[Crypto projects](https://revain.org/projects/) › Rootstock Infrastructure Framework

# Rootstock Infrastructure Framework (RIF): how it works, supply and reviews

## In short

- **Type**: Token on Rootstock, an EVM-compatible Bitcoin sidechain
- **Maximum supply**: 1,000,000,000 RIF
- **Risks and caveats**: A large share of the supply was allocated to RIF Labs and to RSK Labs’ shareholders, founders and team
- **Checked**: 28 October 2026

## Key facts

- **Ticker**: RIF
- **Official site**: [rif.technology](https://rif.technology/)
- **Source code**: [github.com/riflabs](https://github.com/riflabs)

Key facts checked on 28 October 2026 against official sources.

## What is Rootstock Infrastructure Framework

RIF (Rootstock Infrastructure Framework) is the utility and governance token of the Rootstock ecosystem, a Bitcoin sidechain with Ethereum-compatible smart contracts. RIF powers a suite of open-source tools such as the RIF Name Service and RIF Relay, and staked RIF (stRIF) is used to vote in the RootstockCollective DAO.

## Network and consensus

| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Token on Rootstock, an EVM-compatible Bitcoin sidechain |
| Consensus | Rootstock is merge-mined with Bitcoin using double SHA-256 proof of work |
| Token standard | ERC677 (ERC20-compatible) on Rootstock mainnet |
| Launched | Rootstock (RSK) beta mainnet in January 2018; RIF created later by RIF Labs at its Token Generation Event |

## Supply and issuance

| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum supply | 1,000,000,000 RIF |
| Initial distribution | Planned: about 35–40% private sale, about 40% kept by RIF Labs (5-year unlock), 20% to RSK Labs shareholders, founders and team (4-year unlock) |
| Issuance | All tokens created at the Token Generation Event; no ongoing issuance described |

## What RIF is used for

- Staking to receive stRIF for voting and proposals in the RootstockCollective DAO
- Rewards for builders and backers in the RootstockCollective
- Collateral for the USDRIF stablecoin
- Access to RIF tools such as the RIF Name Service and RIF Relay

## Who develops and governs Rootstock Infrastructure Framework

- **Company**: RootstockLabs, which publishes the Rootstock developer portal; the token itself was created by RIF Labs
- **Governance**: RootstockCollective DAO: one stRIF equals one vote; initially some elements are centralised
- **Founders**: Rootstock (RSK) was first described by Chief Scientist Sergio Demian Lerner in November 2015
- **Open source**: Yes; Rootstock and the RIF tools are open source

## History

| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 2015 | First RSK (Rootstock) technical whitepaper published |
| January 2018 | Rootstock beta mainnet launched (testnet opened in May 2017) |
| 2024 | RootstockCollective DAO launched, using staked RIF (stRIF) for governance |

## Official RIF contracts

| Network | Contract address |
|---|---|
| Rootstock | [0x2acc95758f8b5f583470ba265eb685a8f45fc9d5](https://explorer.rootstock.io/address/0x2acc95758f8b5f583470ba265eb685a8f45fc9d5) |

RIF is an ERC677 token on Rootstock mainnet; stRIF (staked RIF) is a separate contract pegged 1:1 to RIF.

## Risks and caveats

- A large share of the supply was allocated to RIF Labs and to RSK Labs’ shareholders, founders and team
- Parts of the RootstockCollective DAO were planned to be centralised at first
- The whitepaper warns that regulatory action could affect the token and its functionality

## Official links

- Website: [rif.technology](https://rif.technology/)
- Docs: [dev.rootstock.io/concepts/rif-suite/token](https://dev.rootstock.io/concepts/rif-suite/token/)
- Whitepaper: [rif.technology/static/add903ce229a6f45a606cd78b028cf9e/RIF-whitepaper-V2.pdf](https://rif.technology/static/add903ce229a6f45a606cd78b028cf9e/RIF-whitepaper-V2.pdf)
- Source code: [github.com/rsksmart](https://github.com/rsksmart)
- Block explorer: [explorer.rootstock.io](https://explorer.rootstock.io/)
- Governance forum: [rootstockcollective.xyz](https://rootstockcollective.xyz/)

## Questions and answers

**What is RIF?**

RIF (Rootstock Infrastructure Framework) is the utility and governance token of Rootstock, a Bitcoin sidechain with EVM-compatible smart contracts.

**Who created RIF?**

RIF was created by RIF Labs, which built on the work of RSK Labs; RootstockLabs now publishes the Rootstock developer documentation.

**What is the maximum supply of RIF?**

The total supply is 1,000,000,000 RIF.

**How is RIF used in governance?**

Holders stake RIF to receive stRIF, which gives one vote per token in the RootstockCollective DAO.

## Sources

- [CoinGecko — Rootstock Infrastructure Framework](https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/rif-token)
- [CoinPaprika — Rootstock Infrastructure Framework](https://coinpaprika.com/coin/rif-rif-token/)
- [Rootstock Developers Portal — RIF Token](https://dev.rootstock.io/concepts/rif-suite/token/)
- [Rootstock Developers Portal — Merged mining](https://dev.rootstock.io/concepts/foundations/merged-mining)
- [Rootstock Developers Portal — Concepts overview](https://dev.rootstock.io/concepts/index)
- [RIF — Whitepaper V2](https://rif.technology/static/add903ce229a6f45a606cd78b028cf9e/RIF-whitepaper-V2.pdf)
- [RIF — RIF Plays a Major Role in RootstockCollective's Governance](https://rif.technology/content-hub/rif-role-in-rootstock-collective/)
- [RIF — Home](https://rif.technology/)

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Page updated: 2026-10-31

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Source: https://revain.org/projects/rif-token/