MetaMask, a leading Ethereum and DeFi wallet, has announced the native integration of Bitcoin, marking a significant expansion beyond Ethereum to other blockchains. With over 143 million downloads and nearly 30 million monthly active users, MetaMask is one of the most widely used crypto wallets globally. Developed by Consensus, a software company based on Ethereum, MetaMask has transformed the browser-based crypto wallet experience. While it traditionally supported only Ethereum, assisting users in managing assets on the Ethereum platform, it announced an expansion to the Solana blockchain in October and has now added Bitcoin to its support list.
The Bitcoin integration was made possible through the Bitcoin Development Kit, an open-source Bitcoin wallet library that facilitates the creation of Bitcoin apps. This development represents a major milestone for the Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem, previously seen as exclusive to newer blockchains like Ethereum due to their smart contract capabilities. However, recent projects such as Ordinals have demonstrated powerful scripting tools within Bitcoin, attracting DeFi developers to the platform. Consequently, various Layer 2 projects have emerged to promote interoperability between Bitcoin and Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-based DeFi ecosystems. Examples of Bitcoin DeFi platforms include BOB, Botanics, Rootstock, and Liquid Network.
Additionally, MetaMask announced plans to go public in the U.S. market in October. It has also launched a crypto-powered debit card, the MetaMask Card, and a comprehensive on-chain rewards program in partnership with the Linea Network. These initiatives position MetaMask not only as an Ethereum wallet but as a robust multi-chain DeFi platform.
Source: bitcoinmagazine
