Runes and BRC-20s are just a stepping stone for Bitcoin DeFi

As an experienced analyst, I believe that Bitcoin Runes and BRC-20 tokens represent an important step forward in the evolution of decentralized finance (DeFi) on the Bitcoin network. However, I also think that they may only be a temporary solution, as the decentralized nature of Bitcoin makes it challenging to establish a clear standard.


As a researcher exploring the realm of Bitcoin and its potential for decentralized finance (DeFi), I believe that Bitcoin Runes and BRC-20 tokens could represent just the beginning. These innovations might pave the way for more advanced DeFi solutions directly integrated with the Bitcoin blockchain.

According to Rich Rines, a key player in the Bitcoin DAO community, the development of Runes and Bitcoin Decentralized Finance (DeFi) emerged as a response to enhancing the functionality of the most secure blockchain network in existence. He shared this insight in an interview with CryptoMoon.

“[Bitcoin] started as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system then morphed more into a store value and now protects $1.5 trillion of wealth… We’ve seen over the last one and a half years this desire to add more utility to the underlying Bitcoin, through the rise of Ordinals, token protocols like BRC 20s, and now Runes.”

A new method called Bitcoin Runes was introduced on April 20, which is also known as Bitcoin’s halving day, for creating interoperable tokens on the Bitcoin blockchain. This innovation falls under the umbrella of Bitcoin Decentralized Finance (DeFi) or BTCFi, an ongoing developer initiative to expand Bitcoin’s functionalities.

As a researcher studying BTCFi, I’ve observed that the introduction of Runes has sparked considerable interest among Bitcoin holders. However, I believe that this token standard could merely be a preliminary development in the ongoing evolution of BTCFi. The inherently decentralized structure of the Bitcoin network is a significant factor contributing to this perspective.

“Hard to say if [Runes] remains the standard, since Bitcoin is so decentralized… We will have to get to some sort of social consensus on some of the standards that win. Market demand and people voting with their dollars will ultimately be what helps coalesce on the final answer.”

Bitcoin Runes saw a rebound in the past week. On the 20th of April, approximately 81.3% of all daily Bitcoin transactions were associated with Runes, as indicated by data from Dune Analytics.

Runes and BRC-20s are just a stepping stone for Bitcoin DeFi

Bitcoin is becoming a yield-generating asset for the first time

To enhance BTCFi’s innovative efforts in the Bitcoin (BTC) sector, Core Chain introduced the initial non-custodial Bitcoin staking solution on April 23. This groundbreaking development allows users to stake Bitcoin without jeopardizing the security of the broader Bitcoin network.

As a Bitcoin investor, I appreciate the value of keeping my assets under my control. With non-custodial staking, I can earn rewards without having to give up custody of my coins. It’s a win-win situation for me, as my Bitcoin remains safely in my wallet while generating passive income.

“That’s where the non-custodial Bitcoin staking shines where you take no risk. It’s totally trustless, Bitcoin becomes a yield-producing asset for the first time with those rewards that you can invest it in more Bitcoin, creating a reflexive loop.”

“Additional protocols are making strides in enhancing Bitcoin’s functionality. For instance, on May 6, Hermetica unveiled the first Bitcoin-linked synthetic US Dollar with built-in earning potential.”

Set to be launched in June, USDh is projected to provide returns as high as 25%, with the goal of significantly increasing liquidity and applications for BTCFi.

Read More

2024-05-06 16:52