As Bitcoin flirts with the key psychological threshold of $100,000, derivatives traders are closely watching for signals that could mark the final leg up—and are already positioning for what may follow.
Derivatives experts Gordon Grant and Joshua Lim told BeInCrypto that Bitcoin’s move past $100,000 now reflects a long-term holding strategy, unlike the speculative trading seen when it first crossed that threshold after Trump’s election victory.
Bitcoin Nears $100K: A Different Kind of Ascent?
At the time of press, Bitcoin’s price hovers just below $98,000. As it grows, traders anxiously watch for it to surpass the $100,000 threshold. When it does, it will be the second time in crypto history that this will happen.
According to Cryptocurrency Derivatives Trader Gordon Grant, the current move toward six figures lacks the euphoric energy of past rallies, such as the one after Trump won the US general election last November. However, that may be a good thing.
“This current bounce back feels much more of a low-key, lethargic reclamation of those highs,” Grant told BeInCrypto, referencing Bitcoin’s recovery from lows around $75,000 in early April. “The positioning rinsedown through all key moving averages… was a proper washout.”
He added that this washout, a sharp move lower that flushed out weak hands, cleared the decks for a healthier rebound. A “high-velocity bounce” followed, as Grant phrased it.
“[It] has since responsibly slowed down at the $95,000 pivot—a level at which Bitcoin has been centered, +/- 15%, for over five months now,” he added.
“Current complacency among vol sellers in fading the technical threshold at $100K is markedly different,” he said.
Grant added that, back in December, volatility spiked on expectations of a rapid moonshot toward $130,000–$150,000. Now, however, implied volatility has actually fallen by around 10 points during the final 10% of Bitcoin’s climb—an unusual dynamic that has punished traders holding out-of-the-money options who were betting on big price swings.
This time, the substantial loss of market optimism also contributes to the situation.
The Rise of Institutional Buyers
Market sentiment has shifted significantly since January. The excitement seen during Trump’s election has been replaced by uncertainty. According to Grant, souring macro conditions such as tariff-driven equity selloffs and growing caution among traders have contributed to this mood shift across markets.
“Whereas BTC on first launch to/through $100K was accompanied by euphoria about presidential policies… the re-approach has been marred by malaise,” Grant explained.
In short, the motivation to buy may now be driven more by fear than greed.
Joshua Lim, Global Co-Head of Markets at FalconX, agreed with this analysis, highlighting a notable shift in the primary source of Bitcoin demand.
“The dominant narrative is more around Microstrategy-type equities accumulating Bitcoin, that’s more consistent buyers than the retail swing traders,” Lim told BeInCrypto.
In other words, more speculative retail buying might have fueled earlier enthusiasm around Bitcoin’s price hitting $100,000. This time, the more consistent and significant buying is coming from large companies adopting a long-term Bitcoin holding strategy, similar to the one adopted by Michael Saylor’s Strategy.
The recent formation of 21 Capital, backed by mega companies like Tether and Softbank, further confirms this shift in motivation.
Consistent institutional buying can also sustain an increase in Bitcoin’s price over time.
Why Are Institutions Increasingly Bullish on Bitcoin?
With growing momentum from sovereign players and corporate treasuries, institutional buying may be critical in sustaining Bitcoin’s next upward trajectory.
Grant highlighted that developing countries seeking to move away from a weakening dollar and towards a more independent asset like Bitcoin could play a significant role. If this were to happen, it’d signify a potentially tectonic shift to global monetary policy.
“The Global South, tiring of wonky and inconstant dollar policies, may be truly thinking about dumping dollars for BTC,” Grant explained, clarifying, “That’s a reserve manager decision, not a spec/leverage position.”
Increased institutional adoption strengthens the idea that Bitcoin now serves as a way to reduce risk against issues pertinent to financial systems, like inflation or currency devaluation.
“The proliferation of SMLR, 21Cap, and many others, including NVDA deciding they need to derisk their balance sheets by rerisking on BTC—even as it approaches the top decile of all-time prices,” Grant pointed to as evidence.
