Coinbase Launches cbLTC on Base, Expanding Litecoin’s DeFi Utility

Coinbase has introduced cbLTC, a wrapped version of Litecoin, on its Ethereum Layer-2 chain, Base. This ERC-20 token is backed 1:1 by real LTC held in Coinbase custody, providing Litecoin holders with direct access to Ethereum-based DeFi platforms without the need for third-party bridges or external custodians.

By 10:40 a.m. IST on 26 June 2025, Coinbase’s live dashboard showed 11,364 LTC in custody, backing 11,305 freshly minted cbLTC. Three wallets hold the lot, and one of them—LTbMyvoyfSuQNqG5cGihin6BCbiZay11rU—carries almost the entire stack with 11,336.5 LTC.

With cbLTC now available, users can move their Litecoin around Base as an ERC-20 token, drop it into Uniswap or Aerodrome pools, or park it on PancakeSwap for yield, all without the need for sketchy bridges or leaving Coinbase’s walls. The only contract that matters is 0xcb17C9Db87B595717C857a08468793f5bAb6445F, so users are advised to double-check that hash before making any transactions.

Litecoin has long been recognized for its quick and cheap payment capabilities, but it has rarely made headlines in the DeFi space. The introduction of cbLTC changes that, allowing users to swap, lend, or stake LTC, giving it real utility within the Ethereum ecosystem.

In addition to cbLTC, Coinbase has also unwrapped Cardano’s ADA as cbADA on Base. This token also has 1:1 backing and opens the same DeFi doors. With these two additions, Coinbase now supports six wrapped heavyweights on Base, positioning the network as a serious cross-chain playground.