Bitcoin Dominance Reaches 4-Year High, Yet Experts Remain Split on Altcoin Season

Bitcoin’s (BTC) market dominance has surged to 64%, reaching its highest level in over four years. 

However, experts remain divided on what this means for the future. Some predict an impending altcoin season, and others caution that Bitcoin’s dominance could continue to suppress altcoins.

What Does Bitcoin’s Rising Dominance Mean?

For context, Bitcoin dominance (BTC.D) refers to the percentage of the total cryptocurrency market capitalization that BTC holds. It is a key indicator of Bitcoin’s market strength relative to other cryptocurrencies. A rising dominance suggests that Bitcoin is outperforming altcoins, while a decrease may signal growing interest or investment in other digital assets.

The metric has been steadily increasing since late 2022. As of the latest data, it surged to 64%, marking highs last seen in early 2021. 

Bitcoin Dominance Performance
Bitcoin Dominance Performance. Source: TradingView

Notably, Benjamin Cowen, founder of Into The Cryptoverse, highlighted that the number is much higher when excluding stablecoins.

“Excluding stable coins, Bitcoin dominance is now at 69%,” Cowen revealed.

The rise in Bitcoin dominance has sparked debate among analysts about its implications for altcoins. Cowen believes there will be a correction or downward movement in altcoins before any substantial gains can be expected in the market. This implies that the altcoin season may not be imminent yet.

“I think ALT/ BTC pairs need to go down before they can go up,” he stated.

Nordin, founder of Nour Group, also expressed caution. He stressed that Bitcoin dominance is nearing the levels seen during the peak of the 2020 bear market. 

“This isn’t just a BTC move. Its capital rotating out of alts,” he noted.

Moreover, Nordin warned that a break above 66% could intensify selling pressure on altcoins. This, in turn, could delay the altcoin season.

“Bitcoin dominance back to 64%. No Alt seasons in 2024 or 2025,” analyst, Alessandro Ottaviani, predicted.

On the other hand, analyst Mister Crypto predicts that Bitcoin’s dominance may follow a long-term descending triangle pattern. A descending triangle typically suggests bearish momentum, where the price or dominance gradually decreases as lower highs are formed. 

However, this could prolong its market control before a broader correction allows altcoins to gain traction.

Bitcoin Dominance Prediction
Bitcoin Dominance Prediction. Source: X/Mister Crypto

Another analyst mentioned that Bitcoin dominance is currently testing the resistance zone between 64% and 64.3%. Therefore, a possible retracement may be on the horizon. Should this retracement occur, altcoins could begin to gain traction, with some potentially emerging as top performers in the market as capital shifts away from Bitcoin. 

“However, a breakout from this zone could mean further declines for alts,” the analyst remarked.

Finally, Junaid Dar, CEO of Bitwardinvest, offered a more optimistic view. According to Dar’s analysis, if Bitcoin’s dominance drops below 63.45%, it could trigger a strong upward movement in altcoins. This, he believes, would create an ideal opportunity to profit from altcoin positions. 

“For now, alts are stuck. Just a matter of time,” Dar added.

Tether Dominance Signals Potential Altcoin Season 

Meanwhile, many analysts believe that the trends in Tether dominance (USDT.D) signal a potential altcoin season. From a technical analysis standpoint, USDT.D has reached a resistance zone and may be due for a correction, suggesting the possibility of capital flowing from USDT into altcoins.

“The USDTD is in a rejection zone, as long as it does not close above 6.75% it will be favorable for the market,” a technical analyst wrote.

USDT Dominance Performance
USDT Dominance Performance. Source: X/TheCryptoLemon 

Another analyst also stressed that the USDT.D and USD Coin dominance (USDC.D) have reached resistance, forecasting an incoming altcoin season. Doğu Tekinoğlu drew similar conclusions by observing the combined chart of BTC.D, USDT.D, and USDC.D. 

As Bitcoin’s dominance climbs, investors are closely monitoring these technical and on-chain signals. The interplay between Bitcoin’s strength and stablecoin dynamics could dictate whether altcoins stage a comeback this summer or face further consolidation. For now, Bitcoin’s grip on the market remains firm.

The post Bitcoin Dominance Reaches 4-Year High, Yet Experts Remain Split on Altcoin Season appeared first on BeInCrypto.

HashKey Launches Asia’s First XRP Investment Fund for Institutions

HashKey Capital has launched the HashKey XRP Tracker Fund, the first fund in Asia focused exclusively on tracking the performance of XRP. 

The fund is now open to professional investors. Ripple is backing the initiative as an early investor.

Institutional Interest in XRP Investment Continues to Grow

According to HashKey, XRP offers a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional cross-border payment systems. The new tracker fund aligns with HashKey Capital’s goal of connecting conventional finance with digital asset markets.

The fund allows investors to subscribe using either cash or in-kind contributions. Investors can redeem or subscribe to shares on a monthly basis. 

CF Benchmarks, known for its role in global ETF markets, will provide the fund’s benchmark.

“XRP stands out as one of the most innovative cryptocurrencies in today’s market, attracting global enterprises who use it to transact, tokenize, and store value. With the first XRP Tracker Fund available in the region, we simplify access to XRP, catering to the demand for investment opportunities in the very best digital assets,” said Vivien Wong, Partner at HashKey Capital.

