Our monthly report delves into insights from options volatility to inspire your next crypto move.

: April 2025 saw BTC's implied volatility surge above 75% due to tariff chaos, but it collapsed to 35% within a week, indicating a surprising short-term drop in volatility expectations despite ongoing macro uncertainty.

: BTC's return above $100K was met with muted enthusiasm in the derivatives market, suggesting that 

traders no longer view this level as a significant psychological barrier, and the rally isn’t likely to be sustained.

: ETH significantly outperformed BTC with a 23% rally, leading to increased demand for short-dated calls and a positive shift in the options market, highlighting renewed bullish sentiment.

: Historical trends suggest a potential summer lull in volatility in store for BTC, raising questions about whether this pattern will repeat in 2025 amidst ongoing macroeconomic challenges.

Bitcoin’s volatility plunges in late April

April 2025 witnessed significant volatility in the cryptocurrency market, particularly influenced by US trade policies. As President Trump announced steep reciprocal tariffs, the crypto landscape experienced sharp fluctuations. Bitcoin (BTC) initially demonstrated resilience, despite widespread sell-offs in equities and the US dollar, only to succumb to a decline from $88K to $75K by early April. This period was characterized by a dramatic rise in implied volatility that peaked above 75% as traders sought protection through short-dated puts. However, as the tariffs faced moderation, implied volatility plummeted to 35% by mid-April, marking the lowest level since early March.

Interestingly, while short-tenor volatility collapsed, 

the back end of BTC's term structure remained elevated, signaling that market participants expect heightened volatility in the mid-term

. Amidst this backdrop, realized volatility fell below the five-year seasonal average, paralleling similar trends in previous years and suggesting a 

. The historical pattern contrasts that BTC often experiences a rebound in volatility heading into May, raising questions about whether this trend will persist.

Subdued derivative response suggests Bitcoin rally might not endure

The market's reaction to BTC's resurgence above the $100K threshold was notably subdued compared to previous instances. While BTC rallied 20% following the initial tariff sell-off, the derivatives market displayed a muted response. The 25-delta put/call skew, a measure of market sentiment, indicated only a slight bias toward out-of-the-money calls, contrasting sharply with sentiment previously when BTC first breached the $100K mark in December 2024. This lack of exuberance suggests that traders no longer view $100K as a significant inflection point, raising concerns about the sustainability of the rally. 

Meanwhile, funding rates and implied volatility — though still bullish — didn’t reach the extremes observed in earlier months, indicating more cautious market sentiment. The relationship between BTC's spot price and implied volatility suggests that although traders are optimistic, they’re waiting for BTC to approach previous all-time highs before adjusting their volatility expectations.

Ethereum's option data points to further rally

In stark contrast to BTC, Ethereum (ETH) displayed remarkable resilience and outperformed major cryptocurrencies, gaining 23% overnight following favorable trade news. This rally catalyzed a surge in demand for short-dated calls, pushing front-end volatility expectations significantly higher. The response from the derivatives market was robust, inverting the term structure and indicating renewed bullish sentiment toward ETH, even as it’s trading well below its all-time high.

The ETH options market exhibited a shift from neutral to slightly negative skew, to a 10% bias favoring out-of-the-money calls, reflecting the market's confidence in ETH's potential to regain lost ground. Despite overall macroeconomic uncertainty, the demand for ETH options suggests that traders are optimistic about Ether’s future price movements.

In conclusion, April 2025 highlighted the complex interplay between macroeconomic factors and cryptocurrency market dynamics. While BTC faced challenges in eliciting strong responses from derivatives markets upon recrossing the $100K threshold, ETH's performance indicated a divergence in market sentiment. As traders navigate the evolving landscape, the potential for seasonal volatility patterns and the influence of macroeconomic developments will remain critical factors in shaping future market expectations.

Advanced

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Bybit X Block Scholes options volatility report (April 2025): Data suggests Bitcoin rally might not endure, but Ether sees further upside

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.

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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

Bybit Learn

Stablecoin

USDtb is a blockchain-based USD stablecoin primarily backed by BlackRock's BUIDL tokenized treasury fund. Learn more here.

