The Stacks ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly as it builds a powerful Bitcoin-aligned smart contract layer. With the launch of Dual Stacking, Stacks introduces one of its most notable protocol improvements to date: a mechanism designed to boost decentralization, improve capital efficiency, and strengthen user participation in securing the network.
At Chorus One, we are pleased to support this upgrade and help institutions and delegators tap into Stacks’ growing ecosystem with the same reliability and operational excellence we bring to all Proof-of-Stake networks.
Dual Stacking is a new mechanism that allows the Stacks network to operate with two simultaneous consensus roles:
In other words, instead of relying solely on STX to secure the network, Stacks introduces a dual-asset participation model where STX and sBTC both play distinct but complementary roles.
This ensures that economic security grows alongside real Bitcoin liquidity entering the ecosystem, aligning incentives more closely with the long-term vision of Bitcoin-anchored smart contracts.
Dual Stacking strengthens the Stacks network by distributing security across two asset types. Instead of relying solely on STX participation, the blockchain now benefits from users who contribute sBTC as well. This approach ties the network’s growth directly to the presence of real Bitcoin liquidity, making the underlying security more resilient and more aligned with Stacks’ long-term vision.
This upgrade offers a more flexible pathway for participation. STX holders can continue stacking as before, locking their tokens to earn BTC rewards contributed by miners. Meanwhile, sBTC holders, who may prefer exposure to Bitcoin rather than STX, gain an entirely new way to contribute to the network’s economic security. This flexibility broadens the potential user base and makes room for different treasury strategies, especially for institutions managing diversified portfolios.
One of the most compelling aspects of Dual Stacking is that it allows participants to keep their assets productive without forcing them into a single asset class. STX holders can continue earning BTC, while sBTC holders can contribute security using a Bitcoin-pegged asset that they may already hold for other purposes. This dual-path approach improves capital efficiency without compromising decentralization or the economic guarantees of the network.
With sBTC becoming a core component of network security, Stacks deepens its commitment to being a true Bitcoin Layer. By allowing a BTC-pegged asset to participate directly in consensus economics, the network becomes even more intertwined with the Bitcoin ecosystem, both technologically and financially.
In practice, Dual Stacking operates through two parallel participation tracks that both contribute to the same consensus process. STX holders lock their tokens in a familiar stacking cycle and earn Bitcoin rewards, just as they do today. Meanwhile, sBTC holders lock their sBTC for a defined period, contributing to network security through a separate mechanism designed specifically for Bitcoin-pegged collateral.
Although the two tracks function differently, they both reinforce the same underlying network guarantees. They also expand the validator and operator environment, creating new responsibilities and opportunities for infrastructure providers like Chorus One.
Chorus One is proud to support Stacks through this transition and help institutions and token holders navigate the opportunities it creates. Our infrastructure is built to meet the demands of high-performance, high-availability networks, and our experience across more than 40 Proof-of-Stake ecosystems positions us to deliver reliable, secure operations for STX stacking, and future Dual Stacking pathways as they become available.
We bring ISO 27001-certified and SOC2 compliant security practices, research expertise, and dedicated institutional support to ensure that participants can engage in Stacks with confidence and clarity.
Dual Stacking marks a milestone for the Stacks ecosystem, introducing a dual-asset model that enhances security, increases flexibility, and directly aligns the network with Bitcoin’s economic gravity. The update creates new opportunities for participants, improves capital efficiency, and positions Stacks for the next phase of growth as a Bitcoin-native smart contract layer.
Chorus One looks forward to supporting this new era and helping institutions and delegators make the most of Stacks’ innovative approach to network participation.
