Mar 17, 2025: Our weekly Institutional Insights explores the latest market developments — market performance, industry news, exchange-traded fund (ETF) flows, trending topics, upcoming events and token unlocks — to help you supercharge your crypto trading.

 explores the latest market developments — market performance, industry news, exchange-traded fund (ETF) flows, trending topics, upcoming events and token unlocks — to help you supercharge your crypto trading.

Weekly highlight — consumer sentiment falls

US consumer sentiment has fallen to its lowest level in over two years, reflecting growing concerns about the economic impact of tariffs. According to data from the University of Michigan, the preliminary sentiment index for March 2025 dropped to 57.9 from 64.7 in February, the lowest level since November 2022. This decline was worse than expected by a Bloomberg survey of economists.

Inflation expectations surged, with consumers anticipating a 3.9% annual price increase over the next five to ten years, the highest rate over three decades. Additionally, consumers expect prices to rise by 4.9% over the next year from 4.3%, marking the steepest rise since 2022.

As US president Donald Trump’s tariff policies expand, consumers across the political spectrum increasingly worry that these extra duties will lead to higher costs. Despite recent inflation cooling, ongoing price pressures could lead households to reduce discretionary spending.

The survey also indicated a record low in consumer expectations regarding personal finances, with respondents estimating only a 48.7% chance of stock market gains in the coming year. Joanne Hsu, 

 the University of Michigan, emphasized that uncertainty surrounding economic policies complicates financial planning.

Some analysts warned that declining consumer confidence poses a significant threat to spending, as fears of an economic downturn may deter purchases of major items. Overall, the current conditions gauge and the expectations index fell to their lowest levels in several months, showcasing widespread consumer apprehension.

Weekly crypto highlight — Bitcoin see slight life in the past weekend

Bitcoin rebounded from a four-month low earlier this week alongside other risky assets recovering from recent market turmoil. Economic uncertainties driven by a wave of tariffs from President Trump and the threat of a government shutdown have led to significant sell-offs across various asset classes, including cryptocurrencies.

“As we conclude a week of widespread selling, markets are experiencing a relief rally from oversold conditions,” stated Ravi Doshi, Co-Head of Markets at FalconX. The avoidance of a US government funding shutdown has eased market uncertainty.

On Friday, Bitcoin rose by as much as 6.2%, reaching $85,301, while smaller digital assets surged even more: Solana gained over 9%, Chainlink increased by 13% and XRP rose nearly 8%. Earlier in the week, Bitcoin had dropped to around $77,000, a significant decline from its all-time high of $109,000 in January 2025.

This slump triggered record outflows from Bitcoin exchange-traded funds, and large liquidations in crypto derivatives markets. Crypto markets are bouncing back as macro-driven liquidations seem to be pausing. Analysts suggest that ongoing macroeconomic stability may support crypto prices.

Advanced

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Weekly Institutional Insights: Consumer sentiment falls as crypto recovers from 4-month low

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.

The ongoing sell-off in risk-on assets has intensified bearish signals in derivatives markets for crypto assets. Funding rates indicate a demand for short exposure, futures prices are trading below spot prices and volatility smiles are showing a strong skew toward OTM puts as traders hedge against further declines. The at-the-money (ATM) volatility term structure has inverted again after a lack of clarity around Trump’s proposed strategic digital asset reserve caused short-dated volatility to fall briefly before last weekend.

Please check out the report’s highlights.

Choppy spot price movements have had an impact on funding rates, with BTC and altcoin rates reacting primarily to spot fluctuations, rather than long-term market views. ETH has sold off more sharply during declines, and hasn’t participated as strongly in relief rallies, resulting in the worst YTD performance among the five tokens in Trump’s proposed digital asset stockpile. This is reflected in funding rates, with ETH perpetual swaps showing strong demand for leveraged short exposure to further downside risk.

Investors continue to protect against further decline

Despite higher realized volatility increasing both short- and long-tenor implied volatility, options trade volumes remain low. Last Friday’s expiration of significant open interest was mostly for downside protection against a deepening sell-off. However, the options market has reverted to an inverted term structure, which had dissipated during last Friday’s White House crypto summit, with strong relative demand for short-dated put contracts.

Open interest in Solana (SOL) options declined at the end of February, with over $5M in calls and more than $3M in puts expiring and most positions not rolled over. Despite SOL trading 44% below its January ATH, most new positions are in calls. However, this new positioning is disappointingly weak, given SOL's inclusion in Trump’s crypto reserve announcement alongside BTC, ETH, XRP and ADA.

