Weekly recap (25 Jul – 31 Jul)

Infrastructure and Integrations

1️⃣ BOB Gateway Expands Reach

• @build_on_bob Gateway integrated with @AcrossProtocol, enabling native BTC swaps to settle across more EVM chains with speed and cost efficiency.
• HyperEVM support added, providing a seamless onramp for native BTC trading on Hyperliquid.

2️⃣ RiverdotInc and Melon Cash Collaboration

• Melon Cash now supports payments with satUSD via a Visa virtual card, extending availability to over 10 countries.

3️⃣ Hemi's Strategic Moves

• Hemi is live on Lunar Finance, allowing users to tunnel assets from EVM or SVM and access BTC-native yield without wrapping.
• Integration with Endless Domains enhances decentralized identity accessibility on Hemi.

4️⃣ AlpenLabs Testnet III Progress

• Partner integrations are underway with over 21 launch partners preparing for mainnet integration.

Protocol and Product Launches

5️⃣ Stacks PoX-5 Activation

• The PoX-5 hardfork is live, marking a significant upgrade to Proof of Transfer, enabling Bitcoin Staking.
• Stakers must restake before block 962,050 to continue earning BTC yield.

6️⃣ Starknet's New Offerings

• Launch of DeFi’s first private liquid staking for Bitcoin, powered by @EndurFi, offering shielded strkBTC staking.
• OpusMoney's Auto-Topup feature now live, allowing users to automate position management.

7️⃣ Lombard Finance's New Strategy

• Launched a Bitcoin Onchain Credit Strategy with Flow Traders as a pilot partner, enabling stablecoin borrowing against BTC collateral.

8️⃣ Zest Protocol's Innovations

• Introduced BTC yield strategies with over 800 BTC earning yield and launched Stacks Vaults, targeting a 6-8% yield on Bitcoin Staking.

9️⃣ Bedrock DeFi Update

• Vault Redemption Delay adjusted from 7 days to 14 days, effective September 6, 2026.

Partnerships and Strategic Alignments

🔟 Visa Joins Canton Network

• Visa joins @CantonFdn as a General Member, indicating a long-term commitment to the network.

11️⃣ Stacks and Ryder Wallet Partnership

• Stacks collaborates with Ryder Wallet for staking STX, enhancing the ecosystem's staking capabilities.

12️⃣ AlpenLabs and Stakely Partnership

• @Stakely_io will secure BTC deposits and withdrawals, supporting financial activities on Alpen.

Market Metrics and Insights

13️⃣ Bitcoin Market Dominance Surge

• Bitcoin's market dominance increased from 40% to 61%, with expectations to reach 70% post-next halving cycle.

14️⃣ Avalon Labs' Institutional Inflows

• Significant BTC ETF inflows as institutions increase exposure, turning idle capital into productive yield on-chain.

15️⃣ TheTNetwork's Growth

• tBTC deposits on @Aave V3 crossed 2,000, reflecting growth in onchain credit.

Final Thoughts

The Bitcoin ecosystem continues to evolve with significant advancements in infrastructure, protocol upgrades, and strategic partnerships. As institutions increase their exposure and new integrations expand the reach of BTC-native applications, the market is poised for further growth. Keep an eye on these developments to stay ahead in the rapidly changing landscape. See you next week 🫡