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 have become a cornerstone of the crypto ecosystem, providing stability in a market known for its volatility. Among recent innovations is USDtb, a new stablecoin from Ethena Labs that leverages BlackRock's tokenized funds to create a reliable digital dollar alternative. 

This article examines USDtb's unique structure, its relationship with Ethena's existing 

 stablecoin and the way it bridges traditional finance with decentralized systems to offer a differentiated risk profile for both retail and institutional users.

 is a blockchain-based USD stablecoin primarily backed by the BlackRock BUIDL tokenized treasury fund. It provides institutional-grade stability with 24/7 accessibility in volatile market conditions.

, USDtb follows a traditional fully-backed stablecoin model in which each token represents one US dollar. This structure ensures value stability and transparency through a direct 1:1 backing relationship.

Eighty percent of USDtb reserves are invested in the BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL), which holds cash, repurchase agreements and US Treasury instruments. The remaining 2% is held in stablecoins like 

, in order to maintain immediate liquidity during weekends or holidays when traditional treasury markets are closed.

, is known for USDe, its innovative synthetic dollar. The Ethena protocol bridges traditional finance with decentralized systems through sophisticated financial engineering and institutional partnerships.

Generally based on Arthur Hayes's early 2023 "Dust on Crust" blog post, Ethena has quickly established itself as a major player in the stablecoin ecosystem. The protocol employs 

 that pair spot crypto assets with corresponding short positions on derivatives exchanges, enabling impressive revenue while maintaining stability.

The Ethena ecosystem is governed by its native ENA token. With the introduction of USDtb, Ethena expands its offerings to include a fully-backed stablecoin supported by BlackRock's institutional-grade BUIDL fund, thus diversifying its solutions to suit different market conditions and users.

BlackRock's USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL) is a tokenized money market fund that invests in dollar-equivalent assets, including cash, US Treasury bonds and repurchase agreements. Developed in partnership with Securitize, a leading 

 tokenization company, BUIDL represents BlackRock's entry into the tokenized treasury space.

BUIDL is cross-chain compatible, operating across multiple blockchains including Ethereum, 

. As the largest tokenized fund of its kind, BUIDL provides institutional-grade backing for USDtb, lending credibility to the stablecoin through BlackRock's established reputation in traditional finance.

USDtb represents Ethena's strategic approach to creating a more resilient ecosystem that can weather various market conditions, while bridging the gap between DeFi innovation and traditional financial systems. Following are some of its characteristics.

USDtb operates as a blockchain-based stablecoin through a sophisticated infrastructure designed for independence, transparency and security. Unlike traditional dollars, USDtb enables faster and cheaper transactions, while maintaining stability through institutional-grade backing.

The minting and redemption process occurs through a 

 system with strict controls. Only verified

 checks can mint or redeem USDtb directly. The system’s safeguards include maximum mint/redeem limits per block and whitelisted custodian addresses to prevent manipulation.

For transparency, USDtb maintains visible on-chain 

 and publishes monthly fund administrator NAV reports. Holders can use USDtb just as any digital dollar for payments, trading or storing value, though they receive no governance rights or claims to income generated by the backing assets.

USDtb offers the following four key benefits that make it a distinctive and valuable addition to the digital asset ecosystem.

USDtb delivers institutional-grade security through its strategic backing by BlackRock's BUIDL fund, which comprises over 80% of its reserves. This partnership leverages BlackRock's trillion-dollar asset management expertise, providing unparalleled stability and trust.

The USDtb stablecoin's sophisticated legal framework features a bankruptcy-remote structure, while its core smart contracts have successfully passed three comprehensive security audits by industry leaders Pashov Audit Group, Quantstamp and Cyfrin.

USDtb creates powerful bridges between traditional finance systems and cryptocurrency markets. For institutions, it serves as a low-friction entry point to digital assets without requiring users to navigate the complexities of volatile cryptocurrencies.