Most recently, Ripple acquired prime brokerage platform Hidden Road for $1.25 billion. It was one of the largest acquisition deals in the crypto and blockchain space. 

Earlier today, Hidden Road secured a broker-dealer license from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

Meanwhile, XRP continues to gain traction with institutional investors. Standard Chartered recently forecast that XRP could surpass Ethereum by 2028, citing increased demand for efficient cross-border payment solutions and growing disruption in global trade.

“XRP is uniquely positioned at the heart of one of the fastest-growing uses for digital assets – facilitation of cross-border and cross-currency payments. In this way, XRPL is similar to the main use case for stablecoins such as Tether. This stablecoin use has grown 50% annually over the past two years, and we expect stablecoin transactions to increase 10x over the next four years. We think this bodes well for XRPL’s throughput growth, given the similar use cases for stablecoins and XRPL,” Geoff Kendrick, Standard Chartered’s Head of Digital Assets Research, told BeInCrypto. 

Interest in XRP ETFs is also increasing. Teucrium Investment Advisors recently received NYSE Arca approval for the Teucrium 2x Long Daily XRP ETF (XXRP), the first leveraged XRP ETF in the United States.

Also, attention is now turning to spot XRP ETFs. Grayscale and 21Shares are both awaiting decisions from the SEC on their XRP-based products. 

The SEC has up to 240 days to review the Grayscale XRP Trust and the 21Shares Core XRP Trust, with final deadlines set for October 18 and 19, 2025. 

XRP’s price has declined by nearly 20% over the past month, but institutional confidence remains high. 

Ripple recently confirmed progress in resolving its long-standing legal battle with the SEC. A joint motion to pause court proceedings was approved, giving both parties 60 more days to finalize a settlement.

The post HashKey Launches Asia’s First XRP Investment Fund for Institutions appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Inside Matchain’s Vision: Petrix Barbosa on the Future of Digital Identity and Data Sovereignty

In an engaging session during Paris Blockchain Week, BeInCrypto caught up with Petrix Barbosa, the innovative mind behind Matchain, a blockchain venture that’s reshaping how digital identity and data sovereignty are approached.

Barbosa, who transitioned from a successful career as a venture capitalist, where he managed investments across 250 projects, brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the blockchain landscape. Petrix Barbosa’s insights reveal a compelling vision for the future of blockchain, focusing on user empowerment and innovative use of technology to solve enduring problems in digital identity and data management.

Petrix Barbosa Discusses Matchain and its Mission

Matchain is a layer 2 blockchain platform that primarily addresses the challenges of identity and data sovereignty. Our mission is to empower users by giving them control over their digital identities and data, thus ensuring that they’re the primary beneficiaries of their online presence.

Barbosa on His Pivot from Venture Capital

In my time as an investor, I witnessed many great ideas fail to reach their potential due to the lack of a substantial user base or poor market timing. This inspired me to transition from funding projects to creating a platform that not only serves my vision but also provides tangible solutions to widespread issues in the blockchain community—primarily, user engagement and application.

Matchain’s Innovations in the Area of Identity Sovereignty

Matchain introduces a novel approach to managing digital identity. Unlike traditional models where user data is siloed across various platforms, Matchain allows users to have a single digital identity that spans across both Web2 and Web3. This is crucial for enabling a seamless transition and interaction between these two worlds.

How Matchain Integrates Existing Web2 Infrastructure

Our platform acts as a bridge between the decentralized ecosystem of Web3 and the more traditional Web2 infrastructure. By allowing users to manage their digital identities across both platforms, we facilitate a smoother interaction that enhances user experience while maintaining high security and trust.

Future Developments From Matchain

Looking ahead, we aim to expand our user base significantly. Currently, we are backed by strategic partnerships, like the one with Paris Saint-Germain, which not only broadens our exposure but also integrates our technology into mainstream applications.

In the next two years, we plan to onboard millions of users, leveraging our innovative solutions to enhance their digital interactions.

Barbosa on Unique Challenges in Developing Matchain

The biggest challenge was shifting the focus from simply creating a blockchain solution to ensuring it was user-centric and capable of addressing real-world problems. This involved integrating AI to manage and analyze data effectively, ensuring that our platform could deliver personalized and contextually relevant experiences to users.

Matchain Over the Next Five Years

 In five years, I envision Matchain at the forefront of blockchain technology, leading the charge in digital identity management and data sovereignty. Our platform will likely become a critical tool for users and companies looking to navigate the complexities of the digital age securely and efficiently.

The post Inside Matchain’s Vision: Petrix Barbosa on the Future of Digital Identity and Data Sovereignty appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Lorenzo Protocol’s BANK Token Surges 150% After Binance Futures Listing

Lorenzo Protocol’s native token, BANK, has recorded a 150% price surge within six hours of its official launch. 

The token’s rapid climb follows its listing on multiple platforms, including Binance’s Alpha Market and the launch of a BANKUSDT perpetual contract on Binance Futures with up to 50x leverage.

What is the New BANK Token on Binance Futures?

