Gate’s GTBTC Tracking by DefiLlama Marks a Major Leap for Bitcoin Staking

DefiLlama now tracks GTBTC, a Bitcoin staking product offered by Gate.io, marking the first indication of increasing integration between Bitcoin and the decentralized finance (DeFi) movement. This signals DefiLlama's recognition of the importance of GTBTC in yield generation within the Bitcoin sector. The announcement was made through the official X account of DefiLlama on November 13, 2025.

Gate BTC Staking enables Bitcoin holders to stake their BTC on Gate’s platform in exchange for GTBTC tokens on a 1:1 principle. These tokens come with automated yields from the Gate ecosystem, allowing users to earn passive income without selling their BTC holdings. The system is designed for flexibility and liquidity, allowing users to convert GTBTC back to Bitcoin at any time. Gate ensures asset security using multi-signature wallets and smart contract-based safeguards, guaranteeing efficient staking rewards distribution.

As of now, the total value locked (TVL) in GTBTC has reached $306.52 million, according to tracking data from DefiLlama. This reflects growing investor confidence and the rapid adoption of Gate's Bitcoin staking product. Back in July 2025, Gate had 1,615 BTC locked in the program. By November 2025, this number surpassed 5,000 BTC, representing a growth of over 200% in just four months. The staking pool is currently offering an annual yield of approximately 3%, which equates to roughly $9.2 million in incentives distributed to stakeholders annually.

Historically, Bitcoin has struggled to integrate into the DeFi ecosystem due to the lack of smart contract capabilities. Gate’s GTBTC product addresses this gap by introducing Bitcoin into yield-generating ecosystems, which were previously dominated by Ethereum and Solana. By combining liquidity, yield, and transparency, GTBTC is a critical step in establishing Bitcoin as a more versatile financial instrument, positioning Gate.io as a leader in Bitcoin DeFi innovation.

Gate’s staking model does not require a lock-up period, making it attractive to both retail and institutional investors who prioritize flexibility. The platform operates in compliance with local regulations and transparency standards while expanding its Web3 ecosystem. Analysts view DefiLlama’s move to monitor GTBTC as affirmation of its growing prominence. Gate’s hybrid model of combining centralization for trust with decentralization for innovation could serve as a blueprint for similar projects in the future, further advancing Bitcoin staking.