Key Takeaways

Solv Protocol is a platform that lets Bitcoin holders earn yield, stake, and access decentralized finance (DeFi) through tokenized Bitcoin products called SolvBTC and xSolvBTC.

SolvBTC is a tokenized representation of Bitcoin that can be used across DeFi, CeFi, and traditional finance platforms.

xSolvBTC is a yield-bearing version of SolvBTC that may generate returns from staking and other DeFi activities.

The SOLV token serves as the governance token for the Solv ecosystem, allowing holders to vote on protocol changes.

Introduction

Bitcoin is often called "digital gold" because of its reputation as a store of value. However, many Bitcoin holders keep their coins idle in wallets, missing out on financial opportunities available to holders of other digital assets. Solv Protocol addresses this by creating a set of tools that allows Bitcoin holders to put their assets to work.

Through Solv, Bitcoin can be used for lending, staking, and yield generation across DeFi, centralized exchanges, and traditional finance platforms. This article explains what Solv Protocol is, how its key products work, and what the SOLV token does.

What Is Solv Protocol?

Solv Protocol is a Bitcoin finance platform that wraps Bitcoin into tokenized products and routes them into financial strategies across multiple ecosystems. Its core products are SolvBTC and xSolvBTC, both of which represent Bitcoin on-chain and can move freely across supported blockchains and protocols.

The protocol integrates with smart contracts across more than 15 blockchain networks, including Ethereum, BNB Chain, Berachain, and Avalanche. By connecting to over 50 DeFi protocols, Solv aims to make Bitcoin as productive as possible while keeping user funds backed by actual BTC.

Solv also maintains a Bitcoin reserve, which is backed 1:1 by BTC and independently verifiable on-chain. This reserve powers the various yield strategies that users can access through the protocol.

Key Features

SolvBTC: tokenized Bitcoin

SolvBTC is Solv's tokenized Bitcoin product. When a user deposits Bitcoin into Solv, they receive SolvBTC at a 1:1 ratio. SolvBTC can then be used across DeFi platforms for lending, providing liquidity, or as collateral to borrow stablecoins, without requiring the user to sell their Bitcoin.

This means a Bitcoin holder can access liquidity for everyday needs or investment opportunities while keeping their underlying Bitcoin exposure intact. SolvBTC is supported on multiple chains, making it accessible across a wide range of DeFi ecosystems.

xSolvBTC: yield-bearing Bitcoin

xSolvBTC is a liquid staking version of SolvBTC. Users stake their SolvBTC to receive xSolvBTC, which may generate returns from a range of strategies including DeFi lending, liquidity provision, and institutional lending. xSolvBTC remains liquid, so users can still deploy it as collateral or in other DeFi applications.

The yield generated by xSolvBTC comes from the underlying strategies in Solv's Bitcoin funds. Returns are not guaranteed and vary based on market conditions and the performance of the selected strategies.

Bitcoin funds

Solv offers a range of investment strategies through its Bitcoin funds, covering DeFi, CeFi, and traditional finance. Examples include yield farming on decentralized protocols, algorithmic trading strategies on centralized exchanges, and exposure to real-world assets such as Bitcoin ETF products and bonds.

These funds target different risk levels and return profiles, allowing Bitcoin holders to choose strategies that fit their preferences. Access to some funds may require minimum deposit thresholds.

Solv Ecosystem

Solv operates across more than 15 blockchains and connects with over 50 DeFi protocols. This broad integration allows SolvBTC and xSolvBTC to flow into a wide range of yield strategies and financial applications.

On the DeFi side, Solv integrates with protocols like Uniswap, Morpho, and Pendle. On the institutional side, it works with custodians such as Cobo and Copper for secure asset management. Solv also collaborates with risk management firms like Gauntlet and Chaos Labs to assess protocol safety.

Solv has partnered with projects including Babylon Labs, Ethena, and Jupiter Exchange to bring Bitcoin-based yield opportunities to its users. Chainlink provides proof-of-reserve verification, giving users a way to confirm that the protocol's Bitcoin holdings match its issued token supply.

What Is the SOLV Token?

SOLV is the governance token of the Solv ecosystem. Holders can vote on protocol upgrades, new feature proposals, and changes to platform policy. This gives the community a degree of influence over the direction of the protocol.

SOLV may also provide access to fee discounts or staking rewards within the platform, though the exact benefits can change depending on governance decisions.

Bitcoin Reserve Offering

Solv launched the Bitcoin Reserve Offering (BRO) in 2025, a program designed to attract institutional capital into its protocol-owned Bitcoin reserve. Capital contributed through the BRO is deployed into Solv's yield strategies, with returns intended to support the protocol's ecosystem and indirectly benefit SOLV token holders.

The BRO is targeted at institutional participants rather than retail users. Institutional involvement is intended to increase the size and stability of the on-chain reserve, which underpins the broader Solv product suite.

How to Use Solv Protocol

To use Solv, you will need a crypto wallet that supports the blockchains where Solv is deployed, such as Ethereum or BNB Chain. After connecting your wallet to the Solv platform, you can deposit Bitcoin or a supported wrapped Bitcoin token to receive SolvBTC.

From there, you can choose to hold SolvBTC for use in other DeFi protocols, or stake it for xSolvBTC to potentially earn yield. The platform also provides access to Bitcoin fund strategies for users who want more structured investment options.

FAQ

What is the difference between SolvBTC and xSolvBTC?

SolvBTC is a tokenized representation of Bitcoin, minted 1:1 when you deposit BTC into Solv. xSolvBTC is a yield-bearing version of SolvBTC that may generate returns from DeFi strategies. Think of SolvBTC as tokenized Bitcoin and xSolvBTC as staked tokenized Bitcoin.

Is Solv Protocol safe to use?

Solv uses independent proof-of-reserve verification via Chainlink and works with risk management firms to assess protocol safety. However, all DeFi protocols carry risks, including smart contract vulnerabilities, market volatility, and liquidity risks. You should review the protocol's documentation and understand these risks before depositing funds.

What blockchain does Solv run on?

Solv Protocol operates across more than 15 blockchains, including Ethereum, BNB Chain, Berachain, and Avalanche. SolvBTC and xSolvBTC can move between supported chains, giving users access to different DeFi ecosystems from a single protocol.

What is the SOLV token used for?

SOLV is a governance token. Holders can vote on protocol decisions such as upgrades, new features, and policy changes. SOLV may also offer benefits such as fee discounts or staking rewards, depending on current platform settings.

Can I earn yield on my Bitcoin with Solv?

Yes, by staking SolvBTC to receive xSolvBTC, users may earn yield from the underlying strategies in Solv's Bitcoin funds. Yields are not fixed or guaranteed, and returns depend on market conditions and the performance of the selected strategies.

Closing Thoughts

Solv Protocol offers a way for Bitcoin holders to engage with DeFi and other financial ecosystems without selling their Bitcoin. Through SolvBTC and xSolvBTC, users can potentially earn yield, access liquidity, and participate in a range of investment strategies while maintaining their underlying Bitcoin exposure.

Further Reading

What Is Bitcoin and How Does It Work?

What Is Decentralized Finance (DeFi)?

What Is Liquid Staking?

What Is Yield Farming in Decentralized Finance (DeFi)?

What Is a Bitcoin ETF?

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