VerifiedX Launches vBTC.b on Base with Fireblocks for Native BTC Redemption

On May 21 VerifiedX rolled out vBTC.b on Base, delivering native Bitcoin redemption and FROST-based privacy via Fireblocks custody for institutional DeFi. The launch follows the May 17 debut of its Bitcoin sidechain that introduced fully collateralized vBTC, Taproot addresses and optional zk features without wrapped tokens. Bitcoin DeFi TVL now stands at $5 billion against Ethereum’s $43–44 billion, while total DeFi exceeds $80 billion. The integration pairs Base’s EVM environment with Fireblocks and a 100-plus validator pool, potentially expanding self-custodial BTC utility. Validator access still requires 5,000 VFX tokens trading near $69.