Wrapped crypto tokens function as a conduit in the blockchain network dynamics, facilitating seamless value exchange across otherwise disparate platforms. These tokens, intrinsically tied to the value of an original cryptocurrency or tangible assets like gold, stocks, or real estate, play an important role in decentralized finance (DeFi).
In the DeFi apps, where the swift and efficient movement of funds is paramount, wrapped tokens present a pragmatic solution by enabling the utilization of non-native assets on any blockchain. Through the encapsulation of the original asset in a digital vault, a corresponding token is minted, streamlining transactions across diverse platforms and fostering interoperability in the cryptocurrency space.
Pioneers of Wrapped Tokens
Among the early instances of wrapped tokens, Wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC) stands out. It made its debut on the Ethereum blockchain through smart contracts, showcasing the potential for broader applications beyond native networks. This innovative approach allowed investors to leverage the benefits of Bitcoin on a different blockchain, showcasing the potential for broader applications beyond native networks. The roster of wrapped tokens has expanded to include a variety of assets. Predominantly adhering to Ethereum’s ERC-20 and Binance Smart Chain BEP-20 standards.
Even Ether, Ethereum’s native crypto, requires wrapping to conform to ERC-20 standards. Underscoring the adaptability and universality of the wrapped token concept. As blockchain ecosystems continue to evolve, with platforms like Cardano, Polkadot, and Solana exploring wrapped tokens.
Types of Wrapped tokens
Unlike traditional stablecoins, wrapped crypto tokens like USDT represent a departure by not holding an exact amount of physical USD for each token. Instead, reserves include various assets such as cash, investments, and receivables from loans. Cash-settled tokens don’t allow direct exchange for the actual asset, while redeemable tokens offer the option to swap for the real underlying asset.
Cash-settled tokens lack direct redemption options, contrasting with redeemable tokens that permit investors to exchange the wrapped token for the underlying asset. Wrapped tokens go beyond stablecoins and show their flexibility by being present on various blockchains. For instance, they can host privacy coins like Monero or ZCash. Wrapped crypto tokens are crucial for seamlessly representing and exchanging assets across diverse blockchains due to their adaptability.
How do wrapped tokens work?
Wrapped tokens operate through a dual process known as “minting” and “burning,” integral to their functionality. In the minting phase, the underlying asset undergoes a transformative journey, entrusted to a custodian who securely stores it in a digital vault. An equivalent amount of wrapped tokens is then minted, entering circulation on another blockchain.
The burning phase mirrors the unwrapping process. When users redeem or eliminate wrapped tokens, they are effectively “unwrapped,” releasing the equivalent amount of the underlying asset from the digital vault.
Examples of wrapped tokens
Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC)
Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) serves as a bridge between Bitcoin and Ethereum, allowing users to explore different blockchain networks without selling their Bitcoin. Each WBTC is backed 1:1 with Bitcoin, making it a representation of Bitcoin on Ethereum. WBTC is used in the DeFi world, allowing users to lock it up as collateral and obtain crypto loans.
You can wrap and unwrap WBTC using wallets. This feature gives digital asset owners the freedom to explore different blockchain networks without selling their Bitcoin.
The main benefit of WBTC is that it’s used in the DeFi world, especially on the Ethereum network. DeFi platforms like MakerDAO, Dharma, Compound, and Kyber Network now allow people to use WBTC as collateral. This means you can lock up your WBTC in a smart contract and get crypto loans in return, usually in the form of the stablecoin DAI.
The WBTC Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) manages the project collectively and transparently, ensuring community involvement in decision-making.
While Ethereum can be used as collateral in DeFi, WBTC brings in the value of Bitcoin, which has a much higher market cap when measured in U.S. dollars. This is crucial as the DeFi space grows, and more collateral types are needed. The total value of WBTC locked in DeFi protocols has been rising significantly, showing its increasing importance in the market.
Wrapped Ethereum (WETH)
Wrapped Ethereum (WETH) functions as the tokenized version of Ether, addressing the challenge of cross-blockchain compatibility. Similar to other wrapped assets like Wrapped Bitcoin, WETH allows for seamless value representation across different blockchain networks.
Custodians play an important role in achieving this. They securely hold the original crypto, such as Ether, and issue an equivalent amount of Wrapped Ethereum in return. It makes sure that when you transfer something, it keeps the same value and follows the rules of the specific blockchain it’s on.
The significance of Wrapped Ethereum lies in its utility within decentralized applications (dApps) on the Ethereum blockchain. While Ether is utilized for gas fees, Wrapped Ethereum, conforming to the ERC-20 standard, becomes essential for certain dApp functionalities and token swaps. This interoperability is particularly crucial given Ether’s deviation from the ERC-20 standard.
Despite its advantages, the use of custodians introduces additional risks. Risks like smart contract vulnerabilities on decentralized exchanges and potential custodial service hacks. Additionally, not all blockchains universally support the wrapping of every token, limiting the widespread adoption of this concept.
What is LIDO?
Launched in 2020, Lido (LDO) is a liquid staking solution catering to proof-of-stake (PoS) crypto, including Ethereum 2.0 and other layer-1 PoS blockchains. Governed by a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), Lido ensures transparency and stakeholder alignment in key protocol decisions.
Future of Wrapped tokens and market analysis
Wrapped tokens simplify moving assets between different blockchains. Solving a major challenge in the crypto world. They act as messengers, representing assets on one blockchain in a standardized way on another. Reducing the need for multiple bridges and making cross-network transactions easier. These tokens streamline the process of transferring assets across diverse blockchain networks. Investors are recognizing the potential of wrapped tokens, exemplified by the significant conversion of approximately 0 million worth of Bitcoin into wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC) in just over a year.
In real-time market analysis, WBTC exhibits a market value of $43,006.44, with a modest 0.10% increase in the past day. Its market cap of $6,791,315,615, coupled with a circulating supply of 157,914 WBTC, highlights its position at 203 in the market. WETH, priced at $2,312.51, shows a 0.12% increase in the last day, indicative of the broader upward trajectory in the wrapped token market. Wrapped tokens are becoming important in DeFi, helping money move smoothly and different systems work together better.
Get Premium Crypto Trading Signals from Real Crypto Analysts. Join our official Waiting List at todayq.com.
