February sent us into hyperdrive, but March propelled us beyond the stratosphere. With 2.99 million Yetis now stress-testing Yala’s Testnet V3 — a staggering 1 million new co-builders joining in just one month — we’ve shattered limits and sharpened our mission: building a liquidity layer unlocking Bitcoin’s untapped yield across DeFi and RWAs.

While markets fluctuate, Yala’s momentum remains unstoppable. From institutional-grade risk frameworks to RWA strategies, March was about laying rails for mainnet launch — the gateway to permissionless Bitcoin liquidity. Here’s the truth we’re proving: Bitcoin isn’t just a store of value. It’s the fuel for a yield revolution, bridging DeFi, traditional assets, and institutions.

In this update, we’ll cover:

1. Yala Testnet V3 Success
2. Yala Protocol Developments
3. Community Momentum
4. What's Next

Testnet V3 Success: The Gathering of 2.99M Yetis

March was a defining moment for Yala as Testnet V3 surged past expectations, rallying 2.99M Yetis (and counting!) to stress-test, refine, and co-build the future of Bitcoin liquidity. The numbers speak the story:

• Total BTC Staked: 1.34M
• Total $YU Minted: $42.62B
• Total Users: 2.99M

Since launching Testnet V3 on March 11, we welcomed over 1 million new users in just three weeks.

Thanks to every Yeti: Your transactions, feedback, and relentless testing are the backbone of Yala’s evolution.

Yala Protocol Developments

As we gear up for our mainnet launch, our technical and product teams made significant strides in March across institutional partnerships, risk management, liquidity strategies, and user experience. Here’s the breakdown: 

Institutional Solutions & Partnerships

1. Institution Mode Development: We are working through integrations of Anchorage and Coinbase Prime, and have onboarded several large clients to test third-party custodial solutions alongside Yala.
2. Risk & Liquidity Monitoring: Established a real-time Backend Operations Center to monitor critical on-chain and market data round-the-clock. This system tracks key metrics such as Institution Mode adoption rates and liquidity health, with automated alerts triggered for deviations from critical thresholds. Focus areas include smart contract health, token price volatility, and liquidity pool stability — ensuring proactive risk mitigation and protocol resilience.
3. CEX & Hedging Strategies: Established exchange accounts and implemented assets hedging strategies to make yield for our users and safeguard against market volatility.

 Mainnet Preparation

4. Testnet V3: Launched early March to stress-test functionalities and gather final feedback before mainnet launch.
5. Berries Evolution: Introduced Ice Berries, a new points type, and improved rules for points/NFT interactions to align with mainnet incentives.
6. Liquidity Reserves: Began securing liquidity pools to ensure a stable mainnet debut. and other preparation work for the mainnet launch.
7. Tokenomics Design: Finalized foundational concepts for the $YALA token economy (details coming soon!).

User Experience & Massive Adoption

8. UI Optimization: Moved the “Convert to $YU” (PSM Module) feature to a more prominent location for seamless user access.

Security & Compliance

9. Audit Complete: Passed a rigorous audit by Zenith. Review the full report here:

10. TRM Labs Integration: Integrated anti-money laundering (AML) solutions to block high-risk addresses, ensuring compliance ahead of mainnet.
11. Multi-Sig & Key Management: Enhanced protocols for institutional-grade safety, including multi-signature workflows and secure private key storage.

Community Growth & Initiatives

At the heart of Yala’s evolution is a force more powerful than any codebase: Yeti. Building the Yeti community isn’t just about technology; it’s about delivering our strategic transition and long-term vision to the community. Connecting Bitcoin to real-world value is the key, and your voices are shaping our roadmap.

In our first Founders Hour AMA on March 20th, Co-Founder KT unveiled Yala’s long-term vision: sustainable yields via Real-World Assets (RWA).

“We want to make sure that this APY is sustainable over a year and a year. Otherwise it is very short-lived. A few months of liquidity incentive is not enough to attract our user and we want to have this liquidity sticking around the protocol. So RWA makes sense.” — KT, Co-Founder, Yala

Check out the key takeaways here:

Our X Spaces have become a thriving space for dialogue with industry leaders. This March, we continued our Bitcoin Liquidity Series with Venus Protocol, where the team shared their innovative lending and borrowing ecosystems and discussed how Venus is expanding its DeFi footprint into 2025.

