Welcome to the US Morning Crypto News Briefing—your essential rundown of the most important developments in crypto for the day ahead.
Grab a coffee to see what data says about the Bitcoin (BTC) price outlook, alongside insights into the current sentiment in the options market. Remember, this being the last Friday of April, monthly options expired today at 8:00 UTC on Deribit.
Strong Market Expectations of Bitcoin Reaching $100,000
Interestingly, Bitcoin traded well above its max pain or strike price of $86,000. Ordinarily, as options near expiration, an asset’s price would tend to gravitate toward its max pain level. While Bitcoin traded for $93,471 minutes before the options expiry, it is now selling for $94,581.
BeInCrypto contacted Bitfinex analysts for insights into the current market outlook and their perspective on what lies ahead for the Bitcoin price in the short term. According to the analysts, Bitcoin’s price could record further upside after clearing option-based resistance.
“Post-expiry, the market is leaning cautiously bullish, and with the $90,000 strike cluster now cleared, there’s less option-based resistance overhead,” Bitfinex analysts told BeInCrypto.
Further, the analysts observed that many traders have rolled exposure to higher strikes, with $95,000 and $100,000 showing increased call open interest for end-April and May expiries.
While this reflects the expected continued upside, the analysts did not rule out a potential short-term chop.
This aligns with Deribit analysts’ statements that the highest open interest for BTC options was around the $100,000 strike price. This indicates strong market expectations of Bitcoin reaching this level.
As BeInCrypto reported, the analysts ascribed this to traders selling cash-secured put options on Bitcoin. These traders also use stablecoins to collect premiums while buying BTC at lower prices.
BeInCrypto also reported that the Cumulative delta (CD) across BTC and related ETF (exchange-traded fund) options on Deribit reached $9 billion. Bitfinex analysts agree, citing rising spot flows and ETF demand.
“Spot flows and ETF demand have picked up significantly for BTC over the past few days and will now continue to dictate if BTC can establish $90,000 as support,” the analysts added.
Meanwhile, these forecasts add to the list of growing bullish bets on Bitcoin’s price, credibly confirming a sentiment shared in the previous US Crypto News publication.
However, despite strong prospects for more Bitcoin price gains, some analysts urge investors to temper their optimism. One is Innokenty Isers, the Chief Executive Officer at Paybis Exchange.
“Current market outlook suggests that Bitcoin price may face more stiff resistance moving forward. In the last two months, the uncertainty around the tariff war triggered an unusual concern for investors as many decided to temporarily steer clear of more volatile assets like Bitcoin,” Isers told BeInCrypto.
Moreover, the Federal Reserve (Fed) has spotlighted the inflationary risks the tariff war may introduce. Nevertheless, Isers acknowledged clear indications of sustained accumulation of BTC by institutional investors and market whales.
This chart shows that the top Bitcoin options by trading volume over the past 24 hours are call options with strike prices of $95,000 and $100,000, ahead of the May 2 expiry.
Byte-Sized Alpha
Bitcoin rebounds 25% in April, shifting market sentiment from fear to greed, per the Crypto Fear & Greed Index readings.
Cardano gained 15% in a week, holding a bullish structure despite a volume dip and early signs of consolidation near key price levels.
USD1 stablecoin, launched by World Liberty Financial, is subject to the EU’s MiCA regulations, which require compliance with transparency, reserve backing, and conflict of interest rules.
Bitcoin is stepping beyond its role as a store of value and into DeFi. BTCFi is bringing lending, staking, and yield opportunities directly to the Bitcoin network without middlemen. This shift not only unlocks new financial use cases for Bitcoin holders but also helps secure the network by keeping miners incentivized.
To understand where BTCFi stands today and where it’s headed, BeInCrypto spoke with industry leaders from 1inch, exSat, Babylon and GOAT Network. They shared insights on the current landscape, key challenges, and what’s needed for BTCFi to reach its full potential.
Key trends and explosive growth in 2024
The year 2024 marked a pivotal period for BTCfi, characterized by remarkable growth metrics. According toDefiLlama, the Total Value Locked (TVL) in Bitcoin-based DeFi protocols experienced an unprecedented surge, escalating from $307 million in January to over $6.5 billion by December 31, 2024, a staggering increase of more than 2,000%. This surge reflects a burgeoning interest and confidence in Bitcoin’s DeFi capabilities.
