The world of blockchain innovation continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and OKX is positioning itself at the forefront with the introduction of the BRC-30 token standard—an industry-first protocol designed to unlock staking capabilities for both BRC-20 tokens and bitcoin (BTC). This groundbreaking development marks a significant leap forward in expanding utility within the Bitcoin ecosystem, offering users new ways to generate passive income through decentralized finance (DeFi) mechanisms.
What Is the BRC-30 Token Standard?
BRC-30 is an open-source token standard proposed by OKX that enables staking of BRC-20 tokens and native BTC. Unlike traditional Bitcoin, which has historically been limited to peer-to-peer transactions and value storage, BRC-30 introduces programmable earning potential directly on the Bitcoin blockchain.
By leveraging this protocol, users can stake their BRC-20 assets or BTC and earn newly minted BRC-30 tokens as rewards. The standard is designed to be developer-friendly and fully accessible, encouraging innovation across the web3 space. As a permissionless and transparent framework, BRC-30 invites developers to build, customize, and expand its functionalities—fostering a more dynamic and inclusive Bitcoin economy.
👉 Discover how staking with next-gen token standards can boost your crypto returns
Empowering Users Through OKX Wallet Integration
One of the most impactful aspects of the BRC-30 rollout is its upcoming integration into OKX Wallet, one of the leading self-custody solutions in the web3 ecosystem. Once live, users will be able to stake their eligible assets directly from their wallets—without relying on active trading or third-party intermediaries.
This seamless experience lowers the barrier to entry for earning yield, making DeFi participation more intuitive for both novice and experienced users. It also complements OKX’s existing suite of curated DeFi products, reinforcing its commitment to providing secure, high-opportunity financial tools across multiple chains.
Jason Lau, Chief Innovation Officer at OKX, emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative:
“We’re excited to have proposed and pioneered the BRC-30 standard to enable Bitcoin and BRC-20 token staking. Once the OKX Wallet incorporates BRC-30 support, users will be able to access Bitcoin staking and earning opportunities across multiple chains. As the Bitcoin ecosystem experiences a surge in development, we take pride in collaborating with developers and projects in the community to contribute to the broader ecosystem’s growth.”
The Rise of BRC-20 Tokens and Bitcoin-Based Innovation
To fully appreciate the significance of BRC-30, it's essential to understand the foundation laid by BRC-20 tokens. Introduced in March 2023 by an anonymous developer known as Domo, the BRC-20 standard leverages Bitcoin’s Ordinals protocol to issue fungible tokens directly on the Bitcoin blockchain—similar in concept to Ethereum’s ERC-20 tokens.
While Bitcoin has long been recognized as digital gold, BRC-20 has unlocked new layers of functionality, transforming it into a platform capable of supporting tokenized assets. This evolution has sparked renewed interest in Bitcoin’s programmability, attracting developers, artists, and investors eager to explore decentralized applications (dApps) built on the world’s most secure blockchain.
Bitcoin NFTs: A Growing Force in Digital Collectibles
Parallel to the rise of BRC-20 tokens, Bitcoin-based NFTs have gained remarkable traction. Powered by the Ordinals protocol, these non-fungible tokens allow unique digital items—such as artwork, collectibles, and virtual assets—to be inscribed directly onto Bitcoin blocks.
Recent data shows that Bitcoin NFT trading volume has surpassed that of major blockchains like Solana, Polygon, and Mythos—solidifying its place as the second-largest NFT ecosystem by volume. This surge highlights growing confidence in Bitcoin’s ability to support complex digital asset use cases beyond simple transfers.
However, this innovation hasn’t come without debate. Some members of the Bitcoin community argue that embedding data-heavy NFTs and tokens could strain network performance or shift focus away from Bitcoin’s core purpose as a decentralized store of value.
Despite these concerns, platforms like OKX are doubling down on expanding Bitcoin’s utility—believing that responsible innovation can coexist with network integrity.
Why BRC-30 Matters for the Future of Crypto
The launch of BRC-30 represents more than just a technical upgrade—it signals a broader shift toward inclusive financial empowerment within the crypto space. By enabling staking on Bitcoin and BRC-20 tokens, OKX is helping bridge the gap between traditional holders and active participants in decentralized economies.
Key benefits include:
- Passive income generation: Users can earn rewards without selling their BTC or BRC-20 holdings.
- Cross-chain accessibility: Staking opportunities will be available across multiple networks, increasing flexibility.
- Developer-driven growth: As an open-source standard, BRC-30 invites community contributions, accelerating innovation.
- Enhanced Bitcoin utility: Moves Bitcoin beyond transactional use into yield-generating applications.
👉 Learn how you can start earning with emerging token standards today
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are BRC-20 tokens?
A: BRC-20 tokens are fungible tokens created on the Bitcoin blockchain using the Ordinals protocol. They function similarly to ERC-20 tokens on Ethereum but operate within Bitcoin’s unique architecture.
Q: Can I stake bitcoin directly with BRC-30?
A: Yes. One of the key features of the BRC-30 standard is its ability to support BTC staking, allowing users to earn rewards while maintaining ownership of their underlying assets.
Q: Is the BRC-30 protocol open source?
A: Absolutely. The BRC-30 standard is fully open source, meaning developers worldwide can review, contribute to, and build upon the codebase.
Q: How does OKX Wallet support BRC-30 staking?
A: OKX Wallet will integrate native support for BRC-30, enabling users to stake their eligible tokens securely from a non-custodial environment—giving them full control over their assets.
Q: Are there risks involved in staking BRC-20 or BTC via BRC-30?
A: As with any DeFi activity, users should conduct due diligence. While OKX prioritizes security and transparency, smart contract risks and market volatility may still apply.
Q: When will BRC-30 staking be available?
A: The rollout is planned in phases, with OKX Wallet integration expected soon. Stay updated through official channels for release timelines.
Expanding Access: OKX’s Broader Vision
Beyond BRC-30, OKX continues to expand its global footprint. Recently, the platform announced plans to offer spot trading services in Hong Kong—further demonstrating its dedication to regulated growth and user accessibility.
Additionally, OKX supports cost-efficient BTC transactions through integration with the Lightning Network, making it one of the few centralized exchanges to adopt this scalability solution. Faster and cheaper payments enhance user experience while promoting wider adoption of Bitcoin as a practical currency.
👉 See how next-generation crypto platforms are redefining financial freedom
Final Thoughts: Building a More Inclusive Web3 Future
With the introduction of the BRC-30 token standard, OKX is not only pushing technological boundaries but also reimagining what’s possible within the Bitcoin ecosystem. By combining staking rewards, open-source collaboration, and wallet-level accessibility, the platform empowers users to become active contributors—not just passive holders.
As interest in Bitcoin-based tokens and NFTs continues to grow, innovations like BRC-30 will play a crucial role in shaping a more functional, rewarding, and inclusive web3 landscape.
For developers, investors, and everyday users alike, now is an exciting time to engage with Bitcoin’s expanding frontier—where value storage meets decentralized earning potential.