We also kept up the momentum with educational content, introducing our community to Yala’s 3 Modes: Lite Mode, Pro Mode, and Institution Mode, showcasing how Yala ensures safety and flexibility for every type of user. 

Read more: 

In March, the community continued to grow, reaching 261,000+ members across X, Discord and Telegram.

What’s Next: April and Beyond

As we head into April, we’re rapidly approaching a monumental milestone — the Yala mainnet launch. And that's just the beginning. Here’s what’s on the horizon:

• DeFi Marketplace: You’ll soon be able to use $YU in leading partner protocols to earn Yala points, fueling cross-ecosystem utility and expanding the use cases for $YU across DeFi.
• Cross-Chain Bridge: Launching tools to bridge $YU between Ethereum and Solana on Yala testnet V3,  expanding interoperability.
• LST Collateral: We’ll be integrating Liquid Staking Tokens (LST) to allow users to mint $YU with staked assets, adding another layer of flexibility.
• Yala RealYield: Preparing the launch of a structured marketplace that consolidates all RWA-related collaborations within the Yala ecosystem, with new integrations, expanded product offerings, and enhanced user tools on the horizon to further strengthen Yala RealYield’s position as the leading RWA yield marketplace. 

The countdown to mainnet has officially begun! Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being part of the Yala journey!

Join the Yala Community

Yala is building a liquidity layer to unlock Bitcoin’s untapped yield across DeFi and RWAs. Users can deposit BTC and access seamless liquidity, enabling efficient capital movement and yield opportunities across ecosystems, chains, and protocols.

Website | X | Telegram | Discord | LinkedIn

Berries continue to serve as the core incentive mechanism in the Yala ecosystem. With Yala Testnet V3 live, we’ve juiced up the rewards system to keep the community thriving. More Berries, new ways to earn, and a slicker experience - here is your guide to stacking Berries in V3.

Berries Boost: 1.2x Rewards Incoming!

To make your transition from V2 to V3 even more rewarding, we’ve boosted rewards for key activities  by up to 1.2x to provide greater value to our dedicated community. Here’s how the numbers stack up:

New Ways to Earn Berries in Testnet V3

In Testnet V3, we’ve added new activities to make your experience more rewarding and engaging. Check out the new earning opportunities:

What Stays the Same?

While V3 brings plenty of upgrades, some core reward mechanisms remain consistent from V2, ensuring continuity for seasoned users: 

Key Takeaways for V2 Users Upgrading to V3

1. Boosted Rewards: Enjoy higher payouts for MetaMint, YBTC positions, BTC deposits, LP staking and referrals. 

2. New Ways to Earn: The introduction of Stability Pool staking and USDC conversion rewards adds more earning opportunities.

3. Transition to V3 for Continued Earnings: To keep earning Berries, ensure you perform activities on V3. All V2 points have been frozen, meaning no additional Berries can be earned through V2 tasks. Your V3 points display as: earned V2 points + new V3 points.

For a detailed guide on transitioning from V2 to V3, visit: https://docs.yala.org/user-guide-v3/migrating-from-v2-to-v3?ref=blog.yala.org 

Updated Berry Limits for High-Scorers

Users with over 10M, 20M, and 30M Berries now have adjusted daily earning limits to maintain fairness. For a complete breakdown of these limits, visit:

https://docs.yala.org/user-guide-v2/berries-rule-yalas-reward-system#berries-earning-limits-for-high-scoring-users 

Maximize Your Berry Earnings in V3!

Yala Testnet V3 is designed to provide more earning opportunities, increased flexibility, and new ways to accumulate Berries. Plus, stay tuned for upcoming NFT campaigns that will further boost your Berry earnings!

For a comprehensive breakdown of V3’s Berry rules, visit: https://docs.yala.org/user-guide-v3/berries-rule-yalas-reward-system 

Happy earning, and welcome to Testnet V3! 🚀

Join the Yala Community

Yala is building a liquidity layer to unlock Bitcoin’s untapped yield across DeFi and RWAs. Users can deposit BTC and access seamless liquidity, enabling efficient capital movement and yield opportunities across ecosystems, chains, and protocols.

