Our weekly crypto derivatives analytics report delves into macro events; the current state of crypto and trading signals from spot trading volume; and futures, options and perpetual contracts.

After mostly trading sideways at the end of April 2025, a US-UK trade deal sparked a crypto rally. BTC surged past $100K for the first time since February, but it’s ETH's performance that captured the derivatives market's attention. 

A 23% increase in ETH's spot price led to an inverted term structure and a spike in front-end volatility. The put/call skew for ETH shifted from a bearish bias to a nearly 10% skew toward OTM calls. Other sentiment indicators, such as perp funding rates and futures yield, also supported the rally. In contrast, while BTC's funding rates and skew have increased, its implied volatility remains low at 40%, over 30 points below ETH's 7-day implied volatility.

Please check out the report’s highlights.

ETH’s record performance since 2021 was propelled by positive term structure

ETH has significantly outperformed BTC and the top 10 cryptocurrencies, marking its largest single-day gain since May 2021. The options market has reflected this enthusiasm, with implied volatility for short tenors rising sharply and inverting ETH’s term structure, thus contrasting with BTC's muted, positively sloped structure. The 7-day tenor for ETH is now trading at a 33-point premium over that for BTC. 

While puts dominate BTC's open interest, ETH is seeing the opposite trend. On May 8, 2025, options volumes surged over $120M, more than double the typical monthly volume, with $60M more in calls than puts. ETH now boasts a positive futures curve and funding rates, as well as a strong skew toward OTM calls.

ETH sees exceptionally bullish put/call skew

ETH's substantial outperformance in the current crypto rally has led to bullish sentiment in its derivatives markets. Funding rates have surged, futures yields are strongly positive and the put/call skew has shifted significantly toward OTM calls, now close to 10%. This starkly contrasts with early April, when the skew was 20% toward OTM puts. Although ETH has underperformed (relative to BTC and other "ETH killers"), it has rebounded in this rally, with the ETH/BTC ratio rising after spending most of the year declining.

Open interest for Bitcoin options increased, with implied volatility remaining suppressed

The announcement of the new US administration's first trade deal, nearly 30 days into Trump's 90-day tariff pause, jolted crypto markets, pushing BTC back up above $100K. Surprisingly, implied volatility has remained suppressed, failing to invert BTC's term structure, with front-end volatility trading at around an 18-month low of 35-40%. On May 8, 2025, options volumes surged, with call volume reaching $189M, reversing last week's trend of higher put volumes. Meanwhile, open interest rose steadily to exceed $300M, the highest level this month, but remains significantly larger for puts than for calls despite the price increase.

Advanced

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Bybit X Block Scholes crypto derivatives analytics report (May 9, 2025): Ether’s put/call skew turns remarkably more bullish than Bitcoin’s

This article explores how Sign works, its flagship products (such as TokenTable, SignPass and EthSign), its native token (SIGN) and how to trade SIGN on Bybit.

Sign is an omnichain attestation infrastructure that empowers users and developers to verify real-world claims on-chain. Built for a more transparent and decentralized future, it eliminates the need to “just trust” and enables everyone to verify with cryptographic proof.

This article explores how Sign works, its flagship products (such as TokenTable and EthSign), its native token (SIGN) and how to trade SIGN on Bybit.

 is an omnichain attestation protocol designed to make it easy for anyone to verify the authenticity of any claim — 

. Whether it’s a document, credential or user identity, Sign transforms traditional trust models into verifiable, cryptographic attestations. 

Sign’s mission is to replace outdated, opaque validation systems with transparent, 

 proof — enabling a future where “verify” replaces “trust.” Through tools like schema registries and digital signatures, Sign empowers users to bring accountability and integrity to digital interactions.

Sign is developed by the team behind EthSign, a 

-native e-signature and agreement platform. Its core team brings deep experience in 

 development and cross-chain integrations.

The project is backed by top-tier investors, including Sequoia Capital China (now known as HongShan Capital Group), Mirana Ventures, HashKey Capital and Hack VC.

This strategic funding positions Sign as a foundational layer in the web3 infrastructure stack.

