BitMEX Co-Founder Arthur Hayes Bets $3.4M on DeFi Revival
Former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes has deployed $3.4 million into decentralized finance tokens during the market downturn, signaling conviction in a 2026 sector recovery. Blockchain data shows strategic accumulation of PENDLE ($1.75M), LDO ($1.29M), ENA ($1.24M), and ETHFI ($343K) - with Pendle's yield tokenization protocol commanding the largest allocation.
The MOVE coincides with Ether.fi reporting $50M in monthly card payments and Lido consolidating its lead with 25% of staked ETH. 'This is classic Hayes,' remarked one hedge fund manager tracking the wallet activity. 'When others panic, he builds positions in infrastructure that will matter in the next cycle.'
Market observers note the timing aligns with Hayes' public thesis about DeFi protocols gaining institutional traction post-2025. The Pendle investment particularly stands out - its tokenization of future yield streams has drawn comparisons to traditional fixed-income innovation.