Website | X | Telegram | Discord | LinkedIn

Bitcoin holders have long sought ways to generate yield on their assets without sacrificing security or control. Yala’s innovative platform offers users three carefully designed modes, each designed to cater to different levels of expertise and risk tolerance. From retail users looking for a simple, low-risk experience to institutions seeking full control over their assets, Yala provides a flexible ecosystem for everyone. 

In this post, we’ll dive into the details of Yala’s Lite Mode, Pro Mode, and Institution Mode, and how Yala ensures safety and flexibility across the road.

Overview

Yala offers three modes tailored to different users needs:

• Lite Mode: A simple, low-risk option where BTC is automatically converted to YBTC and managed with centralized risk controls for sustainable yields.
• Pro Mode: For advanced users seeking flexibility and control, with smart contract monitoring, security framework and the ability to engage in arbitrage or yield farming.
• Institution Mode: Designed for institutions or large BTC holders, offering maximum control by keeping BTC in user-managed wallets with Bitcoin’s mainnet-level security.

Each mode is crafted with unique security features, allowing users to choose the level of control and risk that best suits their needs.

Lite Mode: Simplified, Low-Risk Experience

Lite mode is the go-to choice for users who want a hands-off experience with minimal risk. Think of it as the “set and forget it” option for earning yield on your Bitcoin. Here’s how it works:

• Automated Backend: Yala takes care of everything. Your Bitcoin is tokenized into YBTC and deposited into a smart contract, all handled seamlessly behind the scenes.
• Low-Risk Design: Thanks to MetaVault’s centralized risk management, liquidation risks are virtually eliminated. Strict Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios keep your assets safe, and you can borrow or repay loans even during market volatility.
• AI-Powered Optimization: An AI agent enhances your returns by analyzing market conditions and recommending personalized yield strategies. It automates yield farming across DeFi protocols, rebalanching your portfolio and claiming rewards – all while you sit back and relax.
• Variable APY: Your returns adjust to market conditions, offering steady, sustainable yields without exposing you to complex DeFi mechanics.

Lite Mode is perfect for retail users who value simplicity and security over micromanagement. Your assets stay secure in the Yala Vault, and when you’re ready to withdraw, Yala swaps everything back to BTC and sends it to your wallet. No fuss, no stress, just reliable returns.

Pro Mode: For Advanced Users Seeking Flexibility

For those who thrive on control and opportunity, Pro Mode delivers. This mode is built for experienced users - arbitrageurs, yield optimizers, or anyone who wants to actively manage their investments. Here’s what sets it apart:

• User-Driven Control: You’re in the driver’s seat. Deposit your YBTC directly into the smart contract and dictate every step of the process, from strategy selection to reward management.
• Dynamic Opportunities: Pro Mode opens the door to arbitrage and advanced yield strategies. You can handle liquidation risks yourself and capitalize on market movements.
• Robust Security: Yala’s smart contracts monitor BTC and YBTC balances in real time, ensuring transparency and consistency. The platform borrows from a proven security model – think over-collateralization, liquidation triggers, and decentralized governance – giving you flexibility without compromising safety.
• Mutli-Chain Management: Be prepared to juggle wallets across different chains as Pro Mode puts the reins in your hands.

Pro mode blends flexibility with robust integration. Your assets are stored securely in the Yala Vault, but you decide how to play the game – whether that’s chasing high yields or seizing arbitrage opportunities.

Institution Mode: Maximum Control and Unmatched Security

Institution Mode is the premium offering for large BTC holders and institutions who demand stability, control, and top-tier security. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Self-Custody and Native Storage: Your BTC stays in your wallet, locked via Pay-to-Witness-Script-Hash (P2WSH) transactions. No third-party custodians, no intermediaries – just you and your assets.
• Mainnet-Level Security: Leveraging Bitcoin’s native security features, Institution Mode offers the same robustness as the Bitcoin mainnet.
• Fixed APY: Unlike the variable yields of Lite and Pro Modes, Institution Mode delivers predictable, stable returns with zero liquidation risk.
• Custodian Integration: For added peace of mind, Yala plans to integrate with top custodians like Anchorage, Cubist, Coinbase Prime and Fireblocks.

This mode is designed for institutions and high-net-worth individuals. You retain full control, and your BTC never leaves your custody, making it a fortress of security and reliability.

Your Mode, Your Way

Whether you are a retail investor looking for a simple and secure way to earn yields, an experienced user seeking flexibility and control, or an institution or large BTC holders needing the highest level of security, Yala has a mode that fits your needs. Each mode offers tailored solutions, backed by robust security features, to ensure that your BTC investments are well-managed and safe.

Choose the mode that best fits your needs and start your journey with Yala today!

Join the Yala Community

Yala is building a liquidity layer to unlock Bitcoin’s untapped yield across DeFi and RWAs. Users can deposit BTC and access seamless liquidity, enabling efficient capital movement and yield opportunities across ecosystems, chains, and protocols.

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We’re excited to announce the launch of Yala Testnet V3, the next evolution of Yala!

This update brings enhanced collateral mechanisms, expanded earning opportunities, and a more intuitive user experience - paving the way for the future of Bitcoin DeFi. Whether you're a seasoned DeFi user or just getting started, there’s something for everyone in V3.

To get started with Yala Testnet V3, visit: app-testnet-v3.yala.org

For walkthroughs, guides & FAQs, visit: docs.yala.org/user-guide-v3 

Explore what’s new in Yala Testnet V3 below 👇

What’s New?

Earn Section: Stability Pool & Convert

To simplify navigation, the new “Earn” section brings together key earning opportunities:

• Stability Pool (A reserve of Yala’s Stablecoin $YU)

The Stability Pool allows users to deposit $YU to earn liquidation gains and token rewards over time. This feature integrates with the liquidation mechanism, ensuring a robust risk management system and preserving the stability of the system while delivering attractive yields and efficient capital utilization to users 

Guide: docs.yala.org/user-guide-v3/earn 

• Convert

The Convert feature enables seamless swaps between $YU and USDC at a predetermined rate, creating a clear arbitrage pathway. It leverages Peg Stability Module (PSM) for optimized liquidity management. This feature enhances price stability and usability of our stablecoin - $YU within the Yala ecosystem, making asset conversions more seamless than ever and without any trading cost such as slippage.

Guide: docs.yala.org/user-guide-v3/earn#convert 

NFT Launch & Giveaway 

Yala’s first-ever NFT collection debuts with Testnet V3. With the NFTs, mainnet users could earn additional Berries with a multiplier based on the NFT’s level. 

Plus, there will be exclusive NFT giveaways for active testnet participants. The higher your testnet Berries ranking, the greater chances of claiming an NFT from Yala. More details soon! 

BerryBoard: Track & Earn More Berries

• “Berries & Leaderboard” has been rebranded as “BerryBoard” for better clarity.
• New Berries earning rules for Convert and Stability Pool participation.
  • For every 1 $YU you staked into the Stability Pool, you earn 0.03  Berries / hour,  additional Token reward, and liquidation gains.  
  • For every 1 USDC you convert into $YU, you earn 1 Berry.
• 1.2x points will be enabled through improved reward mechanisms, encouraging a smooth transition from V2 to V3. Continue to read for more details in the “Earning More Berries in V3” section.
• Competitive leaderboards to track top earners and community contributors

Multi-Collateral CDPs & Risk Parameter Enhancements

• Yala has upgraded to a much more flexible and safer Multi-Collateral CDP model to improve system stability. 
• Vault UI updates: New risk parameters including Total Collateral Ratio, Critical Collateral and Liquidation Cost Reserve to safeguard systemic health and ensure Yala’s long term resilience; and enhanced liquidation mechanism to further stabilize Yala system.
• Please note, in Testnet V3, the minimum amount of $YU required in a vault will be updated to 2,000 $YU/vault. Retail users can also easily obtain $YU through the Convert and the Swap functions. 
• The contract address for $YU will be updated in V3 and the YBTC contract address remains unchanged.
  • Updated $YU address: 0xe0232D625Ea3B94698F0a7DfF702931B704083c9

Cross-Chain Fee Incoming

A new fixed fee of 0.0003 BTC applies to all inbound and outbound cross-chain transactions, regardless of amount. This rolls out with V3 to enhance network sustainability, ensure seamless cross-chain swaps, and standardize the experience.

