The world of blockchain innovation continues to evolve at a rapid pace, and Bitcoin’s ecosystem is no exception. In a groundbreaking move, OKX has unveiled a proposal for BRC-30, an open-source token standard designed to unlock new utility within the Bitcoin network. This innovative protocol aims to enable staking for both BRC-20 tokens and Bitcoin (BTC), offering users a novel way to generate passive income directly from their digital holdings.
With BRC-30, OKX Wallet users will soon be able to stake their BRC-20 tokens or even native Bitcoin to earn newly minted BRC-30 tokens as rewards. This marks one of the first industry attempts to bring staking capabilities natively to the Bitcoin ecosystem — a feature long associated with proof-of-stake blockchains but historically absent from Bitcoin’s proof-of-work model.
What Is BRC-30?
BRC-30 is an experimental, community-driven token standard proposed by OKX that builds upon the foundations of the existing BRC-20 standard. While BRC-20 introduced fungible tokens on Bitcoin via Ordinals, it lacked mechanisms for yield generation or advanced smart contract functionality. BRC-30 aims to bridge this gap by introducing staking capabilities through a transparent and open-source framework.
Developers across the Web3 space are invited to review, contribute to, and build on the protocol, reinforcing its decentralized nature. The goal is not only to enhance user utility but also to encourage broader participation in Bitcoin’s expanding ecosystem.
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How Does BRC-30 Staking Work?
Under the proposed BRC-30 framework, users can lock up their BRC-20 tokens or BTC in designated staking pools. In return, they receive BRC-30 tokens as yield over time. These rewards are distributed algorithmically based on factors such as stake size and duration, ensuring fairness and transparency.
Unlike traditional proof-of-stake systems, BRC-30 does not require validators or changes to Bitcoin’s core consensus mechanism. Instead, it operates as a layer-2 solution leveraging smart contract-like logic implemented off-chain while maintaining on-chain transparency through Bitcoin’s immutable ledger.
This approach allows users to retain full custody of their assets while participating in staking — a critical feature for security-conscious investors who value decentralization and control.
Expanding Passive Income Opportunities in Web3
Passive income has become a cornerstone of modern crypto investing. From liquidity mining to yield farming, users increasingly expect their digital assets to work for them. However, until now, Bitcoin holders have had limited options beyond holding or trading.
The introduction of BRC-30 changes this dynamic by allowing even long-term BTC holders to earn rewards without selling their positions. By integrating support for BRC-30 into OKX Wallet, users gain seamless access to staking opportunities across multiple chains, all within a secure, non-custodial environment.
This complements OKX’s existing suite of curated DeFi earning products available through Web3 Earn, further solidifying its position as a leader in user-centric blockchain innovation.
OKX’s Commitment to Bitcoin Innovation
OKX has long been a champion of Bitcoin adoption and development. Over two years ago, it became one of the first major exchanges to integrate the Lightning Network, significantly improving BTC’s scalability and transaction speed. More recently, OKX Wallet launched the Ordinals Marketplace, making it the first multi-chain wallet to support BRC-20 trading, as well as the viewing and transfer of Bitcoin Ordinals.
Jason Lau, Chief Innovation Officer at OKX, emphasized the company’s vision:
"We're thrilled to have proposed and pioneered the BRC-30 standard to enable Bitcoin and BRC-20 token staking. With the OKX Wallet soon to incorporate BRC-30 support, users will be able to access bitcoin staking and earn opportunities across multiple-chains. With the Bitcoin ecosystem seeing an explosion of new development, we're proud to work with developers and projects across the community to contribute to the growth of the wider ecosystem."
This forward-thinking approach underscores OKX’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on Bitcoin — not just as digital gold, but as a platform for financial innovation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between BRC-20 and BRC-30?
BRC-20 is a token standard that enables the creation of fungible tokens on the Bitcoin blockchain using Ordinals. It supports basic functionalities like minting and transferring tokens. In contrast, BRC-30 extends this functionality by introducing staking mechanisms, allowing users to earn passive income from their BRC-20 tokens or BTC.
Can I stake native Bitcoin (BTC) directly with BRC-30?
Yes — one of the key innovations of BRC-30 is its ability to allow staking of native BTC alongside BRC-20 tokens. This is achieved through secure, non-custodial protocols that maintain user ownership while enabling yield generation.
Is BRC-30 safe and decentralized?
The BRC-30 protocol is fully open-source and designed with decentralization in mind. It does not rely on centralized custodians or intermediaries. Users retain full control of their private keys and assets at all times during the staking process.
Will BRC-30 work on other wallets besides OKX Wallet?
While OKX Wallet will be among the first to support BRC-30, the protocol is publicly available for any developer or wallet provider to implement. Its open-source nature encourages widespread adoption across the ecosystem.
How are BRC-30 rewards calculated?
Rewards are distributed algorithmically based on staking duration, amount staked, and overall network participation. Specific details may vary depending on individual staking pools or implementations built on top of the standard.
When will BRC-30 staking be available?
Support for BRC-30 is expected to roll out in OKX Wallet in the near future. Users are encouraged to stay updated via official channels for launch timelines and integration details.
The Future of Bitcoin-Based Yield
The proposal of BRC-30 signals a pivotal shift in how we perceive Bitcoin’s role in decentralized finance. No longer limited to peer-to-peer transactions or store-of-value use cases, BTC and its ecosystem are evolving into platforms capable of supporting complex financial primitives — including staking and yield generation.
As developer interest in Bitcoin Ordinals and inscriptions grows, standards like BRC-30 could pave the way for broader DeFi integration, NFT utility, and cross-chain interoperability — all while preserving Bitcoin’s core principles of security and decentralization.
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Final Thoughts
OKX’s introduction of the BRC-30 token standard represents a bold step toward democratizing access to yield-generating opportunities within the Bitcoin ecosystem. By combining innovation with openness, it empowers both users and developers to explore new frontiers in digital asset utilization.
As the lines between Bitcoin, DeFi, and Web3 continue to blur, initiatives like BRC-30 highlight the importance of continuous evolution — not just in technology, but in mindset. The future of finance isn’t just about holding assets; it’s about making them work smarter.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. Cryptocurrencies involve significant risk, including price volatility and potential loss of capital. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified professional before making financial decisions.