Bitcoin Meets DeFi: BARD Token Stakes a New Claim

Binance Alpha has introduced the Lombard (BARD) token to its platform, marking the first time the asset is available for trading. The token will be listed on September 18, 2025, and will initially appear on Binance Alpha, a dedicated space for early-stage crypto projects. Lombard aims to revolutionize Bitcoin’s role in decentralized finance (DeFi) by enabling users to stake BTC for liquid staked tokens (LBTC), which can be used in DeFi protocols while retaining staking rewards. The native $BARD token serves a governance and security function, with stakers contributing to protocol stability and decentralization. The platform has already achieved $1 billion in total value locked (TVL) within 92 days, highlighting its rapid adoption and potential in the crypto market.

In conjunction with the listing, Binance will host an airdrop campaign for $BARD. Eligible users can claim tokens using Alpha Points, a rewards system within Binance Alpha that incentivizes participation through trading and holding eligible assets. Historical patterns from previous airdrops, such as those for Aleo and Mitosis, suggest users must accumulate a certain number of Alpha Points to qualify. The airdrop will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and will require a claim cost of 15 Alpha Points. If Lombard meets a specified trading volume threshold on Binance Alpha, $BARD may soon be listed on the Binance Spot and Futures markets.

Binance Alpha, launched in late 2024 and upgraded in March 2025 with Alpha 2.0, has evolved to integrate directly into the Binance Exchange. This move eliminates the need for users to operate through a separate Binance Wallet, streamlining the process of trading early-stage tokens using Spot and Funding Accounts. The platform also offers a zero-fee trading promotion until September 17, 2025, encouraging broader participation. The integration reflects Binance’s strategy to bridge the gap between centralized and decentralized trading environments, enhancing user accessibility and experience.

Lombard’s vision aligns closely with the growing interest in Bitcoin’s utility beyond being a store of value. The project leverages the Babylon chain ecosystem, which provides secure and non-custodial staking infrastructure. This collaboration has enabled Lombard to become one of the largest Bitcoin liquid restaking protocols. The platform’s ecosystem includes features such as liquid restaking, cross-chain integration, and a DeFi marketplace that allows users to engage in lending, borrowing, and trading across multiple blockchains. These tools aim to unlock Bitcoin’s potential as a capital asset and expand its role in DeFi applications.

The introduction of $BARD on Binance Alpha represents a significant milestone for both the project and the broader crypto market. As Binance continues to curate and promote early-stage projects, the listing underscores its commitment to fostering innovation while providing users with opportunities to engage with emerging tokens before they reach the mainstream. Lombard’s airdrop and the potential for broader listings on Binance Spot and Futures markets could further amplify the token’s exposure and liquidity. With the project’s partners including industry giants such as Aave, Chainlink, and Franklin Templeton, the collaboration signals strong institutional interest and credibility.