The Token Generation Event (TGE) for BANK took place today, April 18, via Binance Wallet, in partnership with PancakeSwap. Lorenzo Protocol raised $200,000 through the sale of 42 million BANK tokens—2% of the total supply—priced at $0.0048 each. 

The token is now trading on PancakeSwap, Bitget, and CoinEx. Following its debut, BANK reached a market cap of approximately $22 million.

BANK is the governance and utility token for Lorenzo Protocol, a DeFi platform focused on enhancing Bitcoin liquidity

The protocol allows users to earn yield on BTC without giving up custody. It uses financial primitives like Liquid Principal Tokens (LPTs) and Yield-Accruing Tokens (YATs). 

According to its claims, BANK holders can stake their tokens to receive veBANK, which provides governance rights and a share of future emissions.

BANK Token Price Chart After Launch. Source: CoinMarketCap

Also, Lorenzo Protocol is built on a Cosmos-based Ethermint appchain. It enables BTC restaking and interoperability with Bitcoin’s Layer 1. The design supports on-chain issuance and settlement of BTC-backed assets.

The listing of the BANK/USDT perpetual contract on Binance Futures adds further momentum to the token. Binance Futures is a derivatives platform that allows users to trade perpetual contracts with high leverage

Binance has historically preferred new tokens on the BNB chain for early futures trading. BANK’s sharp price increase and rapid market integration highlight strong early interest in Lorenzo Protocol’s approach to BTC-based DeFi infrastructure.

Currently, it’s far-fetched to project whether the exchange will list this newly launched token. However, Binance’s new community voting on token listing has offered positive hopes for small market cap projects. 

The post Lorenzo Protocol’s BANK Token Surges 150% After Binance Futures Listing appeared first on BeInCrypto.

This Week in Crypto: Pi Network–Chainlink Buzz, Mantra Meltdown, Grayscale’s Q2 Picks, DXY Collapse, and More

This week in crypto recorded several key events across various ecosystems that will continue shaping the industry.

From major partnerships to investment decisions and scam allegations, the following is a comprehensive roundup of crypto news this week.

Mantra Crash: From Billion-Dollar Hype to Fragile Liquidity

This week in crypto Mantra’s powering token lost $90% of its value amid allegations of insider dealing and liquidity fragility. Once hailed as a rising star in the RWA (real-world asset) narrative, OM’s collapse wiped out over $5.5 billion in value.

Reports revealed a disturbing pattern of concentrated wallet activity and low liquidity pools, which made OM highly vulnerable to sudden exits.

On-chain sleuths identified one trader whose aggressive selling triggered a cascade of liquidations. This highlights the risks of low-float, high-hype tokens in an illiquid market environment.

“This was due to an entity(s) on the Binance perpetuals market. That’s what triggered the entire cascade. The initial drop below $5 was triggered by a ~1 million USD short position being market-sold. This caused over 5% of slippage in literal microseconds. That was the trigger. This seems intentional to me. They knew what they were doing,” the analyst stated.

Pi Network: From Chainlink Buzz to Transparency Fears

Pi Network recorded strong optimism this week as its native Pi Coin surged by double digits. BeInCrypto attributed the surge to the announcement of a key integration with Chainlink.

They pitched this strategic collaboration as a gateway to real-world utility. Specifically, it positioned Pi closer to the broader DeFi and smart contract ecosystem. However, the euphoria proved short-lived.

Market sentiment quickly soured as analysts began comparing Pi Network and the recently collapsed OM token.

Allegations suggest that, like the OM token, Pi coin lacks full clarity around circulating supply, wallet distribution, and centralized control. To some, these are potential red flags in an increasingly regulation-sensitive industry.

“The OM incident is a wake-up call for the entire crypto industry, proof that stricter regulations are urgently needed. It also serves as a huge lesson for the Pi Core Team as we transition from the Open Network to the Open Mainnet,” wrote Dr Altcoin.

Pi coin reversed gains within days, falling 18% from its weekly high. At the time of writing, PI was trading at $0.6112, up by a modest 0.7% in the past 24 hours, per CoinGecko.

Pi Network (PI Coin Price)
Pi Network (PI Coin Price). Source: CoinGecko

Grayscale’s Altcoin Shake-Up: 40 Tokens Under Review

This week in crypto also showed that institutional investor interest in altcoins is heating up again, with Grayscale leading the charge.

The digital asset manager unveiled its updated list of assets under consideration for the second quarter (Q2) 2025. BeInCrypto reported that the list featured zero altcoins across sectors such as DePIN, AI, modular blockchains, and restaking. Among the notable tokens being eyed are SUI, STRK, TIA, JUP, and MANTA.

The update reflects Grayscale’s growing thesis around emerging crypto trends, particularly as the firm seeks to expand beyond its core Bitcoin and Ethereum products.

This announcement follows a broader strategic overhaul from three weeks ago when Grayscale reshuffled its top 20 list of altcoins by market exposure. Several older names were dropped at the time, while newer narratives like Solana-based DePIN and Ethereum restaking plays were pushed to the forefront.

The expansion into 40 coins signals Grayscale’s recognition of renewed retail and institutional appetite for differentiated assets. However, inclusion in the list does not guarantee a fund launch. It only indicates Grayscale’s active research.

XRP and SWIFT Partnership: Breaking Down the Rumors

There was speculation this week about a possible partnership between Ripple’s XRP and banking giant SWIFT in crypto.

This narrative was based on a misinterpreted document. A series of cryptic social posts exacerbated the speculation, which some took as confirmation of collaboration between the global payments network and the XRP ledger.

However, BeInCrypto’s in-depth reporting sank the rumors. While Ripple has long pursued banking institutions and SWIFT has shown openness to blockchain innovations, there is no verified partnership between the two.

SWIFT’s public-facing projects around tokenization and digital asset settlement do not include XRP.

Despite the debunking, the rumors sparked an important conversation about XRP’s long-term positioning. The token remains a top-10 asset and a favorite among retail investors banking on utility-driven price appreciation.

Ripple (XRP) Price Performance
Ripple (XRP) Price Performance. Source: BeInCrypto

With Ripple’s legal battles with the SEC nearing resolution and international CBDC partnerships in the works, the project is far from irrelevant.

US Dollar Dives: What the DXY Crash Means for Bitcoin

The US Dollar Index (DXY) hit a three-year low this week, sending ripples through the crypto markets. Historically, a falling DXY has been bullish for Bitcoin, and this week was no different, with BTC reclaiming above the $84,000 range.

The greenback’s weakness reflects growing fears of fiscal deterioration in the US, as rate cuts loom and Treasury debt soars.

However, that is just the surface. The global M2money supply has been quietly increasing again, especially across Europe and Asia. This reignites the liquidity conditions that fueled previous bull runs.

Japan’s 10-year bond yields hit multi-decade highs, forcing the Bank of Japan (BoJ) into increasingly precarious interventions. As Japanese liquidity spills outward, crypto and risk assets have become inadvertent beneficiaries.

This macroenvironment is ideal for Bitcoin. Weakening fiat, rising global liquidity, and crumbling bond market confidence create a perfect storm.

The post This Week in Crypto: Pi Network–Chainlink Buzz, Mantra Meltdown, Grayscale’s Q2 Picks, DXY Collapse, and More appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Circle Enhances USDC with Smart Contract-Based Refund Protocol

Circle, the issuer behind the USDC stablecoin, has officially introduced the Refund Protocol—an advanced smart contract framework developed by Circle Research. 

This innovation marks a turning point for decentralized stablecoin payments by directly embedding on-chain dispute resolution mechanisms into the blockchain, ensuring digital commerce transparency, security, and trust.

Role of Refund Protocol in the Circle Ecosystem

Traditional stablecoin payment models often lack on-chain refund or dispute resolution mechanisms. Typically, the sender’s stablecoins are held in escrow for a period before being released to the recipient. 

An external party, known as an arbiter, oversees this escrow account. However, resolution usually happens off-chain when disputes arise, leading to two major concerns: centralized control by the arbiter and lack of transparency in the dispute process.

Refund Protocol Structure. Source: Circle
Refund Protocol Structure. Source: Circle

To solve this, Circle has designed the Refund Protocol to enhance the overall stablecoin payment experience, especially for USDC. The protocol acts as a smart contract, enabling non-custodial escrow and on-chain dispute resolution.

“Today, Circle’s R&D team released a new Refund Protocol for stablecoin payments. This builds on our earlier open source releases for confidential payments as well as reversible payments. Progress in mainstreaming stablecoin payments,” said Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire.

Rather than controlling the escrow account, the Refund Protocol can only do two things: release funds to the recipient or refund them to the customer. This removes reliance on third-party intermediaries, increases transparency, and boosts efficiency and user trust.

Refund Protocol to Help USDC Gain Market Share?

According to data from DefiLlama, USDT from Tether currently dominates the stablecoin market with over 61% market share. Although USDC holds the second position, its market capitalization is still less than half that of USDT.

USDC vs. USDT market share – Source: DefiLlama
USDC vs. USDT market share. Source: DefiLlama

The launch of Refund Protocol provides Circle with a strategic edge. By offering developers and businesses an easy way to integrate USDC payments into e-commerce platforms, NFT marketplaces, and DeFi applications, the protocol strengthens USDC’s position as a flexible and reliable medium of exchange.

Additionally, Refund Protocol gives Circle an advantage by providing a decentralized, low-cost, and transparent solution. This will help USDC stand out in real-world applications.

Refund Protocol may face regulatory hurdles despite its innovation, especially in jurisdictions with strict blockchain laws. The legal recognition of on-chain dispute resolution remains uncertain in many regions, potentially posing one of the biggest obstacles to widespread adoption.

The post Circle Enhances USDC with Smart Contract-Based Refund Protocol appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Ethereum ETF Options Launch Amid Market Headwinds: A Potential Turning Point?

Ethereum reached a notable milestone earlier this month when the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved options trading for several spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The move is expected to increase liquidity, attract interest from institutional investors, and solidify Ethereum’s position as a major cryptocurrency. 

Yet Ethereum’s smaller market cap relative to Bitcoin means it is also vulnerable to gamma squeezes, thereby increasing investor risks. BeInCrypto consulted an expert in derivatives trading and representatives from FalconX, BingX, Komodo Platform, and Gravity to analyze the potential impact of this new characteristic.

