Inside Core DAO: A Look at Key Developments in July 2025 | BSCN (fka BSC News)

Core DAO, a blockchain platform specializing in Bitcoin decentralized finance (BTCfi), shared a series of updates throughout July 2025. These included the deployment of new decentralized applications (dApps), enhancements to liquidity protocols, integrations with stablecoins, and revisions to user incentive programs

The developments were designed to improve functionalities such as yield generation, leveraged trading, and institutional participation within the Core network. As a layer-1 blockchain, Core DAO leverages Bitcoin's security model through non-custodial staking, allowing users to stake Bitcoin assets directly while retaining control. This approach facilitates the creation of liquid staking tokens (LSTs) that can be utilized in various Decentralized Finance (DeFi) activities

The July announcements reflect ongoing efforts to expand the BTCfi ecosystem, incorporating elements like Real-World Assets (RWAs) for on-chain investments and perpetual trading mechanisms for derivatives. With partnerships involving entities such as VanEck and State Street, these updates also emphasize regulatory compliance and institutional-grade custody to attract larger-scale investors

Overall, the month's activities highlight Core DAO's focus on bridging traditional Bitcoin holdings with advanced DeFi tools, including delta-neutral strategies for risk management and automated yield optimization.

Overview of Core DAO's BTCfi Ecosystem

Core DAO operates as a layer-1 blockchain that integrates Bitcoin's security through non-custodial staking mechanisms. This allows Bitcoin holders to stake their assets without transferring custody, earning yields while maintaining control. In July 2025, the network emphasized BTCfi, which refers to DeFi protocols built around Bitcoin as the primary asset. Key concepts in this space include liquid staking tokens (LSTs), which represent staked Bitcoin and enable further use in DeFi, and perpetual decentralized exchanges (DEXs) for leveraged trading.

The month's activities built on Core's dual staking model, where users stake Bitcoin or the native CORE token to secure the network and earn rewards

Here’s a rundown of what the platform has been up to in the past month

Major dApp Launches and Protocol Upgrades

Core DAO recently announced a bi-weekly X Spaces series called "Core SZN," which will start with a discussion on recent dApp launches and future plans. Simultaneously, the network spotlighted RWAs through ASX Capital, offering an 8.5% annual percentage rate (APR) on an apartment investment. Additionally, Volta Market was promoted for its leverage engine, supporting up to 250x trading and Bitcoin-denominated yields.

The full launch of Volta Market occurred on July 30, as a perpetuals DEX on Core. The protocol’s entry enables no-expiry trades across Core, Bitcoin, and stablecoins, with a liquidity provider vault (VLP) that earns from trading fees and trader losses. This launch coincided with the introduction of the bi-weekly X Spaces series.

On July 29, Core DAO ended its Ignition incentive program and transitioned to "Core Missions," a system designed for user onboarding. This includes early access to dApps, token generation event (TGE) campaigns, and guided interactions with protocols. Sparks earned from Ignition will be redeemable for stCORE, a staked version of the CORE token. The same day, an upgrade to Bitcoin yield went live on Maple Finance, offering up to 6% APY with zero lending or slashing risk, targeting accredited investors

Developer Growth and Metrics

Developer activity on Core DAO saw significant increases. The network experienced a 600% year-over-year growth in developers, with over 250 active builders, ranking second in BTCfi developer count. This metric underscores the platform's appeal for building BTCfi applications, where developers create protocols for lending, borrowing, and trading using Bitcoin as collateral.

User and transaction metrics also rose. On July 22, Core reported 1.04 million unique active wallets, representing a 72.89% increase, and 1.4 million transactions, a 38.72% increase from the previous week.

Stablecoin and Liquidity Integrations

Native stablecoin liquidity became available on July 26, improving onboarding speed and volume through trusted partners and institutional-grade collateral AUSD was launched as a fully collateralized stablecoin managed by VanEck and custodied by State Street. It has processed over $10 billion in transfer volume and enables DEX trading, lending, liquidity pools, and Bitcoin borrowing strategies on Core. This positions Core as the first chain to unify trustless Bitcoin yield with native stablecoin infrastructure.

Another significant integration was highlighted, with Molten DEX being Core's native liquidity engine for Bitcoin-backed swaps, yield vaults, and deep liquidity. The DEX launched as a "Super DEX," merging Glyph Exchange and BitFlux for low-slippage swaps across Bitcoin wrappers, LSTs, and stablecoins, serving as a BTCfi liquidity hub

Additionally, the CORE token was listed on Bitso, Latin America's largest cryptocurrency exchange, expanding accessibility

Additional Protocols and Accelerator Programs

VaultLayer launched on Core, combining DeFi with artificial intelligence (DeFAI) for self-custodial Bitcoin staking, automated yield, and liquidity management. Most importantly, the BTCfi accelerator by Core Ventures was announced, a 14-week program offering up to $100,000 in funding and mentorship for BTCfi builders.

Conclusion

Core DAO's efforts in July 2025 underscore its position as a contributor to the blockchain sector. Through consistent protocol deployments and ecosystem expansions, the network has demonstrated growth in developer participation, with a 600% year-over-year increase and over 250 active builders, securing a second-place ranking in BTCfi developer counts according to Electric Capital data

User engagement metrics continue to show progress, reaching 1.04 million unique active wallets and 1.4 million transactions in a single week. Partnerships with entities like VanEck, State Street, and Maple Finance highlight capabilities in institutional custody and compliance, while non-custodial staking mechanisms support secure yield generation for Bitcoin holders. These elements collectively affirm Core DAO's role in advancing DeFi infrastructure tied to Bitcoin's security model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the key launches by Core DAO in July 2025?

Core DAO launched Volta Market for perpetual trading, AUSD stablecoin for on-chain activities, Molten DEX for liquidity, VaultLayer for DeFAI staking, and Bitfi for CeDeFi yields, alongside upgrades to Bitcoin yield on Maple Finance.

How does Core DAO support Bitcoin DeFi?

Core DAO utilizes non-custodial staking to secure the network, enabling Bitcoin holders to earn yields without relinquishing custody. It integrates LSTs, such as lstBTC, and protocols for trading, lending, and RWAs, with institutional partners for compliance.

What is the Core Missions program?

Core Missions is a user onboarding system replacing the Ignition program, offering early dApp access, TGE campaigns, and guided protocol interactions. Sparks from Ignition are redeemable for stCORE

Sources:

• Core DAO Official X Account -
• CoreDAO: What is BTCFi -
• Core DAO website: