Xverse has launched a joint Bitcoin staking service that lets users pair sBTC with STX tokens to participate in the Stacks PoX-5 lock-up cycle. Bitcoin remains on the Bitcoin mainnet under the user’s own control throughout the staking period, with no cross-chain bridging or wrapping required. The feature requires Xverse wallet version v2.9. Registration closes on September 9 or when the quota is filled, and staking rewards are expected to begin distribution on September 10 at Bitcoin block 966350, corresponding to Stacks cycle 143. UTXO, a subsidiary of Nakamoto Inc., HashKey Cloud, and 21shares have joined as anchor participants. Xverse previously managed about 152 million STX in non-custodial staking.