Ethereum ETF Options Gain SEC Approval

The Ethereum community rejoiced earlier this month when the SEC approved options trading for existing Ethereum ETFs. This approval marks a significant regulatory development for digital assets. 

This week marked the official debut of options trading for spot Ethereum ETFs in the United States. BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) was the first to list options, with trading commencing on the Nasdaq ISE. 

Shortly after, a broader availability of options followed, including those for the Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETHE) and the Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust (ETH), as well as the Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW), all of which began trading on the Cboe BZX exchange.

This move allows a wider range of investors, beyond crypto traders, to benefit from hedging and speculation opportunities on Ethereum’s price through options on familiar investment vehicles like ETFs without direct ownership.

The timing of this news is particularly positive, as Ethereum has been losing some ground in the market lately. 

Options Trading to Bolster Ethereum’s Market Position

A significant decline in market confidence surrounded Ethereum this week, with BeInCrypto reporting its price had plummeted to its lowest point since March 2023. This drop coincided with a broader market downturn, worsened by Donald Trump’s Liberation Day. 

Further fueling this bearish sentiment, the ETH/BTC ratio has reached a five-year low, highlighting Bitcoin’s growing dominance over Ethereum.

ETH/BTC ratio.
ETH/BTC ratio. Source: TradingView.

Meanwhile, large Ethereum holders are increasingly selling off substantial amounts, putting downward pressure on their prices. Ethereum’s value has fallen sharply by 51.3% since the beginning of 2025, and investor confidence has waned, as evidenced by a decrease in addresses holding at least $1 million in ETH.

Holders with at least $1 million worth of ETH.
Holders with at least $1 million worth of ETH. Source: Glassnode.

With options trading now accessible to more traders, experts anticipate that Ethereum’s market position will improve.

“ETH’s‬‭ been‬‭ leaking‬‭ dominance,‬‭ stuck‬‭ sub-17%.‬‭ Options‬‭ give‬‭ it‬‭ institutional‬‭ gravity.‬‭ It‬‭ becomes‬‭ more‬‭ programmable‬‭ for‬‭ fund‬‭ strategies.‬‭ More‬‭ tools‬‭ mean‬‭ more‬‭ use‬‭ cases, which then in turn means more capital sticking around,” Martins Benkitis, CEO and Co-Founder of Gravity Team‬, predicted.

This newfound accessibility of options trading will create additional opportunities for investors and the broader Ethereum ecosystem.

Greater Investor Access and Liquidity

The SEC’s approval of Ethereum ETFs in July 2024 was significant because it allowed traditional investors to enter the crypto market without directly holding the assets. Now, with options trading also available, these benefits are expected to be even greater.

“‭It‬‭ will‬‭ provide‬‭ additional‬‭ opportunities‬‭ for‬‭ portfolio‬‭ diversification‬‭ and‬‭ create‬‭ more‬‭ avenues‬‭ for‬‭ ETH-based‬‭ products.‬‭ With‬‭ options‬‭ beyond‬‭ the‬‭ limited‬‭ Bitcoin‬‭ ETF‬‭ offerings,‬‭ investors‬‭ may‬‭ reconsider‬‭ how‬‭ they‬‭ allocate‬‭ their‬‭ funds.‬‭ This‬‭ shift‬‭ could‬‭ result‬‭ in‬‭ more‬‭ sophisticated‬‭ trading‬‭ strategies‬‭ and‬‭ greater‭ participation in Ethereum-based products,” Vivien Lin, Chief Product Officer at BingX, told BeInCrypto. 

The Ethereum ETF market will naturally become more liquid with increased participation through options trading. 

High Trading Volumes and Hedging Demands

‭The SEC’s fresh approval of options trading for Ethereum ETF investors suggests that the market will likely initially experience a high trading volume. As a result, market makers must be prepared. 

An increase in call options will require institutional market makers to hedge by buying more Ethereum to meet demand.

“‭This‬‭ is‬‭ the‬‭ canonically‬‭ accepted‬‭ dynamic‬‭ of‬‭ options‬‭ markets‬‭ bringing‬‭ better‬‭ liquidity‬‭ to‬‭ spot‬‭ markets,” explained derivatives trader Gordon Grant.

Ethereum will also secure a unique advantage, particularly in institutional trading, enhancing its perceived quality and driving optimism among key market participants.

“ETH just got a serious institutional tailwind. With options now in play, Ether is stepping‬‭ closer to BTC in terms of tradable instruments. This levels up ETH’s legitimacy and‬‭ utility in hedging strategies, narrowing the gap on Bitcoin’s dominance narrative,” Benkitis told BeInCrypto. 

Yet, rapid surges in options trading could also have unintended consequences on Ethereum’s price, especially in the short run. 

Will Investors Suffer a Gamma Squeeze?

As market makers rush to acquire more of the underlying asset in case of a higher volume of options calls, Ethereum’s price will naturally increase. This situation could lead to a pronounced gamma squeeze.

When market makers hedge their positions in this scenario, the resulting buying pressure would create a positive feedback loop. Retail investors will feel more inclined to join in, hoping to profit from Ethereum’s rising price.

