Starknet has introduced strkBTC, a new Bitcoin-based asset designed to enable private balances and confidential transfers on its Ethereum layer-2 network. The postStarknet has introduced strkBTC, a new Bitcoin-based asset designed to enable private balances and confidential transfers on its Ethereum layer-2 network. The post

Starknet Unveils Bitcoin-Based Token to Bring Privacy and DeFi Power to Ethereum Layer-2

2026/02/27 12:53
2 min read
  • Starknet is launching strkBTC, a Bitcoin-backed token that enables private balances and confidential transfers within its DeFi ecosystem.
  • The system automatically mints tokens based on verifiable deposits to remove discretionary control, using protocol-level privacy rather than third-party custodians.
  • The initiative aims to attract institutional users by allowing them to shield transaction data while maintaining eligibility for Bitcoin staking and yield products.

Layer-2 network Starknet is preparing to launch strkBTC, a Bitcoin-backed token designed to enable private balances and confidential transfers inside Starknet DeFi.

StarkWare (the parent company) and the Starknet Foundation said strkBTC is minted automatically when users deposit BTC, using a deterministic process tied to verifiable deposits. Accordingly, this removes discretionary control over issuance. 

Privacy is built into the protocol, not handled by custodians, wallets, or third-party apps.

Overall, the aim is to let Bitcoin move through DeFi while hiding transfer amounts and counterparties from public view, without breaking composability with other applications. Starknet clarified that users can choose whether to shield balances, and the system is designed to keep auditability and risk tooling workable.

Read more: Anchored in the Past: Why Investors Are Missing Crypto’s Biggest Opportunity

strkBTC Eligible for Bitcoin Staking

strkBTC will also be eligible for Bitcoin staking on Starknet, allowing users to earn yield while keeping balances private if they opt in.

The project fits Starknet’s broader effort to make BTC more “productive” on its network. Starknet has already rolled out Bitcoin staking and yield products, plus incentives to bring BTC into lending, collateral, and other DeFi uses.

Starknet executives said protocol-level privacy could help bring in larger and institutional users who avoid public chains because positions, counterparties, and trading strategies are exposed by default.

The launch builds on Starknet’s earlier bitcoin initiatives, including staking and yield products that let users earn rewards while maintaining custody, along with incentive programs aimed at activating idle BTC for lending, collateral, and other DeFi use cases.

Related: US Democrats Probe Binance Amid $1.7 Billion Iranian Sanctions Evasion Allegations

The post Starknet Unveils Bitcoin-Based Token to Bring Privacy and DeFi Power to Ethereum Layer-2 appeared first on Crypto News Australia.

Market Opportunity
Solayer Logo
Solayer Price(LAYER)
$0.09051
$0.09051$0.09051
-6.50%
USD
Solayer (LAYER) Live Price Chart
Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact [email protected] for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

You May Also Like

MoneyGram launches stablecoin-powered app in Colombia

MoneyGram launches stablecoin-powered app in Colombia

The post MoneyGram launches stablecoin-powered app in Colombia appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. MoneyGram has launched a new mobile application in Colombia that uses USD-pegged stablecoins to modernize cross-border remittances. According to an announcement on Wednesday, the app allows customers to receive money instantly into a US dollar balance backed by Circle’s USDC stablecoin, which can be stored, spent, or cashed out through MoneyGram’s global retail network. The rollout is designed to address the volatility of local currencies, particularly the Colombian peso. Built on the Stellar blockchain and supported by wallet infrastructure provider Crossmint, the app marks MoneyGram’s most significant move yet to integrate stablecoins into consumer-facing services. Colombia was selected as the first market due to its heavy reliance on inbound remittances—families in the country receive more than 22 times the amount they send abroad, according to Statista. The announcement said future expansions will target other remittance-heavy markets. MoneyGram, which has nearly 500,000 retail locations globally, has experimented with blockchain rails since partnering with the Stellar Development Foundation in 2021. It has since built cash on and off ramps for stablecoins, developed APIs for crypto integration, and incorporated stablecoins into its internal settlement processes. “This launch is the first step toward a world where every person, everywhere, has access to dollar stablecoins,” CEO Anthony Soohoo stated. The company emphasized compliance, citing decades of regulatory experience, though stablecoin oversight remains fluid. The US Congress passed the GENIUS Act earlier this year, establishing a framework for stablecoin regulation, which MoneyGram has pointed to as providing clearer guardrails. This is a developing story. This article was generated with the assistance of AI and reviewed by editor Jeffrey Albus before publication. Get the news in your inbox. Explore Blockworks newsletters: Source: https://blockworks.co/news/moneygram-stablecoin-app-colombia
Share
BitcoinEthereumNews2025/09/18 07:04
OpenVPP accused of falsely claiming partnership with ComEd

OpenVPP accused of falsely claiming partnership with ComEd

According to PANews on September 18th, on-chain sleuth ZachXBT reported that OpenVPP allegedly falsely claimed a partnership with US electric utility Commonwealth Edison ( ComEd ). ComEd responded, stating, "We have not partnered with them and have no intention of doing so."
Share
PANews2025/09/19 00:00
Solana (SOL) Price: Is a Breakout Coming After Four Weeks Stuck in the Same Range?

Solana (SOL) Price: Is a Breakout Coming After Four Weeks Stuck in the Same Range?

TLDR Solana (SOL) has traded in a tight $77–$88 range for nearly four weeks with no clear trend direction US spot Solana ETFs recorded over $44 million in weekly
Share
Coincentral2026/03/02 15:55