Sign allows users to create attestations — cryptographically signed statements that prove the validity of claims, such as credentials, achievements or actions. These digital proofs can be verified by anyone at any time, making them tamperproof and transparent.

Sign’s key technical elements include a schema registry that ensures consistent data formatting, digital signatures proving authenticity, and on- and off-chain attestations with support for revocation or updates

This system acts like a programmable layer for web3, bringing a new level of trust to identity, credentials and data exchange.

TokenTable is Sign’s flagship token distribution platform. It helps projects unlock, distribute and manage tokens transparently and securely at scale.

It uses Sign’s attestation engine to verify token unlocks, 

 and vesting schedules, ensuring traceable, auditable token flows.

SignPass is a blockchain-based identity solution that brings real-world credentials on-chain. One notable implementation is the Sierra Leone PR Card, used for the world’s first government-approved on-chain permanent residency program.

SignPass offers encrypted on-chain records for easy 

 verification, physical ID issuance for daily identity use and streamlined digital application systems for cross-border access.

It showcases the way blockchain can modernize public sector services worldwide.

EthSign is a decentralized contract signing platform that lets users create, sign and store legally binding agreements directly on-chain. It removes intermediaries and ensures documents are immutable and accessible.

EthSign reinforces Sign’s mission by bringing traditional documentation into the realm of verifiable web3 attestations.

The SIGN token is the native utility token powering the Sign ecosystem. It’s used for:

The total supply is capped at 10 billion SIGN, with 1.2 billion tokens in circulation. While the fully diluted valuation (FDV) sits above $746 million as of May 7, the circulating market cap is approximately $89.6 million. SIGN continues to gain traction across exchanges and developer networks.

SIGN is available for trading on Bybit via Spot trading and as a USDT Perpetual contract. Bybit offers up to 75x leverage for the SIGNUSDT Perpetual contract and supports secure, high-liquidity spot trading.

Start exploring the future of attestations with SIGN on Bybit today.

Intermediate

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Sign (SIGN): Web3 protocol for trustless attestation

Compliant trading means following platform rules and avoiding manipulative behavior. Learn more about how you can trade responsibly and compliantly on Bybit.

Crypto trading has come a long way from what used to be the domain of institutional players, and is now open to almost anyone with an internet connection. It’s easier than ever to buy and sell digital assets, try new strategies or build a portfolio from scratch all within minutes.

But with that level of access comes responsibility. As more people join the market, the need for fairness and accountability has become even more important. This isn’t just about price charts or profits — it’s about keeping the playing field level for everyone involved.

At Bybit, we take that responsibility seriously. We're here to offer the tools, safeguards and education you need to help you trade responsibly and to protect the platform from misuse.

This article describes what it actually means to trade compliantly, why it matters — and what can happen if things go off course.

Compliant trading means playing fair, following the platform’s rules, staying within the boundaries of what’s allowed and avoiding anything that could unfairly affect the market.

It’s not about avoiding risk: it’s about knowing what you’re doing, using official tools the right way and making sure your trades aren’t causing harm to yourself or others.

In short, compliant traders don’t just focus on their P&L — they understand that how they conduct themselves while trading matters. Responsible trading protects their accounts, keeps the platform stable and builds long-term credibility in the crypto ecosystem.

Why does responsible and compliant trading matter?

It’s easy to assume that compliance is only something platforms or regulators need to worry about. But in reality, every trader plays a part. When someone attempts to exploit the system — for example, by coordinating mass trades through off-platform channels — the consequences can ripple across the entire market.

In extreme cases, irresponsible trading behavior can:

And if the trades in question are linked to coordinated action, use of fake accounts or external bots? That opens the door to account freezes, compliance reviews and, in some cases, permanent suspension.

Bybit has a responsibility to act when the system is being abused — not just for legal reasons, but in order to protect honest traders.

Common examples of noncompliant or risky behavior

Some traders join Telegram groups or online communities in which KOLs (key opinion leaders) give out coordinated trading instructions (for example, “Buy token A now, sell it in an hour”). This practice isn’t just risky: it often involves a small number of insiders benefiting while the majority end up with losses.

