According to @richrines, lstBTC aims to transform Bitcoin from an idle asset into a liquid, yield-bearing collateral, as discussed at Token2049 (source: https://twitter.com/richrines/status/1921995194880135610). This innovation is designed to improve capital efficiency for traders and enable the development of structured financial products in the crypto market. For active crypto traders, lstBTC creates new opportunities for yield generation and leverage, potentially increasing Bitcoin’s utility as collateral across DeFi platforms and trading protocols.

According to Milk Road, BTC-backed loans allow traders to access cash without selling their Bitcoin holdings. By depositing BTC, traders receive fiat or stablecoins, which can then be used for further trading opportunities. Typically, these loans operate on a 50% loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. For instance, to borrow $10k, a trader must deposit $20k in BTC. However, if Bitcoin's value drops by 30% to $14k, the collateral value could decrease significantly, triggering potential margin calls. This scenario necessitates careful risk management and monitoring of Bitcoin price trends to avoid liquidation.