrowing: Use WBTC as collateral on platforms like Aave or Compound to earn interest or borrow assets.
• Yield farming: Provide WBTC liquidity for rewards, often surpassing Bitcoin’s passive holding returns.
• Liquidity provision: Earn trading fees by adding WBTC to pools on exchanges like Uniswap.
• Synthetic assets: Mint assets pegged to traditional markets using WBTC as collateral.

2. Enhanced liquidity:
WBTC boosts capital efficiency across Ethereum by:

• Expanding DeFi liquidity: Unlocking Bitcoin’s market value to strengthen liquidity pools.
• Reducing slippage: Deeper markets enable smoother trades.
• Providing stable collateral: Bitcoin-backed assets offer trusted options for DeFi protocols.

3. Transaction advantages:
Compared to Bitcoin, WBTC transactions on Ethereum benefit from:

• Faster confirmations: Ethereum’s ~12-second block times outpace Bitcoin’s 10-minute average.
• Predictable fees: Ethereum’s fee structure can be more cost-effective in certain conditions.
• Smart contract integration: WBTC supports complex transactions Bitcoin’s network can’t handle.

4. Broader utility:
Beyond DeFi, WBTC enhances user options by:

• Accessing smart contracts: Participate in advanced applications without selling Bitcoin.
• Composability: Use WBTC across multiple protocols simultaneously.
• Simplified management: Store WBTC alongside other Ethereum assets in common wallets.
• Gaming & NFTs: Spend WBTC in blockchain games or NFT marketplaces.

While WBTC offers significant opportunities, it comes with trade-offs regarding decentralisation and security, as covered in the next section.

Risks and challenges of Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC)

Custodial risks
WBTC depends on custodians like BitGo to hold the backing Bitcoin, creating a central point of failure. Users must trust these custodians to safeguard funds, process redemptions, and comply with regulations that could freeze assets or restrict conversions.

Smart contract risks
WBTC relies on Ethereum smart contracts, which, despite audits, can still have vulnerabilities or coding flaws. It’s also affected by Ethereum network issues like congestion, high gas fees, and risks from interacting with DeFi platforms.

Price and market risks
WBTC tracks Bitcoin’s price and shares its volatility. In turbulent markets, it may trade slightly above or below Bitcoin’s value. Large conversions can strain liquidity, making big trades harder without impacting price.

Operational challenges
Managing WBTC involves both Bitcoin and Ethereum blockchains, which can be complex for newcomers. High Ethereum gas fees and slow WBTC-to-Bitcoin conversions (especially for large transactions) are additional hurdles.

Alternatives with less trust required
Some users prefer fully decentralised options like native Bitcoin, though it lacks smart contract functionality. Other wrapped Bitcoin solutions use different technologies to reduce reliance on custodians.

Other Wrapped Bitcoin alternatives

While WBTC is the most widely used Bitcoin representation on Ethereum, several alternatives have emerged, each with different approaches to the bridge between Bitcoin and other blockchains:

• renBTC
• tBTC
• sBTC (Synthetic BTC)
• HBTC
• pBTC

Conclusion

Wrapped Bitcoin represents a significant innovation in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, effectively bridging the gap between Bitcoin's unparalleled network security and store-of-value properties with Ethereum's programmability and vibrant DeFi landscape. 

Since its launch in 2019, WBTC has grown from a novel concept to a cornerstone of cross-chain interoperability, holding billions of dollars in value and enabling countless new use cases for Bitcoin holders.

Key takeaways

• Bridge between worlds: WBTC links Bitcoin with Ethereum’s smart contracts, offering value beyond what each can provide alone.
• Benefits with trade-offs: WBTC boosts DeFi access and speed, but involves centralisation and custodial risks.
• Evolving ecosystem: Wrapped Bitcoin solutions are evolving, balancing security, decentralisation, and functionality.
• Growing adoption: WBTC’s growing market cap and DeFi use show strong demand for Bitcoin exposure in crypto.
• Future innovation: Wrapped assets like WBTC will likely see improvements in decentralisation, security, and cross-chain compatibility.

The broader significance

WBTC represents a shift in the cryptocurrency space from isolated blockchains to an interconnected network where different chains can leverage each other’s strengths. This interoperability will likely define the next phase of blockchain development.

For users, WBTC allows exposure to Bitcoin while engaging with decentralised finance (DeFi) on Ethereum and other platforms, enabling participation in both without choosing between them.

For DeFi, Bitcoin’s liquidity has spurred growth, bringing stability and asset diversity. WBTC has also paved the way for other wrapped assets, making the crypto ecosystem more interconnected and efficient.

As blockchain technology evolves, solutions like WBTC will address limitations while retaining core utility. Its success shows how cryptocurrency innovation can extend existing strengths without replacing them.

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