Simply put, even large institutions are choosing to take on the risk of Bitcoin’s price fluctuations as a potential offset to other, potentially larger financial risks.
Despite the excitement surrounding Bitcoin’s approach to $100,000, the true anticipation centers on its continuing development as an increasingly permanent component of the financial system.
Solayer (LAYER) is under intense pressure after a sudden 45% crash wiped out weeks of bullish momentum. Once up 460% since February, the token trades below $1.70 as traders scramble to understand what triggered the collapse.
The altcoin lost nearly $350 million in market cap in this crash. With volatility rising and the long/short ratio now at 1.45, the market appears divided between those expecting a rebound and those bracing for further downside.
Solayer Loses Nearly $350 Million Market Cap – What’s Behind the Drop?
LAYER has plunged roughly 35% in just 24 hours, falling from nearly $3.10 to $1.90, leaving the community scrambling for answers. This sharp drop comes despite Solayer’s strong fundamentals—it’s the first hardware-accelerated blockchain designed to offload operations onto programmable chips, aiming for over 1 million TPS and 100 Gbps bandwidth.
The project also offers real-world utility through its Solayer Emerald Card, which allows users to spend USDC seamlessly via Visa, with support for Apple Pay and Google Pay.
From February 18 to May 5, LAYER surged 460%, making it one of the best-performing altcoins of the year—until the sudden crash disrupted momentum.
Right now, confusion reigns. Some blame market makers for triggering a cascade of liquidations, others accuse the founders of shady practices, while a few point to the daily 110,600 LAYER token unlocks.
However, those daily unlocks account for just $219,000 in value—hardly enough to justify a $250 million+ loss in market cap. What’s more concerning is the upcoming major unlock on May 11, when 26.5 million LAYER (worth about $51 million) will be released.
If market sentiment doesn’t recover before then, this influx of supply could intensify selling pressure and potentially push the price even lower.
LAYER Crash Deepens: $3.2 Million in Long Liquidations Fuel Panic
LAYER’s long/short ratio sat at 0.78 over the past 24 hours, with 56.14% of traders positioned short—reflecting rising bearish sentiment.
Around $3.2 million in long liquidations were triggered, more than double the $1.5 million in short liquidations. This forced selling likely accelerated the drop from $3.10 to $1.90, as liquidation cascades compounded the pressure.
Aggregated Long/Short Accounts Ratio AVG. Source: Coinalyze.
With the upcoming May 11 token unlock, the unwind of leveraged positions became a key driver of the crash.
While the long/short ratio has since flipped to 1.45—indicating that more traders are now positioning for a rebound—the lack of order book depth remains a concern. In such environments, price volatility can remain elevated regardless of whether sentiment shifts back to bullish.
Longs Pile In as LAYER Struggles Below $1.90
LAYER’s outlook remains highly uncertain as its price struggles to hold above $1.90 following a steep decline.
Traders and investors are still seeking clarity on the cause of the crash, while sentiment remains fragile ahead of the May 11 token unlock.
In this context, the current long/short ratio of 1.45 reveals an important shift—more traders are now betting on a rebound, with 59.2% of positions long versus 40.8% short.
This rising long bias may suggest that some believe the worst is over, especially after an aggressive selloff.
However, it also introduces new risk: if LAYER fails to recover and drops further, these newly opened long positions could be liquidated just like before—potentially setting off another wave of forced selling.
Pi Network is planning to unlock 188 million tokens in March, making them accessible to over 1 million users. This is a substantially larger user pool than most months. Yet, it may not increase selling pressure as demand for PI continues to surge.
However, the project’s community is also acting aggressively over social media, review-bombing Binance for its perceived listing delays. A Binance community vote overwhelmingly supports Pi, but the listing hasn’t gone live yet, prompting intense backlash.
Pi Network Prepares for Big Unlock
Pi Network is one of the most hyped crypto projects in recent times. Since its mainnet launch on February 20, PI surged nearly 100%, hitting a peak of $2.99 before seeing corrections. At the same time, it’s gaining recognition from the wider community despite earlier criticism.
CoinMarketCap’s community sentiment shows that 91% of its users are bullish on Pi, as the firm is planning to unlock 188 million tokens to over 1.1 million users this month.
ExplorePi data shows that there are currently more than 11.5 million Pioneer accounts. However, 7.25 million (63%) accounts lock PI for three years, and 1.6 million accounts (14%) lock PI for one year.
Therefore, the selling pressure on Pi Network may not take effect immediately, even with this massive user pool.
Nonetheless, Pi Network is also ruffling more than a few feathers. Recently, Binance hosted a community vote on whether or not to list PI tokens, and its users were overwhelmingly in favor.
Despite the votes, Binance is yet to list PI, and several users are not taking this lightly. Pi fans have review-bombed its Google reviews. Without directly mentioning the project, the exchange responded to these comments:
“Before listing cryptocurrencies, Binance will check and consider many factors including liquidity and trading volume in the market,” Binance claimed. Although the exchange didn’t directly reference Pi Network, it commented on several Pi-centric 1 star ratings on Play Store.
Many (but not all) of these reviews and responses took place on Asia-based servers, where the project is the most popular. Recently, the Vietnamese government issued a warning about Pi Network, and Bybit CEO Ben Zhou reminded his users that China issued similar warnings years prior.
Regardless, Pi Network seems to have a huge community of enthusiastic supporters. Although some of its fans are getting a reputation for their hostility and defensiveness on social media, the project remains resilient to the current market conditions.
In an exclusive AMA session hosted by BeInCrypto, Dmitry Lazarichev, Co-Founder of Wirex, unveiled the company’s bold expansion into the U.S. market. With a focus on self-custody, seamless crypto-to-fiat conversions, and real-world usability, Wirex Pay is set to shake up how Americans interact with digital assets.
From spending stablecoins at 80 million merchants via Visa to instant on/off-ramp features powered by Bridge, Wirex is an all-inclusive payments platform. Lazarichev explained how this move addresses the growing U.S. demand for crypto solutions that combine speed, security, and control without sacrificing the convenience of traditional finance.
In this AMA, Lazarichev also shared how Wirex empowers users with full ownership of their funds, fosters DeFi adoption via its WXT token, and ensures enterprise-grade security. Let’s get into it!
Join the BeInCrypto Trading Community, participate in our AMA sessions, and earn cash prizes for your questions to our guest speakers!
AMA Session With Wirex
BeInCrypto: Today, we have a special guest speaker – Dmitry Lazarichev, Co-Founder of Wirex (@DmitryWirex)!
Ok, let’s start with this question
What motivated Wirex to expand its stablecoin payment platform to the U.S.?
Dmitry Lazarichev: The decision to expand Wirex’s stablecoin payment platform to the U.S. was motivated by the growing demand for seamless and secure crypto payment solutions in the country.
The U.S. has long been a leader in the adoption of digital assets, with both consumers and businesses seeking practical ways to leverage crypto in everyday transactions.
By bringing Wirex Pay to the U.S., we aim to meet this demand and offer users a simple, reliable way to use stablecoins in real-world payments while maintaining control over their assets.
Expanding to the U.S. was a strategic move to tap into a market that is rapidly evolving in terms of crypto adoption. The U.S. offers a unique combination of a large user base, innovation-driven businesses, and regulatory frameworks that support the growth of digital assets.
By providing Wirex Pay, we can facilitate the adoption of stablecoin-based transactions, which offer a more stable and secure alternative to traditional financial systems.
BIC: How does Wirex Pay differ from other payment platforms available in the U.S.?
Dmitry: Wirex Pay differentiates itself from other payment platforms by being a self-custodial solution. This means that users retain full control over their funds at all times, unlike many platforms that require users to trust a third party to manage their assets.
Additionally, Wirex Pay allows users to spend stablecoins at over 80 million merchants globally, thanks to its integration with Visa’s payment network. We also offer real-time conversions between crypto and fiat, ensuring smooth transactions without the need for complex wallet transfers or exchanges.
The core difference lies in the control we offer to our users. Most platforms are custodial, meaning they hold your assets in their wallets. Wirex Pay, however, allows users to retain ownership of their funds while making seamless payments through Visa’s global network.
