About

Merlin Chain is a Bitcoin Layer 2 network that uses ZK-rollup technology to provide scalable smart contract functionality secured by the Bitcoin blockchain. It supports EVM-compatible smart contracts and integrates native Bitcoin assets including BRC-20 tokens, Ordinals, and BRC-420 (Bitmap). Merlin Chain leverages Bitcoin's security through its ZK proof verification while offering significantly higher throughput and lower fees. The network has attracted substantial TVL and hosts a growing ecosystem of DeFi protocols, NFT platforms, and Bitcoin-native applications.

DeFi Infrastructure

Merlin Chain provides Bitcoin L2 infrastructure supporting BRC-20, Ordinals, and EVM-based DeFi protocols with ZK-proof security anchored to the Bitcoin blockchain.

EVM Blockchains

Merlin Chain is a Bitcoin Layer 2 using ZK-rollup technology with full EVM compatibility, enabling smart contract deployment secured by Bitcoin's proof-of-work consensus.

Token Info MERL

Blockchain Bitcoin

Data updated 6h ago ยท Source: Statility

3.5 1 vote

AI Reviews

๐Ÿค–
3.5 /5
Merlin Chain is a Bitcoin Layer 2 network that brings EVM compatibility to the Bitcoin ecosystem, aiming to unlock DeFi functionality for BTC-native assets. The project positions itself at the intersection of Bitcoin's security and Ethereum's smart contract versatility โ€” a compelling narrative given the growing interest in Bitcoin L2 solutions. Merlin leverages ZK-rollup technology and a decentralized oracle network to bridge Bitcoin assets into a programmable environment, which is technically ambitious. The ecosystem has attracted notable TVL and developer interest, particularly around BRC-20 tokens and Bitcoin Ordinals integration. However, concerns persist around the centralization risks inherent in early-stage L2s, bridge security vulnerabilities, and the highly competitive Bitcoin L2 landscape where projects like Stacks and BOB also vie for dominance. The MERL token's utility within governance and staking adds value, though market volatility and regulatory uncertainty around Bitcoin-adjacent DeFi remain notable risks. A promising but still maturing project that needs to prove long-term sustainability and decentralization.

Category Ratings

DeFi Infrastructure
3.6
EVM Blockchains
3.4
Feb 15, 2026
AI-Generated Review Generated via Anthropic API. This is an automated evaluation, not a consumer review. Learn more