RBTC vs. WRBTC: What are Wrapped Cryptocurrencies?

What is a Wrapped Token?

Wrapped cryptocurrencies or tokens are pegged to the value of another original crypto or assets like gold, stocks, shares, and real estate and put to work on the DeFi platforms.

They are a special type of ERC20 tokens, which typically prefix their token symbol with “W”. For example, RBTC is the native cryptocurrency on the RSK Blockchain and WRBTC is an ERC20 token that wraps RBTC. This not only enables the RBTC denominated DeFi activity on DeFi platforms (which standardise on the ERC20 standard), but also consequently enables it to be used on other blockchain networks.

The original asset is ‘wrapped’ into a digital vault, and a newly minted token is created to transact on other platforms. Wrapped tokens allow non-native assets to be used on any blockchain, build bridges between networks and implement interoperability in the cryptocurrency space.

How do they work?

The creator of the token, upon deployment usually creates the initial supply of the tokens (total number of tokens). This is known as a "mint" operation. In many ERC20 tokens that's all. But for some ERC20 tokens, the total supply needs to be increased or decreased after the initial deployment.

So the smart contract exposes a mint function, for increasing the total supply; and a burn function for decreasing the total supply. Of course they don't simply allow that to happen for no reason, usually a set of requirements must be met to use these functions, and these smart contract functions check for that.

In wrapped tokens, the wrap operation performs a mint. The holder transfers cryptocurrency to the smart contract, the smart contract mints the equivalent amount of tokens, and finally the smart contract transfers the tokens to the holder.

The unwrap operation does the reverse, and performs a burn. The holder transfers tokens to the smart contract, the smart contract burns the equivalent amount of tokens, and finally the smart contract transfers the cryptocurrency to the holder.

Difference between a wrapped vs an unwrapped token

Difference between BTC, RBTC, WRBTC, and WBTC

BTC is the native currency of the Bitcoin network.

RBTC is the native crypto currency of the RSK network. RBTC it is pegged 1 : 1 with BTC (1 RBTC = 1 BTC).

WRBTC is an ERC20 token that wraps RBTC. Both are on the same network, RSK. This is accomplished using a smart contract. See WRBTC on the RSK block explorer.

WBTC is an ERC20 token on the Ethereum network that is treated like wrapped BTC. However is not accomplished using smart contracts, and instead requires trust in an intermediary.

All four of these assets have equivalent value, they simply exist in different formats and on different blockchain networks.

Why use WRBTC?

Trade Directly with other Tokens

The reason you need WRBTC is to be able to trade RBTC for other ERC-20 tokens on decentralized platforms. Because decentralized platforms running on RSK use smart contracts to facilitate trades directly between users, every user needs to have the same standardized format for every token they trade. This ensures tokens don’t get lost in translation.

No wrapping is done

When you "wrap" RBTC, you are trading via a smart contract for a token of equal value called WRBTC. If you want to get native RBTC back you need to "unwrap" it, via the same smart contract.

Source: Think and Dev

Other Benefits of using wrapped tokens?

Faster

The RSK blockchain processes transactions faster than the Bitcoin network. With RBTC and WRBTC, it’s possible to use your BTC reserves on the RSK platform, conducting transactions faster.

Watch how to get RBTC using Sovryn and Liquality.

Promotes Interoperability

One reason for this is that ERC20 tokens all have a standard interface. The method to transfer ERC20 tokens is the same for any tokens that follow that standard.  Every blockchain is different and enforces its own standards, meaning many tokens cannot be used across other chains.  Wrapped tokens allow for non-native tokens to be used on other blockchains.

Increased Liquidity

There is only one cryptocurrency per blockchain network. RSK only has RBTC, Ethereum only has Ether.

However, DeFi protocols want to be able to trade and perform other operations using *multiple* tokens, not just one. Combine that with token bridges that enable tokens to cross from one blockchain network to another. Combine all of this together and you get the ability to have Wrapped RBTC, Wrapped Ether, RDOC, and rUSDT all available on a single DeFi platform, which is pretty amazing!

Wrapped tokens increase liquidity and capital efficiency for exchanges, as they offer their users with greater trading options.

Where to Get Wrapped RBTC (WRBTC)?

RBTC and WRBTC

To acquire wrapped RBTC, you can wrap your own RBTC by finding a WRBTC merchant such as RSKSwap. The merchant sends your BTC to a smart contract who mints the WRBTC wrapped token at a 1:1 ratio and stores your deposited BTC. When you want to redeem your WRBTC for bitcoin, the merchant will send a burn request to the custodian who will then destroy the WRBTC and return your RBTC back to you.

For the more technically savvy, you can even perform the exact operations described above by interacting directly with  the WRBTC smart contract.

BTC and RBTC

If you have BTC on the Bitcoin network, you may wish to convert it to RBTC on the RSK network. Watch this explainer video below or read about the RBTC Conversion on RSK Developers Portal.

For converting RBTC to BTC and vice versa, you can check out the guide here: RBTC Conversion or watch this explainer video below: