Rootstock plans unlock $260b in idle institutional Bitcoin
RootstockLabs launched Rootstock Institutional, aiming to deploy $260 billion in institutional Bitcoin into DeFi.
- RootstockLabs launched Rootstock Institutional to explore institutional Bitcoin uses
- Major institutions currently own $260B in BTC that remains idle
- Institutions could deploy this idle BTC in DeFi, earning yield for investors
Over 2.6 million Bitcoin ( BTC ) held by institutions remains idle, but this could soon change. On Tuesday, October 14, RootstockLabs, a key contributor to Rootstock, the first Bitcoin layer-2, announced the launch of Rootstock Institutional.
The new team will focus on ways that institutions can tap into BTC’s DeFi potential. Namely, institutions could use Rootstock, a DeFi layer for Bitcoin, to obtain yield on their BTC. Specifically, institutions can use BTC for lending and borrowing, together with other on-chain yield strategies.
“The market has evolved beyond simple Bitcoin holding. Institutions managing significant Bitcoin treasuries are seeking sustainable, transparent on-chain frameworks without compromising their long-term position,” said Richard Green, Managing Director of Rootstock Institutional and Ecosystem at RootstockLabs.
99% of institutional Bitcoin generates negative returns
According to RootstockLabs’ Institutional BTCFi Report , institutions hold 2.6 million BTC in ETFs, corporate treasuries, and mining reserves. However, 99% of this BTC generates negative returns, as firms have to pay custody fees, which range from 0.1% to 0.5% annually.
Despite this, these reserves present a significant financial opportunity for holders. By March 2025, Bitcoin-native DeFi grew 2,700% year over year to $8.6 billion in total value locked. However, this figure still amounts to just 0.79% of the BTC supply, compared to 50% for Ethereum.
“Bitcoin’s evolution from pure store of value to productive financial asset represents one of the most significant opportunities in digital finance,” said Richard Green. “We’re already seeing this firsthand, family offices, web3 funds, exchanges, and bitcoin-first firms are actively working with us to deploy their Bitcoin on Rootstock.”
Disclaimer: The content of this article solely reflects the author's opinion and does not represent the platform in any capacity. This article is not intended to serve as a reference for making investment decisions.
You may also like
Did Trump Turn Crypto Into a Corruption Machine? Rep Raskin Report Claims
Memecoins Shows Market Activity Picking Up: Is Rally Coming Or An Exit Opportunity?

Crypto News Today: PharmaTrace Raises 300K HBAR for Next-Gen Drug Tracking
Chainlink Faces Crucial $14 Challenge: Bulls Confront Bearish Whales and Declining Futures
- Chainlink's LINK token rose 11% to $13.02 amid Bitcoin's stability and Fed policy speculation, but analysts warn of fragile bullish momentum. - Whale selling (31.05M tokens) and 30% futures open interest decline signal structural risks, with $14 acting as a critical resistance level. - Technical analysis shows a falling-wedge pattern suggesting potential 23% rally to $17.86 if $14 is sustained, but bearish on-chain data clouds outlook. - Fed's potential December rate cut offers partial support, yet insti

