Rootstock is now secured by 81% of Bitcoin’s total hashrate.
Rootstock fees are 95% lower than Bitcoin and 55% lower than Ethereum.
LayerZero integration connects Rootstock to Ethereum, Solana, and other chains.
Efforts to expand decentralized finance on the Bitcoin blockchain are advancing, as Rootstock strengthens its security footprint. The Bitcoin layer-2 protocol is now secured by 81% of Bitcoin’s total hashrate. This development follows its onboarding of major mining pools Foundry and Spiderpool earlier this year. According to Messari, this milestone reflects a significant increase from the previous hashrate share of 56%.
BTCFi is shaped by one of the first Bitcoin layer-2 networks- Rootstock. Its recent increase and improvements are helping to achieve increased safety and cost-efficiency for Bitcoin-based smart contracts. According to Messari’s “State of Rootstock” report, transaction fees on the network have currently dropped to 95% below the standard Bitcoin fee and 55% down from Ethereum’s rate.
Hashrate Secures Rootstock’s Layer-2 Infrastructure
Foundry and Spiderpool, ranked first and sixth among global mining pools, began supporting Rootstock in February. Their inclusion elevated Rootstock’s hashrate security from 56% to 81%, according to the report. This figure represents the proportion of Bitcoin miners that also validate Rootstock’s transactions.
These miners contribute directly to Rootstock’s consensus and transaction approval processes. This integration strengthens the alignment between Rootstock and Bitcoin’s base layer security model. Consequently, Rootstock can now operate with greater consistency and integrity across its layer-2 environment.
Besides improved security, the platform also delivers major fee reductions. Rootstock transactions are reported to be 95% cheaper than those on the Bitcoin base layer. Compared to Ethereum, Rootstock fees are 55% lower, Messari confirmed.
These cost reductions make the network more accessible to developers and users seeking cost-effective DeFi solutions. Such efficiency gains are being driven by core upgrades that cut network costs by up to 60%. These upgrades support ongoing adoption and reduce barriers to development.
Cross-Chain Integration Boosts DeFi Interoperability
Rootstock has also advanced its interoperability through a link with LayerZero, a bridging protocol. This connection enables Rootstock-native applications to operate across multiple blockchains. These include Ethereum, Solana, and dozens of other ecosystems.
By developing cross-chain, Rootstock supports DeFi applications that require diverse blockchain interactions. This move positions it alongside other BTC layer-2 projects such as Stacks and Build on Bitcoin (BOB).The Rootstock ecosystem is prioritizing builder engagement through education and incentive programs. These initiatives are aimed at sustaining developer interest throughout 2025. As outlined in the report, continued investment in such programs complements the technical upgrades under way. According to Messari, Rootstock’s momentum is setting the stage for broader Bitcoin DeFi adoption in the months ahead.
