A Beginner's Guide to Understanding Wrapped Tokens and Wrapped Bitcoin

Key Takeaways

• Wrapped tokens enable assets from one blockchain to be used on another, facilitating seamless integration and interaction between multiple blockchains.

• Wrapping Bitcoin into tokens like wBTC and iBTC allows Bitcoin holders to access broader DeFi markets on Ethereum, increasing liquidity and enabling participation in various financial activities like lending, borrowing, and staking.

• There are centralized, hybrid, synthetic, and decentralized methods of wrapping tokens, each offering varying degrees of security, trust, and complexity. Understanding these methods helps in choosing the right solution for specific needs.

• The value of wrapped cryptocurrencies is maintained through a 1:1 peg with the underlying asset, achieved by custodians or smart contracts holding equivalent reserves and conducting regular audits to ensure transparency and trustworthiness.

• While wrapped tokens offer significant benefits, some come with risks such as custodial failure, centralization, regulatory challenges, and technical vulnerabilities. It is crucial to understand these risks and choose secure wrapping solutions.

Imagine a world where different cities operate in isolation, each with its own currency, language, and culture. Traveling between these cities is nearly impossible because there are no connecting roads or bridges, and exchanging goods or information requires cumbersome processes.

This is the reality within the world of blockchains. Each blockchain, like Bitcoin or Ethereum, functions as an independent city with rules and protocols. They don't natively communicate with each other, making it challenging to share value and information across these digital boundaries.

In this fragmented landscape, wrapped tokens emerge as the ingenious solution that builds bridges between these isolated cities.

Wrapped tokens are like universal translators and currency exchange offices combined. They enable assets from one blockchain to be used on another, effectively allowing these disparate systems to interoperate and share value.

This guide explores wrapped tokens, their mechanisms, and transformative potential. Discover how these digital bridges are revolutionizing blockchain interaction and opening new avenues for asset utilization.

What are Wrapped Tokens?

Wrapped tokens are digital assets that represent another cryptocurrency on a different blockchain. They represent native tokens on non native blockchains.

For instance, wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC) is an ERC20 token on the Ethereum blockchain that represents Bitcoin.

The primary purpose of wrapped cryptocurrencies is to facilitate the interoperability between different blockchain networks, which otherwise operate in silos.

Wrapped tokens work by locking the original asset in a smart contract or with a custodian and issuing an equivalent amount of wrapped tokens on another blockchain. This process ensures that the wrapped token maintains a 1:1 peg with the original asset, preserving its value while extending its usability.

Importance of Wrapped Tokens in Enhancing Blockchain Interoperability

Wrapped crypto plays a crucial role in enhancing blockchain interoperability. By enabling assets from one blockchain to be used on another, they facilitate a seamless integration of various blockchain ecosystems.

This interoperability allows for greater liquidity and participation in various DeFi protocols that may not natively support the underlying asset.

For example, Bitcoin, the biggest cryptocurrency in terms of market value, cannot be directly used in Ethereum's DeFi ecosystem.

By wrapping Bitcoin into wBTC, Bitcoin holders can access a wide range of DeFi applications, such as staking, lending, borrowing, and trading on Ethereum-based platforms.

Moreover, wrapped crypto tokens can help reduce fragmentation in the crypto market by allowing assets to move freely between blockchains. This enhances liquidity and promotes a more interconnected and efficient blockchain ecosystem.

How Do Wrapped Crypto Tokens Work?

The process of creating wrapped tokens involves several steps:

Locking the Original Asset

The original cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, is locked in a smart contract or with a trusted custodian. This ensures that the underlying asset fully backs the wrapped token.

Minting a Wrapped Crypto Token

Once the original asset is secured, an equivalent amount of wrapped tokens is minted on the target blockchain. For instance, when a merchant locks Bitcoin with the iBTC platform, an equal amount of iBTC tokens, is issued on the Ethereum blockchain.

Using Wrapped Tokens

The newly minted wrapped tokens can be used in various DeFi applications on the target blockchain. They can be traded, staked, or used as collateral, just like any native token on that blockchain.

Redeeming the Original Asset

If a user wishes to convert their wrapped tokens back to the original asset, they can send wrapped tokens to a smart contract or custodian, which then releases the equivalent amount of the original cryptocurrency.

Role of Smart Contracts in Creating and Redeeming Wrapped Tokens

Smart contracts play a crucial role in the wrapping and unwrapping processes. They ensure transparency, security, and automation, reducing the need for intermediaries and manual intervention.

For example, the ERC20 token standard on the Ethereum blockchain is commonly used for creating wrapped tokens due to its widespread support and robust security features.

When a merchant deposits Bitcoin to mint iBTC, a smart contract locks the Bitcoin and mints an equivalent amount of iBTC on Ethereum.

The smart contract ensures that the wrapped token maintains a 1:1 peg with the original asset by automatically managing the minting and redemption processes.

Similarly, when a user wants to redeem their iBTC for Bitcoin, the smart contract burns the iBTC tokens and releases the corresponding amount of Bitcoin from the locked reserve.

This automated process ensures that the wrapped token supply is always backed by an equivalent amount of the underlying asset, maintaining its value and trustworthiness.

Why Wrap Tokens?

There are several benefits to wrapping tokens:

• Increased Liquidity: Wrapping tokens can significantly increase the liquidity of the original asset. For example, Bitcoin holders can wrap their Bitcoin into wBTC and use it on Ethereum-based DeFi platforms, thereby accessing a broader market.

• Expanded Use Cases: Wrapped tokens enable the underlying asset to be used in applications and platforms that it otherwise couldn't. This is particularly important for Bitcoin, which, without wrapping, cannot be used in Ethereum's DeFi ecosystem.

• Interoperability: Wrapping tokens enhances blockchain interoperability. It allows assets to move between blockchains, facilitating more complex financial interactions and integrations.

• DeFi Participation: By wrapping tokens, holders of assets like Bitcoin can participate in DeFi protocols, earning yields, providing liquidity, or using their assets as collateral for loans.

What are the Different Methods of Wrapping Tokens?

There are several methods of wrapping tokens, each with its advantages and drawbacks:

Centralized Wrapping

Centralized wrapping involves a trusted custodian holding the underlying asset and issuing its wrapped version. This method relies heavily on the trustworthiness and security of the custodian. Example: BitGo for wBTC.

In the wBTC model, a user deposits their Bitcoin with BitGo. BitGo then locks the Bitcoin and issues an equivalent amount of wBTC on the Ethereum blockchain.

The main advantage of centralized wrapping is its simplicity and ease of use. However, it comes with significant risks, such as the possibility of the custodian failing or being hacked, collateral mismanagement, and government censorship.

Hybrid Wrapping

A hybrid token wrapping model tries to balance centralization and decentralization. Such models often use multiple custodians or a combination of smart contracts and custodial services to enhance security and trust.

Example: Systems that use multi-signature wallets or federated networks to manage assets.

In hybrid wrapping, the custody of the underlying asset is distributed among multiple parties or a combination of custodians and smart contracts. This reduces the risk associated with relying on a single custodian and enhances the security of the wrapped tokens.

However, hybrid models can be more complex to implement and manage.

Synthetic Wrapping

Synthetic-wrapped tokens use derivatives to represent the underlying asset. These tokens do not directly hold the asset but instead rely on contracts that track the asset's value.

Example: Synthetix platform, which creates synthetic assets representing cryptocurrencies, commodities, and fiat currencies.

Synthetic-wrapped tokens are created using financial derivatives that mimic the underlying asset's value. This method allows for the creation of wrapped tokens without locking the actual asset in a smart contract or with a custodian.

While this approach offers greater flexibility and liquidity, it also introduces additional risks, such as the reliance on the stability and accuracy of the synthetic derivatives.

Decentralized Wrapping

Decentralized wrapping uses purely decentralized methods, such as smart contracts, to lock the collateral and mint wrapped tokens. This method eliminates the need for a trusted custodian, relying instead on the transparency and security of blockchain technology.

