Hex Trust Adds Stacks and sBTC as Bitcoin Layer-2 Adoption Grows

Hex Trust has expanded its digital asset offerings by adding support for Stacks (STX) and sBTC, signaling growing institutional interest in Bitcoin’s emerging layer-2 ecosystem. The move reflects a broader trend in the market, where Bitcoin-native DeFi infrastructure is gaining momentum, particularly among institutions looking to earn BTC-denominated yields while maintaining a secure and compliant exposure to the asset class.

With the integration of Stacks and its Bitcoin-pegged asset sBTC, Hex Trust enables clients to access a new dimension of yield generation through decentralized finance protocols that operate on top of Bitcoin. Unlike traditional staking mechanisms, which Bitcoin’s base layer does not support, sBTC allows users to earn passive returns via DeFi strategies such as lending, liquidity provisioning, and yield farming — all while staying anchored to Bitcoin’s core security principles.

Giorgia Pellizzari, Head of Custody at Hex Trust, noted that this expansion aligns with their long-standing goal of giving institutional investors trusted access to evolving blockchain ecosystems. “Hex Trust’s support for STX and sBTC aligns with our mission to empower institutional clients with secure, compliant access to Bitcoin’s evolving utility,” she said.

The timing of the announcement is strategic, as demand for Bitcoin-related financial products is rising in key markets like Asia and the UAE — regions where Hex Trust has established a strong presence. Kyle Ellicott, Executive Director of the Stacks Asia Foundation, emphasized the significance of this development in the broader Bitcoin DeFi narrative, pointing out that the integration will play a critical role in expanding Bitcoin’s programmability and usability across institutional channels.

“Infrastructure matters. Hex Trust’s expanded support strengthens the framework for Bitcoin DeFi not just in Asia, but globally,” Ellicott said. “Their support for sBTC and STX is an important step toward making Bitcoin more functional in a compliant and secure manner.”

While Bitcoin has traditionally served as a store of value, its use in decentralized finance has been limited due to the lack of native programmability. Stacks addresses this gap by enabling smart contracts on Bitcoin through a separate but connected layer, effectively extending Bitcoin’s utility while preserving its security and decentralization. sBTC acts as a Bitcoin-backed asset within this system, maintaining a 1:1 relationship with BTC while operating in smart contract environments.

For institutions, this offers a compelling blend of yield potential and regulatory peace of mind, especially when accessed through a custodian like Hex Trust, which provides secure asset management solutions that meet the compliance needs of large investors.

As the Bitcoin layer-2 narrative gains steam, particularly with projects like Stacks, Rootstock, and Babylon entering more mature phases, the addition of STX and sBTC to Hex Trust’s roster represents more than just new asset support—it signals a shift in how institutions are starting to view Bitcoin, not just as a passive asset, but as programmable capital.

This trend could pave the way for a new chapter in Bitcoin’s evolution, one that combines the network’s unmatched security with the functionality of DeFi—bridging the gap between traditional finance and the next wave of decentralized innovation.