When many people follow the same instruction all at once, it can artificially inflate the price of a low-liquidity token. The KOLs then exit at the top —while others are left with falling prices and unexpected liquidations.

Such a textbook case of market manipulation violates our Terms of Service and, depending upon jurisdiction, could violate financial laws.

Using bots or unverified trading strategies

Some Telegram groups may seem convincing, but trades coordinated off-platform are often unverified and may serve someone else’s agenda. 

 programmed to front-run trades, mimic pump-and-dump strategies or follow unverified signals can trigger compliance red flags and may lead to account restrictions.

Bybit does not support trading bots from unverified sources. They can also trigger flags in our monitoring systems, which may result in account suspension.

Using another person’s account or sharing login credentials — even if it’s with a family member — goes against both Bybit’s policies and global 

(AML) rules. It also opens the door to fraud, loss of funds and irreversible penalties.

Tips for responsible and compliant trading on Bybit

The good news is that there’s a better way to trade — responsibly, safely and with confidence, starting with the right tools, mindset and habits.

Use copy trading the way it’s meant to be used

 is one of Bybit’s most trusted features, and for good reason. It gives users access to professional traders’ strategies while maintaining full transparency. However, it only works if you follow verified 

These traders have been vetted and their stats are fully visible. You can view their P&L, risk settings and trade history. Bybit also provides built-in tools, such as 

 and staking products allow you to earn passive yield with minimal effort. These products are fully backed by our infrastructure and undergo regular audits, and are a compliant way to generate returns without chasing risky trades.

No matter how convincing a Telegram group may sound, remember that trades executed outside of regulated channels are unverified and often unaccountable. They may be coordinated for someone else’s gain.

 offers a wide range of articles and tutorials, covering everything from indicators and oscillators to advanced portfolio strategies. Before following any external signal, it’s worth spending 10 minutes to understand the rationale behind it. In trading, knowledge is your best form of compliance. Before you enter any position, ensure that you fully understand the asset you're trading, the current market conditions and the risks involved.

, never share your login credentials, and always enable two-factor (2FA) authentication. In addition, all trading activity should originate from your own account and remain under your own control.

Bybit’s systems are designed to flag irregular behavior. If your account is found to be engaging in prohibited activity, even unintentionally, you may be:

We take these steps in order to protect the broader user base and to uphold market fairness.

Being compliant doesn’t mean missing out on opportunity. In fact, it’s the opposite. It means you’re using the platform the way it was designed, with safeguards, transparency and trust. Shortcuts might look appealing in the short term, but they rarely end well. The most successful traders on Bybit are the ones who understand risk, stay informed and trade with integrity.

Take the time to learn and use the tools available to you. And remember: protecting your account starts with choosing how you’ll trade.

Beginner

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How to trade compliantly and responsibly on Bybit

Discover how DAI evolved into USDS under the Sky protocol—unlocking passive rewards, scalability, and a new era of DeFi with Sky Token Rewards.

In September 2024, MakerDAO, a pioneering 

 (DeFi) protocol, underwent a significant transformation by rebranding itself as 

 (SKY). This rebranding was part of the project's comprehensive strategy to enhance scalability, user engagement and regulatory compliance. The major changes that came with the rebranding include token upgrades, whereby the platform’s stablecoin, Dai, was upgraded to USDS (Sky Dollar) while the 

Let’s take a deeper look at USDS and its role on the Sky platform.

USDS (United States Dollar Sky) is the upgraded version of the Dai stablecoin, launched under the newly rebranded Sky protocol (formerly MakerDAO).

 Like DAI, USDS is a decentralized, overcollateralized stablecoin designed to maintain a 1:1 peg with the US dollar.

However, USDS significantly improves scalability, user incentives and regulatory positioning, making it a next-generation solution for DeFi.

One of the standout features of USDS as a stablecoin is that it creates 

 opportunities for its investors. With USDS, you can access the Sky Savings Rate (SSR) feature, which allows you to participate in the Sky ecosystem's governance by accumulating Sky Token Rewards (STR) (presented in the form of SKY tokens).