Example: iBTC, which uses Discreet Log Contracts for decentralized wrapping of Bitcoin.

In decentralized wrapping, smart contracts handle the entire process of locking the underlying asset and issuing wrapped tokens. The process ensures that the underlying asset fully backs the wrapped tokens and eliminates the risks associated with custodians.

Decentralized wrapping offers greater security and trust but may require more technical knowledge to set up and use effectively.

What is Wrapping Bitcoin on Blockchain?

Wrapping Bitcoin involves locking BTC in a secure system, a custodian or smart contract, and issuing an equivalent amount of wrapped Bitcoin on the Ethereum blockchain.

The process allows Bitcoin holders to use their assets in Ethereum's DeFi applications without selling them.

The detailed process involves:

• Depositing Bitcoin: The user deposits Bitcoin with a custodian or smart contract.

• Minting wrapped BTC: The custodian or smart contract mints an equivalent amount of wrapped BTC on the Ethereum blockchain.

• Using wrapped Bitcoin token: The user can now use the wrapped Bitcoin token in various Ethereum-based DeFi applications.

• Redeeming Bitcoin: To convert wrapped BTC back to Bitcoin, the user sends the tokens to the custodian or smart contract, which then releases the equivalent amount of Bitcoin.

This process allows BTC holders to leverage their assets in ways not possible on the Bitcoin blockchain, such as participating in DeFi lending, borrowing, and trading platforms.

Wrapping Bitcoin on the blockchain provides several advantages:

• Interoperability: Wrapping Bitcoin enables BTC holders to participate in the DeFi ecosystem on the Ethereum blockchain, expanding the use cases for their assets.

• Liquidity: BTC holders can access greater liquidity and trading opportunities on Ethereum-based platforms by wrapping Bitcoin.

• DeFi Participation: Wrapped Bitcoin allows BTC holders to earn yields, provide liquidity, and use their assets as collateral in various DeFi protocols.

However, wrapping Bitcoin comes with risks, such as the need to trust the custodian or smart contract managing the wrapped tokens. BTC holders must understand these risks and choose a reliable and secure wrapping solution.

How is the Value of Wrapped Bitcoin Maintained?

The value of wrapped Bitcoin is maintained through a 1:1 peg with Bitcoin. This is achieved by ensuring that an equivalent amount of Bitcoin is reserved for every wrapped token in circulation.

The mechanisms involved include:

• Custodians: Trusted custodians hold the Bitcoin collateral and issue an equivalent amount of wrapped tokens. They ensure that the reserves always equal the circulating supply of the wrapped token.

• Smart Contracts: In decentralized systems, smart contracts lock the Bitcoin and mint ERC20 tokens, ensuring transparency and security.

• Regular Audits: Regular audits and proof-of-reserve checks ensure that the custodian or smart contracts hold the required amount of Bitcoin, maintaining the peg.

Custodians like BitGo play a crucial role in maintaining the value of wBTC. They hold the Bitcoin in secure reserves and issue an equivalent amount of wBTC on the Ethereum blockchain.

This custodial model ensures that the supply of wBTC is backed by an equal amount of Bitcoin, maintaining the 1:1 peg.

In decentralized systems, smart contracts manage the locking and minting processes.

When a user deposits Bitcoin, the smart contract locks the Bitcoin and mints an equivalent amount of wrapped Bitcoin. This ensures that the wrapped tokens are fully backed by the underlying asset, maintaining their value and trustworthiness.

Regular audits and proof-of-reserve checks are essential in maintaining the value of wrapped Bitcoin. These audits verify that the custodian holds the required amount of Bitcoin to back the circulating supply of wBTC.

By providing transparency and accountability, these checks help maintain the trust and confidence of users in the wrapped token.

Maintaining the value of wrapped Bitcoin also involves managing the risks associated with custodial services and smart contracts.

Custodians must implement robust security measures to protect the reserves from theft or fraud.

Similarly, smart contracts must be thoroughly audited and tested to ensure their security and functionality.

