Kraken, one of the largest crypto exchanges in the United States, has officially listed BNB, the native token of the BNB Chain ecosystem developed by Binance.
This move has captured the attention of the crypto community. Still, it is also seen as a strategic turning point, potentially paving the way for a wave of BNB listings on other US exchanges like Coinbase, Gemini, and more.
Legal Landscape: From Barriers to Opportunities
US exchanges sidelined BNB for a long time due to legal concerns surrounding Binance, its parent company. In 2023, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a lawsuit against Binance, alleging the issuance of unregistered securities, including BNB.
This legal scrutiny made many exchanges hesitant to list the token due to potential regulatory risks.
However, a turning point came in late 2024 when Binance settled with US authorities. The exchange agreed to pay a $4.3 billion fine and implement stricter compliance reforms. This resolution largely cleared the “legal hurdle” for BNB, potentially influencing Kraken’s decision to list the token.
Regulatory Clarity Boosts Altcoins
Kraken’s listing of BNB may not be an isolated event. It reflects a broader shift in the regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies in the United States. In January 2024, the SEC approved a series of spot Bitcoin ETFs—a milestone hailed as a “historic moment” that legitimized Bitcoin and other digital assets in the eyes of institutional investors.
As regulators establish clearer frameworks for digital assets, the US market is gradually opening up to altcoins, including BNB.
With positive developments under President Donald Trump’s administration following his inauguration, this could be an opportune moment for other exchanges to reassess their stance on BNB.
BNB Chain and Its DeFi Potential
Beyond being a native token, BNB powers one of the fastest-growing blockchain ecosystems—BNB Chain. According to BNB Chain’s weekly ecosystem report, in the first week of April 2025 alone, the network recorded over 3.3 million daily active users.
The total transaction value surpassed $7.1 billion. Major DeFi, GameFi, and AI projects are thriving on this platform.
Moreover, BNB Chain is implementing notable technical advancements in its 2025 roadmap. They plan to reduce block processing times to under 1 second, enabling gasless transactions and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into decentralized applications (dApps). These factors make BNB a strategic asset for exchanges, attracting DeFi users.
Kraken’s decision to list BNB could trigger a domino effect across the industry. It signals that US exchanges may begin to recognize BNB as a legitimate and high-potential asset. This also reflects a shift in the strategy of US exchanges—from a defensive stance against legal risks to a proactive approach to leveraging the potential of the Web3 ecosystem.
The meme coin market cap surged over 7% today, hitting $52 billion amid the border bullish momentum. Small-cap tokens also made it to the top, with one rising by 81% today.
BeInCrypto has analyzed three meme coins for investors to watch that exhibit how these joke tokens are finding strong demand.
Popcat (POPCAT)
Launch Date – December 2023
Total Circulating Supply – 979.97 Million POPCAT
Maximum Supply – 979.97 Million POPCAT
Fully Diluted Valuation (FDV) – $317.25 Million
POPCAT price surged by 23.6% in the last 24 hours, reaching $0.314. The altcoin is now nearing the $0.342 resistance, a key level to watch. This recent rise has positioned POPCAT closer to a potential breakout, but its ability to cross this resistance will depend on market conditions.
POPCAT’s struggle with the $0.342 barrier in February highlights its challenge. If the broader market provides support, the altcoin could push past this resistance and aim for a rise to $0.495.
A successful breakout would signal a stronger bullish trend for POPCAT moving forward.
However, if the meme coin fails to breach $0.342 again, the price could fall to $0.244. Such a drop would erase the recent gains and invalidate the bullish outlook, signaling a potential reversal in market sentiment.
Fartcoin (FARTCOIN)
Launch Date – October 2024
Total Circulating Supply – 999.99 Million FARTCOIN
Maximum Supply – 1 Billion FARTCOIN
Fully Diluted Valuation (FDV) – $1.08 Billion
FARTCOIN saw a significant 19% rise in the last 24 hours, pushing its price to $1.06. The meme coin surpassed the $1.00 mark and also outpaced BONK’s market cap. This surge signals renewed investor interest in FARTCOIN, further supporting its recent rally.
The 19% gain added to the 135% rise this month, pushing FARTCOIN towards the $1.20 resistance level. A successful breach of this level could drive the meme coin to $1.54, potentially offering more gains for investors. This momentum is crucial for sustaining the bullish trend.
However, with FARTCOIN reaching a two-and-a-half-month high, investors may choose to sell. If this happens, FARTCOIN could fall back below $1.00, potentially reaching $0.80. Such a decline would invalidate the current bullish outlook, reversing recent gains.
Dickbutt (DICKBUTT)
Launch Date – January 2025
Total Circulating Supply – 100 Billion DICKBUTT
Maximum Supply – 100 Billion DICKBUTT
Fully Diluted Valuation (FDV) – $4.55 Million
Another one of the top-performing meme coins to watch is DICKBUTT which experienced an impressive 81% rise today, trading at $0.00004498. The meme coin is currently approaching the $0.00004846 resistance, aiming to breach this level. If successful, it could continue its upward momentum, potentially leading to further gains for investors.
Inspired by the iconic 20-year-old meme, DICKBUTT could surpass the $0.00004846 resistance and reach $0.00005000. This price increase depends on continued investor interest and sustained market conditions.
However, if broader market conditions turn bearish or selling pressure intensifies, DICKBUTT may fall to $0.00003804. If this level is breached, the altcoin could decline further to $0.00003233, invalidating the current bullish outlook.
Ethereum (ETH) is down almost 6% in the last 24 hours, intensifying a week of sharp declines. With the price below $1,500, market watchers are increasingly questioning whether ETH could fall to $1,000 in April.
Mounting concerns around liquidations, declining network activity, and bearish technicals are fueling the debate. As investor sentiment wavers, the next few days could prove critical for Ethereum’s short-term trajectory.
If ETH Falls Below $1200, Nearly $342 Million Will Be Liquidated
Ethereum is currently hovering just above the $1,500 mark, down more than 15% over the past week as bearish pressure intensifies across the crypto market.
The recent downturn has sparked concern among traders, especially with ETH struggling to hold key support levels. Standard Chartered recently stated that XRP could overtake Ethereum by 2028.
The decline reflects broader risk-off sentiment and uncertainty surrounding altcoins, with Ethereum now teetering dangerously close to levels that could trigger a major wave of liquidations.
According to on-chain data, if ETH falls below $1,200, it could trigger liquidations totaling approximately $342 million across leveraged positions.
Liquidation occurs when traders who borrowed capital to go long on Ethereum are forced to sell their holdings due to falling prices. This effectively amplifies the downside and adds more selling pressure.
TVL measures the total capital deposited into decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols on a blockchain and serves as a key indicator of ecosystem health and investor confidence.
A rising TVL generally signals growing trust and usage of DeFi applications, while a falling TVL suggests declining demand and reduced engagement.
Ethereum Is Currently 70% Down From Its All-Time High
Ethereum’s price has been trading below $2,000 since March 26, and its technical indicators don’t look promising.
The current setup of its Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs) shows a bearish formation, with short-term EMAs positioned below the longer-term ones — a classic signal of ongoing downside momentum.
This suggests that sellers are still in control, and the market could be bracing for further correction.
If bearish momentum continues, Ethereum may retest support near $1,400. A breakdown below that level could trigger a deeper sell-off, with Ethereum price potentially sliding toward $1,000 in April — a key psychological and historical level.
However, if bulls regain control and reverse the trend, ETH could first challenge resistance at $1,749.
A breakout above that would open the door for a test of $1,954, and if momentum stays strong, Ethereum could push past the $2,000 barrier and aim for $2,104.
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.
