Citrea Launches Bitcoin Zero-Knowledge Rollup Mainnet
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: 2h ago- Mainnet Launch: Citrea launched its Bitcoin zero-knowledge rollup mainnet on Tuesday, introducing BTC collateral lending, structured products, and ctUSD stablecoin, with expectations of achieving $50 million in DeFi liquidity within weeks, marking a significant advancement in decentralized finance.
- Stablecoin Issuance: ctUSD is issued by MoonPay with 1:1 backing from cash and short-term US Treasuries, allowing users to convert fiat directly into ctUSD through banking infrastructure, significantly reducing risks associated with bridge hacks and third-party wrapping protocols.
- Block Space Pressure: Bitcoin DeFi has surged from $304 million at the beginning of 2024 to over $7.1 billion by November 2025, increasing competition for block space and leading to higher transaction fees, with miner revenue increasingly reliant on fees rather than block rewards, potentially impacting network security.
- Community Divergence: Competing visions for Bitcoin's future are evident, with some advocating for simple value storage and transfer while others push for complex financial systems; Citrea's launch represents a new approach to expanding Bitcoin's capabilities without altering its base protocol.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