UI/UX Enhancements for a Better Experience

• Faucet upgrade: New support for YUSDC test tokens in the testnet faucet. You can claim 500 YUSDC from the faucet every week.
• New “Get Started” Page: Improved onboarding for first-time users.
• Vault Detail Page Updates: Enhanced risk indicators and vault management tools.
• Liquidation Display Improvements: Clearer breakdown of liquidation events in transaction history.

Earning More Berries in V3

Berries remain central to Yala’s testnet reward system. In Testnet V3, you can earn Berries through new actions, including:

• Providing liquidity to the Stability Pool
• Using the Convert function
• Participating in upcoming NFT campaigns

The more Berries you earn, the higher your leaderboard ranking - and the greater your rewards in the Yala ecosystem!

To make your transition from V2 to V3 even more rewarding, we are also introducing 1.2x rewards, additional points incentives, and clear UI guidance for the following actions to help users transition smoothly:

• Depositing BTC for YBTC: 
  • Earn 30 (instead of 24) Berries for every 0.001 BTC deposited, rewarded after 24 hours
• Vault Creation
  • For first-time vault creators, we are offering an additional 50,000 Berries as a reward for your first successful vault creation in Yala.
  • Opening positions with YBTC: 
    • Earn 1.2 (instead of 1) Berries per hour per 0.001 YBTC.
  • MetaMint $YU: 
    • Earn 0.06 (instead of 0.05) Berries per $YU per hour.
• Referral Bonus: 
  • When someone joins Yala using your referral link and starts earning Berries through regular tasks, you will automatically earn 18% (instead of 15%) of the Berries they earn.

Read more about Berries Rules here: docs.yala.org/user-guide-v3/berries-rule-yalas-reward-system

With the launch of testnet V3, all testnet V2 berries are frozen and will no longer count. However, your testnet V2 Berries will automatically move to testnet V3 and you can start earning more Berries in V3.

Transitioning from V2 to V3

For a typical user transitioning to V3, follow these steps:

1. Go to your positions and close the vault(s) created on V2 at your convenience, and make sure you have enough $YU to repay the debt.
2. Remove LP liquidity in Uniswap under Your positions and receive your YBTC and V2 YU tokens.
3. Convert all V2 $YU into YBTC, so you can start minting new $YU in V3 (see Updated $YU address above under What's New) and earn Berries in V3 features.

Guide: https://docs.yala.org/user-guide-v3/migrating-from-v2-to-v3

After all is done, simply select V3 at the top of the page, and enjoy the new and improved version! Keep in mind that after switching, you’ll need to reconnect your wallet for smooth access.

Join the Yala Community

Yala is building a liquidity layer to unlock Bitcoin’s untapped yield across DeFi and RWAs. Users can deposit BTC and access seamless liquidity, enabling efficient capital movement and yield opportunities across ecosystems, chains, and protocols.

Website | Twitter | Telegram | Discord | Docs

January ignited the engines, but February sent us into hyperdrive. With 1.72 million testnet Yetis rallying behind Yala, continued protocol upgrades rolling out, and a community growing louder by the day, Yala is building a liquidity layer unlocking Bitcoin’s untapped yield across DeFi and RWAs.

The market may sway, but our vision holds firm: to bridge Bitcoin’s liquidity across blockchains and empower BTC holders with seamless access to cross-chain yields. February sharpened our focus: Bitcoin isn’t just an asset – it’s the lifeblood of a new yield-driven ecosystem. Here’s the rundown.

In this update, we’ll cover:

1. Yala Testnet V2 Success
2. Yala Protocol Developments
3. Community Momentum
4. What's Next

Testnet V2 Success: The Gathering of 1.72M Yetis

February saw Testnet V2 continue to thrive! Since the launching off the Yala Testnet on October 15th, we've achieved remarkable milestones over the past three months:

• 910.66K Total BTC Staked
• $23.97B Total YU Minted
• 1.72M Active Testnet Wallets

To our Yetis: You’re not just testers - you’re co-builders. Every transaction, liquidation, and UI tweak brings us closer to a refined liquidity layer built by and for BTC holders.

