On March 19, the OP_NET protocol will be activated on the Bitcoin network. This will enable the use of smart contracts and DeFi tools directly at the base level of the first cryptocurrency.
The main feature of OP_NET is the elimination of cross-chain bridges and wrapped tokens. Previously, Bitcoin holders had to transfer funds to networks like Ethereum or rely on centralized services to participate in DeFi, which posed risks of hacking or blocking.
Now, users simply need to connect their wallet to applications. All operations are conducted through standard Bitcoin transactions, with fees paid exclusively in BTC. Technically, the protocol embeds smart contract code and execution parameters directly into transactions, which are confirmed by miners.
Alongside the mainnet announcement, developers introduced:
- the OP-20 token standard;
- the decentralized exchange MotoSwap for asset trading;
- tools for staking and farming.
OP_NET co-founder Chad Master described this concept as SlowFi in an interview with CoinDesk. The team views Bitcoin’s slow block creation speed (about 10 minutes) as an advantage rather than a drawback. This creates “structural friction” in capital withdrawal.
According to the developers, this mechanism retains liquidity within protocols and reduces the likelihood of panic sell-offs typical of fast blockchains.
Master compared the launch of OP_NET to the “DeFi summer of 2020” on Ethereum, but in a more secure environment. The project plans to integrate stablecoins through the OP-20S standard extension in the second quarter of 2026.
Back in December 2025, the team behind the BTCFi project Babylon announced collateralized lending in the first cryptocurrency on Aave V4.