Wrapped Bitcoin is an ERC-20 token that represents Bitcoin on the Ethereum blockchain, allowing Bitcoin holders to participate in decentralized finance (DeFi) activities. By wrapping Bitcoin, users can leverage the security and widespread acceptance of Bitcoin while accessing Ethereum's diverse range of decentralized applications and smart contracts. This tokenized version of Bitcoin facilitates seamless interaction between the two major blockchain ecosystems, enhancing liquidity and interoperability.
Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) is a groundbreaking innovation in the world of cryptocurrency that has bridged the gap between Bitcoin and the Ethereum blockchain. As its name suggests, Wrapped Bitcoin is a token representing Bitcoin on the Ethereum network. This tokenized version of Bitcoin allows users to integrate Bitcoin liquidity into Ethereum's decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.
Wrapped Bitcoin operates on a simple principle: for every WBTC minted, an equivalent amount of Bitcoin is held in reserve. This 1:1 backing ensures that WBTC maintains parity with the price of Bitcoin. The process involves a custodian holding physical Bitcoin while a smart contract handles the issuance and redeeming of WBTC. This structure allows users to enjoy the unique attributes of Ethereum, such as smart contract compatibility, while utilizing Bitcoin's renowned store of value.
One of the primary benefits of WBTC is its ability to bring Bitcoin's liquidity to Ethereum's robust DeFi ecosystem. This enables Bitcoin holders to participate in activities like yield farming, lending, and decentralized exchanges, which were previously inaccessible without selling their Bitcoin. Additionally, transactions involving WBTC are executed on the Ethereum blockchain, which can offer faster transaction times and lower fees compared to Bitcoin's network.
Despite its advantages, WBTC is not without its drawbacks. The primary concern lies in the centralized nature of the custody system. Unlike Bitcoin, which is decentralized, WBTC relies on a set of custodians and merchants for its issuance. This introduces counterparty risk, where users must trust these entities to securely hold the Bitcoin reserves. Additionally, since WBTC exists on Ethereum, it is also subject to the network's scalability issues and potential vulnerabilities.
Since its introduction in 2019, Wrapped Bitcoin has seen significant growth. The token hit its all-time low of $3139.17 shortly after launch but quickly gained traction, riding the coattails of Bitcoin’s own market rallies. WBTC reached an all-time high of $73,505 in March 2024, reflecting Bitcoin's bullish trends and the growing adoption within the DeFi space.
Throughout its journey, WBTC has consistently mirrored Bitcoin’s price movements, minus slight deviations due to liquidity and market nuances. Currently, WBTC is trading at $67,066, demonstrating its resilience as a trusted Bitcoin substitute within the Ethereum ecosystem.
Looking ahead, the future of Wrapped Bitcoin appears promising, especially as the DeFi market continues to mature and evolve. The increasing interoperability between blockchains is likely to enhance WBTC's usability even further. Moreover, as more individuals and institutions recognize the potential of tokenized assets, WBTC may see widespread adoption as a preferred tool for leveraging Bitcoin into Ethereum-based financial services.
However, potential investors and users should keep an eye on developments in decentralized custody and cross-chain solutions, as these technological advancements could redefine the landscape for wrapped tokens, decreasing centralization risks and increasing user confidence.
In summary, Wrapped Bitcoin serves as a pivotal bridge between Bitcoin's vast liquidity and Ethereum's innovative financial applications. While it has drawbacks, mainly due to its centralized aspects, the benefits it offers are compelling for those looking to diversify their crypto endeavors. As technological advancements continue to unfold, Wrapped Bitcoin is poised to remain a significant player in the intersection of blockchain ecosystems.
General Information |
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Title
Wrapped Bitcoin
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Symbol
wbtc
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Whitepaper
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Website
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Community
-
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Last Updated
2025-07-07 23:29
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Price Data |
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Current Price $
108 208 $
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High 24h
109 506 $
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Low 24h
107 512 $
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Price Change 24h
-915.51252 $
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Price Change % 24h
-0.83897 %
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Market Data |
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Market Cap
13 935 604 581
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Total Volume
168 806 572
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Market Cap Change 24h
-129 751 630
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Market Cap Change % 24h
-0.92249 %
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Return on Investment (ROI)
-
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Supply and Availability |
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Circulating Supply
128 851
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Total Supply
128 851
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Max Supply
128 851
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Historical Data |
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All Time High (ATH)
111 685
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ATH Change %
-3.15747 %
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ATH Date
2025-05-22 18:56
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All Time Low (ATL)
3 139.17
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ATL Change %
3 345.45856 %
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ATL Date
2019-04-02 00:00
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