In our latest Learn 101 livestream session, crypto experts shared insights on the shifting dynamics of the stablecoin ecosystem.

 are making a comeback, but this time, the competition is heating up. While 

 continues to dominate the market, a new wave of 

 is emerging, each with its own proposition. From institutional-backed tokens to 

, the race is on to determine which stablecoin will take the lead. What sets these newcomers apart — and could any of them realistically challenge USDT’s throne?

, we tackle the big question: Newcomers vs. USDT: Who Will Win?

, provides a recap of our Learn 101 livestreams, offering you comprehensive expertise and insights from leading figures in the crypto industry in case you miss the livestream.

Joining the livestream on Apr 24, 2025, were two distinguished guests: Paz Gonzalez, trader and founder of 

magazine, and Jip Molenaar, full-time trader and co-founder of Tribe Capital. Under the moderation of Sabrina Chua, Crypto Evangelist and Senior Content Strategist at Bybit, this episode takes a deep dive into the shifting dynamics of the stablecoin ecosystem.

Why the world is suddenly crazy about stablecoins

Stablecoins are once again making headlines — but what’s driving this renewed momentum? Several key developments have pushed stablecoins into the mainstream conversation, including Donald Trump’s recent proposal for a 

. According to Paz Gonzalez, these announcements signal a broader shift tied to the weakening influence of the US dollar. In times like these, stablecoins could gain mass adoption, giving governments a way to reassert monetary control through a digital proxy.

Jip Molenaar agrees with Gonzalez, adding that Bitcoin is unlikely to become the world’s primary currency, despite what many once believed. Instead, Molenaar sees Bitcoin’s future role as that of a store of value — 

 — while stablecoins will take on the role of everyday money, used for payments, bill settlements and daily transactions. 

, Molenaar argues, has helped bring digital assets into the political mainstream, making the concept of crypto usage more palatable to the general public than ever before.

Molenaar also shares his personal experience transitioning from euros to USDT, a process he describes as challenging and significant. Living in Europe, switching to a US dollar–pegged stablecoin wasn’t easy — and that’s precisely why he believes most users won’t readily jump to new alternatives. For many, USDT and 

Paz sees Fidelity’s entry into stablecoins as a bullish signal for the industry. As a well-established and trusted financial institution, Fidelity’s involvement could sway skeptics who have traditionally avoided crypto. Its participation brings credibility — and potentially, a new wave of adoption.

He also emphasizes that the legitimacy of any currency, fiat or crypto, depends upon being backed by a clear source of value. Historically, 

. For stablecoins to earn that trust, the same principle applies — they must be transparently backed. Today, more investors recognize that leading stablecoins are supported by reserves, and are subject to increasing regulatory oversight.

However, despite this progress, Molenaar remains cautious. He warns that another event like the 

 is still possible if stablecoins aren’t properly backed and transparently managed. Without clear support mechanisms, he believes trust will erode — and widespread adoption will stall.

USDT currently holds the largest market share among all stablecoins and is the most actively traded. Molenaar attributes this dominance to the convenience and wide acceptance of USDT across trading platforms. He points out that the infrastructure for USDT is already deeply entrenched in the crypto ecosystem, making it far easier to execute trades and move funds. Because of this strong foundation, he believes it will be extremely difficult for any competing stablecoin to unseat USDT.

Gonzalez agrees: while she personally holds some USDC, she says that when people ask her to send a stablecoin, it’s almost always USDT. Even though USDC has made efforts to challenge USDT’s dominance, Gonzalez doesn’t see that happening anytime soon — if ever. She also underscores the fact that stablecoins like USDT aren't meant to be investments in the way Bitcoin or altcoins are. Instead, they serve more practical purposes, facilitating transactions and providing stable on-chain alternatives to fiat.

Molenaar adds that older generations, particularly baby boomers, tend to wait until new markets are validated by trusted institutions before getting involved. With firms like Fidelity now backing crypto through 

 (ETFs) and exploring stablecoin adoption, that validation is underway. Because Fidelity has integrated USDT into its ecosystem, Molenaar believes that conservative investors will naturally gravitate toward it over less familiar alternatives.