BTCFi’s growth is driven by a mix of institutional adoption, market performance, and technological advancements. The approval of Bitcoin ETFs has fueled institutional interest, pushing BTCFi’s total value locked (TVL) higher. Major exchanges like Binance and OKX are integrating BTCFi services, improving accessibility and liquidity. Bitcoin’s strong market performance, hitting an all-time high of $108,268 in December 2024 before closing at $93,429, has further boosted confidence.
Source: Glassnode
At the same time, innovations like Bitcoin-native assets, wrapped BTC, and staking solutions are expanding Bitcoin’s role in DeFi. Projects such as exSat, GOAT Network, Babylon and 1inch are leading the way with new protocols that enhance Bitcoin’s DeFi potential.
As BTCFi continues to evolve, one fundamental truth remains unchanged – demand for Bitcoin itself. Kevin Liu, co-founder of GOAT Network, encapsulates this sentiment: “All of us want more BTC, because it’s the king of all tokens. Whichever projects succeed in delivering real BTC yield will flourish, because they’re giving people exactly what they want. This is true now, and it will be true 3-5 years from now.”
Shalini Wood, CMO of Babylon, captures this shift, stating: “We’re seeing a shift where Bitcoin is no longer just something you HODL. Innovations in Bitcoin staking, lending, and trustless interoperability will define the next wave of BTCFi. BTCFi will evolve beyond traditional DeFi models, leveraging Bitcoin’s security to support sovereign applications, cross-chain liquidity, and more scalable, trust-minimized financial products. The goal is to carve out a distinct, Bitcoin-native approach that enhances security and decentralization across the entire crypto ecosystem.”
Tristan Dickinson, CMO exSat Network: “Enabling Bitcoin yield and DeFi-based strategies without sacrificing control of native Bitcoin is crucial. Bitcoin has fulfilled its original purpose as a store of value, evolving it into a tool for value creation requires meeting some very specific criteria: preserving native Bitcoin security, ensuring interoperability between ecosystems, and supporting complex smart contracts.
At the same time, regulatory developments in the U.S. are reshaping the BTCFi landscape. The prospect of a government-backed Bitcoin reserve lends legitimacy to BTC as a financial asset, potentially attracting institutional investors. However, as Sergej Kunz, co-founder of 1inch, points out, regulation remains a double-edged sword: “Some policies support innovation, while others could tighten controls on BTCFi. Clear regulations on existing DeFi and smart contracts will be crucial for its growth.”
The next phase of BTCFi will be defined by the balance between innovation and regulation. While Bitcoin’s decentralized nature makes it resistant to government interference, regulatory clarity could provide the stability needed for mainstream adoption. The question remains — will policymakers embrace BTCFi as a transformative financial force, or will they attempt to contain its potential?
How Much Starting Capital Do You Really Need?
The world of Bitcoin Finance (BTCFi) is evolving rapidly, offering opportunities for both institutional investors and everyday users. But how much capital do you actually need to get started?
Shalini Wood, emphasizes that “BTCFi is not just about individual participation—it’s about unlocking capital efficiency for Bitcoin at scale. BTCFi is designed to maximize security and reward opportunities while keeping Bitcoin’s core principles intact.” Platforms like Babylon, which holds “$4.4 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL),” are driving liquidity and accessibility.
One of the most significant advantages of BTCFi is its accessibility. Traditional finance often has high entry barriers, requiring investors to put down substantial capital to participate in meaningful ways. In contrast, BTCFi allows users to start with much smaller amounts, thanks to the efficiency of Bitcoin sidechains and second-layer solutions.
Sergej Kunz, highlights this shift, stating that “BTCFi platforms have low entry barriers, with some allowing participation with as little as $100 thanks to Bitcoin sidechains like Rootstock and Lightning-based protocols.” This means that retail investors, who may have previously been excluded from financial opportunities, can now leverage Bitcoin’s growing DeFi ecosystem without needing deep pockets.
This low entry threshold is particularly important in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is weak or inaccessible. BTCFi can provide people in emerging markets with new ways to save, earn yield, and access financial services without relying on intermediaries.
Kevin Liu, explains this philosophy: “The best BTCFi solutions won’t require users to be whales; rather, they’ll give both whales and guppies the opportunity to earn real BTC yield. A well-designed BTCFi-focused ecosystem will allot the exact same annual returns (by percentage) to a user who stakes $1 million, vs. another who stakes $100.”