Beginner

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Bybit X Block Scholes crypto derivatives analytics report (Mar 14, 2025): Investors hedge further declines

BinaryX has rebranded to Four, uniting GameFi, IGOs, and MemeFi under one ecosystem. With BNX now FORM, Four continues to innovate in blockchain gaming."

Having launched in May 2021, BinaryX, which started out as a 

 (DeFi) platform, has continued to evolve and adapt to the rapidly changing blockchain landscape. However, in the spirit of adaptability and innovation, the platform switched to 

, focusing its attention on play-to-earn (P2E) games.

As a GameFi platform, BinaryX has also created an 

 (IGO) launchpad from which developers can launch GameFi projects.

Now, BinaryX has rebranded to Four in order to align with the mission of its 

 product, a launch platform for the meme coin ecosystem.

Let's learn more about BinaryX and the way it continues to shape the crypto market with innovative products and adaptable business models.

 hub for the development of GameFi projects, includes an IGO launchpad to facilitate developers in launching games. 

BinaryX began in 2021 as a decentralized derivative trading system that featured the use of 

. But in 2022, the BinaryX team gradually evolved its project into a GameFi platform in order to adapt to the increased demand for P2E games. Its aim is to make web3 games more accessible and approachable to the vast community of gamers.

BinaryX also developed an IGO launchpad to serve as a comprehensive hub for gaming developers to launch their GameFi projects, and for investors to receive early access to promising new play-to-earn games. Furthermore, the BinaryX team announced the incorporation of a 

 (DAO) into its GameFi ecosystem so that its community of token holders could participate in voting on governance matters.

In February 2025, BinaryX rebranded to Four in order to align with its latest product, Four.meme, which was launched in July 2024. Following the rebrand, its native token, BNX, would now become FORM to reflect the project's commitment to innovation and adaptability.

As one of the top web3 platforms on BNB Chain, BinaryX has continued to innovate and experiment with different business models to adapt to the blockchain landscape's fast-paced nature. To this end, BinaryX has the following diverse products under its wing.

BinaryX launched its Initial Game Offering (IGO) launchpad in May 2022 as a dedicated platform to support blockchain gaming projects. The launchpad helps game developers secure funding for decentralized video games. They also get a platform on which to build communities and accelerate their web3 game development.

By leveraging BinaryX’s expertise in GameFi and its existing user base, projects gain exposure to a vast community of crypto gamers. The platform offers early access to promising blockchain games, allowing investors to participate in token sales and 

 presales. BNX holders can use their tokens to vote for games' listings on the BinaryX platform, and they also receive rewards, such as game tokens and NFT 

Some notable games launched on the BinaryX IGO launchpad include 

. These games showcase BinaryX’s commitment to innovation in GameFi, integrating play-to-earn mechanics, NFTs and decentralized governance to help create immersive gaming ecosystems.

BinaryX's GameFi trading platform is a marketplace designed for seamlessly trading blockchain gaming assets, including NFTs, in-game tokens and virtual items. Launched to support the growing GameFi ecosystem, the platform enables gamers and investors to buy, sell, trade and auction assets from BinaryX-powered games in a secure and efficient manner.

 and DeFi principles, BinaryX ensures transparent transactions with minimal fees, and enhances liquidity for in-game assets while empowering players to maximize their earnings.

The BinaryX GameFi trading platform supports transactions involving 

In January 2022, BinaryX launched the BinaryX DAO, a first for a GameFi project, through which BNX token holders can participate in the project's community governance, determine airdrop and dividend ratios, and submit proposals on how to improve the BinaryX ecosystem.

Case in point: BinaryX's community participated in voting for/against the platform's rebranding to Four during a community vote that was held from Sep 21–23, 2024.

The BinaryX Treasury serves as the financial backbone of the BinaryX ecosystem, supporting the development and sustainability of its GameFi projects. Some sources of assets used to fund the treasury include initial capital injection by the BNX team, income from gaming activities, income from the IGO launchpad and profit from external investment.

Profits in the BinaryX Treasury are used to reward BNX stakers, incentivize BinaryX sidechain node providers and finance strategic investments in third-party projects.

BNX is the native token for the BinaryX platform. Its original maximum supply of 2.1 billion tokens was adjusted to 580 million after a community vote in late July 2024.

