Announcement: Discontinuation of BitVM Bridge Service

Dear Users,

To continuously enhance the security and user experience of cross-chain bridging, we have decided to undertake a comprehensive architectural upgrade of BitVM Bridge. During this process, the existing BitVM Bridge service will be discontinued. We understand this decision impacts our users and brokers, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth and orderly transition. Please read the following details carefully.

1. Bridge-In (Cross-In) — Stopped Immediately

Effective May 28, 2026, the bridge-in function has been disabled. No new BTC-to-YBTC bridging transactions will be accepted.

2. Bridge-Out (Cross-Out) — Grace Period Until June 3, 2026

Users holding YBTC may bridge out their assets back to BTC until June 3, 2026. After this date, the bridge-out function will also be disabled. We strongly encourage all YBTC holders to complete their bridge-out operations before the deadline.

3. Website Status

The bridge website will remain accessible for informational purposes, but all operational functions (bridge-in, bridge-out, and related services) will be disabled following the dates above.

4. Broker Liquidity Fund Handling

Due to the inherent design of the BitVM Bridge protocol, standard broker fund withdrawal is a batched, multi-cycle process that would result in unacceptable delays during a service shutdown. To ensure brokers receive their funds in a timely manner, the Security Council will execute a direct fund withdrawal based on the service discontinuation. The corresponding YBTC will be burned directly on the Ethereum chain, ensuring full accounting integrity and a clean 1:1 reconciliation of all outstanding YBTC against the underlying BTC reserves.

5. Remaining Small Balances — OTC Redemption

After the service has been fully shut down, users who still hold small amounts of YBTC may contact our team for OTC (over-the-counter) redemption. Please reach out via Telegram (@Yixin_W) with your wallet address and balance details.

Timeline

• May 28, 2026 — Bridge-in disabled
• June 3, 2026 — Bridge-out grace period ends
• June 3, 2026 — All bridge functions disabled; broker fund settlement via Security Council
• Ongoing — OTC redemption for remaining small balances

What You Should Do Now

• If you hold YBTC, bridge out before June 3, 2026.
• If you are a broker, no action is required — your liquidity funds will be returned via the Security Council settlement process.
• If you have questions, please contact us via Telegram (@Yixin_W).

Should you have any questions or require assistance, please contact the official Bitlayer community. Our team will be ready to support you.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

The Bitlayer Team