Popular Wrapped Bitcoin Tokens

wBTC

wBTC is a wrapped Bitcoin token on the Ethereum blockchain created by BitGo, Kyber Network, and Ren. It enables Bitcoin holders to use their BTC in Ethereum's DeFi ecosystem.

History and Creators

wBTC was launched in 2019 as a collaborative effort between BitGo, Kyber Network, and Ren. It was designed to bring Bitcoin's liquidity to the Ethereum blockchain.

Wrapped Bitcoin Price

The price of the wBTC token is pegged 1:1 to the price of Bitcoin. This peg is maintained by holding an equivalent amount of Bitcoin in reserve.

Risks of the wBTC Token

The main risk associated with wBTC is centralization. BitGo, the custodian of wBTC, holds the Bitcoin reserves.

Examples of custodial risks include the collapse of Celsius and BlockFi, which were thought to be secure but failed due to centralization and poor management.

The lack of segregated custody and deposit insurance further exacerbates these risks:

• Centralization Risk: The primary risk associated with wBTC is centralization. BitGo, the custodian responsible for holding the Bitcoin reserves backing wBTC, poses a single point of failure. If BitGo experiences a security breach, regulatory action, or operational failure, the entire wBTC ecosystem could be jeopardized.

• Custodial Failure: Custodial services are not immune to failure. Historical examples such as the collapse of Celsius and BlockFi demonstrate the potential risks associated with relying on centralized custodians. These platforms failed due to poor management and fraudulent activities, leading to significant losses for users.

• Regulatory Risks: Regulatory actions against custodians can impact the availability and value of wrapped tokens. Governments may impose restrictions or seize assets held by custodians, potentially affecting the stability and liquidity of wBTC.

• Fraud and Mismanagement: Custodians may engage in fraudulent activities or mismanage the assets they hold. This can result in the loss of the underlying Bitcoin reserves, leading to a devaluation of wBTC.

• Lack of Segregated Custody: In centralized custodial models, the Bitcoin reserves are often pooled together, rather than being held in segregated accounts. This increases the risk of co-mingling and misuse of assets.

iBTC

iBTC is a decentralized wrapped Bitcoin token on the Ethereum blockchain minted from self-custody. It allows Bitcoin holders to participate in DeFi yield generation activities while retaining custody of their assets.

Minting Process

The minting process of iBTC involves the following steps:

1. A merchant gets whitelisted in the iBTC Merchant Network through KYC and a legal agreement.

2. The merchant mints iBTC by moving their BTC into a multi-sig that can only pay out to them.

3. DLC Attestors facilitate cross-chain communication between the Bitcoin and Ethereum networks but cannot receive funds.

4. Within six Bitcoin block confirmations, iBTC is minted and deposited to the merchant's Ethereum wallet for use in DeFi.

Benefits of iBTC

iBTC offers several advantages over other wrapped Bitcoin tokens, including:

• Self-Custody: Users retain control over their Bitcoin, reducing the risks associated with custodial services.

• Segregated Custody: Bitcoin locked in a DLC remains distinct, ensuring individualized control and security.

• Bitcoin Base-Level Security: DLC transactions are secured by the full hashrate of the Bitcoin network, ensuring robust and reliable protection against attacks.

• Theft-Proof Design: DLCs are designed to be theft-proof, with funds only transferrable back to the original depositor.

• Lower Fees: The absence of custodial overheads makes iBTC cheaper to mint and burn than wBTC.

Comparison of wBTC and iBTC

• Wrapping Techniques: iBTC uses self-custodial wrapping, while wBTC uses custodial wrapping.

• Automation: iBTC's minting and burning process are fully automated, making it more efficient in exploiting DeFi yield generation activities, while wBTC processes are partially automated.

• Collateral Management: iBTC uses segregated custody by holding the collateral in individual user wallets, preventing the pooling of assets. For wBTC, the collateral is held solely by BitGo.

• User Sovereignty: iBTC exercises user sovereignty by letting depositors lock BTC on-chain. wBTC violates user sovereignty by requiring depositors to send collateral to off-chain addresses.