This principle is crucial because it aligns with Bitcoin’s original ethos of financial fairness and open participation. In a world where traditional financial products often favor the wealthy with better interest rates and lower fees, BTCFi is aiming to level the playing field.
Ultimately, whether you’re a small investor or a deep-pocketed institution, BTCFi platforms are increasingly designed to accommodate all levels of participation, ensuring that Bitcoin’s financial ecosystem remains open and rewarding for everyone.
BTCFi: A Gateway to Earning Without Leaving Bitcoin
With the rise of Bitcoin Finance (BTCFi), crypto users now have more ways to earn from their BTC without relying on centralized platforms. “BTCFi is becoming more accessible, enabling users to lend, stake, and trade BTC without relying on centralized platforms,” explains Sergej Kunz. While APR programs and staking options on Ethereum or Solana may offer higher yields, he notes that “BTCFi allows users to earn on BTC without leaving the Bitcoin ecosystem, making it a strong alternative for long-term holders.”
Tristan Dickinson, highlights the rapid expansion of Bitcoin’s Layer 2 ecosystem: “Today, there are over 70+ Bitcoin L2 projects working to expand access to and from the Bitcoin ecosystem, but the ecosystem is immature. Basic DeFi instruments like staking are emerging, yet only a few players, maybe three to five, offer true staking with token and APY programs.”
He emphasizes that Bitcoin DeFi is on an inevitable growth trajectory: “First comes staking, then re-staking, followed by diversified yield, collateralized lending and borrowing, and eventually an explosion in structured financial products. Some projects are leading, others are following.”
exSat’s approach aims to accelerate this evolution by mirroring Bitcoin’s data while integrating it with DeFi innovations. “Creating a mirrored version of Bitcoin with identical (UTXO) data and similar partners is the first true scaling solution for the ecosystem. Combining the best parts of Bitcoin with the most powerful elements of DeFi is the only path to meaningful BTCFi growth,” Dickinson concludes.
As BTCFi continues to mature, its ability to offer decentralized yield opportunities without compromising Bitcoin’s core principles is positioning it as a compelling alternative for long-term BTC holders.
Kevin Liu, highlights the growing divide in user behavior: “We’ll likely see growth in both groups – people who simply buy BTC on centralized exchanges and either leave it alone or maybe ape into limited-time APR promotions on those CEXes, and people who watch centralized exchanges get hacked and/or appreciate the power of ‘not your keys, not your coins’ and thus seek out decentralized options.” As Bitcoin adoption increases, Liu predicts that more users will explore BTCFi solutions to generate yield without handing control of their assets to centralized exchanges.
With Bitcoin remaining “the single most powerful asset since it came into existence 16 years ago,” BTCFi is poised to attract both casual holders and those seeking decentralized earning opportunities, helping drive mass adoption in the process.
BTCFi vs. DeFi on Ethereum and Solana: Key Differences and Similarities
As Bitcoin Finance (BTCFi) continues to evolve, it is increasingly compared to the established DeFi ecosystems on Ethereum and Solana. While all three aim to provide financial opportunities beyond traditional banking, they differ in design, security, and user experience.
Ethereum has long been the dominant force in decentralized finance, known for its robust smart contract capabilities and extensive range of DeFi applications. “Ethereum has encouraged smart contract development and as many DeFi use cases as you can possibly imagine,” explains Kevin Liu. The ecosystem has fostered innovations in lending, automated market-making, and derivatives, making it the go-to platform for developers experimenting with new financial models. However, Ethereum’s strengths also come with challenges, high gas fees and network congestion can limit accessibility for smaller investors.
Solana, on the other hand, was designed with speed and efficiency in mind. Its high throughput and low fees make it an attractive choice for retail users and traders looking for fast execution times. “Solana stands out for its speed and low fees,” notes Sergej Kunz. This efficiency has allowed Solana’s DeFi ecosystem to flourish, with platforms like Raydium, Jupiter, and Kamino providing seamless trading and yield farming experiences. However, the trade-off comes in the form of higher hardware requirements for validators and periodic network outages, which have raised concerns about decentralization and stability.
Bitcoin, in contrast, follows a fundamentally different philosophy. It prioritizes security and decentralization above all else, which historically limited its ability to support complex smart contracts. “BTCFi is built on Bitcoin’s battle-tested PoW security, ensuring minimal trust assumptions and censorship resistance,” says Shalini Wood. Rather than trying to replicate Ethereum’s DeFi model, BTCFi is developing its own distinct approach, leveraging Bitcoin’s unparalleled security while introducing financial applications tailored for BTC holders.
