As decentralized finance (DeFi) continues to mature, Bitcoin is no longer just a digital store of value—it’s evolving into a dynamic, yield-generating asset within next-generation blockchain ecosystems. On Aptos, this transformation is being led by Echo Protocol, the first Bitcoin liquid restaking and yield layer built on the MoveVM. By seamlessly integrating BTC into the heart of Aptos-native DeFi, Echo is redefining how users interact with Bitcoin, turning it into a composable, high-performance building block for financial innovation.
👉 Discover how Bitcoin is powering the future of DeFi on high-performance chains.
Expanding Bitcoin’s Role in Aptos DeFi
At the core of Echo Protocol’s innovation is aBTC, a liquid, yield-bearing representation of Bitcoin. Unlike traditional wrapped BTC solutions that often lock up assets or require centralized custody, aBTC empowers users to maintain full control over their holdings while unlocking new utility.
With aBTC, Bitcoin holders can:
- Restake their BTC to earn yield
- Provide liquidity across DeFi protocols
- Participate in lending, borrowing, and trading—all natively on Aptos
This shift transforms BTC from a passive reserve asset into an active participant in on-chain finance. Users no longer have to choose between security and utility—Echo delivers both.
By leveraging Aptos’ high-speed, low-cost infrastructure, aBTC ensures fast settlements and minimal fees, making it ideal for frequent DeFi interactions. Whether you're a long-term HODLer or an active yield farmer, aBTC offers a seamless bridge between Bitcoin’s stability and DeFi’s growth potential.
A Scalable Infrastructure for BTCfi Growth
Echo Protocol is built natively on Aptos, taking full advantage of the network’s cutting-edge architecture. The combination of parallel execution, low-latency finality, and Move’s memory-safe programming language ensures that BTCfi applications are not only secure but capable of scaling to meet growing demand.
This technical foundation has enabled Echo to become the dominant force in bringing Bitcoin to Aptos. To date, Echo accounts for approximately 70% of all BTC bridged into the ecosystem, establishing itself as the foundational layer for Bitcoin utility in the Move-based environment.
The protocol’s scalability is further proven by its robust on-chain metrics:
- Over 1 million unique transactions
- Nearly 50,000 daily active users
- More than 125,000 weekly users
These numbers reflect not just adoption, but sustained engagement—indicating that users are returning to deploy, restake, and earn with their BTC across multiple applications.
Milestones and Momentum in 2025
Echo Protocol has achieved significant traction in 2025, solidifying its position as a leader in the BTCfi space. In May 2025, the protocol reached a major milestone with $878 million in total value locked (TVL)**, of which nearly **$270 million was in aBTC. This made Echo the second-largest protocol on Aptos by TVL and the largest contributor to Bitcoin liquidity on the network.
A key driver of this growth was the launch of xBTC, OKX’s wrapped Bitcoin on Aptos. Through a strategic collaboration with OKX and the Aptos Foundation, Echo successfully integrated xBTC and captured $30 million** of the approximately **$80 million total supply—demonstrating strong demand for Bitcoin-backed DeFi solutions.
👉 See how top protocols are integrating Bitcoin into scalable DeFi ecosystems.
This momentum is not limited to financial metrics. Echo has also prioritized community growth through initiatives like:
- Galxe quests to engage new users
- The Neko Odyssey incentive program to reward participation
- Strategic partnerships with leading Aptos dApps including Hyperion, Thala, Echelon, and Kofi Finance
One notable collaboration is with Hyperion, a leading decentralized exchange on Aptos. Together, Echo and Hyperion are enhancing BTC liquidity pools, introducing better yield incentives, and creating more ways for users to earn with Bitcoin in DeFi.
“Echo has played a pivotal role in Aptos’ growing BTCfi ecosystem. Its recent TVL milestone, coinciding with the release of xBTC, showcased strong demand for bitcoin-backed DeFi solutions on Aptos.”
— Community Analyst, Token Relations
The Rise of aBTC: Dominating Bitcoin on Aptos
aBTC isn’t just another wrapped asset—it’s becoming the standard for Bitcoin interoperability on Aptos. Currently, aBTC represents 65% of all BTC-denominated assets on the network, underscoring its dominance and user trust.
This level of adoption is driven by several key advantages:
- Full self-custody: Users never surrender control of their assets
- Composability: aBTC can be used across lending markets, DEXs, and yield strategies
- Low friction: Fast bridging and minimal gas fees enhance user experience
- Security: Built on MoveVM with formal verification and robust smart contract design
As more developers build BTCfi applications on Aptos, aBTC is positioned to become the primary conduit for Bitcoin integration—fueling innovation across lending protocols, perps platforms, and cross-chain derivatives.
The Future of BTCfi on Aptos Starts With Echo
With over $435 million in BTC-related TVL supported by Echo and other integrated assets, Aptos has rapidly emerged as the leading growth chain for Bitcoin finance. The convergence of macro interest in Bitcoin—driven by institutional adoption and spot ETF approvals—and the demand for scalable DeFi infrastructure has created the perfect environment for protocols like Echo to thrive.
Echo Protocol enables users to:
- Acquire and hold liquid BTC on Aptos
- Earn DeFi-native yields through restaking and liquidity provision
- Avoid high gas fees and bridge risks associated with legacy networks
Looking ahead, Echo is poised to expand its role beyond yield generation. Potential future developments include:
- Native BTC staking derivatives
- Cross-chain liquidity routing
- Integration with real-world asset (RWA) protocols
- Governance-minimized vaults for passive income
As Bitcoin continues to gain recognition as a foundational digital asset, its utility must evolve. Echo Protocol is ensuring that evolution happens on Aptos—with speed, security, and scalability at its core.
👉 Explore how Bitcoin is being reimagined in next-gen DeFi ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Echo Protocol?
A: Echo Protocol is the first Bitcoin liquid restaking and yield layer built on Aptos’ MoveVM. It enables users to convert BTC into aBTC—a liquid, yield-generating asset—while maintaining self-custody and full composability within DeFi.
Q: What is aBTC?
A: aBTC is Echo Protocol’s native liquid Bitcoin token on Aptos. It represents BTC holdings that can be used across DeFi applications to earn yield through restaking, liquidity provision, and lending—without locking assets in rigid contracts.
Q: How does Echo differ from other wrapped BTC solutions?
A: Unlike many wrapped BTC tokens that rely on centralized custodians or high-risk bridges, Echo operates natively on Aptos with strong security guarantees from MoveVM. It emphasizes user control, low fees, and seamless integration with DeFi protocols.
Q: Why is Aptos a good fit for BTCfi?
A: Aptos offers high throughput, low latency, and low transaction costs—ideal for active DeFi participation. Its Move-based architecture enhances security and scalability, making it one of the most promising chains for expanding Bitcoin’s utility.
Q: How much TVL does Echo Protocol have?
A: As of May 2025, Echo Protocol reached $878 million in total value locked (TVL), with nearly $270 million in aBTC. It ranks as the second-largest protocol on Aptos by TVL.
Q: Can I use xBTC with Echo Protocol?
A: Yes. Echo successfully integrated xBTC—the wrapped Bitcoin from OKX—and currently holds $30 million of the total $80 million supply. This collaboration strengthens BTC liquidity and expands yield opportunities on Aptos.
Core Keywords:
Bitcoin DeFi (BTCfi), Echo Protocol, aBTC, Aptos blockchain, liquid restaking, MoveVM, xBTC, decentralized finance