Gonzalez also shares her approach to risk management. Rather than going all-in on one asset, she diversifies and experiments cautiously — allocating small amounts to new opportunities. 

, for example, is one method she uses to generate passive income while testing out new protocols or tokens.

When it comes to adoption, Gonzalez sees real-world use cases driving interest in stablecoins. She mentions the new Wyoming stablecoin, which offers local taxpayers a slight reduction on their annual tax bills. While its benefits may currently apply to a small group, she believes this kind of practical utility is crucial. To achieve broader adoption, stablecoins — including smaller, emerging ones — need meaningful use cases tied to local economies. 

Still, for global accessibility and widespread usage, she maintains that a well-established option such as USDT is essential.

Stablecoins and trading — what really matters to traders

Molenaar is all-in on USDT, choosing to avoid the risks that come with lesser-known stablecoins. For him, USDT offers the highest liquidity and the lowest risk, due to its widespread adoption. While he's open to switching if a new, dominant stablecoin emerges, he’s not willing to gamble on smaller or less established options at this time.

Gonzalez adds an important perspective: stablecoins don’t just enable transactions — they also reflect the health and movement of the broader crypto market. Since stablecoins support liquidity within cryptocurrency networks, their flows can signal shifts in underlying asset trends. Traders are beginning to pay more attention to this relationship.

While most stablecoins are backed by USD, some stablecoin creators are now exploring alternative pegs, such as gold. But for Gonzalez, the backing isn't the main concern: usability is. She prioritizes the ease with which a stablecoin can be used for trading. In her view, investors today care more about functionality and integration with platforms than the specific assets backing the coin. 

Molenaar agrees, adding that ease of use often comes down to habit — knowing the ins and outs of how to trade with a particular coin saves time and effort. He also points out that staking stablecoins typically yields higher returns than do traditional bank savings accounts. That’s one reason he keeps minimal funds in banks — in addition to his distrust of the traditional banking system. He prefers to let his funds work for him through stablecoin staking.

Gonzalez also sticks with USDT because of its simplicity and reliability. She takes a cautious, thoughtful approach to her finances, due to her awareness of how hard she works to earn her money. When trading with USDT, she invests time in researching opportunities. Therefore, she believes that having a deep understanding of stablecoins is crucial in order to make smart financial decisions.

Both Molenaar and Gonzalez highlight the importance of using a trusted platform when holding and trading stablecoins. Molenaar uses Bybit because he feels confident his funds are secure there, and Gonzalez echoes this sentiment — rather than spreading her assets across multiple exchanges, she sticks with Bybit for its reliability and trustworthiness.

This episode of Learn 101 offers a thought-provoking look at the battle between emerging stablecoins and the reigning stablecoin leader, USDT. While newer stablecoins may bring niche advantages and localized utility, USDT’s deep liquidity, global reach and entrenched usage continue to give it a clear edge. For now, USDT remains the go-to choice. But as the ecosystem continues to evolve, the race is far from over.

Intermediate

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Learn Live ICYMI: Can the upcoming stablecoins beat USDT?

Bybit Megadrop is a token launch platform that lets users earn free airdrops by subscribing to Fixed-Term Bybit Savings plans and completing simple tasks.

The crypto world never sleeps — and neither do opportunities to earn. One of the most exciting ways to get in early on promising projects is through token launches, whereby new cryptocurrencies are introduced to the market. Traditionally, early participation comes with barriers: you might need to stake, trade heavily or rely on luck in oversubscribed launchpads.

Bybit Megadrop changes the game by offering a more rewarding and accessible way to earn free tokens before they hit the market — all while growing your savings.

In this article, we’ll explain what Bybit Megadrop is, how it works, the benefits of joining, how to participate and whether it’s the right fit for your crypto strategy.

 is a token launch platform that lets users earn free 

 by subscribing to Fixed-Term Bybit Savings plans and completing simple tasks.

This new platform integrates Bybit Earn with early-stage 

 projects, giving users exclusive access to rewards before tokens go live on the Bybit Spot market. Think of it as a smarter, more educational and risk-free way to “airdrop farm” — but with real structure and substance.

Bybit Megadrop combines savings, learning and rewards into a unified experience. Here's how the flow works.

1. Subscribe to a Fixed-Term Bybit Savings plan

To participate, users must first subscribe to a Fixed-Term Bybit Savings plan using eligible tokens specified on the event page. These tokens could include MNT, USDT, USDC or BBSOL. This isn't just a gateway to Megadrop — it's also a way to grow your holdings. While your funds are locked for a fixed period, you earn interest through Bybit Earn.

This subscription acts as your entry ticket to Megadrop.

Once you’ve subscribed, you’re entitled to a portion of the airdrop rewards from the featured token’s project. These airdrops are typically distributed before the token is publicly listed on Bybit, giving you early exposure and the potential for upside if the token gains traction post-listing.

The amount of airdrop you receive depends upon your subscription amount, the total amount subscribed by all participants and whether you complete additional side tasks.

Please note that you will need to claim your airdrop rewards manually once the event ends.

3. Complete side tasks for bonus airdrops

To boost your airdrop share, you can complete optional side tasks. These tasks are simple, and are meant to educate users about the project and keep them engaged on the Bybit platform. Examples include:

Completing more tasks will grant you more points, which essentially results in a larger share of the token airdrop pool.

Bybit Megadrop isn’t just another airdrop campaign — it’s a win-win experience for users looking to maximize value with minimal risk.

The best thing about Bybit Megadrop is that when you subscribe to a Fixed-Term Bybit Savings plan, you don’t just earn the plan's regular APR — you also get free airdrop tokens. It's passive income layered with passive rewards.

Taking part in Bybit Megadrop will enable you to obtain tokens before they hit the Spot market, which could offer potential upside if the token rallies post-listing.

The barrier to entry is low, and there’s no need to buy or stake new tokens. You simply use what you already have in savings, and get rewarded on top of your fixed return — with no strings attached.

Looking to upsize your earnings? Simply complete more side tasks to earn more points. This way, you’ll be able to increase your chance of getting more tokens airdropped to your account.

Now that you have a better understanding of what Bybit Megadrop is, let’s explore how you can get started. If you don’t already have a Bybit account, you’ll need to create one. You can also check out our 

: Log in to your Bybit account and hover your cursor over the 

Select the event you would like to participate in. You will then need to subscribe to a Fixed-Term Savings plan on Bybit Earn to accumulate points. The eligible plans will be listed under the corresponding project on the Megadrop page. 

You may also complete tasks with point multipliers to earn points faster.

Once the event ends, the airdrop you receive will be based on your share of points earned in each pool.

Bybit Megadrop is designed for all types of crypto users, from beginners to veterans, and offers a compelling, low-risk way to access new token launches.

If you're someone who’s already using Bybit Earn, then Bybit Megadrop is a natural next step. It enhances the value of your fixed-term savings by layering on free token airdrops from promising web3 projects. You get to earn both APR and tokens, without having to take on additional investment risk.

Even if you’re new to Bybit, Megadrop makes participating in token launches easier and more rewarding. There’s no need to buy new or volatile assets — just deposit what you already have into a Fixed-Term Savings plan. That’s it — and you’re now eligible for airdrops.

For users who enjoy completing tasks or learning about new projects, the optional side missions are a fun way to earn additional tokens while becoming more familiar with the web3 ecosystem. If you're a retail user looking to stretch your capital, these tasks give you a chance to unlock a much larger share of rewards.

In short, if you're looking for a safe, flexible and engaging way to access new tokens early (without spending more or risking your funds), then you’ll absolutely want to consider joining Bybit Megadrop.

Bybit Megadrop combines the best of both worlds: steady earnings from savings and exciting token rewards from new projects. It’s a win for long-term holders, risk-averse users and web3 explorers alike.

Ready to try it? Subscribe, complete a few tasks and claim your share of the next big token — before anyone else!

Beginner

Bybit Megadrop.png

Bybit Megadrop: A smarter way to earn airdrops from new tokens

Tezos’ Rio upgrade enhances staking flexibility, speeds up operations 3x, and allocates 10% rewards to boost L2 adoption via the Data Availability Layer (DAL). 

The S&P 500 futures rose after news of US-China trade talks, rebounding from Tuesday’s 0.77% decline as investors await the Fed’s rate decision and Powell’s guidance. Gold climbed above $3,400, buoyed by a weaker US dollar and risk-off sentiment, and is technically bullish with momentum targeting a retest of the $3,500 record high ahead of the Fed’s policy decision. The Coindesk Indices, which tracks the broader crypto market, rose 1.64%, with Bitcoin up 0.69% and Ether down 1.87%, in the past 24 hours. Trade these markets and more with up to 500x leverage on Bybit MT5 using this 

Today's top performer is KAITO, which surged 39.2% after Kaito AI announced $71M in distributed rewards and unveiled upcoming products.

Kaito (KAITO), founded in 2022, is a $1,099/month AI-powered crypto search engine that aggregates data from web3 sources like Twitter, Discord, and forums, using advanced AI to deliver context-rich, sentiment-filtered insights. Kaito AI has 

 over $71M in rewards to users within 5 months of launching Yaps, excluding the upcoming $KAITO airdrop, with more products like Kaito Earn, Connect v2, and Capital Launchpad on the way.

Check out the latest prices, charts, and data of 

 upgrade enhances staking flexibility, speeds up operations 3x, and allocates 10% rewards to boost L2 adoption via the Data Availability Layer (DAL). It reduces staking cycle times from 3 days to 1, tightens baker inactivity rules for better network resili`ence, and strengthens Tezos’ position for L2 scalability and user experience improvements.

Yesterday, BTC spot ETFs saw total outflows of $122.4M, with $89.9M from GBTC and $32.5M from non-GBTC funds.

, a decentralized bandwidth marketplace, launched its node for users to earn points and qualify for a future airdrop by sharing unused internet. Users can run a free node, earn 1 point every 10 minutes, and boost earnings via quests and referral codes.

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Tezos Rio upgrade boosts staking speed and L2 incentives with improved network resilience

In this article, we’ll look into Bybit Pay, how it works and provide you with a step-by-step guide to sending and receiving payments on Bybit Pay.

 is a next-generation payment solution that enables users to send and receive crypto or fiat with just a few taps via QR code or internal transfer. Whether you're settling bills, splitting payments with friends or running a global business, Bybit Pay simplifies cross-border transactions within a secure and intuitive environment.

In this article, we’ll walk you through Bybit Pay, show you how it works and provide you with a step-by-step guide to sending and receiving payments on Bybit Pay.

 is a powerful payment service designed to connect your crypto wallet to real-world financial needs. Whether you're sending money to friends or making payments to merchants, Bybit Pay allows seamless transactions conducted in both crypto and fiat — all from within the Bybit platform.

Its mission is to bridge the gap between digital assets and traditional finance by enabling users to spend their crypto effortlessly, just like they do with cash. With support for currencies like BTC, ETH and USDT (and even fiat such as BRL), Bybit Pay turns your crypto into a practical tool for everyday payments.

Bybit Pay makes it easier than ever to use your crypto. Whether you're paying online, transferring funds to a friend or scanning a QR code in-store, Bybit Pay supports seamless payments in both crypto and fiat funds.

Bybit Pay simplifies spending both locally and globally.

Bybit Pay operates through two main methods: QR code payments and internal transfers. Users can scan a QR code to pay merchants or friends, or send funds directly using a phone number, email or Bybit UID. It supports both crypto and fiat, with seamless access via the Bybit app or website.

: While the Bybit Card functions like a debit card for in-store purchases, Bybit Pay enables direct wallet-to-wallet transfers and merchant payments, without any need for physical hardware. It’s faster, flexible and perfect for global digital transactions.

How to send crypto and fiat with Bybit Pay

Bybit Pay makes it easy to send crypto or fiat to other users or merchants. You can pay by scanning a QR code, or via internal transfer using a phone number, email or UID.

2. Choose your payment method, and enter the recipient’s email, phone number or Bybit UID.

Enter the amount you wish to send. Tap on the 

 to convert from fiat to crypto, if needed. Add a note (optional), avoiding special characters.

5. Review the details, and confirm your payment after completing two-factor authentication (2FA).

Once your funds are sent, your payment history is viewable at the bottom of the Bybit Pay screen or by tapping on the 

Bybit Pay makes sending crypto as easy as sending a message.

How to receive crypto and fiat on Bybit Pay

Receiving payments on Bybit Pay is simple and flexible. Users can receive crypto or fiat via either internal transfer or QR code, depending upon the sender’s preference.

The sender can use any of these details to transfer funds directly from their Bybit Pay interface.

Bybit Pay makes receiving crypto fast, flexible and borderless. The following is a step-by-step guide for requesting a payment using a personalized QR code — right from the Bybit app.

. This opens your personalized payment interface.

 to enter a fiat amount, and the amount will automatically convert to crypto.

: Your QR code updates in real time in order to reflect the specified details. Simply show it on-screen or use the 

: After the sender has completed the transfer, go to 

 to confirm receipt and track incoming funds.

Bybit Pay bridges crypto and traditional finance, offering seamless, secure and instant payments — all from one place. Whether you're sending or receiving crypto, or spending it globally, it’s never been easier to do. 

 today to experience secure, borderless crypto and fiat payments — right from your app or browser.

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How to send and receive payment using Bybit Pay

Crypto Insights

We project a low chance of Ether Spot ETF approval in May, mainly due to regulators' silence.

ETH_BTC_Ratio_from_July_2023_to_April_2024.png

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What’s Happening Now With the SEC’s Expected Approval of Ether Spot ETFs?

Ether Spot ETFs would track the performance of Ether, directly holding ETH. They differ from Ether Futures ETFs that are available in most markets, which require the periodic rolling of futures contracts and can possess tracking errors. Please refer to this 

The firms applying for listing Ether Spot ETFs in the U.S. are BlackRock, VanEck, ARK 21Shares, Grayscale, Fidelity, Invesco and Galaxy Digital (through a joint proposal), in addition to Franklin Templeton. 

The U.S. SEC has postponed its decision several times because it claims to need more time to consider the applications. However, the deadline for the earliest applicants, BlackRock and Fidelity, is one month away (May 23, 2024). 

It’s widely perceived that SEC rejection would lead to legal action from the applicants.

The market has been building up its anticipation of Ether Spot ETFs since the approval of the listing of Ether Spot ETFs in January 2024.

However, SEC Chair Gary Gensler said at that time that the Bitcoin Spot ETF approvals shouldn't "signal anything about the commission’s views as to the status of other crypto assets under the federal securities laws."

What’s the Chance of SEC Approval of Ether Spot ETFs in May 2024?

Ether’s price surged immediately after the approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs back in January, and the market anticipates approval of Ether ETFs in the U.S. later this year. However, remarks from SEC Chairperson Gary Gensler on multiple occasions this year have dampened expectations.

In our view, the chance of Ether Spot ETF approval remains dim — despite Hong Kong’s surprising approval of them in April — as the agency is likely to stick to its own assessment before approving Ether Spot ETFs . 

ETH/BTC Ratio from July 2023 to April 2024. Source: Bybit

The dwindling ETH/BTC ratio also illuminates the lowering probability of Ether Spot ETF approval in the U.S., which has dropped below 0.05 —a multi-year low — as shown above. 

