USA cbBTC, Coinbase’s wrapped Bitcoin, is more than just another token. Backed one-to-one with BTC held in Coinbase custody, it brings the world’s largest reserve asset onto programmable rails. Holders can now move their Bitcoin with the speed and flexibility of Ethereum or Base, unlocking opportunities that DeFi has long left out of reach.
For years Bitcoin was the deepest pool of capital but sat idle while stablecoins and ETH dominated lending and borrowing. cbBTC changes that. It creates a simple conduit: mint wrapped BTC, deploy it across protocols, and redeem back whenever needed. Liquidity stays intact, trust is anchored, and Bitcoin finally moves in step with DeFi.
The scale is what makes it matter. With billions already circulating, cbBTC is fast becoming the onchain face of Bitcoin, trusted by institutions and degens alike. IMF has now listed cbBTC as collateral, letting users deposit, borrow against it, and unlock credit without selling. Lenders earn yield on the most recognized asset in crypto. Borrowers gain leverage with the safety of Bitcoin at their back.
For IMF, it is a decisive expansion. From memes to blue-chips, the Cartel is building credit across the spectrum.
