The digital asset ecosystem is witnessing a surge in institutional activity, and key developments are signaling a transformative shift in the adoption of Bitcoin-native DeFi solutions. One notable initiative is the Core Foundation, which is harnessing Bitcoin’s robust security and infrastructure to launch a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) layer and a pioneering DeFi ecosystem.
In an announcement shared exclusively with CoinDesk, the Core Foundation has revealed the addition of BitGo and KODA as validator sets for the Core network. This strategic move not only enhances Core’s validator set to 29 members but also represents a significant advancement in the institutional embrace of Bitcoin-based financial products.
BitGo, a U.S.-qualified institutional-grade custodian and financial service provider, adds an essential layer of regulatory credibility and a security-centric approach to Core’s validator infrastructure. As institutions increasingly look for secure and compliant options, BitGo’s involvement is a pivotal step toward building trust within the ecosystem.
Moreover, the integration of KODA, a prominent South Korean institutional custodian powered by Nodeinfra, positions Core for enhanced visibility and growth in the Asian market. With over 20% of the South Korean population owning cryptocurrencies, KODA’s role in the Core network is anticipated to accelerate staking and institutional yield opportunities within this burgeoning landscape.
According to Brendon Sedo, one of Core’s initial contributors, the addition of BitGo and KODA as validators significantly expands Core’s capabilities. He stated, “These two leading custodians will further support Core’s efforts to scale Bitcoin utility and drive institutional adoption of scalable Bitcoin yield products.” This insight highlights the ongoing commitment to enhance the functionality and appeal of Bitcoin as an asset.
John Youngseok Yang, the CEO of Nodeinfra, echoed these sentiments, noting that this strategic partnership serves as a foundational step toward institutional Bitcoin staking in Korea. Such collaborations will undeniably pave the way for broader acceptance and use of Bitcoin across various institutional frameworks.
The Core blockchain, utilizing its innovative Satoshi Plus consensus—a hybrid mechanism combining both Proof of Work and Proof of Stake—ensures robust security while maintaining essential scalability and decentralization. As of now, over $500 million in Bitcoin is staked with the Core network, supposedly supported by approximately 75% of the Bitcoin hashrate, marking it as the most Bitcoin-aligned Layer 1 solution available.
Core also empowers institutional-grade products like lstBTC—a liquid and yield-bearing representation of Bitcoin which can serve as collateral across major exchanges—and Valour’s Yield-Bearing BTC ETP, which offers regulated exposure to Bitcoin yield. These offerings reflect Core’s commitment to addressing the challenges of limited programmability and lack of native yield within the Bitcoin blockchain, effectively advancing the DeFi landscape.
As institutional interest in digital assets continues to grow, Core Foundation’s initiatives serve as a beacon for future developments, leading the charge for a more scalable and integrated Bitcoin ecosystem.
