The Bitcoin layer-2 network has moved thousands of BTC through its proof-of-transfer mechanism while attracting institutional backing from major exchangesStacks, the Bitcoin layer-2 protocol that enables smart contracts on top of the world’s largest blockchain, has been highlighted by Bitfinex as a leading protocol in terms of actual Bitcoin usage. The recognition comes amid a broader push by the exchange to deepen its involvement in the Bitcoin layer-2 ecosystem. Why Bitfinex went deeper than a token listingAs a network signer, Bitfinex contributes exchange-grade liquidity to the Stacks network and participates in its operational security. This requires ongoing infrastructure commitments and signals that Bitfinex views Bitcoin layer-2 solutions as strategically important to the exchange’s future. The broader Bitcoin layer-2 landscapeThe 5,000-plus BTC sitting in sBTC deposits represents genuine demand for using Bitcoin in decentralized finance applications.