Update
Stacks Leads Bitcoin Layers in Q3 DeFi TVL
Stacks has taken the lead in Bitcoin layers for the third quarter of 2026, with a DeFi total value locked (TVL) of $88.9 million. This surpasses its direct rivals, Rootstock and Mezo, which had TVLs of $83.2 million and $77.3 million respectively. Stacks also outperformed in app fees, collecting $448,000 in quarterly fees, more than double what Hemi generated with $208,000. The upgrade to Bitcoin Staking through the PoX-5 hard fork in July 2026 played a significant role in Stacks' success, increasing participation in the native token and introducing staking for staked Bitcoin. By September 30, 2026, lending made up 92.1% of total DeFi TVL on the network, with Zest Protocol holding the dominant share of locked value at $122 million.