Xverse Launches Bitcoin Self-Custody Staking Service, Assets Remain on Bitcoin Mainnet Throughout

September 8 news, according to CryptoBriefing, Bitcoin wallet Xverse has launched a joint Bitcoin staking service, allowing users to pair sBTC with STX tokens to participate in the Stacks PoX-5 lock-up cycle. During staking, Bitcoin remains on the Bitcoin mainnet and under user self-control at all times, with no cross-chain or wrapping required. This feature requires upgrading to Xverse v2.9 wallet. Registration closes on September 9 or earlier if quota is exhausted, with staking rewards expected to be distributed starting September 10 (Bitcoin block 966350, corresponding to Stacks cycle 143). Institutions including UTXO (a Nakamoto Inc. subsidiary), HashKey Cloud, and 21shares have joined as anchor participants. Previously, Xverse had managed approximately 152 million STX in non-custodial staking.