Distribution of the 580 million BNX tokens is as follows:

Following BinaryX's rebranding to Four, BNX will change to FORM, and holders will be allowed to exchange to the new token at a ratio of 1:1 (details to follow at a later date).

BinaryX has integrated a multi-token model. Apart from BNX, the other two tokens associated with the platform are as follows:

BinaryX officially rebranded to Four on Feb 21, 2025, following an overwhelming vote via its DAO, marking a significant transformation in its vision for GameFi and DeFi innovation. This shift comes with a revamped website, which will serve as a hub for the GameFi platform, IGO launchpad and Four.meme, a new addition to Four’s expanding ecosystem.

Following the rebranding, a 1:1 token migration from BNX to FORM is necessary in order to enhance the token's identity and align with the project's new direction. FORM remains on the BNB Chain, ensuring smooth compatibility with existing infrastructure.

 (CEXs) won’t need to do anything — the token swap to FORM will take place automatically. BinaryX will liaise with these exchanges to switch from the BNX contract address to the one for FORM.

 (DEXs), cold wallets and self-custody wallets will need to carry out a manual token swap based on a converter provided by BinaryX. To carry out this token swap, you’ll need to do the following:

 landing page (link will be provided at a later date).

4. Sign to authenticate your transaction to receive the FORM tokens.

5. Add the new FORM contract address into your wallet to see the new tokens.

You can buy BNX as a USDT Perpetual contract (

) on the Bybit trading platform. However, the BNXUSDT contract will be delisted on Mar 17, 2025, 9AM UTC, so make sure to close your open positions and cancel your active orders for BNXUSDT as soon as possible.

Over the years, BinaryX has consistently demonstrated strong performance. The rebranding of BinaryX to Four marks a bold step forward in its mission to impact the web3 space. This transformation reflects the project’s commitment to expanding its ecosystem, enhancing token identity and integrating innovative elements, such as Four.meme, alongside its GameFi platform and IGO launchpad.

By adapting to the evolving crypto landscape, Four is positioning itself as a comprehensive hub for web3 and gaming enthusiasts so that it can offer a seamless experience for gamers, investors and meme culture participants. The introduction of the FORM token ensures a more cohesive and recognizable branding, reinforcing Four’s long-term vision. Thanks to the smooth migration process from BNX to FORM, users can continue participating in the ecosystem while benefiting from enhanced liquidity and utility.

Four remains dedicated to GameFi innovation, supporting successful blockchain games such as 

, all of which feature play-to-earn mechanics, NFTs and decentralized governance. The revamped platform is designed to foster a dynamic gaming economy, support new game launches and provide a secure environment for trading digital assets. With its rebranding and expanded offerings, Four is set to lead the next wave of blockchain gaming and DeFi innovation, uniting gamers, developers and investors in a vibrant web3 ecosystem.

Intermediate

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From BinaryX to Four: A unified hub for GameFi, IGOs and MemeFi

Learn about the benefits of using Bybit Pay and the step-by-step instructions to get started with Bybit Pay now.

Traditional financial systems and blockchain-based ecosystems have long operated in silos, creating friction for users and businesses alike. 

 is a new payment solution that’s been designed from the ground up to solve this issue to make cryptocurrency transactions seamless for any users.

With the aim of mainstreaming crypto payment options, Bybit Pay has already begun partnering with traditional payment solution providers, enabling users to transact with cryptocurrencies through existing infrastructure. For example, with its recent 

, Brazilian users can now shop by using cryptocurrencies in a quick and effortless manner. 

In this article, we’ll explain the benefits of using Bybit Pay and provide step-by-step instructions for new users who want to get started with the platform.

With more than 60 million users on the Bybit platform, Bybit Pay empowers merchants with access to the global network of its vast user base. Meanwhile, users benefit from a seamless integration with web3 wallets that makes paying with crypto as easy as paying with fiat currency. The platform also offers collateralized payment tools that allow users to borrow against their NFT and crypto holdings. 

Through these innovative features, Bybit Pay blends the ease of traditional finance with the flexibility of cryptocurrencies, creating an ecosystem that benefits both users and merchants.

Bybit Pay can be accessed using the Bybit App on mobile and desktop. 

While filling in the form, make sure that the information you enter matches the information you’ve already provided during 

: As of now, only verified users in Brazil can make transactions using a Pix QR code.

