By Muhammad Bilal Azam Siddiqui
What Is Rootstock?
Rootstock is a Bitcoin Layer 2 network that adds smart contracts to Bitcoin. It helps developers build fast, low-cost, and scalable decentralized apps (DApps), while still using Bitcoin’s strong security.
Rootstock uses over 80% of Bitcoin’s mining power (merge mining), giving it the same protection as Bitcoin. Unlike the Lightning Network (which is focused on fast payments), Rootstock is made for DeFi—letting users build things like lending apps and decentralized exchanges using Bitcoin as collateral.
Rootstock works with Ethereum’s tools and programming language (Solidity), so developers can easily move their apps from Ethereum or BNB Chain. It was first introduced in 2015 and launched in 2018.
What Is rBTC?
rBTC is the token used on the Rootstock network. It’s always equal to 1 BTC and is used to pay for transactions and run smart contracts. You can convert your Bitcoin into rBTC using a secure bridge called PoWPeg.
Once you have rBTC, you can use it in DeFi apps like Uniswap, SushiSwap, and LayerBank to earn rewards—without selling your Bitcoin.
As of March 2025, more than 2,500 BTC have been moved into Rootstock.
What Is RIF?
RIF (Rootstock Infrastructure Framework) is a token built to grow the Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem. It powers tools, rewards, and services on Rootstock.
Why Use RIF?
Governance & Rewards: Stake RIF to get stRIF, which lets you vote on decisions, apply for grants, and earn rewards in BTC and RIF.
Stablecoin & Payments: RIF powers USDRIF, a stablecoin used for sending money and making payments.
Human-Friendly Wallets: RIF also powers RNS (RIF Name Service), which replaces long wallet addresses with easy usernames.
You can get RIF on major exchanges like Binance and use it on networks like Ethereum, Arbitrum, and Rootstock.
RootstockCollective DAO
This is a community-run group that helps grow Rootstock. People can stake stRIF to propose ideas and vote on them. Developers can earn rewards for building useful apps, and supporters can earn by backing good projects.
What You Can Build on Rootstock
Everything that exists in Ethereum’s DeFi world can now be built on Bitcoin using Rootstock, such as:
DEXs: Uniswap, SushiSwap
Lending/Borrowing: LayerBank
Cross-chain bridges: LiFi, Stargate
Stablecoins: USDRIF
Bitcoin users can now earn yield, lend, and join governance—all without selling their BTC.
How to Store RIF and rBTC
You can keep RIF and rBTC in popular wallets like MetaMask, Ledger, and Trezor.
Why Rootstock and RIF Matter
Bitcoin is no longer just for sending money. With Rootstock and RIF, anyone can build or use powerful DeFi apps on top of Bitcoin. It’s secure, developer-friendly, and full of potential.
Now’s the perfect time to get involved. Visit the Rootstock website or join their Discord to learn more and explore what’s possible with rBTC and RIF.
