Despite the massive innovation we are seeing in the crypto space, there’s still one big problem they don’t talk to each other. Bitcoin remains on Bitcoin, Ethereum stays on Ethereum, and the attempt to transfer assets between the two types? Not so simple..
Simplistically wrapped tokens allows cryptocurrencies to operate on other blockchains , creating the opportunity for new and exciting frontiers for DeFi, trading and liquidity pools. But what exactly are wrapped tokens, and how do they work? We will explain everything in detail, so regardless of whether you are a crypto beginner or a seasoned investor, you will leave with a solid and actionable understanding of wrapped tokens and their importance.
What Are Wrapped Tokens?
A wapped token is a tokenization of a cryptocurrency that exists on a different blockchain than its native network. You can think of it as a U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin but instead of dollars, every wrapped token is represent 1:1 by another crypto
Example of Wrapped Tokens: Bitcoin (WBTC)
Let us assume you have a Bitcoin (BTC) but wants to use it on Ethereum DeFi network. Bitcoin cannot be used directly since it lives on its own blockchain. But if you turn your BTC into a Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) an ERC-20 token utilising the Ethereum network, you can now trade, stake, and even lend your BTC in the Ethereum world.
So you can now
✅ Trade your BTC on Ethereum-based decentralized exchanges (DEXs)
✅ Use the BTC as collateral for lending and borrowing
✅ Participate in yield farming and staking opportunities
Wrapped tokens essentially “wrap” the original cryptocurrency inside a blockchain-compatible version, allowing it to function within a new network.
But How Do Wrapped Tokens Work?
The process of creating and redeeming back a wrapped tokens involves a few key steps to be sure transparency and security are met.
1. Minting (Creating Wrapped Tokens)
When a user wants to convert their crypto into a wrapped token, they need to:
- Send the original asset (e.g., BTC) to a custodian (which is a centralized entity, a smart contract or decentralized platform).
- The custodian is in charge to holds and keeps the BTC in their reserve and issues an equivalent amount of WBTC on Ethereum Network.
For example:
If you deposit 1 BTC, you receive 1 WBTC on Ethereum.
2. The Important Role of Custodians
Custodians ensure that every wrapped token is backed by the real asset. This is important to prevents any excess tokens from being minted and keeps the system transparent.
Custodians can be:
- Centralized (e.g., BitGo, which manages WBTC).
- Decentralized (governed by DAOs or smart contracts).
3. Burning Mechanism (Redeeming the Native Asset)
If a user wants to convert their wrapped token back to the original asset, they:
- Send the wrapped token (e.g., WBTC) to the custodian.
- The custodian burns (destroys) the wrapped token.
- The equivalent amount of BTC is released back to the user.
This ensures that the total supply of wrapped tokens always matches the amount of native assets held in reserve.
What are the Benefits of Wrapped Tokens?
Most blockchains can’t communicate with each other natively like BTC and ETH. Wrapped tokens allow assets to move seamlessly between networks, making it possible to:
✅ Use Bitcoin on Ethereum’s DeFi platforms.
✅ Trade Ethereum-based assets on Binance Smart Chain (BSC).
✅ Move assets across chains without selling them.
2. Increased the Liquidity
Since the wrapped tokens can be used on multiple chains, they increase liquidity by allowing new assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum to be used in DeFi space, DEXs, and lending platforms.
3. Lower Fees & Faster Transactions
Some blockchains, like Ethereum, have a high gas fees. By wrapping assets and using them on blockchains with lower fees and faster speeds, users can reduce costs and increase transaction efficiency.
4. Access to the DeFi & Staking
Wrapped tokens unlock powerful DeFi opportunities, including:
- Staking (earning passive income).
- Lending & Borrowing (using crypto as collateral).
- Yield Farming (earning rewards by providing liquidity).
By wrapping BTC or other crypto assets, users can generate extra yield and maximize returns without selling their original holdings!
Wrapped Tokens vs. Native Tokens: What’s the Difference?
While wrapped tokens and native tokens are closely related, they serve different purposes.
| Feature | Native Token (BTC, ETH) | Wrapped Token (WBTC, WETH) |
|---|---|---|
| Blockchain | Exists on its own network | Exists on a different blockchain |
| Example | BTC on Bitcoin, ETH on Ethereum | WBTC (BTC on Ethereum), WETH (ETH wrapped for ERC-20) |
| Uses | Payments, security, transaction fees | Trading, DeFi, liquidity pools |
| Interoperability | Limited to native chain | Usable across multiple chains |
A major example is Ethereum’s Wrapped ETH (WETH), which allows ETH to be used in DeFi applications by following the ERC-20 token standard something native ETH does not.
The most Popular Wrapped Tokens in the Crypto Space
Some of the most commonly used wrapped tokens include:
| Wrapped Token | Native Asset | Blockchain | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) | Bitcoin (BTC) | Ethereum (ERC-20) | Use BTC in Ethereum-based DeFi, lending, and DEX trading. |
| Wrapped Ethereum (WETH) | Ethereum (ETH) | Ethereum (ERC-20) | Enables ETH to be used in ERC-20 DeFi protocols and DEXs. |
| Wrapped BNB (WBNB) | Binance Coin (BNB) | Binance Smart Chain (BEP-20) | Allows BNB to interact with BSC DeFi applications. |
| Wrapped USDT (USDT ERC-20, BEP-20, TRC-20, etc.) | Tether (USDT) | Multiple Blockchains | Stablecoin for trading, DeFi, and cross-chain transfers. |
| Wrapped USDC (USDC ERC-20, Solana, Algorand, etc.) | USD Coin (USDC) | Multiple Blockchains | Used for payments, lending, and stable trading across blockchains. |
| Wrapped Litecoin (WLTC) | Litecoin (LTC) | Ethereum, BSC | Brings LTC into DeFi for staking, lending, and trading. |
| Wrapped Dogecoin (WDOGE) | Dogecoin (DOGE) | Ethereum, BSC | Enables DOGE to be used in DeFi applications and DEXs. |
These tokens expand the usability of major cryptocurrencies, allowing them to function seamlessly in different blockchain ecosystems.
As we can see in this chart from CoinMetrics, the usage of WBTC across DeFi lending protocols has skyrocketed since January, reaching a market cap of $10.68B in 2025.
Summary: Why Wrapped Tokens Matter
Wrapped tokens bridge the gap between isolated blockchains, allowing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and even Dogecoin to be used in DeFi applications, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), and lending platforms. By wrapping assets, users can increase the liquidity, reduce transaction fees, and unlock cross-chain trading opportunities everything without selling their crypto holdings.
Key takeaways of Wrapped Tokens:
✅ Interoperability – Move assets between blockchains effortlessly.
✅ Liquidity Boost – More trading opportunities across different networks.
✅ DeFi Access – Use Bitcoin, Litecoin, and other assets in Ethereum and BSC-based lending, staking, and yield farming.
✅ Lower Fees & Faster Transactions – Avoid slow, expensive networks by wrapping assets onto faster blockchains.
Wrapped tokens will play an even bigger role in multi-chain finance. Understanding how they work gives you an edge in navigating the future of DeFi and blockchain technology.