SSR also features a variable automated token accumulation feature, whereby you receive 

 to the SSR program. This passive earning potential offers a major advantage for users seeking yield without complicated 

Sky uses a dynamic model that adds USDS to the SSR pool every few seconds. Over time, the value of sUSDS in the particular pool increases. You can then opt to redeem your sUSDS for USDS, and receive the USDS you initially supplied in addition to the USDS equivalent you’ve accumulated.

These rewards serve as an incentive mechanism, enabling users to passively grow their holdings while supporting the health and stability of the Sky ecosystem.

Upgrading from DAI to USDS is straightforward. Users can visit Sky.money and initiate the upgrade directly through a noncustodial, user-controlled process.

The platform provides a simple interface on which users connect their wallets, exchange their existing DAI for an equal amount of USDS and instantly become eligible for yield accumulation and other Sky ecosystem benefits. There are no fees for the upgrade, and users retain full control of their assets at all times.

USDS isn’t just a stablecoin; it’s an evolution of DeFi money. With passive earning through Sky Token Rewards and a smooth, secure upgrade path, USDS sets a new standard for the way decentralized stablecoins can deliver value and financial empowerment to users worldwide.

USDS and DAI are both decentralized stablecoins originally developed under the MakerDAO ecosystem (now Sky). While they share the same core principle — overcollateralization and the maintenance of a 1:1 peg with the US dollar — USDS represents a major evolution of DAI, introducing additional incentives designed to enhance user experience, scalability and regulatory alignment.

DAI has long been a favorite in the DeFi ecosystem, allowing users to generate stablecoins by locking up crypto collateral such as 

. DAI features a savings program, the DAI Savings Rate (DSR), from which people can earn 

 (sDAI). While the DSR program is still running, upgrading to USDS lets you earn two types of rewards through the SSR program: sUSDS tokens and Sky Token Rewards (STRs).

In addition, USDS is well positioned to meet regulatory requirements, aiming for broader mainstream adoption while maintaining decentralization.

Below is a comparison table between DAI and USDS:

USDS is backed by collateral that’s deposited in Sky vaults by borrowers. In return, the reserves for these vaults are backed by three main assets: 

With a market cap of over $8 billion, USDS is the currently third-largest stablecoin after 

 is more complex than that of typical stablecoins, as it includes liquidation mechanisms and a peg-stability module. However, an audit of USDS’s smart contract in September 2024 didn’t report any significant risks with the stablecoin. Notably, S&P Global Ratings 

 of 4 out of 5, indicating constrained ability to maintain its peg under certain conditions. 

​Additionally, the proposal to include a freeze function for USDS, which bestows upon the Sky protocol the power to halt USDS transfers between wallets, has sparked heated discussions within the community, highlighting the ongoing conundrum of balancing security measures with principles of decentralization.

The evolution of DAI to USDS marks a major leap forward for DeFi. By combining DAI's trusted and overcollateralized model with additional passive earning opportunities through Sky Token Rewards, USDS empowers users to enjoy greater financial benefits with less complexity.

The streamlined upgrade process and stronger regulatory positioning set the stage for broader adoption and a more resilient future. As Sky continues to build, USDS represents more than just a stablecoin — it’s the foundation of an open, accessible and more rewarding financial ecosystem for everyone.

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From DAI to USDS: Unlocking an open Sky for a more rewarding future

Crypto

DeFi

Used for trading, portfolio management and more, REN crypto could well be the key to advancement of the crypto industry. Find out more here.

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Throughout the ages, human beings have continually created solutions to simplify various life functions. From the invention of the wheel to 21st-century leaps in technology, no effort has been spared when it comes to making our lives more comfortable and convenient.

The cryptocurrency space has been booming, with a wide variety of coins now available on different exchanges. At present, the greatest challenge crypto investors face is to successfully manage investments in a highly volatile market.

The solution to this problem arrived in 2017, when software developers Taiyang Zhang and Loong Wang launched the Ren project. Originally named Republic Protocol, Ren was created to handle multiple cryptocurrencies without compromising on convenience. Users can store their crypto securely on the Ren network and use its token, REN, to make daily trades.

