How tBTC and Mezo Enable Bitcoin DeFi

The tBTC protocol is a watershed moment in Bitcoin DeFi, representing the first trust-minimized bridge that preserves Bitcoin's fundamental values while extending its utility. Since April 2020, tBTC has matured into the backbone of genuine decentralized Bitcoin infrastructure, where users' assets are secured not by corporate entities but by a distributed network of cryptographically-bound signers. tBTC is the foundation for Mezo’s Bitcoin-first platform, enabling Bitcoin holders to engage in onchain finance without compromising on decentralization or security.

Unlike centralized solutions like WBTC, where custody is concentrated in the hands of a few, tBTC offers a trust-minimized, permissionless bridge, powered by the Threshold Network. Using tBTC as the foundational layer for Mezo creates a transparent, scalable infrastructure for BitcoinFi, where Bitcoin isn’t just a static asset but a dynamic participant in lending, borrowing, and broader DeFi ecosystems.

tBTC’s Security

The Threshold Network powers tBTC, leveraging threshold cryptography and a decentralized set of independent entities to maintain bridge operations. With its probabilistic signer selection, Threshold creates a forward security model that fundamentally changes how Bitcoin L2s can be built.

When new Bitcoin is bridged via Threshold, signers are randomly chosen from the network's staking pool, ensuring that even if malicious actors gained a significant stake, they could only affect new wallets. This architecture makes tBTC uniquely suited for sustainable Bitcoin DeFi applications, as existing bridged Bitcoin remains secure regardless of future network conditions.

Mezo x tBTC

Mezo’s decision to build on tBTC is particularly relevant in the wake of the growing skepticism surrounding WBTC. Recent developments, such as WBTC’s custodial transfer to a partnership involving BitGo and BiT Global, have introduced uncertainty and potential risks. MakerDAO drastically reduced its exposure to WBTC, citing concerns over custodial centralization and governance transparency, reflecting the market’s increasing demand for decentralized alternatives.

tBTC has proven its resilience through nearly five years of operation, making it one of the longest-standing Bitcoin bridges in the market. This battle-tested security model and demonstrated longevity set it apart in an ecosystem where many bridges have faced significant challenges or failures. Within the Mezo ecosystem, tBTC is the infrastructure enabling Bitcoin borrowing, lending, BTC for gas, and active participation in BitcoinFi. This makes tBTC uniquely built for BitcoinFi while maintaining user trust and system integrity.

As BitcoinFi continues to grow, Mezo and tBTC are proving that decentralized infrastructure is not a choice, but a necessity for sustainable and secure financial innovation. For Bitcoiners seeking to expand Bitcoin’s utility while adhering to Bitcoin-first principles, you can’t beat tBTC.

Take the next step with Mezo. Join the matsnet Alpha today to test out the latest functionality for matsnet BTC—experience the future of BitcoinFi firsthand.

Official Links:

👾 Discord: https://discord.mezo.org

🕊 X: https://twitter.com/MezoNetwork

🏦 Deposit Portal: https://mezo.org/hodl-with/matsnet-alpha

ℹ️ Docs: https://info.mezo.org

📣 Telegram Announcements: https://t.me/mezonetwork