This gives users the flexibility to spend stablecoins without needing to convert them to fiat first, making the process faster, simpler, and more secure.
BIC: What are the key features of Wirex Pay that U.S. users should be excited about?
Dmitry: U.S. users should be particularly excited about the instant on/off-ramp solutions provided through our partnership with Bridge, which allow for seamless, real-time conversions between stablecoins and fiat. This feature eliminates the delays typically associated with converting crypto to traditional currencies, making it easier to use digital assets in daily life.
In addition, users can benefit from real-time on-chain swaps for stablecoins and fiat, offering them greater flexibility and control. The ability to spend stablecoins directly at millions of merchants through the Visa network is also a standout feature.
The convenience of instant conversions ensures that users can access their funds in whichever form they need—whether crypto or fiat—without waiting for transactions to settle. This feature not only improves the user experience but also reduces friction in the transaction process.
Plus, having access to a wide range of merchants through Visa integration makes it incredibly convenient for users to pay with stablecoins wherever they go.
BIC: Can you explain how the collaboration with Bridge improves the user experience for U.S. customers and share more details about how stablecoin orchestration works through Bridge?
Dmitry: The collaboration with Bridge significantly enhances the Wirex user experience by making stablecoin transactions faster, more secure, and hassle-free. Bridge allows for real-time orchestration of stablecoin conversions, meaning users don’t have to manually swap assets or rely on third parties for transactions.
This process is automated and seamless, enabling users to convert between stablecoins and fiat instantly. For U.S. customers, this integration ensures that their funds are always available and ready to be spent, reducing wait times and simplifying the entire experience.
Bridge’s technology essentially streamlines the conversion process, so users don’t have to worry about manually exchanging stablecoins or worrying about market fluctuations. This automated orchestration provides a frictionless experience for users, ensuring that their transactions are not only fast but also secure.
By handling conversions behind the scenes, Bridge allows us to offer a more intuitive and efficient platform for U.S. users.
BIC: What are the benefits of using Wirex Pay via card and bank transfers while maintaining full control over funds?
Dmitry: The main benefit of using Wirex Pay via card and bank transfers is that it allows users to maintain full control over their funds while still making payments in a way that feels familiar. Users don’t need to trust a third party with their assets, as they can link their non-custodial wallets directly to the platform.
This gives them the flexibility to spend stablecoins at millions of merchants, without losing control of their crypto. Additionally, Wirex Pay offers seamless integration between crypto and traditional finance, so users can convert funds as needed without extra steps or delays.
The self-custodial nature of Wirex Pay is a game-changer for users who want to keep their crypto assets secure while still using them for daily purchases. This model eliminates the risk associated with custodial services, where assets are held by a third party.
Plus, the flexibility to use cards and bank transfers makes the platform accessible for a wider range of users, offering them the convenience of traditional payment methods while still enjoying the benefits of using stablecoins.
BIC: What kind of impact will the instant on/off-ramp solutions provided by Bridge have on U.S. users’ ability to convert crypto to fiat and vice versa?
Dmitry: The instant on/off-ramp solutions offered through Bridge will have a significant impact on U.S. users by removing the friction typically associated with crypto-to-fiat conversions.
Users can instantly convert their stablecoins into fiat, and vice versa, without waiting for transactions to settle or worrying about exchange rates.
This will make it much easier for users to use crypto in everyday life, whether they’re paying for goods, sending money, or managing their finances. The instant liquidity ensures that users can access their funds in the form they need, right when they need them.
This functionality is particularly beneficial for users who need to make quick payments or transfer funds between different currencies.
It eliminates the delays usually associated with conversion services, ensuring that users always have immediate access to the currency they require.
As a result, it also helps to make crypto more practical for everyday use, enabling faster transactions with fewer barriers.
BIC: Will the integration with Bridge allow U.S. businesses to accept payments in stablecoins directly? If so, what are the benefits for them?
Dmitry: Yes, U.S. businesses will be able to accept payments in stablecoins directly through Wirex Pay, thanks to our integration with Bridge.