• Theft Protection: In iBTC, the DLC lockbox always pays out to the depositor's address. In wBTC, bad actors could redirect the collateral to their addresses once they access BitGo addresses.

• Fees: In iBTC, managing BTC reserves by smart contracts eliminates custodial overhead costs, making it 25-50% cheaper than wBTC. For wBTC, BitGo manages BTC reserves and introduces additional fees, such as vault fees.

DeFi Use Cases for iBTC

Wrapped Bitcoin (iBTC in particular) can be leveraged in various DeFi applications to maximize returns and enhance portfolio efficiency. Here are some common use cases:

Native BTC Staking on Nektar

BTC holders can stake their wrapped BTC on platforms like Nektar to earn staking rewards. By funding the Enzyme staking vault with iBTC, users contribute to the security and functionality of the Ethereum network, receiving rewards in return.

Native BTC staking allows users to lock their wrapped BTC in a staking contract, which helps secure the network and validates transactions.

In return, stakers earn rewards through additional wrapped BTC or other tokens. This provides a passive income stream for BTC holders while supporting the stability and security of the Ethereum network.

Lending on Aave

Wrapped BTC can be used as collateral on lending platforms like Aave. Users can deposit their iBTC into a pool, earning lending rewards and providing a steady return on their assets without actively trading.

Lending wrapped BTC on platforms like Aave allows users to earn interest on their assets while providing liquidity to the platform.

Borrowers can take out loans using wrapped BTC as collateral, enabling them to access funds without selling their Bitcoin. This creates a win-win situation for lenders and borrowers, enhancing the overall liquidity and efficiency of the DeFi ecosystem.

Providing Liquidity on Swaap Earn

iBTC holders can provide liquidity on platforms like Swaap Earn, earning yield from transaction fees and other incentives. This enhances the liquidity of the iBTC market while generating income for the holders.

Wrapped BTC holders facilitate trading on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) by contributing to liquidity pools.

Liquidity providers earn a portion of the transaction fees generated by trades within the pool and additional incentives offered by the platform. This generates income and ensures that the market for wrapped BTC remains liquid and efficient.

Risks and Considerations of Wrapped Bitcoin Tokens

While wrapped tokens offer numerous benefits, they also come with risks:

Custodial Risks

Centralized custodians pose risks of failure, fraud, and regulatory actions. The collapse of Celsius and BlockFi highlights the dangers of relying on custodial services. Custodial risks include the potential for custodians to misuse or mismanage the assets they hold, leading to significant losses for users.

Centralization

Centralized systems, like wBTC, are susceptible to single points of failure, undermining the decentralized ethos of cryptocurrencies.

The entire system could be compromised if the custodian experiences a security breach or regulatory action. This centralization risk can result in the underlying assets' loss and the wrapped tokens' devaluation.

Regulatory Challenges

Regulatory actions against custodians can impact the availability and value of wrapped tokens.

Governments may impose restrictions or seize assets held by custodians, potentially affecting the stability and liquidity of wrapped tokens.

Users should know the regulatory environment and choose wrapping solutions that comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Technical Risks

Bugs or vulnerabilities in smart contracts can lead to loss of funds. Smart contracts are not immune to errors or exploits, and malicious actors can exploit any weaknesses in the code.

Users should choose wrapping solutions that have undergone rigorous security audits and testing to minimize these risks.

Lack of Segregated Custody

In centralized custodial models, the Bitcoin reserves are often pooled together, rather than being held in segregated accounts. This increases the risk of co-mingling and misuse of assets.

Users should understand the custody practices of the custodian and choose solutions that prioritize segregated custody to ensure the security of their assets.

Lack of Deposit Insurance

Unlike traditional financial institutions, custodians of digital assets typically do not offer deposit insurance. This means that users do not have recourse in the event of a loss.

For example, the insurance provided by BitGo covers only a tiny fraction of the total assets held, exposing users to significant risks.

Conclusion

Wrapped tokens, such as wrapped Bitcoin play a vital role in enhancing blockchain interoperability and expanding the use cases for cryptocurrencies. These tokens enable greater liquidity, participation in DeFi, and the ability to use assets across different blockchain ecosystems.