This article explains what Ren is, how it works, and how you can use REN to organize and streamline your crypto portfolio.

Ren is a software that incentivizes a global peer-to-peer (P2P) transfer of new and existing crypto assets across diverse 

With Ren, users can lock digital assets like Bitcoin in smart contracts and receive the equivalent in Ether on the 

. Bitcoin holders can then use Ren to access Ethereum’s suite of decentralized finance (

) products without selling their bitcoins. 

Using these Ethereum tokens, users can also participate in Ethereum’s 

 ecosystem on lending and borrowing platforms like 

. Throughout this process, the user’s bitcoins remain locked in the Ren software. 

If users want to unlock their funds, they’ll need to use the REN cryptocurrency to pay nodes to maintain and operate the network.

RenVM is a virtual machine that performs private computations through a decentralized network, without disclosing the underlying information. It acts as a trustless custodian for cryptocurrency — every 

 token minted is backed by BTC tokens of an equivalent amount, stored in the RenVM. RenVM uses advanced technology to facilitate the exchange and protect traders’ privacy in the following ways:

: A cryptographic principle that breaks down secret data into parts held by various participants. REN uses this process to conceal private keys in the RenVM network, which also helps protect them from 

: An algorithm that enables developers’ code to run without disclosing the inputs or outputs. sMPC opens up endless possibilities for sharing data privately between competing parties so they can cooperate and gain mutually beneficial insights from that data. It essentially provides a solution to the growing issue of privacy and data collection.

: An algorithm that allows the Ren network to function effectively even if some nodes were to stop operating. It helps prevent system failures and false transactions, thus increasing the overall reliability of the blockchain.

: RenVM’s consensus mechanism, which helps safely process transactions with a high speed of 

. It works on the principles of a high-speed and low-latency 

, providing tremendous scalability for cross-chain interactions.

RenBridge is a relatively new decentralized application (DApp) that allows anyone to mint BTC, BCH, ZEC and other cryptos on Ethereum as ERC20 tokens (renBTC, renBCH and renZEC, respectively).

For example, a user can send their bitcoins to RenVM, which creates new renBTC tokens on Ethereum, representing the value of the original bitcoins. RenVM then stores the original funds securely, allowing the user to retrieve their bitcoins any time by paying a small fee. 

As of 2020, the RenBridge allows for swapping of Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash and Zcash to Ethereum. Since the release of RenVM in May 2020, over 

REN coins can be used for various functions like trading, portfolio management, and borrowing and lending of DeFi products.

REN can also be used to run Darknodes. Traders need to deposit 100,000 REN into the Darknode registry contract before coins can be minted and redeemed. REN coins are also used to pay individuals who serve as Darknode operators.

Unlike other cryptocurrencies, users don’t need to buy or hold REN in order to access its platform. Instead, users pay fees in the cryptocurrency of the blockchain through which they’re handling their economic activities. For example, if user X wants to access the Ren platform using renBTC, they have to pay the transaction fee in Bitcoin.

The RenVM (virtual machine) is the core software on which Ren runs. When users want to create or destroy a token, they have to pay a fee that’s dispersed to Ren’s Darknodes. The Darknodes are then responsible for verifying that the user has deposited the asset.

Once the asset deposit has been confirmed, the darknodes mint a token representing that asset’s ownership. Darknodes also render computing power and storage space on the Ren network.

RenVM arranges Darknodes into new shards once a day to prevent them from stealing assets from the deposit address. This makes it nearly impossible 

The price of REN is influenced by many factors, such as market sentiment, project news and developments, the flow of cryptocurrency on exchanges and the economy in general.

