Zest Protocol unveils mainnet demo for BTC-backed lending

Bitcoin-backed lending protocol Zest Protocol announced the release of a mainnet demo for its Bitcoin-collateralized vault. Users can deposit native BTC into a Bitcoin Layer 1 vault and borrow USDC on Ethereum against that collateral. The BTC remains on the Bitcoin network without wrapping or bridging, and the vault is structured for users to manage directly. With the launch, Zest Protocol said it is positioning the project as "Bitcoin's Capital Layer."