Hex Trust expands into Bitcoin DeFi with support for Stacks and sBTC
Hex Trust expands into Bitcoin DeFi
Hex Trust, a leading digital asset custodian based in Asia, has announced the integration of Stacks (STX) and sBTC into its platform, marking a strategic move into the growing Bitcoin DeFi ecosystem.
The addition provides institutional clients with secure, regulated access to decentralized finance protocols built on Bitcoin's emerging layer-2 infrastructure, according to Crypto News.
Stacks is a Bitcoin layer-2 solution designed to bring smart contracts and decentralized applications to the Bitcoin network. sBTC, a core component of this ecosystem, enables users to earn yield denominated in Bitcoin by participating in DeFi activities such as lending and yield farming—without sacrificing Bitcoin’s underlying security.
Institutional demand for Bitcoin yield grows
According to Giorgia Pellizzari, Head of Custody at Hex Trust, the move aligns with the firm’s mission to offer institutional investors compliant pathways into the evolving world of Bitcoin utility. “Hex Trust’s support for STX and sBTC empowers our clients with secure access to Bitcoin-native DeFi,” she said.
The expansion comes at a time when demand for Bitcoin-based products is accelerating across Asia and the United Arab Emirates, two of Hex Trust’s primary markets. Kyle Ellicott, Executive Director of the Stacks Asia Foundation, noted the importance of institutional-grade custody in supporting the ecosystem’s growth. “This strengthens the infrastructure for Bitcoin DeFi, both regionally and globally,” Ellicott said.
Unlike Ethereum and other smart contract platforms, Bitcoin lacks native yield-generating mechanisms. Protocols like Stacks and sBTC fill this gap by offering programmable layers that extend Bitcoin’s utility—drawing the attention of institutions seeking BTC-denominated returns without direct exposure to less established blockchain networks.
With this integration, Hex Trust continues to position itself at the forefront of regulated crypto finance in Asia.
Meanwhile, Artificial intelligence, meme coins, and RWA led the way, showcasing innovation and market adaptation. Other segments, such as L1, DePIN, and DeFi, also contributed significantly to the industry’s development, despite delivering comparatively moderate returns.
