Bitcoin DeFi Shrinks to 91k BTC as Custody Models Reshape Institutional Deployment

**Aave emerges as the primary lending venue for tBTC on Base**, holding $740,803.40 in total value locked. This positions the protocol as a key reference point for how decentralized Bitcoin is being integrated into Base's credit infrastructure. **Key metrics:** - tBTC maintains roughly $1.31M in combined TVL across Base's lending and DEX platforms - Aave serves as the anchor for tBTC lending activity on the network - The lending market provides a venue where larger capital pools typically seek utility first The data suggests tBTC is finding practical application on Base through markets that support liquidity, execution, and capital deployment. Participants can use their Bitcoin as collateral to access liquidity without liquidating their underlying position.

Threshold Network has introduced a **stake-based fee waiver mechanism** for its tBTC bridge, allowing users who stake T tokens to reduce or eliminate the standard 20 basis point redemption fee. **Key Details:** - Redemption fees can be partially or fully offset by staking T tokens on the new Threshold App - Minting tBTC remains free of charge - Participation in the fee waiver program is opt-in - The mechanism aims to tighten BTC-tBTC pricing spreads and reduce execution friction **How It Works:** Users can stake T tokens to receive fee waivers when redeeming tBTC back to native Bitcoin. The bridge's core operations remain unchanged - tBTC continues to be backed 1:1 by Bitcoin held through a decentralized network using threshold cryptography. The update addresses a key friction point in the tBTC ecosystem by making redemptions more cost-effective for active participants, potentially improving liquidity and price efficiency across Bitcoin markets. Decrypt Media covered the launch, noting how the mechanism supports tBTC's on-chain performance without altering the bridge's decentralized custody model.

**Threshold Network** has renewed its security partnership with **Immunefi** to strengthen protocol safety as it scales. The collaboration expands security coverage across: - Newly released applications - Threshold website - Continuous vulnerability monitoring **Key benefits include:** - Access to Web3's largest vulnerability database - Earlier threat detection capabilities - Unified security dashboard for risk monitoring - Coordinated response across protocol surface area The partnership supports **responsible disclosure** processes and maintains defensive readiness as usage grows. This move reinforces Threshold's commitment to **enterprise-grade security** standards in the decentralized Bitcoin ecosystem.

The Department of Threshold Efficiency (DOTE) has announced a strategic pivot aimed at driving profitability for TheTNetwork. This development follows recent leadership changes at Tether, which had previously signaled expansion into new business operations. - DOTE's initiative marks a significant shift in operational strategy - Move aligns with broader industry trends toward sustainable business models - Timing coincides with market developments in the wrapped Bitcoin sector This pivot could impact the network's position in the decentralized finance ecosystem, particularly in relation to Bitcoin-backed assets.