As the adoption rate of RenVM increases, more people will be incentivized to run nodes. This will increase the demand for REN bonding, driving up the price and 

At the time of this writing, the price of a REN stands at around $0.97, with a 24-hour trading volume of approximately $130 million. It currently ranks #91 on CoinMarketCap. [Editor’s note: after the bullish run at the beginning of October, these figures — as well as the live market cap — are significantly higher, with REN ranking #82.]

 of approximately $960 million, a current 

 of 997,764,051 REN coins, and a maximum supply of 1 billion REN coins.

 was sold to investors, with 8.6% in a public sale and 56.6% in a private sale. Of the remaining 34.8%, 50 million REN were distributed to the partners and community development team, 99 million REN to the REN team and advisors, and nearly 200 million REN to the company reserve.

The larger supply of the REN token is restricted, because the REN utilized as bond for operating Darknodes has been taken off the market. At present, there are 1,769 Darknodes registered, which implies that 176.9 million REN (17.69% of the maximum supply) are bonded in these nodes.

REN is an ERC20 token, so you can use any Ethereum-supporting wallet to store it. However, it’s best to choose a wallet based on the amount of REN you have and what you plan to do with them. The three types of wallets are:

Hardware wallets or cold wallets, like Trezor or Ledger, are among some of the most reliable options, as they come with safe offline storage and backup features. However, they’re usually more expensive and can be somewhat difficult to use. Therefore, cold wallets are more suitable for experienced users who own large amounts of REN tokens.

Software wallets, on the other hand, have simple interfaces and are usually free to use. Whether custodial or noncustodial, a software wallet can be downloaded to your smartphone or computer. With custodial wallets, the service provider manages and backs up the private keys on your behalf. Alternatively, noncustodial wallets use secure elements on your device to store the private keys. Although software wallets aren’t as secure as their hardware counterparts, they’re easier to use, making them an ideal choice for newbie users with a few REN tokens.

Online wallets or exchanges, also known as hot wallets, can be accessed using a web browser. These are less secure than hardware and software wallets, and require users to have a certain level of trust in the platform. Online wallets are best for storing small amounts of REN or executing frequent trades. The one precaution you need to take is to pick a service with a good reputation and strong security measures in place.

Whether you’re an expert trader or new to crypto investing, follow the steps below to buy REN crypto easily.

REN is traded on several major exchanges, making it a great starting investment for anyone. Before you create an account, it’s important to check the broker’s list of supported coins, as not all brokers support REN crypto trading. It’s also advisable to create a list of cryptocurrencies you wish to invest in before picking a broker. Once you find a broker who supports all the coins on your list, you can create a single account to meet all of your investing needs. In addition, consider local availability, fees, and order types.

Next, you’ll have to decide how you want to store your REN tokens. These tokens can be left on your brokerage exchange wallet, but that involves the risk of your account or the exchange getting hacked. Alternatively, you could set up a private wallet with your own set of keys.

After deciding which exchange works best for you and how you want to store your tokens, you can execute purchases through a broker’s trading platform. First, you’ll need to submit an order to the broker and wait for a response. As with 

, you can place different types of orders. Two of the most common include:

Once the order is filled, your tokens will be reflected in your account wallet. The amount of time to fill each order depends on the type of order, as well as current market conditions.

Before investing in REN, it’s important to know two things: 1) its current performance, and 2) its future price projections. Here are a few statistics to help you decide: 

[Editor’s note: The price of REN on October 2, 2021 has reached $1.29, at least for the moment.]

According to present data, Ren and its market environment have been in a bullish cycle for the last 12 months. Considering the upward trend of Ren’s journey so far, it definitely looks like a solid investment opportunity. Still, it won’t hurt to evaluate your personal financial goals before jumping in, just to see where REN fits into the picture. Do your own research and read up on investment advice as well.

With RenVM capturing the rising demand for cross-chain liquidity, the Ren protocol is set to take the lead in the DeFi revolution. Ren’s trustless and decentralized nature enables it to stand out from competitors like THORChain, Efinity and BandChain. Furthermore, Ren consists of a network of nodes that employ advanced technical algorithms for maximum security.

Since its inception in 2017, Ren has undergone multiple developments and integrations. Although only a handful of cryptocurrencies and blockchains are currently supported on the platform, many more are in the pipeline. In the near future, Ren could well become the ultimate link that connects the crypto sector.

REN Crypto: The Next Big Thing

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