Hey there, crypto enthusiasts! If you're keeping an eye on the evolving world of blockchain and DeFi, you've probably heard of Core DAO. It's this innovative project that's all about blending Bitcoin's security with Ethereum's smart contract capabilities through an EVM-compatible chain. Recently, BSC News dropped a fresh update on Core DAO's progress, and it's packed with exciting news on partnerships, tech launches, and some seriously impressive growth numbers. Let's break it down in a way that's easy to follow, even if you're not a total blockchain wizard.

First off, Core DAO is making big moves in the institutional space. They kicked things off with a partnership with Hex Trust on August 20, 2025. Hex Trust is a major player in digital asset custody, especially in regions like Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and North Africa. This collab lets institutions stake Bitcoin and CORE tokens directly through their custody systems, earning around a 5% annual yield without handing over control of their assets. It's all about non-custodial staking, which means you keep your keys and your security—super important for big players worried about compliance and risks.

Not stopping there, on August 21, P2P.org jumped in as a validator for the Core network. Validators are like the backbone of a blockchain, helping process transactions and keep things decentralized. P2P.org brings enterprise-level tech to the table, boosting the network's reliability and speed. Then there's BitGo, another custody giant, who's been using Core for Bitcoin yields. A case study in Core's newsletter shows how BitGo's setup allows for secure, compliant staking without custody hassles.

Shifting gears to tech stuff, Core DAO has rolled out some cool new tools and protocols. For starters, their app is now live on Ledger hardware wallets. If you're into keeping your crypto super safe, Ledger is a go-to. This integration lets you lock up Bitcoin and stake CORE tokens right from your hardware wallet, snagging that 5% yield with top-notch protection.

On the DeFi front, there's Vault Layer's new paper on AI-driven agents. These are basically smart bots that automate staking and token swaps on platforms like Molten DEX. No more manual fiddling—AI handles the heavy lifting for better efficiency. Then we've got BITS Financial, a hub for Bitcoin yields where you deposit funds, get BITS tokens, pick a strategy, and watch the earnings roll in, all under strict compliance rules.

Colend is amping up yields too, offering over 40% APY on stCORE (that's staked CORE) via a subscription model, plus 30% on USDT and 17% on SolvBTC.b—a Bitcoin-backed token. Molten Finance is all about yield farming without the usual lockups or risky contracts, making it more accessible and secure. ASX Capital launched an NFT for on-chain real estate investing on August 21. For just $10 a pop (with 5,000 available), you get 8.5% APR in monthly dividends via ASX tokens, plus potential gains from property value ups.

And don't forget lstBTC, a liquid staking token for Bitcoin managed by Maple Finance and custodied by pros like BitGo and CopperHQ. It lets you stake BTC but keep it liquid for DeFi plays, which is a game-changer for liquidity.

Now, let's talk numbers because who doesn't love some solid metrics? According to Messari's Q2 report, Core's staked value hit $706 million in Bitcoin and CORE tokens—a 30% jump from the previous quarter. About 60% of Bitcoin stakers are also diving into CORE staking. DEX volumes? Up 132% thanks to the Theseus Hardfork, which added fee sharing and smart contract features.

In the last 30 days up to August 12, Core topped Bitcoin-aligned chains with 9.8 million transactions, 601,800 active wallets, and over 846,000 transactions processed. Gaming on Core is blowing up too—dApp activity surged over 370%. Projects like Pixudi (198,600 unique wallets) and World of Dypians (over 243,000 users) are drawing in retail folks beyond just finance.

Since the Rev+ program launched, nearly 10 new protocols have hit the network. There's even talk of "Core SZN," hinting at Bitcoin evolving into a yield-bearing asset, which could spark more innovation.

All this points to Core DAO carving out a strong spot in the crypto world, especially for those interested in Bitcoin DeFi (often called BTCfi). If you're a blockchain practitioner or just curious about meme tokens and beyond, keeping tabs on projects like Core can give you insights into broader trends. For the full scoop, check out the original update on BSC News.

Stay tuned for more breakdowns here at Meme Insider, where we dive into the wild world of memes, tokens, and tech to help you level up your crypto game!