The benefit for businesses is that they can avoid the volatility often associated with traditional cryptocurrencies, as stablecoins are pegged to fiat currencies.
This offers businesses the ability to accept digital payments while maintaining predictable value. It also allows them to tap into a growing customer base that prefers to use crypto for transactions, opening up new revenue streams.
By accepting stablecoins, businesses not only offer a modern payment method but also reduce transaction fees and payment processing times compared to traditional methods.
This can lead to greater efficiency, lower costs, and faster payments, which are key advantages for businesses looking to innovate and attract a tech-savvy customer base.
BIC: How does Wirex envision the future of crypto payments in the U.S., and what role will Wirex play in it?
Dmitry: Wirex envisions a future where crypto payments are integrated seamlessly into everyday life. As more people adopt digital currencies, we see a growing demand for stablecoin payments that are easy to use and widely accepted.
Wirex’s role will be to make these payments as simple and accessible as traditional card payments or bank transfers. We aim to provide the infrastructure and user-friendly tools that make it easy for individuals and businesses to use stablecoins in real-world transactions.
The future of crypto payments is about making digital currencies as easy to use as cash or credit cards. Wirex aims to be at the forefront of this transformation, providing U.S. users with the tools they need to transact easily and securely in a digital economy.
As the market evolves, we’ll continue to refine our platform and expand its capabilities to meet the changing needs of both consumers and businesses.
BIC: What updates and new features can U.S. users expect from Wirex in the next six months to a year?
Dmitry: In the next six months to a year, U.S. users can expect a variety of exciting updates and new features. We’re focused on expanding the range of stablecoins available on the platform, improving transaction speeds, and integrating with more payment systems to enhance user experience.
We’ll also be refining our platform’s security features and introducing additional tools that will make managing crypto assets even easier. These updates will ensure that Wirex remains a top choice for crypto payments in the U.S.
In addition to these enhancements, we’ll be rolling out improvements based on user feedback, ensuring that our platform meets the evolving needs of our growing U.S. user base.
The goal is to make Wirex Pay even more accessible and feature-rich, making it easier for U.S. users to navigate and manage their digital assets with confidence.
BIC: Now, my favourite part — questions from our Community
@Nauraa42: How does WXT bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi), and what role does it play in Wirex’s long-term vision of integrating crypto into everyday financial transactions?
Dmitry: WXT, Wirex’s native token, plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance, acting as the bridge that connects these two worlds within the Wirex ecosystem. Through its utility, WXT helps to simplify the user experience, making DeFi more accessible to both crypto enthusiasts and traditional finance users.
One of the key ways WXT bridges this gap is by offering users a seamless way to participate in DeFi services while also engaging in everyday financial transactions. WXT can be used for earning rewards, and accessing exclusive benefits within the Wirex platform.
These features enable traditional finance users to explore DeFi in a straightforward and familiar manner. For example, users can earn rewards by staking WXT, gaining exposure to DeFi principles like yield farming, without needing to fully immerse themselves in complex DeFi protocols. This hands-on approach provides an easy entry point for those new to the space.
In the long run, WXT plays a key role in Wirex’s mission to make digital finance mainstream. By incorporating WXT into both DeFi activities and everyday transactions, Wirex is positioning itself as a bridge that connects users to the benefits of decentralized finance while ensuring they have the tools and rewards they need to make crypto a regular part of their financial lives.
BIC: @PaulTan001: Wirex is fantastic, and it has good ideas. Each project has interesting stories before it is created. So can you tell us about the story, problems, difficulties, etc., that gave you the motivation to build and develop Wirex?
Dmitry: Absolutely! Pavel Matveev and I, in fact, discussed the inspiration and journey behind Wirex in a recent anniversary episode of the Wirex Crypto Podcast.
We reflected on the exciting moments and the challenges we faced along the way in building the platform from the ground up. If you’re curious about our journey, the lessons we’ve learned, and the vision behind Wirex, make sure to check out the full episode here:
BIC: @tamishabaumann2: How can we trust WIREX and believe it is not a scam project? A lot of rug pulls and exit scams are happening these days.
Dmitry: It’s completely understandable to be cautious, especially with the rise of scams in the crypto space.
