Bitfinex

Ethereum has achieved unprecedented transaction throughput while simultaneously experiencing its lowest fee levels in years, creating what analysts are calling a "paradox" for the network. **Key Developments:** - Network capacity has reached all-time highs for processing transactions - Transaction fees have dropped to multi-year lows despite increased activity - This combination presents both opportunities and challenges for institutional adoption **Implications:** The low-fee environment makes Ethereum more accessible for everyday users and smaller transactions. However, reduced fees also mean lower revenue for validators and could impact network security economics long-term. For institutions, the improved throughput demonstrates scalability progress, while low fees reduce operational costs. The broader EVM ecosystem may see increased competition as other chains lose their fee advantage. Full technical analysis available at [Bitfinex blog](https://blog.bitfinex.com/education/ethereums-record-throughput-low-fee-paradox-implications-for-institutions-and-the-evm-ecosystem/).

Ethereum processed **2.88 million transactions in a single day**, setting a new record while keeping fees low. This marks a shift in the network's role: - Ethereum is evolving into a **settlement infrastructure layer** - Most execution activity is moving to **Layer 2 solutions** - The network demonstrates **predictability under high load** This development is particularly significant for institutional adoption, as consistent performance during peak usage provides the reliability that enterprises require. The combination of high throughput and low fees represents a maturation of Ethereum's scaling strategy, with L2s handling transactions while the main chain focuses on security and settlement.

Bitfinex is attending the Plan B Forum in El Salvador from January 29-31, 2026. The exchange will maintain a presence throughout the week with an event booth, a dedicated BFXSecurities Day, and access to the business lounge. **Key Focus Areas:** - Bitcoin market developments - Infrastructure discussions - Bitcoin adoption strategies Jesse Knutson, Head of Operations at BFXSecurities, will represent the company to discuss: - Tokenization initiatives - Regulated issuance processes - Connecting traditional capital markets with digital infrastructure The forum brings together the global Bitcoin community in El Salvador, the world's first nation to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, to assess progress and future directions for Bitcoin adoption.

**Jesse Knutson**, Head of Operations at BFX Securities, is traveling to El Salvador to discuss key developments in digital finance. **Key topics include:** - Tokenization of real-world assets - Regulated issuance frameworks - Bridging traditional capital markets with blockchain infrastructure BFX Securities operates as the first licensed platform in El Salvador, previously discussing Bitcoin-based T-bills and RWA tokenization at Plan B conference.

Bitcoin may be forming a **stabilisation phase** after experiencing extreme market conditions, according to Bitfinex Alpha analysis. **Key market indicators suggest potential relief bounce:** - Extreme deleveraging has cleared excess positions - Short-term holders showing capitulation signals - Early signs of seller exhaustion emerging This follows Bitcoin's significant correction from recent highs, with the market experiencing one of its **most meaningful drawdowns** of the cycle. The combination of these factors historically creates conditions for local bottoms. **Previous context shows pattern:** - BTC triggered strong early-bottom signals after sharp drawdown - Market saw classic stabilisation ingredients align - Four straight weekly declines - first time in over 500 days While **volatility remains elevated**, the current setup mirrors previous cyclical bottom formations. The question remains whether this marks the start of recovery or if more downside pressure continues. Analysts note this consolidation phase, rather than full capitulation, could provide the foundation for the next market move as demand conditions potentially improve.

**Market equilibrium emerges** after extended bearish period Bitcoin spot trading has reached a significant milestone - the 90-day Cumulative Volume Delta has maintained neutral territory for **10 consecutive days**. This metric tracks the difference between spot taker buys and sells across centralized exchanges. **Key developments:** - First sustained neutral reading after months of sell-side dominance - Suggests potential exhaustion among sellers - Could signal shift in market sentiment The Cumulative Volume Delta measures buying vs selling pressure by analyzing actual transaction flows. When neutral, it indicates balanced market participation between buyers and sellers. **What this means:** After an extended period where sellers controlled the market, we're seeing the first signs of equilibrium. This doesn't guarantee a bullish reversal, but it suggests the intense selling pressure may be waning. Traders and analysts will be watching closely to see if this neutral trend continues or if either buyers or sellers regain control of the market dynamics.

**Margin trading borrowing has reached new all-time highs** as investors heavily leverage their positions. This surge indicates strong confidence in market volatility and trading opportunities. However, it also creates **increased market fragility**. **Key risks:** - High leverage amplifies both gains and losses - Sharp price movements could trigger cascading liquidations - Market stability becomes more vulnerable to sudden shifts The elevated borrowing levels suggest traders expect continued volatility but also signal potential for more dramatic market swings if sentiment changes.

**Bitfinex announces listing of Stable governance token** The Stable Network, a blockchain designed specifically for stablecoins, is coming to Bitfinex exchange. **Key features of Stable Network:** - High throughput performance - Predictable transaction processing - Regulatory compliance focus - Stablecoin-optimized infrastructure The platform combines technical efficiency with regulatory alignment, positioning itself as a specialized solution for stablecoin operations. [Read full announcement](https://blog.bitfinex.com/media-releases/bitfinex-to-list-stable-governance-token-of-the-stable-network/)

**Young programmers are mastering tech skills faster than previous generations.** - Children are building apps before most adults write their first line of code - **Zero-fear approach** gives kids an advantage in learning programming and robotics - Natural curiosity and focus help young builders tackle complex projects **Codepeques founder @aguileradev** shares insights from Medellín on how children approach technology differently than adults. The conversation highlights how **early exposure to programming** creates confident young developers who aren't intimidated by technical challenges. [Watch the full Bitfinex Talks episode](https://youtu.be/pXqMJDs07LQ) for complete insights on youth tech education.

**Crypto options market undergoes major transformation since 2017** Back in 2017, even sophisticated traders ignored complex derivatives - the market was too volatile with triple-digit returns keeping everyone occupied. **Key market shifts:** - Institutions now use options for downside hedging - Traders sell upside calls for extra yield - Options have become core institutional strategy - Market seeking more complexity and opportunities The evolution is driving **clear compression in volatility** as crypto options complement traditional spot and perpetual trading strategies. Industry leaders discussed these changes at the Bitfinex Derivatives Gamma Summit, highlighting how options are reshaping market structure. [Watch the full discussion](https://youtu.be/Fy_qUtYZwMw?si=nZVM3DUBlM1VUEn5)