ERC20 Wrapped Bitcoin Explained

When working with ERC20 Wrapped Bitcoin, a token that mirrors Bitcoin on the Ethereum network and follows the ERC‑20 standard. Also known as wBTC, it lets Bitcoin holders tap into Ethereum‑based applications without moving the underlying coin. ERC20 Wrapped Bitcoin bridges two of the biggest crypto ecosystems, giving users access to fast settlements, smart contracts, and a vibrant DeFi scene that pure Bitcoin can’t reach.

The bridge runs on Ethereum, a programmable blockchain that hosts the ERC‑20 token framework. This framework, known as the ERC‑20 token standard, defines how tokens behave, making them interchangeable across wallets and exchanges. Wrapped Bitcoin itself is a specific implementation of this standard, often referred to as Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), the most liquid Bitcoin‑backed ERC‑20 asset. Because WBTC lives on Ethereum, it can be supplied to DeFi protocols, used as collateral, or traded in seconds, something Bitcoin can’t do on its own chain.

These connections create a chain of relationships: ERC20 Wrapped Bitcoin enables Bitcoin liquidity on Ethereum, Ethereum supports the ERC‑20 token standard, and DeFi platforms rely on wrapped assets to offer lending, borrowing, and yield farming. Liquidity providers earn fees by locking WBTC into pools, while traders benefit from tighter spreads and instant settlement. However, the bridge also introduces custodial risk—if the entity holding the underlying Bitcoin falters, the ERC20 representation could lose value. Smart‑contract bugs, oracle failures, or regulatory clampdowns add additional layers of uncertainty.

Current market trends show growing demand for tokenized Bitcoin, especially as regulators in Turkey, India, and Brazil tighten crypto rules. Articles in our collection discuss how new regulations shape compliance steps for wrapped assets, how airdrops like DONK or CAKEBANK impact liquidity, and how synthetic tokens such as Venus ETH (vETH) mimic other blockchains. Together they paint a picture of an ecosystem where ERC20 Wrapped Bitcoin sits at the crossroads of traditional finance, emerging DeFi products, and evolving legal frameworks.

Below you’ll find a curated set of guides, analysis pieces, and news updates that dive deeper into these topics—whether you’re tracking regulatory shifts, scouting airdrop opportunities, or evaluating the risk‑reward profile of providing WBTC liquidity. Explore the articles to get the full context before you move your Bitcoin onto Ethereum.