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BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes has made bold moves into decentralized finance (DeFi) tokens, signaling a clear rotation from Ethereum into protocols he believes are poised for a 2026 recovery.
On-chain data shows Hayes deployed over $3.4 million in four DeFi assets: $1.97 million in ENA, $735,330 in ETHFI, $515,360 in PENDLE, and $259,960 in LDO.
Which Tokens Is Arthur Hayes Accumulating for 2026?
The accumulation comes as these tokens trade significantly below their all-time highs, reflecting a broader downturn in the DeFi sector.
Lookonchain reports that Hayes converted another $5.5 million in Ethereum into a basket of DeFi protocols, including:
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4.86 million ENA tokens valued at $986,000
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697,851 ETHFI tokens worth $485,000.
The largest share of his allocation, over 50%, is concentrated in PENDLE, a yield tokenization protocol.
Arthur Hayes(@CryptoHayes) just bought 4.86M $ENA($986K) and 697,851 $ETHFI($485K) again.https://t.co/loeYKUb9rNhttps://t.co/N6xlh6xuEq pic.twitter.com/G4atbDCfHs
— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) December 31, 2025
Arthur Hayes has been steadily accumulating these assets during price dips, indicating a belief in their long-term value. Ted Pillows, a crypto analyst, has confirmed the recent withdrawals.
“Arthur Hayes continues to buy DeFi tokens. Today, he has withdrawn $1,969,780 in ENA, $735,330 in ETHFI, $515,360 in PENDLE, and $259,960 in LDO,” wrote Ted.
This consistent accumulation reflects a portfolio strategy grounded in fundamental value rather than short-term speculation.
Catalysts Behind Arthur Hayes’ Bets Range from ETF Prospects to Strong Revenues
Each token in Hayes’ new allocation is tied to a specific growth narrative.
ENA could benefit from Bitwise’s recent ETF filing, which includes 11 cryptocurrencies, potentially opening the door for institutional inflows.
Bitwise filed 11 cryptocurrency ETFs!
Bitwise AAVE Strategy ETF
Bitwise UNI Strategy ETF
Bitwise ZEC Strategy ETF
Bitwise CC Strategy ETF
Bitwise ENA Strategy ETF
Bitwise Hyperliquid Strategy ETF
Bitwise NEAR Strategy ETF
Bitwise STRK Strategy ETF
Bitwise SUI Strategy ETF… pic.twitter.com/waVGIZfD8K— ETF Hearsay by Henry Jim (@ETFhearsay) December 30, 2025
Pendle has demonstrated strong revenue generation despite low token prices, delivering consistent quarterly cash flow to token holders.
“The income statements show cash flow still flowing, and accelerating in the places that matter. For Pendle, 2025 follows a clear cycle. Revenue came in at $12.88 million in Q1, $7.52 million in Q2, $16.17 million in Q3, and $8.02 million in Q4,” wrote market analyst Neo Nguyen.
Ether.fi (ETHFI) is seeing record revenue through its Neobank pivot, with monthly card payment volumes nearing $50 million.
Protocol buybacks, currently between $500,000 and $1.5 million weekly, are set to combine with reduced token emissions in 2026, addressing ongoing sell pressure.
Lido’s LDO exposure offers access to Ethereum staking, with the protocol controlling nearly 25% of staked ETH. This is more than double that of major competitors.
Additionally, Ether.fi’s treasury reserves and leading market share position it to capitalize on growing demand for staking yields.
Source: finance.yahoo.com