Bitcoin DeFi security getting better, thanks to Rootstock beefing up its hashrate share. Rootstock, among other projects, aims to make Bitcoin more useful by offering DeFi with smart contracts. The article was published on May 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
According to Messari, a crypto analytics firm, Bitcoin DeFi, also known as BTCFi, is getting safer and cheaper on the Bitcoin blockchain, even though it’s still in its early stages compared to Ethereum. Messari’s new report highlighted Rootstock as a major player in this space. Rootstock, one of the oldest Bitcoin layer-2 projects, is now backed by a whopping 81% of Bitcoin’s total hashrate. This means that miners controlling a significant chunk of the hashrate are also validating transactions on the layer 2. The percentage was only 56% until Foundry and Spiderpool, the biggest and sixth-biggest mining pools globally, came on board in February.
On top of that, Messari noted that transaction fees on Rootstock are a whopping 95% cheaper than the average Bitcoin transaction and 55% cheaper than those on Ethereum. Rootstock’s mission is to enhance Bitcoin’s utility by expanding DeFi opportunities with smart contracts, made possible by “BitVMX,” an adapted version of the BitVM programming language. Other noteworthy Bitcoin layer-2 projects include Stacks and BOB (“Build on Bitcoin”).
Rootstock has also partnered with bridging protocol LayerZero to allow Rootstock-native applications to interact with numerous other blockchains, including Ethereum and Solana. This progress sets the stage for increased adoption of BTCFi throughout the rest of 2025, as per Messari analyst Andrew Yang.
“As BTCFi continues to expand, Rootstock is well-poised for wider adoption through core upgrades like a 60% reduction in transaction fees, in addition to ongoing investments in educating builders and offering incentive programs,” Yang commented.
The article also mentioned Jamie Crawley, a member of CoinDesk’s news team since February 2021, specializing in breaking news, Bitcoin technology, protocols, and crypto venture capital. He’s got some skin in the game too, holding BTC, ETH, and DOGE.
Bitcoin DeFi getting a facelift, thanks to Rootstock upping its hashrate game. Rootstock, along with its buddies, on a mission to make Bitcoin more than just a coin by offering DeFi with smart contracts. The article dropped on May 11, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
Messari, a crypto analytics firm, spilled the beans on Bitcoin DeFi, aka BTCFi, getting safer and cheaper on the Bitcoin blockchain, even though it’s still a baby compared to Ethereum. Messari’s new report put the spotlight on Rootstock, a heavy hitter in this arena. Rootstock, one of the OG Bitcoin layer-2 projects, now riding on the coattails of 81% of Bitcoin’s total hashrate. This means that miners controlling a big piece of the hashrate are also giving the thumbs up to transactions on the layer 2. The percentage used to be a measly 56% until Foundry and Spiderpool, the big shots in mining, joined the party in February.
Also, according to Messari, transaction fees on Rootstock are a steal – 95% cheaper than the average Bitcoin transaction and 55% cheaper than those on Ethereum. Rootstock’s main gig is to spice up Bitcoin’s life by offering more DeFi options with smart contracts, brought to you by “BitVMX,” a souped-up version of the BitVM programming language. Other cool cats in the Bitcoin layer-2 scene include Stacks and BOB (“Build on Bitcoin”).
Rootstock also teamed up with bridging protocol LayerZero to let Rootstock-native applications mingle with a bunch of other blockchains, like Ethereum and Solana. This progress paves the way for more folks jumping on the BTCFi train in the latter part of 2025, as per Messari analyst Andrew Yang.
“As BTCFi keeps on trucking, Rootstock is all set for wider adoption through key upgrades like slashing transaction fees by 60%, while also throwing money at educating builders and dishing out incentive programs,” Yang chimed in.
The article also gave a nod to Jamie Crawley, a CoinDesk news team member since February 2021, who’s all about breaking news, Bitcoin tech, protocols, and crypto VC. Oh, and he’s got his hands dirty with BTC, ETH, and DOGE.
