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What Is Rootstock (RIF)?
What Is Rootstock?
Rootstock is a Bitcoin Layer 2 solution that brings smart contract functionality to Bitcoin, enabling fast, cheap, and scalable decentralized applications (DApps) while maintaining Bitcoin’s security.
Rootstock is secured by over 80% of Bitcoin’s hash power through merge mining, ensuring that every transaction benefits from the same proof-of-work security as Bitcoin itself. Unlike the Lightning Network, which is optimized for fast payments, Rootstock is Bitcoin’s DeFi Layer, allowing developers to build everything from lending protocols to decentralized exchanges while using Bitcoin as collateral.
Thanks to Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility, Rootstock supports Solidity-based smart contracts and popular Ethereum tools, making it easy for developers to migrate their applications from Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain, and other EVM-compatible networks. Rootstock’s first whitepaper was published in 2015, and the network went live in 2018.
What Is rBTC?
Rootstock’s ecosystem runs on rBTC, a 1:1 BTC-pegged token that powers transactions and smart contract execution on the network. Users can bridge BTC into Rootstock, converting it into rBTC via the PoWPeg, a secure, permissionless bridge to Bitcoin. Once on Rootstock, Bitcoin can be used in DeFi applications like LayerBank, Uniswap, and SushiSwap, allowing holders to earn yield without selling their BTC.
As of March 2025, over 2,500 BTC have been bridged into Rootstock, fueling its growing DeFi ecosystem.
What Is RIF?
RIF stands for Rootstock Infrastructure Token and is also known as the Bitcoin Scaling Token. Built to accelerate Bitcoin DeFi adoption on Rootstock by powering incentives, infrastructure, and interoperability, RIF offers an easy way to access and engage with Bitcoin’s DeFi space.
Why RIF?
One of RIF’s biggest use cases is RootstockCollective, a DAO designed to decentralize and grow the Rootstock network. When staked, RIF becomes stRIF, unlocking governance voting, grant applications, and rewards paid in Bitcoin and RIF. RIF also powers other protocols like a censorship-resistant stablecoin called USDRIF and a protocol called RNS, which replaces wallet addresses with human-readable usernames.
RIF gives the wider world of Web3 exposure to the success of Bitcoin DeFi on Rootstock by being easily available on the top exchanges like Binance, leading blockchains including Rootstock Base, Arbitrum, and Ethereum, and DeFi protocols like Uniswap, Sushiswap, LayerBank, Tropykus, and more.
Some of the use cases of RIF include:
Scaling Bitcoin DeFi – RIF fuels the Rootstock ecosystem, supporting developer grants, rewards, and decentralized governance.Governance and staking – Staking RIF converts it into stRIF, allowing holders to vote on grant proposals and earn rewards in BTC and RIF through the RootstockCollective DAO.Stablecoin and payments – RIF underpins USDRIF, a censorship-resistant stablecoin used for remittances, lending, and cross-border payments.Decentralized identity – RIF powers RNS (RIF Name Service), replacing complex wallet addresses with human-readable usernames, improving the user experience for crypto transactions.
RootstockCollective DAO: Empowering Bitcoin Builders
The RootstockCollective DAO is a decentralized organization dedicated to scaling Bitcoin DeFi through community-driven governance, funding, and rewards.
Through stRIF staking, contributors can propose and vote on initiatives that drive Rootstock’s growth.
This DAO also runs Collective Rewards, a program that incentivizes developers and backers:
Builders get rewarded for launching dApps, integrations, and services that expand Bitcoin’s DeFi landscape.Backers can stake RIF to support impactful projects and earn a share of the network’s success.
DeFi on Bitcoin: What’s Possible With Rootstock?
With Rootstock, everything that exists in Ethereum’s DeFi ecosystem can now be built on Bitcoin. The ecosystem includes:
Decentralized exchanges (DEXs): SushiSwap and Uniswap.Lending & borrowing: LayerBank.Cross-chain bridges: LiFi and Stargate.Stablecoins and payments: USDRIF.
Bitcoin holders can now earn yield, provide liquidity, and participate in governance without selling their BTC.
How to Store RIF & rBTC
RIF and rBTC can be stored in MetaMask, Ledger, and Trezor, giving users full control over their assets within the Rootstock ecosystem.
Why Rootstock and RIF Are the Future of Bitcoin DeFi
Bitcoin is evolving beyond simple transactions. With Rootstock and RIF, DeFi on Bitcoin is no longer a dream—it’s a reality. Developers now have a secure, EVM-compatible layer to build innovative financial applications without relying on centralized intermediaries.
With major partnerships, a growing community, and increasing adoption, now is a great time to explore Bitcoin DeFi on Rootstock. Whether you’re a developer, investor, or enthusiast, the opportunities in Bitcoin DeFi are limitless.
Visit the Rootstock website to learn more or join the Rootstock community on Discord to explore what you can do with rBTC and RIF.
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