The implications of this scenario are especially pronounced for Ethereum, considering its market capitalization is notably smaller than that of Bitcoin. 

Retail traders’ aggressive buying of ETHA call options could compel market makers to hedge by acquiring the underlying ETHA shares, potentially leading to a more pronounced effect on the price of ETHA and, by extension, Ethereum.

“‭We‬‭ believe‬‭ option‬‭ sellers‬‭ will‬‭ generally‬‭ dominate‬‭ in‬‭ the‬‭ long-run‬‭ but‬‭ in‬‭ short‬‭ bursts‬‭ we‬‭ could‬‭ see‬‭ retail‬‭ momentum‬‭ traders‬‭ become‬‭ massive‬‭ buyers‬‭ of‬‭ ETHA‬‭ calls‬‭ and‬‭ create‬‭ gamma‬‭ squeeze‬‭ effects,‬‭ similar‬‭ to‬‭ what‬‭ we’ve‬‭ seen‬‭ on‬‭ meme‬‭ coin‬‭ stocks‬‭ like‬‭ GME.‬‭ ETH‬‭ will‬‭ be‬‭ easier‬‭ to squeeze than BTC given it is only $190 billion market cap vs BTC’s $1.65 trillion,” Joshua‬‭ Lim, Global‬‭ Co-head‬‭ of‬‭ Markets‬‭ at FalconX, told BeInCrypto.

Meanwhile, Grant predicts arbitrage-driven flows will further exacerbate price swings.

Arbitrage Opportunities Expected to Emerge 

Experienced investors in options trading may pursue arbitrage to gain profits and reduce risk exposure.

Arbitrage involves exploiting price differences for the same or nearly identical assets across different markets or forms. This is done by buying in the cheaper market and selling in the more expensive one.

According to Grant, traders will increasingly look for and exploit these price differences as the market for ETH options on different platforms develops. 

“I‬‭ would‬‭ expect‬‭ more‬‭ arbitrage‬‭ behaviors‬‭ between‬‭ deribit‬‭ CME‬‭ and‬‭ spot‬‭ eth‬‭ options‬‭ and‬‭ while‬‭ one‬‭ sided‬‭ flows‬‭ across‬‭ all‬‭ three‬‭ markets‬‭ could‬‭ be‬‭ temporarily‬‭ destabilizing,‬‭ greater‬‭ liquidity‬‭ through‬‭ a‬‭ diverse‬‭ array‬‭ of‬‭ venues‬‭ should‬‭ ultimately‬‭ dampen‬‭ the‬‭ extrema‬‭ of‬‭ positioning‬‭ driven‬‭ dislocations‬‭ and‬‭ the‬‭ frequency‬‭ of‬‭ such‬‭ dislocations.‬‭ For‬‭ instance,‬‭ it‬‭ appears‬‭ –‬anecdotally‬‭ as‬‭ the‬‭ data‬‭ is‬‭ still‬‭ inchoate‬‭–‬‭ that‬‭ vol‬‭ variance‬‭ on‬‭ btc‬‭ is‬‭ declining‬‭ post‬‭ intro‬‭ of‬‭ iBit‬‭ options,” he explained.

While arbitrage activity is expected to refine pricing and liquidity within the Ethereum options market, the asset continues to operate under the shadow of Bitcoin’s established market leadership.

Will Landmark Options Approval Help Ethereum Close the Gap on Bitcoin?

Though Ethereum achieved a major landmark this week, it faces competition from a major rival: Bitcoin. 

In late fall of 2024, options trading started on BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), becoming the first US spot Bitcoin ETF to offer options. Though not even a year has passed since the original launch, options trading on Bitcoin ETFs experienced strong trading volumes from retail and institutional investors.

According to Kadan Stadelmann, Chief Technology Officer of Komodo Platform‬, options trading for Ethereum ETFs will be comparatively underwhelming. Bitcoin will still be the cryptocurrency of choice for investors. 

“‬Compared to Bitcoin’s Spot ETF, Ethereum’s ETF has not seen such stalwart demand.‬‭ While options trading adds institutional capital, Bitcoin remains crypto’s first mover and‬‭ enjoys a greater overall market cap. It is not going anywhere. It will remain the dominant‬‭ crypto asset for institutional portfolios,” Stadelmann told BeInCrypto. 

‭Consequently, his outlook does not include Ethereum’s market position surpassing Bitcoin’s in the immediate term.

“The once-promised flippening of Bitcoin’s market capitalization by Ethereum remains‬‭ unlikely. Conservative and more-monied investors likely prefer Bitcoin due to its perceived‬‭ safety compared to other crypto assets, including Ethereum. Ethereum, in order to achieve‬‭ Bitcoin’s prominence, must depend on growing utility in DeFi and stablecoin markets,” he concluded. 

While that may be the case, options trading doesn’t harm Ethereum’s prospects; it only strengthens them.

Can Ethereum’s Options Trading Era Capitalize on Opportunities?

‭Ethereum is now the second cryptocurrency with SEC approval for options trading on its ETFs. This single move will further legitimize digital assets for institutions, increasing their presence in traditional markets and boosting overall visibility.