However, Wirex is a fully regulated and trusted platform with a proven track record of transparency, security, and compliance. We’re committed to safeguarding our users’ assets and providing them with a reliable, long-term solution for managing both crypto and traditional finance.
At Wirex, security is a top priority. We deploy multiple layers of advanced security measures to protect our customers and their assets. For example, we use Fireblocks Secure MPC Technology, which leverages Multi-Party Computation (MPC) to ensure private keys are never exposed and eliminate any single points of failure. This technology helps secure your assets with institutional-grade protection.
Additionally, all significant withdrawals from Wirex require multi-signature and multi-approval processes, which involve strict approval by authorized personnel using verified devices. This ensures that unauthorized transactions are prevented. We also utilize whitelisted and time-locked transactions, restricting withdrawals to pre-approved addresses and applying time delays for high-value transactions to further mitigate risks.
To further protect our users, Wirex has an advanced fraud and risk management system in place. We continuously monitor transactions for suspicious activity and use automated risk controls and fraud detection algorithms to block unauthorized transfers in real time. We also collaborate with leading cybersecurity and blockchain analytics firms to stay ahead of emerging threats and malicious actors.
Wirex operates in compliance with the highest industry standards. We are ISO 27001 and PCI DSS 4.0 certified, adhering to globally recognized cybersecurity and privacy management standards. Our commitment to regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, including the UK and Australia, ensures transparency and resilience. Additionally, our security infrastructure undergoes regular third-party audits to validate and strengthen our defenses against evolving threats.
Wirex has been operational for over 10 years, and with the combination of these security protocols, regulatory adherence, and industry best practices, we offer our users peace of mind that their assets are in safe hands. We believe in the power of transparency and security, and we work tirelessly to provide a platform that users can trust.
BIC: @ngocsont993: Can you tell us about WIREX’s team members? Are they qualified and professional in their fields? What are the recruiting qualifications for team members of WIREX?
Dmitry: Absolutely! At Wirex, we are incredibly proud of our team, which is made up of highly skilled and qualified professionals who bring a wide range of expertise from fields like finance, technology, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and more.
Our team members share a common passion for transforming the financial landscape, and together, we work toward our goal of bridging the gap between traditional finance and the world of cryptocurrency.
Wirex has built a global presence with offices in key locations such as London, Italy, Singapore, and Ukraine. Each office plays an integral role in our operations, helping to ensure we can serve our diverse user base across various regions and maintain a high level of service and innovation. Our teams in these offices bring a wealth of regional expertise while contributing to Wirex’s overarching vision of revolutionizing digital finance on a global scale.
Recruiting at Wirex is a highly selective process, and we seek individuals who not only have strong technical expertise but also align with our values of transparency, security, and innovation.
We are open to accepting brilliant minds from around the world to join us in creating a new story. We believe in building a diverse and dynamic team that reflects the global nature of the crypto ecosystem. You can check out our job openings here https://wirex.bamboohr.com/careers
BIC: @trgdoa: Can you provide WIREX’s official Telegram group links and social media links? I have seen many similar groups.
Dmitry: Sure! For official communication and updates, here are the links to Wirex’s official Telegram group and social media profiles:
Make sure you’re following these official channels for the latest news, announcements, and support. If you see other similar groups, please be cautious and make sure they are not unofficial or potential scams. Always rely on the official Wirex links for your safety and security!
BIC: It was the last question of our AMA session!
@DmitryWirex thank you for being here today
Conclusion
Wirex’s move into the U.S. marks a thoughtful step toward making stablecoin payments more accessible and user-friendly. By offering self-custodial control, seamless crypto-to-fiat conversions through Bridge, and integration with Visa’s payment network, Wirex provides a practical solution for those looking to use digital assets in everyday life.
As Dmitry Lazarichev highlighted in the AMA, the focus is on combining the convenience of traditional payments with the benefits of stablecoins, without compromising on security or user control.
With clear use cases for both individuals and businesses, Wirex Pay shows potential to support wider adoption of crypto payments in a way that feels familiar, yet future-ready.