“THORChain, Sovryn, and Stackswap are among the projects offering native BTC DeFi solutions, bridging the gap between Bitcoin’s security and Ethereum’s programmability,” adds SergejKunz. These platforms allow users to engage in decentralized trading and lending while keeping custody of their Bitcoin, avoiding the risks associated with wrapped BTC on other chains. As BTCFi infrastructure matures, it is expected to carve out its own niche, the one that remains true to Bitcoin’s principles while expanding its financial utility.
In the end, while Ethereum, Solana, and Bitcoin each offer unique strengths, BTCFi is proving that Bitcoin is no longer just a passive store of value. It is evolving into a fully functional financial ecosystem, leveraging its unmatched security to create decentralized applications that don’t compromise on decentralization or trust minimization.
An XRP ETF dubbed XRPH11 began trading in Brazil today, making it the first such product in the world. The ETF, issued by Hashdex, is being traded on Brazil’s B3 stock exchange.
Brazil also made history by approving the first Solana ETF last year. XRPH11’s trading volume isn’t public knowledge yet, but it could pave the way for such approvals in the US market.
Today, Hashdex’s efforts are bearing fruit, as B3 announced earlier.
“XRPH11 is part of Hashdex’s line of mono-asset funds, such as the ETFs BITH11, ETHE11 and SOLH11. The focus of these ETFs is sophisticated investors, such as institutional investors who want to build crypto portfolios on B3,” Samir Kerbage, CIO of Hashdex, said in a statement to local media.
XRPH11 will invest at least 95% of its assets in XRP, although it will consist of direct and indirect holdings. So far, it doesn’t seem like any trading data from its first day is publicly available, but Hashdex’s site confirms that XRPH11 is live already.
If Brazil’s new ETF lands with a thud for XRP as it did for Solana, this might spell further bearishness.
Either way, XRPH11’s trading performance will contain several useful information. The US ETF market could soon face a flood of altcoin products, and these may not stand a chance of capturing Bitcoin’s market dominance.
As of now, Polymarket shows a 74% chance of an XRP ETF approval in the US by the end of this year.
The European Central Bank (ECB) cut interest rates by another 25 basis points today, but the crypto market has hardly noticed. This highlights the European market’s declining influence over the crypto sector compared to the US.
Meanwhile, the crypto community is praying for rate cuts in the US, and false tariff rumors caused a massive pump. These policies still matter, but Europe is losing its macro influence.
The ECB Cuts Rates To Crypto Ambivalence
Global recession fears are circulating throughout the crypto market, and regulation plays a key role in them. US investors have been desperate for a rate cut in the hopes that it could provide a bullish narrative.
None has yet materialized. However, the ECB cut interest rates today for the sixth consecutive time, yet the crypto market barely reacted.
“The outlook for growth has deteriorated owing to rising trade tensions. Increased uncertainty is likely to reduce confidence among households and firms, and the adverse and volatile market response to the trade tensions is likely to have a tightening impact on financing conditions,” the ECB said in a public statement.
According to price data, the total crypto market cap has decreased by 0.2% since the ECB announced these rate cuts. Of the top 10 largest assets, all of them posted gains today except one.
These gains came back when the pause actually happened. So, macro influence is still very strong in the current markets; it’s specifically that the ECB and Europe are losing influence.
The European Union isn’t the only economic bloc that’s losing its power in the space. Yesterday, the British government announced that inflation was lower than expected, potentially enabling another rate cut.
This, too, had a negligible impact on crypto. Macroeconomic concerns still impact the crypto market, but its strongest links are to the US and Asia.
It’s still the world’s largest stablecoin despite losing out on the entire European market. In fact, since then, it has taken steps to better integrate with US regulations.
Tether relocated to El Salvador, giving it close proximity to the US and easier access to the Latin American market. This growth area is apparently more fruitful than trying again in Europe.
The ECB’s rate cuts barely impacted the crypto market, but that doesn’t mean that the industry will ignore the whole continent. Moving forward, however, EU operations will matter less and less to the largest companies.
This mirrors broader trends, as international capital is refocusing away from Europe. It’s only natural that crypto is part of that pattern.
