Xverse has launched a pooled Bitcoin staking service that allows users to earn BTC-denominated yields while maintaining self-custody of their assets. The product went live on September 7, 2026, with rewards scheduled to begin around September 10 at Bitcoin block 966,350, aligning with Stacks reward cycle 143.
The mechanism utilizes sBTC on the Stacks network. Participants pair sBTC with STX tokens during the PoX-5 bond period to generate yields. The company emphasizes that the underlying Bitcoin remains on Layer 1 under the user's control throughout the process, eliminating the need for traditional wrapping or bridging.
The staking feature is included in Xverse version 2.9. Initial anchor participants for the pool include UTXO, a subsidiary of Nakamoto Inc., as well as HashKey Cloud and 21shares. Xverse previously managed a non-custodial STX stacking pool with holdings reaching approximately 152 million STX.
The company views Bitcoin yield generation as a strategic priority, having previously introduced WBTC staking on Starknet earlier in 2026. Xverse notes that the requirement to hold and bond STX tokens to participate in the new pool creates demand for the token alongside Bitcoin capital inflows.