Since the Pix integration, Brazilian users can use Bybit Pay wherever Pix is accepted. This opens up a vast network of offline establishments in the country, since Pix is Brazil’s leading instant payment system provider. 

In addition to offline establishments, Bybit Pay can also be used with a number of e-commerce providers for online shopping using cryptocurrencies. Bybit Pay will be available to users from other regions soon.

With the launch of Bybit Pay, Bybit is integrating crypto payments with traditional payment services providers — and vastly expanding the number of places where cryptocurrencies can be used.

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How to use Bybit Pay for effortless payments

Bybit Learn

Stablecoin

Ever heard of a pound sterling-backed stablecoin? Learn what is GBPT and how poundtoken gives investors direct access to a digitized form of GBP.

 are cryptocurrencies with prices pegged to asset classes such as fiat currency, crypto, or such commodities as precious or industrial metals. The objective of creating crypto pegged to another asset is to minimize price volatility, a key obstacle to the mass adoption of cryptocurrencies.

As a result, creating crypto linked to a relatively stable asset could help increase user confidence. Stablecoins are meant to drive the growth and adoption of cryptocurrencies and their underlying blockchain technology. 

This article introduces the GBPT, the first pound sterling–backed crypto. We'll look at how it works, its objectives and how it fares compared to other stablecoins. 

GBPT is a regulated-stablecoin cryptocurrency backed 100 percent by the Great British Pound Sterling (GBP) held in bank accounts. This means that GBPT, also known as “poundtoken,” can be redeemed one-for-one with the pound sterling.

The poundtoken was launched by the Isle of Man–based Blackfridge SC Ltd, a fully regulated fintech company backed by British financial regulations. The initial launch was on the Ethereum blockchain, but the team has plans to bridge to other blockchains. The new stablecoin can be bought and traded on Gate.io, Uniswap and Bittrex. Blackfridge is working on listing it on other exchanges as part of their road map.

With the collapse of the Terra UST stablecoin, many investors lost funds, which, understandably, spooked the crypto space and shook confidence in the supposedly “stable” stablecoins. Blackfridge aims to restore public confidence by assurances of a stablecoin backed by solid reserves of the almighty pound sterling. Many other stablecoins are not backed 100 percent by fiat currency. GBPT is also not a central bank digital currency (CBDC) issued as a digital version of a fiat currency that’s considered legal tender.

To further assure users, poundtoken has the distinct advantage of being audited by the reputable auditor 

. They provide monthly proof of reserves, meaning they have to show investors that each coin issued remains completely backed by GBP held in reserves. 

The GBP stablecoin was launched to offer a GBP-linked coin and thereby accelerate adoption among GBP holders. GBPT also makes it convenient for users to directly convert fiat GBP to cryptocurrency without the delays and fees associated with traditional money transfers.

While this is a general objective for all stablecoins, GBPT goes beyond this. But before we dive into details, first a little backstory.

In 2014, the first stablecoin, BitUSD, was released as a token on the BitShares blockchain. The pioneering project team saw a need to increase the mass adoption of cryptocurrencies. They created a digital asset, known as BTS, with its value pinned to the BitShares blockchain token. 

The supposedly volatility-proof BitUSD lost its peg to the dollar sometime in 2018 and never fully recovered (though it still lingers around). Since then, many stablecoins have launched into the crypto scene with fanfare, and fizzled out quietly shortly after. Terra UST (which managed to wipe out over $200 billion of investors' wealth) is the latest and largest in a long list of failed stablecoin projects. The lack of regulation, and the inability to ensure that the coins were fully backed by reserves, led to their ultimate demise.

The primary fallout of the massive UST crash was a strident call for increased regulation of the stablecoin crypto industry, especially to confirm reserves. Here’s where GBPT comes in. 

In light of the numerous failed stablecoin projects and calls for increased regulation, the project developers focused on compliance with strict Isle of Man and British financial rules while maintaining the main spirit of the stablecoin concept — increased usage through reduced volatility. 

To further reassure investors, KPMG audits the project and releases monthly proof of reserves as evidence that the 100 percent pound sterling–backing is still in place.

Established on the Ethereum blockchain, GBPT will offer real-time global settlements without regard to borders or working hours. Blockchain technology promotes the poundtoken’s functionality as a speedy, transparent, safe and borderless value transfer asset.