Open interest by strike price (ETH options with May 10, 2024 expiration dates). 

Open interest by strike price (ETH options with May 31, 2024 expiration dates). Source: Coinglass

However, the market hasn’t given up, as reflected in the exercise price of ETH options expiring before and after the deadline for the SEC’s decision on ETH Spot ETFs. The exercise price of calls expiring on May 10, 2024, centers on a $3,300~$3,400 interval, while the exercise of calls expiring on May 31, 2024 is remarkably higher, falling between $3,600 and $3,800.

 a substantial increase in Ether’s position by institutions as Bitcoin’s outperformance against Ether continues to test new lows. This suggests that institutions may have prepared for the approval of Ether Spot ETFs, at least in the medium term, following the approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs.

The key consideration by the SEC lies in whether the ETH token is a security or commodity. Simply put, a token closer to the definition of security might have a higher chance of approval, as the SEC may determine it to be in compliance with Federal securities laws. 

 (PoW) models with no yield generation and is considered the most decentralized cryptocurrency due to its diverse user base. SEC Chairperson Gary Gensler has 

 several times that PoW tokens are unlikely to meet the definition of securities under federal laws. As Ether shifts from PoW to 

 (PoS) in 2021, Ether has a higher chance of qualifying as a security and less chance of getting approved.

In addition, the concentration risk of Ether staking could make it look more like a security. 

 of the total staked ETH on the network. However, the popularity of restaking in recent months may erode Lido’s dominance, and may indirectly ultimately lead to the approval of Ether Spot ETFs in the U.S.

What Makes the SEC’s Approval So Important?

Regions with Approved Bitcoin and Ether Spot ETFs (as of April 23, 2024).

Although Hong Kong is likely ahead of the U.S. in launching Ether Spot ETFs, as their approvals are expected to be completed by the end of this month (April 2024), not many markets worldwide are offering them yet. 

Despite the U.S, not being the first mover, the impact of approval in the U.S. market would likely be more profound due to the nation’s sheer capital size. Bitcoin Spot ETFs have attracted capital of more than $54 billion so far, leaving other markets in the dust in terms of size since their launch there three months ago. As such, it’s expected that Ether Spot ETFs would bring more capital than any of the existing legalized markets combined. 

If Ether Spot ETFs Are Approved, How Much Capital Can They Bring? 

Source: Compiled by Bybit (data as of April 23, 2024)

Based on the performance of Bitcoin Spot ETFs so far, it’s estimated that Ether Spot ETFs would accumulate at least $16 billion in capital.

Source:Compiled by Bybit (data as of April 23, 2024)

Nonetheless, if the SEC allows a version of staked Ether ETFs, the expected AUM is beyond imagination, as the current native yield from Ether staking amounts to 3.3%, higher than many of its competing asset classes.

Could Approval of Spot Ether ETFs Trigger Another Crypto Rally?

The possible approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs in September 2023 reversed Bitcoin's bearish trend, creating a new all-time high right after the actual ETF approval. Bitcoin's outperformance gave rise to an ensuing rally from other tokens, as speculation arose from upbeat market sentiment. As Bitcoin Spot ETF approval hit the headlines, new investors were tempted into the cryptocurrency and sustained the rally.

UST Market Capitalization. Source: CoinGecko (as of April 23, 2024)

The above chart indicates the market capitalization of USDT, the largest cryptocurrency. The increase in its market cap arises from increasing supply as it’s pegged to the U.S. dollar. Historically, the increasing supply coincided with the surging price action of the broader cryptocurrency, as the supply represents the on-chain capital. 

Therefore, the possible approval of Ether Spot ETFs will likely sustain the current bull market. New investors are expected to inject new capital into the crypto market, further boosting the supply of USDT. What’s more, approval could spur the broader price increase of Ethereum ecosystem tokens, primarily DeFi and 

What’s the Chance of Ether Spot ETF Approval in May? Can the Market Sustain Another Rally?

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