Bitcoin's $20 Billion Exodus: Why Mezo's Shocking Vaults Could Change Everything!

Mezo, a Bitcoin-native financial infrastructure protocol, has launched its "Bring Bitcoin Home" initiative aimed at migrating a substantial amount of liquidity back to the Bitcoin network. With more than $11 billion currently held in wrapped Bitcoin on Ethereum’s decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, Mezo is seizing the opportunity to encourage users to deposit their assets into its pre-deposit vaults. The initiative is offering rewards in the form of MEZO tokens to participants who migrate their Bitcoin liquidity back to its native ecosystem.

As of January 12, 2026, users can deposit various assets—including tBTC, cbBTC, WBTC, or USDT—into Mezo's Ethereum-based vaults. These assets will be automatically migrated to Mezo's Bitcoin-native infrastructure by the end of January. This infrastructure includes features like fixed-rate borrowing, a fully Bitcoin-backed stablecoin, and yield from real on-chain activity, providing a robust alternative to existing DeFi platforms.

“Sixteen years ago today, Hal Finney ran the second Bitcoin node and began articulating a vision of Bitcoin-backed banks—an entire financial system built on hard money,” said Matt Luongo, CEO of Thesis, the venture studio behind Mezo. “Mezo is a Bitcoin-first system designed to support borrowing, saving, and yield directly against BTC, without custodians, wrappers, or variable-rate markets.”

Since its inception, Mezo has rolled out several innovative products, including:

• Fixed-rate Bitcoin-backed loans on the mainnet
• A fully Bitcoin-backed stablecoin, MUSD
• BTC-denominated transaction fees
• Yield generated from genuine Bitcoin activity
• Bitcoin-native incentive mechanics that reward on-chain participation
• Direct fiat on-ramps for MUSD
• No reliance on wrapped token custodians or variable-rate markets

These features reflect the early design principles of Bitcoin, echoing concepts proposed by Hal Finney regarding Bitcoin-backed banking and redeemable digital currency. The "Bring Bitcoin Home" initiative allocates up to 2.5% of the total MEZO token supply specifically to incentivize early depositors. Individuals who participate will earn boosted MEZO rewards starting at a 5% incentive APR, with an estimated total APR of around 7% including base yield. It's important to note that rewards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Key dates for this initiative are as follows:

• Today (Jan 12): Vaults open with first deposits earning approximately 7% total APR.
• January 26: Vaults lock, and migration to Mezo begins.
• March 23: Vaults unlock on Mezo, and depositors will receive MEZO tokens.

This migration initiative addresses a critical need in the Bitcoin ecosystem, as it aims to reclaim liquidity that has shifted toward Ethereum-based platforms. With the DeFi space rapidly evolving, Mezo's approach seeks to offer a more stable and user-controlled banking experience. By prioritizing the Bitcoin network, Mezo positions itself as a pioneer in the on-chain banking space.

For individuals interested in participating, pre-deposit vaults are now live at comehome.mezo.org. More detailed information regarding the MEZO token and its earning mechanisms can be found in the Mezo Earn whitepaper. By offering permissionless banking services—free of traditional loan officers, banker hours, or credit checks—Mezo is redefining how Bitcoin holders interact with their assets in a decentralized manner.

As the landscape of digital finance continues to shift, initiatives like "Bring Bitcoin Home" not only highlight the potential of Bitcoin as a foundational asset but also demonstrate the growing demand for innovative solutions that leverage its unique properties.