Crypto Exchange Kraken Adds Bitcoin Staking Via Babylon as BTC Driven DeFi Picks Up

Crypto exchange Kraken has launched bitcoin BTC staking through a new integration with Babylon, as decentralized finance on BTC picks up.
Babylon is a Bitcoin-native protocol that enables BTC to secure proof-of-stake (PoS) networks without leaving the blockchain.
The service allows Kraken users to stake their bitcoin directly, locking it in a custodial vault on the native chain. The staked bitcoin is then delegated to PoS networks via Babylon, and rewards are paid in BABY, the token of Babylon Genesis, a bitcoin-secured Layer 1, Kraken said.
Bitcoin has historically been used as a store of value and a medium of exchange. The advent of novel security sharing protocols has made BTC staking a third native use case, bitcoin DeFi, for the world's largest cryptocurrency.
The Bitcoin network is "evolving into a broader decentralized finance ecosystem with the emergence of Bitcoin DeFi," Binance Research said in a report in March.
Only ~0.8% of the bitcoin supply is currently being used in DeFi, and this presents a large "untapped opportunity," the report said. Binance, the competing crypto exchange of Kraken, also offers a bitcoin staking opportunity on its platform through Babylon.
'With this launch, clients can earn a return on their BTC while also enabling emerging PoS blockchains to benefit from the economic weight of bitcoin in order to validate transactions and bolster the security of their networks,' said Kraken's Global Head of Consumer, Mark Greenberg, in the release.
The mechanism is fully on-chain, with staking governed by Bitcoin scripts and cryptographic safeguards to deter malicious behavior.
Users can unstake at any time, with around a 7-day unbonding period.
The crypto exchange first introduced custodial staking in 2019. The bitcoin staking feature is now available across all Kraken platforms.

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Digital Trends

25 minutes ago

• Digital Trends

LG 2025 TV buying guide: New lineup and models explained

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25 minutes ago

• Fast Company

Kirkland's Home is closing dozens of stores in new rebrand, adding to list of retailers shutting locations in 2025

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Forbes

27 minutes ago

• Forbes

Strengthen Your Executive Presence And Influence With These Questions

Exuding executive presence involves an interplay between internal confidence and outward ... More self-mastery and expression Over the years, one theme has surfaced time and again in my work with high-achieving professionals—especially those navigating mid- to senior-level roles. No matter how accomplished they are, many wrestle with a persistent question: Do I truly have what it takes—including strong executive presence—to lead at the highest levels? This question came up in a recent coaching session with a talented professional—let's call her Rebecca. Despite a strong track record, consistent praise from senior leaders, and years of excellent performance reviews, she found herself feeling out of place when presenting to executives. She feared being caught off guard. Her heart would race, her breath would shorten, and her confidence would falter—all before she'd even entered the room. 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When I asked Rebecca what 'executive presence' meant to her, she said, 'Some people just walk into the room and everyone pays attention. They speak with ease. They seem like they belong.' Her impression wasn't based on specific behaviors—it was based on energy, confidence, and perception. The problem? If we can't define executive presence, we can't develop it intentionally. From my experience in both corporate leadership and coaching, I define executive presence as a powerful combination of inner confidence and outward expression—how you carry your knowledge, how you engage with others, and how you project credibility and calm under pressure. While executive presence can look different depending on industry and role, here are the foundational traits I see across leaders who command a room and inspire confidence: Confidence – Speaking and acting in ways that convey belief in your value, ideas, and – Trusting your expertise and owning your space as a decision-maker and thought communication – Using language that is clear, collaborative, and inclusive—without diminishing your contribution – Being willing to offer new ideas, challenge the norm, and take creative under stress – Managing your emotional responses, even in high-stakes mindset – Seeing yourself not only as a contributor but as someone who uplifts and advances mastery – Handling feedback, resistance, and interpersonal conflict with resilience and clarity. Back to Rebecca—what we uncovered wasn't a lack of skill, but a deeper fear: 'Do I deserve to be here?' She recalled seeing one female executive in a recent meeting who seemed to exude presence. 'She didn't say that much,' Rebecca told me, 'but she seemed completely at ease. Everyone deferred to her. It was like she didn't have to prove anything.' This perception wasn't just about how that leader showed up—it was about how Rebecca saw herself in comparison. Too often, high performers internalize subtle workplace messages that suggest they're 'not quite ready,' even when they're delivering exceptional work. Ambiguous feedback, bias, and lack of mentorship can deepen this feeling. Over time, these conditions lead to a persistent sense of being on the outside looking in—even when you're already at the table. And in some organizations, this perception isn't an illusion—there may be real barriers preventing your growth or recognition. In those cases, it's worth asking: Is this culture one that supports and elevates the kind of leader I aspire to be? If you've ever wondered whether you truly have the presence and credibility to lead, these questions can help you assess your current strengths and illuminate areas for growth: 1. Do I have deep knowledge and mastery of my area of responsibility? Can I speak to the key drivers, risks, and opportunities within my domain with clarity and insight? 2. Am I trusted to make strategic contributions that shape outcomes and drive progress? Do others rely on me for perspective, influence, and initiative? 3. Do I actively share ideas, offer solutions, and challenge outdated thinking—even when it feels uncomfortable? 4. Do I receive feedback that affirms my impact and the value I bring to teams and leadership discussions? Is this feedback consistent with my own self-perception—or is there a disconnect? 5. When under pressure or in high-stakes environments, do I stay grounded and communicate with poise? 6. Do I believe I belong in rooms where decisions are made—and act accordingly? 7. If I doubt myself, is that based only on internal fears and outdated beliefs, or in actual performance gaps? If you can answer 'yes' to most of these questions, it's time to release the doubt and step fully into your influence. Your presence isn't about being perfect—it's about being present, prepared, and aligned with your values. If you answered 'no' to any, that's not a failure. It's a roadmap. These are the areas where you can grow—through mentorship, coaching, skill-building, or new experiences. Executive presence isn't reserved for the few—it's developed over time through self-awareness, intentional practice, and a deep commitment to personal leadership. And if you're doing the work but are still being overlooked or undervalued, it may be time to find an organization that recognizes your contributions and invests in your future. In the end, executive presence is not just how others see you. It's how you see yourself—and how powerfully and self-assuredly you choose to show up, speak up, and lead. Kathy Caprino is a career and leadership coach, author, executive trainer and podcaster supporting professional advancement and success.