Wrapped Bitcoin

WBTC (Wrapped Bitcoin) is a digital asset pegged to Bitcoin's value. It is an ERC-20 token that can be used on the Ethereum blockchain. The token was created by a group of companies, including BitGo, Kyber Network, and Ren, to bring Bitcoin's benefits to the Ethereum ecosystem. WBTC allows users to take advantage of Bitcoin's security and stability while using the token on the Ethereum network for decentralized applications and smart contracts. Some of the features of WBTC include the ability to be traded on various decentralized exchanges, the ability to be used as collateral for lending, and the ability to be used in decentralized finance (DeFi) applications.

WBTC is created by a process called "minting" which involves depositing Bitcoin with a custodian, and in return, the custodian issues an equivalent amount of WBTC to the depositor. The Bitcoin used to mint WBTC is then held in a multi-sig wallet, and the WBTC can be traded on the Ethereum network just like any other ERC-20 token. In order to "burn" the WBTC and redeem the underlying Bitcoin, the process is reversed, and the WBTC is sent back to the custodian in exchange for the original Bitcoin.

The main benefit of WBTC is that it allows Bitcoin holders to use their Bitcoin in the Ethereum ecosystem without having to convert it to Ethereum first. This also enables decentralized exchanges and other DeFi apps on Ethereum to offer Bitcoin trading pairs without holding any actual Bitcoin. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for Bitcoin holders and traders, as they can now access a wide range of DeFi apps and services, such as lending, borrowing, and insurance.

WBTC is also an attractive option for Ethereum holders who want to hold Bitcoin but don't want to go through the process of setting up a separate Bitcoin wallet. They can now simply hold WBTC in their Ethereum wallet and still have exposure to the value of Bitcoin.

WBTC is fully auditable, transparent, and has a decentralized governance model. The WBTC smart contract and custodian addresses are publicly available, and anyone can verify the total supply of WBTC and the total amount of Bitcoin being held as collateral. This ensures that an equivalent amount of Bitcoin always backs the value of WBTC and that the token is resistant to manipulation.

Overall, WBTC is a new way to bridge the worlds of Bitcoin and Ethereum, offering many benefits for both holders of Bitcoin and Ethereum. It allows users to take advantage of Bitcoin's security and stability while using the token on the Ethereum network for decentralized applications and smart contracts.