As the ecosystem evolves, wrapped tokens will continue to be a critical component of the cryptocurrency landscape. They offer increased liquidity, expanded use cases, and the potential for greater returns.

However, users must also be aware of the risks associated with wrapping tokens, such as custodial failure, centralization, and regulatory challenges.

In conclusion, wrapped tokens and wrapped Bitcoin represent a significant advancement in the cryptocurrency space, providing new opportunities and enhancing the overall functionality of blockchain networks.

By staying informed and choosing secure wrapping solutions, users can maximize the benefits of wrapped tokens while minimizing the associated risks.

FAQ 

What is a wrapped crypto?

Wrapped crypto is a digital token representing another cryptocurrency on a different blockchain, allowing for interoperability and expanded use cases. For example, wrapped Bitcoin tokens such as wBTC and iBTC represent Bitcoin on the Ethereum blockchain.

What are the benefits of wrapped tokens?

Wrapped crypto tokens increase liquidity, enable participation in DeFi, and enhance blockchain interoperability. They allow assets to move between blockchains, facilitating more complex financial interactions and integrations.

How do you wrap Bitcoin?

Bitcoin can be wrapped by depositing it with a custodian or smart contract, which then mints an equivalent amount of wrapped Bitcoin on another blockchain. The process involves locking the Bitcoin and issuing a token representing it on a different blockchain, such as Ethereum.

Why wrap Bitcoin?

Wrapping Bitcoin allows BTC holders to use their assets in DeFi applications on other blockchains, expanding their utility and earning potential. It enables Bitcoin to be used in lending, borrowing, and trading platforms not natively supported by the Bitcoin blockchain.

What are the different types of wrapped Bitcoin?

Types of wrapped Bitcoin include centralized (wBTC), decentralized (iBTC), and synthetic wrapped tokens. Each type has its advantages and risks, depending on the wrapping method and the level of decentralization.

How is the value of wrapped Bitcoin maintained?

The value is maintained through a 1:1 peg with Bitcoin, ensured by holding equivalent Bitcoin reserves and regular audits. Custodians or smart contracts manage the reserves and ensure that an equal amount of the underlying asset always backs the supply of wrapped Bitcoin.

What is the process of wrapping Bitcoin?

The process involves depositing Bitcoin, minting wrapped Bitcoin, using the wrapped token in DeFi, and redeeming it back to Bitcoin when needed. Users deposit Bitcoin with a custodian or smart contract, issuing an equivalent amount of wrapped Bitcoin on a different blockchain.

What are the risks of wrapping Bitcoin?

Risks include custodial failure, centralization, regulatory actions, and technical vulnerabilities. Users must be aware of the potential risks associated with custodial services and smart contracts and choose secure wrapping solutions.

Is wrapped Bitcoin the same as Bitcoin?

Wrapped Bitcoin represents Bitcoin on another blockchain but is not the same as holding actual Bitcoin. While it maintains a 1:1 peg with Bitcoin, it exists on a different blockchain and is subject to various risks and functionalities.

Is wrapped Bitcoin a good investment?

Wrapped Bitcoin can be a good investment for those looking to utilize their BTC in DeFi applications, but it comes with specific risks. Users must carefully consider the risks and benefits before investing in wrapped Bitcoin.

How to get wrapped Bitcoin

Wrapped Bitcoin can be obtained by depositing Bitcoin with a custodian or smart contract that issues wrapped tokens, or by purchasing it on cryptocurrency exchanges. Users can also mint their own wrapped Bitcoin by locking their BTC in a wrapping solution.

About iBTC

As a decentralized wrapped Bitcoin, iBTC leverages Discreet Log Contracts (DLCs) and Chainlink's Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) to provide a theft-proof bridge to cross-chain DeFi, backed by the security of the Bitcoin network. iBTC unlocks yield for your Bitcoin in DeFi with the benefit of lower fees and merchant self-custody, empowering users to put their Bitcoin to work.

Website | X (Twitter) | Telegram | Discord | Dune Dashboard