The cryptocurrency world is abuzz with unfolding developments as Ethena, the brain behind the USDe synthetic dollar protocol, has withdrawn its bid in the Hyperliquid USDH stablecoin race. This decision clears the way for Native Markets, now the leading contender, to secure its place at the forefront of Hyperliquid’s ecosystem.
Why Did Ethena Withdraw?
On Thursday, the Ethena team announced via X (formerly Twitter) that they are stepping out of the competition. This decision followed discussions with validators and the Hyperliquid community, some of whom expressed concerns regarding Ethena’s non-native status within the Hyperliquid project. In a show of camaraderie, Ethena extended congratulations to their competitor, Native Markets, positioning them as the likely winner of this race.
Guy Young, the founder of Ethena Labs, shared a statement reflecting on the situation. “While some are complaining about their lack of credibility, I think their success here perfectly embodies everything that is so special about Hyperliquid and their community,” he noted.
What Comes Next for Native Markets?
With Ethena out of the running, prediction markets like Polymarket now give Native Markets a 92% probability of winning the USDH stablecoin bid. Paxos ranks a distant second, holding just 7% of the predicted odds at the time of writing. This positions Native Markets as the primary issuer of Hyperliquid’s native stablecoin moving forward.
The eventual success of this project could have far-reaching implications for the ecosystem. Native stablecoins are increasingly integral in fostering stronger DeFi (decentralized finance) ecosystems, and Hyperliquid’s success could set a significant precedent.
The Growing Interest in Stablecoins
The stablecoin market has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with traders and investors increasingly relying on these assets for stability amidst the volatility of traditional cryptocurrencies. Platforms like Binance and Coinbase have also embraced stablecoins for seamless trading experiences.
For those interested in getting into crypto investments in a secure and stable way, leveraging platforms like Ledger’s hardware wallets (check it out here) provides secure storage options for digital assets, including stablecoins.
Closing Thoughts
While the future of the Hyperliquid stablecoin remains to be seen, one thing is clear: the evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies continues to shape how we interact with finance technology globally. The developments in this story underline the essential role of transparency, community engagement, and innovation in driving the industry forward.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as new information becomes available.