New Yield-Bearing Bitcoin Token Launched for Institutions
Hong Kong, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Core Foundation, collaborating with Maple Finance, BitGo, Copper, and Hex Trust, has unveiled lstBTC, an innovative liquid Bitcoin token that generates yields, specifically aimed at institutional investors. This new token is designed to transform Bitcoin from a passive asset into a productive investment, enabling holders to earn returns on their dormant Bitcoin holdings while ensuring security, compliance, and liquidity are prioritized.
Maximizing Bitcoin Efficiency with lstBTC
For a long time, institutional holders of Bitcoin have had to navigate a difficult choice: either keep their Bitcoin secure as a store of value or relinquish that security and liquidity to earn yields. The introduction of lstBTC addresses this dilemma by allowing institutions to earn yields in Bitcoin without having to move their assets away from trusted custodial services. With approximately $500 billion in Bitcoin currently generating fees within custodial accounts, lstBTC presents an opportunity for considerable savings. It empowers institutions to achieve sustainable yields while keeping their Bitcoin secure and liquid, all within established custody protocols.
Operational Mechanics of lstBTC
Institutions can create lstBTC by depositing Bitcoin with reputable custodians such as BitGo, Copper, or Hex Trust. The new token continues to accrue yields while remaining fully liquid, allowing institutions to trade, transfer, or use lstBTC as collateral. Upon redemption, holders receive their initial Bitcoin along with any accrued yields directly in their custodial accounts. lstBTC takes advantage of the Core blockchain’s Dual Staking mechanism, which permits Bitcoin to earn CORE rewards while simultaneously securing the network. Maple Finance, recognized for its expertise in institutional credit markets and risk management, oversees the yield generation strategies, ensuring they align with regulatory and risk management standards.
Distinct Features of lstBTC
What differentiates lstBTC from other Bitcoin yield solutions is its specific focus on institutional needs, eliminating the need for asset transfers or additional risks. Institutions can retain their Bitcoin with their existing custodians, ensuring safety and stability. The yield is denominated in Bitcoin and is generated through Core’s Dual Staking mechanism, all without the Bitcoin leaving the custody of trusted providers. Furthermore, lstBTC is fully liquid and scalable, allowing for trading, transferring, or leveraging as collateral while the underlying Bitcoin continues to earn yields.
Transforming the Landscape for Institutional Bitcoin Investors
lstBTC equips institutional clients—including portfolio managers, ETP issuers, accredited investors, and market makers—with the tools to enhance the productivity of their Bitcoin assets without compromising security or operational efficiency. Supported by well-established names in asset management, digital asset custody, liquidity, and risk management, lstBTC establishes a new benchmark for Bitcoin yield generation aimed at institutional investors.
About Core
Core is recognized as Bitcoin’s inaugural Proof of Stake (PoS) layer and has established itself as the foremost Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem. It merges Bitcoin’s unmatched security with the scalability offered by the Satoshi Plus consensus. The Dual Staking feature empowers Bitcoin holders to potentially earn secure and sustainable yields by staking both BTC and CORE, while retaining complete control over their assets. Currently, over 5,500 BTC and 165 million CORE are staked on the Core blockchain, enhancing Bitcoin’s functionality and security. Core stands out as the most Bitcoin-aligned EVM blockchain, with approximately 80% of Bitcoin mining hash power contributing to its security. Since its mainnet launch in January 2023, it has attracted millions of users, with over 40 million unique addresses, more than 350 million transactions, and an impressive total value locked (TVL) exceeding $850 million.
About Maple Finance
Founded in 2021, Maple Finance operates as a decentralized finance (DeFi) institution, providing lending markets that are both transparent and verifiable on-chain. As a leader in the DeFi space, Maple is committed to fostering a global lending ecosystem that emphasizes innovation and accessibility. The introduction of the SYRUP token in 2024 further empowers the Maple community through staking, governance, and shared growth of the protocol. Maple is at the forefront of developing the next generation of institutional credit markets within the DeFi landscape.
About BitGo
BitGo is a premier provider of digital asset infrastructure, offering a range of services including custody, wallets, staking, trading, financing, and settlement solutions from regulated cold storage. Established in 2013, BitGo has dedicated itself to helping clients securely navigate the digital asset landscape. With a significant global presence across multiple regulated entities, BitGo caters to thousands of institutions, including many prominent brands, exchanges, and platforms, along with millions of retail investors globally. As a vital component of the digital economy, BitGo manages a considerable share of Bitcoin network transactions and is recognized as the largest independent digital asset custodian and staking provider worldwide.
About Copper
Founded in 2018, Copper has established itself as a leader in institutional digital asset infrastructure, specializing in custody and collateral management. With award-winning technology, Copper provides a comprehensive suite of secure products and services necessary for the safe custody and trading of digital assets. Central to Copper’s offering is ClearLoop, a platform that enables clients to manage collateral and settle trades across various exchanges while reducing counterparty risk and enhancing capital efficiency.
About Hex Trust
Hex Trust, established in 2018, specializes in regulated institutional digital asset custody services, along with staking and market solutions for builders, investors, and service providers. Their comprehensive suite of secure, regulated services is built on proprietary, fully integrated infrastructure designed to support the evolving needs of the digital asset ecosystem.