For individual users, USDtb is designed for seamless integration across DeFi protocols, use as collateral on 

 (CEXs) and prime broking venues, and direct accessibility for TradFi institutions — expanding its role within both digital and traditional financial ecosystems.

USDtb combines world-class expertise from multiple industry leaders. Ethena has demonstrated remarkable execution capability by scaling USDe to over $6 billion in market cap, while BlackRock brings unmatched credibility and treasury management expertise.

In addition, Securitize contributes cutting-edge tokenization technology as the recognized leader in converting real-world assets to blockchain tokens, creating a stablecoin with institutional pedigree, which is rarely seen in cryptocurrency markets.

Unlike TradFi systems that are constrained by business hours and settlement windows, USDtb operates continuously on blockchain infrastructure. This enables round-the-clock trading, transfers and redemptions, regardless of traditional market hours.

The strategic 20% stablecoin reserve ensures seamless redemptions, even during weekends or holidays — when treasury markets are closed — thus eliminating cross-border friction and enabling value transfers in minutes (rather than days).

USDtb's forward-looking strategy focuses on expanding its ecosystem presence and institutional adoption throughout 2025. The project aims to establish USDtb as a reliable dollar alternative, with multiple avenues for growth.

Looking toward broader financial applications, Ethena plans to incorporate USDtb into new DeFi offerings, including perpetual swap trading, prediction markets and undercollateralized lending solutions. These expanded use cases aim to increase USDtb utility beyond simple transfers.

USDtb operates as a fully collateralized stablecoin with a straightforward 1:1 peg to the US dollar. Each token is backed by institutional-grade assets, primarily BlackRock's BUIDL treasury fund (80%) and USDC reserves (20%), creating a stable digital dollar alternative.

The token supply expands and contracts, based on market demand, through a controlled minting and redemption process. New USDtb can only be created when onboarded users deposit equivalent value in approved assets, ensuring the backing never falls below 100%.

Distribution follows a hybrid model: initial minting is restricted to KYC-verified participants, but once in circulation, USDtb tokens trade freely across blockchain ecosystems with no transfer restrictions. This approach balances regulatory compliance with the open accessibility expected within 

USDtb is purely a transactional asset, with no governance functions. Holders receive no voting rights, participation in management decisions or claims to revenue generated by the backing assets — keeping the token's purpose clear as a stable medium of exchange and store of value.

Looking to trade USDtb tokens? Bybit now offers the USDtb/USDT Spot trading pair. To get started, you'll first need to create a Bybit account, then fund it with cryptocurrency and navigate to the 

To celebrate this listing, Bybit is launching a 30-day promotional event with a 5% APR on USDtb holdings, as well as a permanent rewards program. Find out more 

Minting/Redeeming USDtb directly requires KYC and onboarding, in addition to following a structured verification process:

: Prospective users must first confirm they’re in a permitted jurisdiction by reviewing the 

: Qualified entities should make contact via this 

 to begin the evaluation process and determine suitability.

: All applicants must complete comprehensive know-your-customer and anti–money laundering verification. This process is thorough, and is designed to meet institutional compliance standards.

: Upon successful verification, users may be onboarded at their discretion, subject to the USDtb Terms and USDtb Mint User Agreement.

: Whitelisted users can then deposit approved assets into the system and receive newly minted USDtb through the secure smart contract infrastructure.

The direct minting process is primarily designed for qualified institutional participants who can meet the regulatory and compliance requirements.

While USDtb offers institutional-grade stability in the stablecoin market, investors should carefully weigh its strengths and risk factors before making investment decisions.

With its institutional backing and integration with Ethena's ecosystem, USDtb shows promise as a stable digital dollar alternative, particularly during market downturns. However, potential investors should 

 and consider their goals before investing, as USDtb is primarily a stability tool, rather than a yield-generating asset.

USDtb merges BlackRock's institutional credibility with blockchain technology's accessibility, creating a powerful bridge between traditional finance and decentralized systems. With its secure backing structure, utility during times of market volatility and an ambitious integration road map, USDtb is positioned to become a significant player in the digital dollar ecosystem.

USDtb: The Ethena stablecoin backed by BlackRock's digital funds

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