tBTC: The Trustless Bridge for Bitcoin in the Decentralized Finance Ecosystem

8/18/2025, 8:08:25 AM
tBTC is a decentralized Bitcoin token launched by Threshold Network, pegged to Bitcoin at a 1:1 ratio, utilizing trustless multi-signature and threshold cryptography technology to ensure secure custody. Users can lock their native BTC to receive an equivalent ERC-20 token tBTC and freely use it within supported DeFi ecosystems like Ethereum, achieving a seamless integration of Bitcoin and Decentralized Finance.

The basic concept of tBTC and its decentralized architecture

tBTC is an ERC-20 token that is 100% backed by native Bitcoin and pegged to an equivalent amount of Bitcoin. Its main feature is the use of Threshold Network’s threshold cryptography and multi-signature design, allowing hundreds of decentralized nodes to collaboratively manage the locking and releasing of Bitcoin, enabling trustless secure operations. After users lock BTC into the system, they can receive tBTC and participate in various DeFi activities such as lending and liquidity mining on Ethereum and other supported public chains.

The difference between tBTC and traditional wallet tokens

Unlike centralized custody wallet tokens such as WBTC, tBTC eliminates single point of trust risks, being managed entirely by a decentralized network of nodes for locking and releasing. The system uses threshold cryptography, requiring a certain number of nodes to agree before executing transactions, effectively preventing malicious manipulation and asset theft. Additionally, the entire process relies on smart contracts for automatic execution, which is transparent and tamper-proof, protecting user asset security.

Technical highlights and security measures

The security core of tBTC lies in the multi-signature threshold mechanism, where at least 51 out of 100 signers must agree to execute an operation. This distributed signature structure not only prevents single-node attacks but also enhances censorship resistance. In addition, smart contracts monitor the Bitcoin lock-up status in real time and interact with Ethereum contracts to ensure that each tBTC is backed by real BTC, achieving a true 1:1 backing.

The application value of tBTC in Decentralized Finance

Owning tBTC means that users can seamlessly access a rich DeFi ecosystem, such as lending, collateralization, trading, and yield farming, while always maintaining the privacy and sovereign control of their native Bitcoin. This bridging not only increases the liquidity of Bitcoin but also breaks the boundaries of traditional finance, allowing BTC to truly integrate into the open financial world.

The ecosystem and governance of Threshold Network

Threshold Network supports the value transfer and governance of the entire network through its native token T. T token holders can participate in protocol upgrades, parameter adjustments, and node operation decisions, ensuring network health and Decentralization. The distribution of T tokens includes airdrops to NuCypher and Keep Network holders, DAO treasury reserves, and network security incentives, forming a fair and sustainable ecological governance mechanism.

Summary

tBTC is currently the most advanced and secure decentralized Bitcoin token solution on the market, ensuring user assets through multi-signature threshold technology and smart contracts, allowing Bitcoin to possess the highest liquidity and sovereign control in the DeFi world. Compared to other closed or centralized solutions, tBTC demonstrates the bridge value of a new era of trustlessness, openness, and fair governance.

* The information is not intended to be and does not constitute financial advice or any other recommendation of any sort offered or endorsed by Gate.
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