Hyperliquid has recently set the DeFi world abuzz with two game-changing announcements: the launch of native staking on its mainnet and the recognition of its HYPE token as one of Grayscale’s Top 20 crypto assets for Q1 2025.
These developments underscore Hyperliquid’s rapid rise as a major player in the decentralised finance ecosystem.
For HYPE token holders, the future looks increasingly promising as these milestones unlock new opportunities for growth and adoption.
Native Staking: Unlocking New Possibilities for HYPE Holders
On December 30, Hyperliquid introduced its highly anticipated native staking feature, allowing HYPE token holders to actively participate in securing the network. The launch includes 16 validators for users to delegate their tokens.
Validators can be selected based on important metrics like uptime, commission fees, and community contributions, allowing stakers to support the network while aligning with their personal preferences.
The immediate response from the Hyperliquid community has been overwhelming. Over 300 million HYPE tokens, valued at approximately $9 billion, were staked shortly after the feature was launched.
This uptake highlights the strong community trust and enthusiasm surrounding the project. For token holders, staking offers not only financial rewards but also an opportunity to play an active role in the network’s operations, further enhancing the protocol’s decentralisation.
Staking works by enabling users to lock their tokens to validate transactions, secure the blockchain, and support overall network functionality.
In return, participants earn rewards, often in the form of additional HYPE tokens. This mechanism has proven to be a win-win for both the protocol and its users. It strengthens network security while providing holders with an avenue for passive income.
This milestone couldn’t have come at a better time. Hyperliquid has already established itself as a leader in decentralised trading, boasting over $12 billion in trading volume in December alone.
Adding staking to its portfolio makes HYPE an even more appealing token, blending the benefits of active network participation with financial incentives.
Additionally, Hyperliquid’s ongoing efforts to empower its community through initiatives like the Delegation Program aim to promote further decentralisation.
This program incentivises high-performing validators, ensuring the network’s security remains robust while rewarding contributors who go above and beyond.
Grayscale’s Top 20 Recognition: A Catalyst for Institutional Interest
In another major development, Grayscale recently announced that Hyperliquid’s HYPE token has been added to its prestigious Top 20 list of crypto assets for Q1 2025.
This recognition places HYPE among some of the most influential tokens in the market and solidifies its position as a top-tier asset.
Grayscale Q1 2025 Crypto Report / Source: Grayscale
Grayscale’s decision to include HYPE was based on several factors, including network adoption, sustainability, token valuation, and the potential for upcoming catalysts.
The inclusion is significant not only for Hyperliquid but also for the broader DeFi space, as it reflects the growing interest of institutional players in innovative decentralised projects.
With a market capitalisation of $9 billion, HYPE has climbed past well-established tokens like Uniswap and Litecoin, turning heads across the crypto landscape.
For retail investors, this achievement signals that HYPE is more than just another token—it’s a contender with staying power. For institutional players, Grayscale’s endorsement offers a level of credibility that can’t be ignored.
One of the most exciting implications of this recognition is the potential for a HYPE-based exchange-traded fund (ETF). While nothing is confirmed yet, the inclusion of HYPE in Grayscale’s portfolio opens the door to such possibilities.
An ETF would make it easier for traditional investors to gain exposure to HYPE, increasing its liquidity and potentially driving demand.
Grayscale’s recognition also aligns with larger trends in the crypto market. The firm has placed a strong emphasis on themes like decentralised finance, staking, and Ethereum scaling solutions, all areas where Hyperliquid shines.
This alignment underscores the protocol’s potential for sustained growth in an increasingly competitive market.
The combination of native staking and institutional recognition represents a turning point for Hyperliquid and its HYPE token.
These developments highlight the project’s maturity, community engagement, and ability to attract attention from major players. For token holders, this is an opportunity to reap the benefits of both short-term rewards and long-term growth.
Staking provides a steady income stream for participants while contributing to the network’s security and functionality.
Meanwhile, Grayscale’s endorsement adds a layer of credibility that could attract new investors, including those from traditional finance. Together, these milestones position HYPE as a token with strong fundamentals and significant upside potential.
Conclusion
Hyperliquid’s recent achievements mark a new chapter in its journey, solidifying its position as a leader in the DeFi space. The launch of native staking gives HYPE holders a way to actively participate in the network while earning rewards.
At the same time, its inclusion in Grayscale’s Top 20 list underscores the project’s growing reputation and opens up exciting possibilities for institutional adoption.
For those looking at Hyperliquid, these milestones are more than just news—they’re a testament to the protocol’s vision and execution. As HYPE continues to gain momentum, it’s clear that this is a project with the potential to shape the future of decentralised finance.
Whether you’re a trader, investor, or simply someone keeping an eye on the market, Hyperliquid’s story is one to watch closely.