Despite recent significant blows to Ethereum’s market position, this news is a positive development. Although it might not be sufficient to surpass its primary competitor, it represents a step in the right direction.

As investors get used to this new opportunity, their participation level will reveal how beneficial it will be for Ethereum.

The post Ethereum ETF Options Launch Amid Market Headwinds: A Potential Turning Point? appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Galaxy Digital Moves $100 Million in Ethereum: Strategic Shift or Sell-Off Signal?

Galaxy Digital, a leading crypto investment firm, has recently captured the crypto community’s attention. The firm recently transferred massive Ethereum (ETH) holdings to centralized exchanges. 

The move comes when the crypto market navigates significant volatility, prompting investors to question whether this signals a major sell-off or reflects Galaxy Digital’s strategic portfolio management.

Galaxy Digital’s Persistent ETH Transfers to Exchanges

On-chain data reveals Galaxy Digital has executed a series of substantial ETH transfers to major exchanges in less than a week. On the morning of April 18, 2025, the firm sent 12,500 ETH, valued at approximately $20 million, to Binance

Just a day earlier, on April 17, Galaxy Digital moved 12,181 ETH, worth around $19.02 million, to another centralized exchange. On April 16, an additional 12,500 ETH, valued at $20.31 million, was transferred to Binance. On April 15, another transaction involving 12,500 ETH and 5 million USDT was sent to the same platform.

In total, Galaxy Digital has moved a significant volume of ETH, worth over $100 million, out of its wallets in a short period. The scale and frequency of these transactions have sparked widespread speculation about the firm’s true intentions.

Sell-Off or Strategic Restructuring?

Large-scale ETH transfers to exchanges are often interpreted as a precursor to selling. If Galaxy Digital is offloading ETH, it could exert downward pressure on the asset’s price, particularly given the current market uncertainty.

ETH’s price has already declined significantly from its cycle peak. And Galaxy Digital’s transactions could amplify bearish sentiment among investors.

However, not all exchange transfers equate to a sell-off. Galaxy Digital might be preparing for other activities, such as providing liquidity for its financial products or executing swaps to diversify its portfolio. Still, these transfers’ sheer volume and rapid pace have raised concerns about their potential impact on ETH’s price.

Adding to the intrigue, these transactions coincide with Christine Kim’s resignation as Galaxy Digital’s Vice President of Research.

Kim, a well-known Ethereum expert, recently left the firm to pursue her ventures. While no direct evidence links her departure to the ETH transfers, the timing has fueled speculation about whether Galaxy Digital is reevaluating its stance on Ethereum.

The post Galaxy Digital Moves $100 Million in Ethereum: Strategic Shift or Sell-Off Signal? appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Gate.io x Oracle Red Bull Racing in F1: Co-Creating a New Web3 Brand Paradigm Through Speed and Transformation

A blazing Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 car races past hundreds of millions of viewers around the globe, with the Gate.io logo standing out prominently on its body. At the same time, in the digital realm, millions of Web3 users are embarking on their WCTC S7 journey, an exhilarating race in the world of global crypto trading. This marks the first time the crypto industry has resonated with mainstream culture in such a dynamic and synchronized fashion.

For Gate.io, 2025 is both a significant milestone, celebrating its 12th anniversary and a starting line for the future. At this critical juncture, Gate.io has not only completed a comprehensive brand upgrade, officially adopting “Damen” (大门, meaning “The Gate”) as its Chinese name, but also refreshed its visual identity, ecosystem positioning, and global strategic direction. 

In an even bolder move, it has partnered with the world-renowned Oracle Red Bull Racing in F1, marking a major milestone in its global cross-industry collaborations and unlocking massive influence on a global scale.

From Red Bull, Seeing Gate.io’s Multi-Dimensional Brand Expression

On the F1 circuit, Red Bull stands for more than championship performance and cutting-edge innovation. It has evolved beyond its origins as an energy drink brand, expanding into racing, extreme sports, music, and media—becoming a benchmark for diversified global brand operations. Among its many endeavors, the team is undoubtedly the crown jewel of its multi-faceted brand strategy.

Both Red Bull and Gate.io are breaking boundaries and pushing limits in their respective domains. Red Bull through adrenaline-fueled spectacles, and Gate.io through technology-driven platforms and community-driven innovation. Their collaboration goes beyond exposure; it is a shared commitment to serving a global, young, open, and engaged audience. 

For Gate.io, the partnership represents more than a marketing opportunity, it’s a powerful manifestation of its diversified strategy and a profound alignment of brand values, ecosystem vision, and user identity. On the world’s fastest track, a veteran yet constantly evolving crypto trading platform is now using speed, technology, and cultural synergy to redefine the imaginative boundaries of the next mainstream Web3 gateway.

According to Gate.io Founder and CEO Lin Han, Red Bull embodies the very ecosystem Gate.io strives to build: “Gate.io is more than just a digital asset exchange. We are building an open, technology-driven, globally collaborative platform. This vision is deeply aligned with Red Bull’s spirit and philosophy.”

