Core Blockchain Reaches $260M in Dual-Staked Assets as Bitcoin DeFi Expands

Core, a proof-of-stake blockchain built on Bitcoin, has exceeded $260 million in dual-staked assets. This development comes as institutional interest in Bitcoin-based decentralized finance continues to grow, according to Rich Rines, Core's initial contributor.

As of April 7, over 44 million Core tokens have been dual-staked with 3,140 Bitcoin. The dual-staking model allows Bitcoin holders to earn higher yields when they pair their BTC with CORE tokens, potentially multiplying base staking rewards by more than 15 times.

Bitcoin's growing role in DeFi comes amid its relative stability during recent market volatility. While US equities lost $5.4 trillion following Trump's tariff announcement, with the S&P 500 hitting 11-month lows, Bitcoin fell just 6% and recently traded at $82,619.77.

Institutional investors have played a key role in reaching this milestone. Major custodians including BitGo, Copper, and Hex Trust have integrated Core's dual-staking capabilities, enabling their clients to access the protocol. Additionally, Core has partnered with Maple Finance to create a structured asset that generates yield through dual-staking.

"Historically, institutional BTC holdings required paying custody fees without generating yield," Rines told Cointelegraph. The staking model transforms Bitcoin into a yield-bearing asset that can offset costs and create new capital efficiencies for institutions.

Core currently holds the largest total value locked among Bitcoin sidechains. According to Footprint Analytics, Core's TVL exceeds $400 million, representing a 28% market share in the Bitcoin sidechain ecosystem.

The growing adoption demonstrates that users are seeking ways to make their Bitcoin holdings more productive. The dual-staking system offers this utility without requiring users to give up custody of their assets.

"This is Bitcoin becoming productive, not by trusting third parties, but by participating in a system designed to reward real alignment and long-term engagement," Rines explained.