
Bitlayer
AuditedVerifiedBitlayer is a BitVM-based Bitcoin Layer 2 and trust-minimized cross-chain bridge whose YBTC family of assets (YBTC, YBTC.B) wraps native BTC for use across EVM and non-EVM DeFi.
Active Risk Alerts
Live signals detected by Sentinel monitors across all five risk classes.
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Score history
This rating is re-checked every month. A point is recorded for every check, so a flat line means we looked and nothing moved. Hover anywhere on the chart to see what moved that month, and by how much.
The Problem
Native Bitcoin earns no yield and cannot natively participate in smart-contract DeFi. Existing wrapped-BTC solutions rely on centralized custodians (wBTC) or complex federations with weaker security assumptions.
The Solution
Bitlayer's BitVM Bridge locks native BTC under a pre-signed transaction graph enforced on Bitcoin L1 and mints 1:1 YBTC on Bitlayer, Ethereum, and other chains. Security holds as long as one attesting-committee signer remains honest.
Why it Matters
First production BitVM-style trust-minimized BTC bridge. Locked BTC is verifiable on Bitcoin L1; redemption is enforceable via fraud proofs rather than trusting a custodian's solvency.
Protocol Metrics
Related Research
View allFrequently asked questions about Bitlayer
What is Bitlayer?+
Bitlayer is a Bridge protocol operating on Bitcoin, Bitlayer, Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, Solana, Sui. Bitlayer is a BitVM-based Bitcoin Layer 2 and trust-minimized cross-chain bridge whose YBTC family of assets (YBTC, YBTC.B) wraps native BTC for use across EVM and non-EVM DeFi.
How does Bitlayer work?+
Bitlayer's BitVM Bridge locks native BTC under a pre-signed transaction graph enforced on Bitcoin L1 and mints 1:1 YBTC on Bitlayer, Ethereum, and other chains. Security holds as long as one attesting-committee signer remains honest.
Is Bitlayer safe?+
DeFi Sentinel rates Bitlayer A with a safety score of 72/100, indicating low-to-moderate risk. The score reflects five risk dimensions: smart contract & technical risk, economic design & market risk, governance & centralization, sustainability & competitive position, and reputation & social trust. Bitlayer has 3 audits on record. DeFi Sentinel's analysis flagged 1 high, 7 medium, 1 low risk alerts across Sustainability & Competitive Position, Smart Contract & Technical Risk, Economic Design & Market Risk, Governance & Centralization and Reputation & Social Trust. As with all DeFi protocols, residual risk remains and users should review the full risk breakdown before depositing.
What is the safety score of Bitlayer?+
Bitlayer has a DeFi Sentinel safety score of 72/100 (rating A), last updated September 16, 2026. The score is computed across smart contract & technical risk (30%), economic design & market risk (25%), governance & centralization (20%), sustainability & competitive position (15%), and reputation & social trust (10%).
Which chains does Bitlayer support?+
Bitlayer is deployed on Bitcoin, Bitlayer, Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, Solana, Sui.
Has Bitlayer been audited?+
Yes. Bitlayer has 3 audit reports on record from firms including SlowMist, Hacken, DogScan (BTR Token). Audit reports and dates are linked under the Resources tab on this page.