Build on Bitcoin (BOB) has announced a major upgrade, integrating zero-knowledge (ZK) fraud proofs to enhance decentralization and prepare for broader DeFi adoption on Bitcoin. This move places BOB closer to meeting key benchmarks on L2Beat, the respected tracker of Layer-2 network maturity.
ZK Fraud Proofs: Speed and Security Combined
BOB uses an optimistic rollup structure, but instead of relying on traditional time-consuming fraud challenges, the platform now utilizes ZK fraud proofs. This enhancement enables faster and more secure dispute resolution — cutting delays from days to minutes.
The shift is designed to lower friction, increase accessibility, and lay the foundation for trust-minimized, Ethereum-style DeFi directly on the Bitcoin network.

L2Beat Milestone: Stage 0 Achieved
According to co-founder Alexei Zamyatin, BOB has now entered Stage 0 on L2Beat’s decentralization scale, joining 24 other Layer-2 projects. This opens the door for BOB to reach Stage 1 and Stage 2, pending final updates such as adding a security council and delaying direct code changes to protect the network.
“The Kailua upgrade solves the biggest challenge of reaching stages 1 and 2 — having a functioning proof system, which gives BOB full Ethereum security,” Zamyatin said.
Only two protocols — ZK.Money v1 and Honeypot PRT — have so far reached Stage 2 on L2Beat, making BOB’s progress notable.
https://cointelegraph.com/news/bob-zk-fraud-proofs-bitcoin-defi-l2beat
ZK Verification on Bitcoin Now Possible
Beyond rollup decentralization, the zk upgrade unlocks on-chain ZK verification for Bitcoin itself. Using BitVM, a framework that allows smart contract logic on Bitcoin, the same validity proofs on BOB can now be verified directly on Bitcoin’s mainnet.
This innovation sets the stage for a Bitcoin-secured bridge, potentially transforming BOB into a true gateway to Bitcoin-native DeFi — anchored entirely in Bitcoin’s security model.
Outlook: Bitcoin DeFi Powered by ZK-Tech
With ZK-proofs, BitVM integration, and a fast track through L2Beat’s decentralization ladder, Build on Bitcoin is positioning itself as a foundational player in bringing scalable DeFi to Bitcoin.
If successful, BOB could help Bitcoin compete with Ethereum’s robust DeFi ecosystem — without compromising decentralization or network integrity.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.