A Brand Evolution: Gate.io “User Universe” Is Taking Shape

Behind the brand upgrade lies the synchronized evolution of Gate.io’s core businesses. The company has developed a multi-layered Web3 ecosystem that spans trading, wallets, public chains, educational platforms, and investment funds. From professional traders to developers, retail investors to institutional clients, Gate.io is attracting and empowering a broad user base with its expanding product offerings and increasingly sophisticated services.

According to its recently released Q1 2025 report, Gate.io’s ecosystem is growing rapidly, with key business lines showing robust momentum:

  • Trading volume is rising across the board, with futures trading volume increasing by approximately 31% quarter-over-quarter.
  • The platform token GT reached a record high of $25.96, up nearly 70% since the start of the year.
  • Total platform reserves exceeded $10.328 billion, ranking among the global top 4.
  • Quantitative investment is booming, with copy trading volume soaring by 780%.
  • Launchpool has been fully upgraded, facilitating the rapid launch of over 140 new projects.
  • Over 1,000 tokens have been listed in the Pilot Zone, capturing high-yield meme projects and emerging trends.

Meanwhile, Gate Wallet has built a comprehensive digital asset management solution supporting nearly 200 blockchains. Gate Connect facilitates transactions in 52 fiat currencies across 80 countries, offering more than 450 payment methods. 

The newly launched Gate Card Silver virtual card, alongside the fast-growing Gate Community, is driving innovation through branded events, Gate Live interactive streams, Gate Post, Gate.io Chat Group, blogs, YouTube, TikTok, and other content channels. Through this multidimensional layout, Gate.io is constructing a diversified, full-spectrum Web3 ecosystem—a never-before-seen “user universe” is taking shape. 

Faster and Further: Accelerating into the Global Mainstream Spotlight with F1

Partnering with Oracle Red Bull Racing in F1 marks Gate.io’s first global “accelerator” move following its brand upgrade and symbolizes a cross-industry exploration connecting crypto technology with mainstream culture. As a sponsor, Gate.io will appear at every F1 event throughout the season, with its logo shining on trackside screens around the world. More importantly, by leveraging Red Bull’s brand power, event visibility, and massive global fan base, Gate.io is opening a new “gate” for Web3 to enter the mainstream consciousness.

From rebranding and ecosystem expansion to entering the global spotlight of Red Bull Racing and its hundreds of millions of viewers, Gate.io is introducing the speed, warmth, and spirit of participation that defines Web3 in a bold new way. Looking ahead, Gate.io will continue deepening its diversified ecosystem strategy, forging connections across culture, content, and everyday life, creating a truly open, collaborative, and decentralized Web3 arena for users around the world. The gate is open, the future is accelerating. Let’s embark on the journey together.

Disclaimer: This content does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation. You should always seek independent professional advice before making investment decisions. Gate.io may restrict or prohibit certain services in specific jurisdictions. For more details, please read the User Agreement.

The post Gate.io x Oracle Red Bull Racing in F1: Co-Creating a New Web3 Brand Paradigm Through Speed and Transformation appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Bittensor (TAO) Soars 10%, Eyes $270 as Bullish Momentum Builds

TAO, the altcoin that powers Bittensor’s decentralized machine learning network, has soared 10% in the past 24 hours. It has outperformed major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC), which has seen a modest gain of 0.13%, and Ethereum (ETH), whose value has dipped by 1.3% over the past day.

With technical indicators hinting at growing bullish pressure, TAO could extend its double-digit rally in the short term.

TAO Flashes Bullish Signal 

TAO’s price has broken above its 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), an indicator that suggests a strong bullish trend in its spot market. 

TAO 20-Day EMA
TAO 20-Day EMA. Source: TradingView

The 20-day EMA measures an asset’s average price over the past 20 trading days, giving more weight to recent prices. When an asset’s price breaks above this key moving average, it signals a shift in momentum toward a bullish trend. Traders view it as a short-term signal that the asset may continue to rise.

This crossover confirms TAO’s growing buying pressure and renewed investor confidence. It also hints at a sustained price rally as long as the 20-day EMA remains below the token’s price, to offer a dynamic support floor against any significant price dips. 

Additionally, the altcoin’s rising Relative Strength Index (RSI) further supports the demand spike, reinforcing the likelihood that TAO’s upward trend could continue. At press time, this is at 54.86.

TAO RSI
TAO RSI. Source: TradingView

This indicator ranges between 0 and 100. Values above 70 suggest that the asset is overbought and due for a price decline, while values under 30 indicate that the asset is oversold and may witness a rebound

TAO’s RSI confirms that bullish momentum is building gradually. It indicates growing buying interest, with room for further upside before reaching overbought conditions above 70.

TAO Eyes $279.70 Breakout as Bullish Momentum Builds

TAO currently trades at $255.20. With strengthening bullish pressure, the altcoin could extend its gains and break above $279.70, its next major resistance level. A successful breach of this price spot could propel TAO’s price to $366.10.

TAO Price Analysis
TAO Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

However, a spike in profit-taking activity will invalidate this bullish outlook. If demand wanes and TAO sellers regain market control, they could force the token’s price below its 20-day EMA, which forms dynamic support at $237.30.

 If this happens, the TAO token price could fall further to $163.70.

The post Bittensor (TAO) Soars 10%, Eyes $270 as Bullish Momentum Builds appeared first on BeInCrypto.