Rich emphasized that Core is the largest Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem, boasting approximately 500 million in Total Value Locked (TVL) and around one million weekly active users. With over 100 projects operating under its umbrella, Core offers the highest yielding Bitcoin staking product, making it an ideal platform for Bitcoin holders who want to maximize their assets.
2. The Impact of Wall Streetification on Bitcoin
Rich discussed the transformative trend of Bitcoin becoming more mainstream, dubbing it the "Wall Streetification of Bitcoin." He noted that the introduction of spot ETFs has brought over $100 billion in inflows, consequently legitimizing Bitcoin and making it accessible to major fund managers and retail investors alike. This trend marks a significant shift in how Bitcoin is viewed as a financial asset.
3. Liquid Staked Bitcoin Token - LSTBTC
Rich introduced LSTBTC, the liquid staked Bitcoin token, as a major development that will enhance yield-bearing Bitcoin products. He explained that LSTBTC will serve as a backend for various financial products, thereby enabling the creation of yield-bearing Bitcoin collateral. This innovation could unlock new investment opportunities in both crypto and traditional finance realms.
4. Bridging Wall Street and Main Street
Rich articulated how LSTBTC will play a pivotal role in linking retail investors (Main Street) with institutional investors (Wall Street). He believes that Bitcoin will increasingly be seen as a collateral asset that will attract both types of investors, fulfilling their respective needs for yield, safety, and liquidity.
5. The Role of Staking in Bitcoin Utilities
Rich mentioned that not all Bitcoin holders want to merely hold their investment; many are eager to put their Bitcoin to work if it aligns with their risk profiles. Through Core's mechanisms, users can earn passive yields via staking, thus increasing Bitcoin's utility and driving further adoption of Bitcoin staking solutions.
6. Innovative Yield Mechanisms and Dual Staking
Rich detailed the mechanics of how Core’s unique yield structure operates, particularly through dual staking, which rewards participants who stake both Core and Bitcoin. He articulated that this yields participants higher returns and fosters a stronger relationship between the Bitcoin and Core communities, essential for genuine adoption of Bitcoin scaling solutions.
7. Sustainable Yield Creation Approaches
Rich shared insights on how Core maintains a sustainable yield structure, leveraging a flat emissions curve over 81 years and gas fees from transactions. This design aims to gradually transition from block rewards to a more transaction fee-driven revenue model, similar to Bitcoin's evolution. Such a strategy is crucial for ensuring the longevity and growth of staking yields.
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