MEXC has announced the first-ever listing of ckBTC, a Bitcoin-backed token built on the Internet Computer, with zero-fee trading on the ckBTC/BTC pair starting 12 January 2026 at 14:00 UTC. The token mirrors Bitcoin on a 1:1 basis while offering faster and cheaper transfers within the ICP ecosystem.
ckBTC leverages advanced chain-key cryptography to enable trustless, bridge-free Bitcoin integration. Transfers settle with finality in just 0.6 seconds and at near-zero cost, and the token can be sent both to other ICP addresses and directly to traditional Bitcoin wallets. This design aims to overcome the delays and costs often associated with conventional bridge solutions, making Bitcoin more usable within decentralised applications on the Internet Computer.
The listing has sparked a wave of interest within the ICP community. Supporters point to the security advantages of a trustless system and highlight the potential for ckBTC to increase liquidity across the ecosystem. Many view it as a milestone for on-chain Bitcoin adoption, signalling that high-value assets can move efficiently without compromising safety or decentralisation. Community engagement around the announcement has been strong, with users praising the speed, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of the token.
Industry observers note that this launch could have wider implications for DeFi on ICP. By providing a Bitcoin-backed token that functions seamlessly on the network, ckBTC could attract both retail and institutional users who have been hesitant to interact with bridge-dependent solutions. Analysts suggest that easier Bitcoin integration may also encourage the development of more sophisticated DeFi products and liquidity pools within the ICP ecosystem.
The zero-fee trading offer on MEXC’s ckBTC/BTC pair is likely to further accelerate adoption. For traders, it removes a common barrier to entry while giving an incentive to experiment with the token on both centralised and decentralised platforms. Meanwhile, the interoperability of ckBTC with traditional Bitcoin addresses could position ICP as a hub for fast, low-cost Bitcoin movement beyond the limits of conventional networks.
By combining Bitcoin’s market recognition with ICP’s high-speed, low-cost infrastructure, ckBTC represents a convergence of legacy and emerging blockchain technology. MEXC’s listing is the first step in making that vision accessible to a broader audience, signalling growing confidence in ICP’s capacity to host complex financial activity securely and efficiently.
As the ecosystem continues to evolve, ckBTC’s debut on a major exchange may be a bellwether for further listings and integration opportunities, and it underscores the growing ambition of Internet Computer projects to offer real-world utility while maintaining decentralised principles.
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