Yala Protocol Developments

While the market snoozed, Yala devs built. February’s advancements are a BTC holder’s yield playbook:

1. DeFi Marketplace Development Begins 

We’ve started building Yala’s DeFi Marketplace – a one-stop hub where BTC-backed $YU flows into partner projects like Pendle for yield and Berries. It’s all about channeling Bitcoin liquidity into DeFi, with mainnet on the horizon.

2. Institution Mode Take Shape 

Teaming up with custodians like Anchorage and Cobo, we’re forging Institution Mode. Using time-lock scripts, it offers secure, high-yield vault management for big players – unlocking BTC’s potential while keeping holders in control.

3. Stability Pool Will Go Live

Our liquidation backbone is ready. The Stability Pool lets BTC holders stake liquidity, earning YBTC, $YU and Berries from liquidations. Yield meets stability, powered by Bitcoin.

4. Convert Function & Peg Stability Module (PSM)

The Convert function (swap USDC for $YU, zero slippage) and PSM (USDC reserves stablizing $YU and funding RWAs) wrapped development and hit quality assurance. $YU’s peg stays tight, opening BTC to more yields.

5. Berries Boost Loyalty

New features will reward $YU holders with Berries, tying BTC liquidity to long-term gains. Set for mainnet, it’s a nod to those who fuel Yala’s ecosystem.

6. Testnet V3 Launching Soon

 Testnet V3 is almost locked and loaded! UI upgrades – like enhanced MetaMint YU options – cleared testing. More tools, more yield, coming your way.

7. Mainnet Gears Up

We’re racing toward mainnet with liquidity strategies, security audits, and backend optimizations in high gear. Yala is ready to deliver BTC-powered yield – securely and seamlessly.

Community Growth & Initiatives

While coders coded, our community conquered.  February amplified outreach and vision: 

1. Four Pillars Spotlights Yala

One of Korea’s leading Web3 research institutions, Four Pillars, dissected Yala’s role as a BTC liquidity layer. From infrastructure to RWAs, their report hails our impact on BTCFi. 

2. CoinMarketCap Debut

Yala is live on CoinMarketCap – a global stage for BTC holders to discover our yield mission. Mainnet’s buzz is building.

3. Bitcoin Liquidity Series

Our thought leadership series lit up with @Bartjh1107, Chief Strategy Officer of pSTAKE Finance:

"Why is BTC staking important? Unlike Ethereum, Bitcoin has historically lacked a native yield mechanism." – @Bartjh1107

These conversations are shaping the future of BTCFi.

4. ETH Denver Impact

We wrapped our February with our presence at ETH Denver, one of the biggest event for the regenerates:

• Co-hosted an exclusive side event SVM Night - ETH Denver, with Solayer, teasing cross-chain yield for BTC (Ethereum today, more tomorrow).

• At Nubit’s The Golden Age of Bitcoin event, Our co-founder and CTO Vicky gave a keynote to emphasize Yala’s mission to unlock Bitcoin liquidity and transform BTC into a productive asset within DeFi.

• Vicky also rocked the DeAI Summit:

“DeAI agents will devour the world as we know it, transforming centralized systems into distributed intelligence networks that operate beyond traditional boundaries.” – Vicky Fu, DeAI Summit

Looking Forward

Mark your calendars – Testnet V3 launches soon! Three months of grit and genius deliver a release packed with rewards for early BTC yield seekers.

Mainnet is on deck. Our team keeps building:

• Market-making liquidity ramps up
• Cross-chain bridges spark to life
• Tokenomics get refined and battle-tested

March is the dawn of Yala’s mission to make BTC the king of yield across DeFi and RWAs. Stay bold. Stay decentralized.

Join the Yala Community

Yala is building a liquidity layer to unlock Bitcoin’s untapped yield across DeFi and RWAs. Users can deposit BTC and access seamless liquidity, enabling efficient capital movement and yield opportunities across ecosystems, chains, and protocols.

Website | Twitter | Telegram | Discord | Docs