On September 15, 2025, Lombard announced a groundbreaking three-way collaboration with Chainlink and Symbiotic to introduce BARD token utility through re-staking and launch the industry's first economically secure cross-chain bridging solution. This collaboration combines Chainlink's Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) with Symbiotic's universal staking framework to create an additional layer of cryptoeconomic security for LBTC cross-chain transfers, marking a new phase in DeFi infrastructure security.

This collaboration establishes a new standard for top-tier BTC derivatives, combining Symbiotic's permissionless re-staking architecture with CCIP's modular security framework, achieving maximum interoperability and cryptoeconomic security. This innovative model directly aligns the protocol's cryptoeconomic security with the utility of the BARD token, providing tangible value to token holders from day one. This collaboration demonstrates the powerful flexibility of CCIP's modular security architecture, enabling asset issuers to customize protection schemes for cross-chain transfers through features like token developer certification and integration with external cryptoeconomic systems, without requiring any modifications to CCIP itself.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Symbiotic and Lombard to enhance the cryptoeconomic security of cross-chain LBTC transfers. This highlights the flexibility of CCIP’s modular security architecture to meet the needs of any use case,” said Johann Eid, Chief Business Officer at Chainlink Labs.

As a chain-agnostic Bitcoin derivative designed to flow freely within the DeFi ecosystem, LBTC requires infrastructure commensurate with its ambitions. Every cross-chain transfer now benefits from a dual layer of protection: Chainlink's time-proven CCIP infrastructure and Symbiotic's cryptoeconomic security model. This approach not only protects individual transactions but also creates systemic resilience that strengthens as the network grows, establishing LBTC as an institutional-grade cross-chain Bitcoin solution.

"LBTC is a chain-agnostic asset that meets cross-network needs rather than being limited to a single network. LBTC holders want the freedom to move Bitcoin where the best opportunities lie, while expecting uncompromising security. Pairing the CCIP architecture with Symbiotic re-staking collateral provides stronger economic security for the community. Every staked BARD strengthens LBTC's robustness, aligns incentives, and reinforces the integrity of the interoperability stack." said Jacob Phillips, co-founder of Lombard.

This integration introduces immediate utility for BARD token holders, allowing them to directly participate in the protocol's cryptoeconomic security through a transparent staking mechanism. Staking will be available on the Lombard app, enabling users to enjoy a 240% APY on BARD at launch (decreasing over time) and receive additional incentives from partners.

The staking framework is powered by Mellow's multi-vault infrastructure. When users stake BARD, tokens are deposited into a vault system directly connected to Symbiotic. Complex operations such as delegated liquidity, compounding rewards, and managed exits are automatically handled by the backend, allowing users to seamlessly earn returns simply by holding their vault shares. This creates a powerful alignment: BARD stakers strengthen protocol security, driving trust and adoption of LBTC, creating a self-reinforcing growth cycle.