While stablecoins have been around for a while and are a relatively common digital asset, GBPT comes with a suite of features that offers unique customer benefits, making the project stand out.

In view of the recent crash of the Terra UST stablecoin, Blackfridge has committed to maintaining user confidence and peace of mind by registering with the Isle of Man's Financial Services Authority and ensuring monthly audits via the auditing firm, KPMG. KPMG's role is to confirm that GBPT is 100 percent backed by the GBP by issuing monthly proof-of-reserve statements. Such transparency is lacking in most other projects, which can leave investors guessing whether reserves really exist.

Unlike most stablecoins pegged to crypto or U.S. dollars, the GBPT is tied to the mighty pound sterling, which is a major world currency. GBP is one of the most traded currencies in the world. Every issued poundtoken is covered 100 percent by fiat GBP in bank reserves.

The GBPT and its parent company, Blackfridge, are under the regulation of the Isle of Man's Financial Services Authority. While the Isle of Man is a sovereign territory, its financial regulators are supported and licensed by the British financial regulatory regime. 

Poundtoken is built on the Ethereum blockchain and uses ERC20 smart contracts, ensuring that transactions are encrypted, immutable and secure.

Pitting this new stablecoin against the older and more established stablecoins will bring out many surprising facts. Let's take a look.

In the stablecoin corner of the wider crypto industry, 

, commonly known as Tether, is the biggest project. Pegged to the U.S. dollar, USDT has struggled against allegations that it has less fiat backing than it 

. It also lost its peg to the dollar, trading at less than a dollar for a period of time.

These incidents question the level of regulation over the most popular stablecoin. While Tether claims to be fully regulated, citing registration with FinCEN as proof, most industry experts disagree. FinCEN is not actively involved in ensuring that a company providing financial services adheres to a set of rules. GBPT, on the other hand, has to operate based on the rules set by regulatory authorities. 

Still, USDT has some similarities with GBPT in that they are both centralized. Each project is owned and managed by an entity rather than a community. 

Interestingly, the launch of the poundtoken trailed the announcement by Tether that it plans to launch a new stablecoin tied to the GBP. 

, or the USD coin, is the most widely used stablecoin, second to the USDT. Created in 2018 by the Centre Consortium (comprising Coinbase and Circle), the stablecoin 

. USDC is pegged to the U.S. dollar and must comply with audit and U.S. money transmission requirements. This has earned it a reputation as a more reliable and safe stablecoin, although not as widely used as USDT.

, is a fully collateralized stablecoin built on the TrustToken Platform and is backed by U.S. dollars. On the regulatory side, GBPT is in many ways similar to TUSD as they’re both subjected to periodic audits and compliant with state regulators. While GBPT is audited by KPMG, TUSD employs the  audit services of the firm Armanino LLP.

When it comes to decentralization, TUSD is similar to GPBT in not being decentralized and is firmly under the control of TrueCoin LLC, the company behind the TrustToken Platform. Additionally, TUSD is also fully backed by its equivalent U.S. dollar, with every TUSD token having its equivalent dollar value stored in the bank to back it.

, the poundtoken price as of today — July 22, 2022 — is $1.20 with a daily trading volume of $62,276.

GBPT is a stablecoin and, as such, isn’t designed to have investment value since it’s supposed to maintain a constant price. 

The main use cases for a stablecoin such as GBPT are as a store of value and a reliable medium for seamless exchange of value. The GBPT coin facilitates easy and fast borderless fund transfers. Other major cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, have prices that vary widely from day to day, making them difficult to use as a stable medium of exchange. 

Another reason to invest in GBPT is to store your money in crypto without the risk of volatility. 

Using fiat or other cryptocurrencies, you can buy, sell and hold poundtoken through cryptocurrency exchanges. GBPT is available on only Gate.io, Bittrex and Uniswap. The project team is working to list it on several more exchanges in the near future. 

You can also buy poundtoken directly from their official 

1. Connect your business bank account and complete the KYC.

2. Deposit GBP and receive an equivalent amount of on-chain GBPT.

Poundtoken, or GBPT, is designed for stability, and to build confidence in the stablecoin market using strict regulatory policies and regular comprehensive audits. It aims to be a benchmark for stablecoins used seamlessly in the global payment system.

As a result, it serves as a stable store of value and medium of exchange while maintaining transparency, security and speedy transaction processing.

GBP Stablecoin (GBPT): The First Pound Sterling–Backed Coin

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards