Ethena Gains as Hayes Invests; sUSDe Leads 2025 Dividend Tokens

Generated by AI AgentCoinSageReviewed byAInvest News Editorial Team
Tuesday, Jan 6, 2026 11:51 pm ET1min read
Aime RobotAime Summary

- Arthur Hayes sold $5.53M in ETH to invest in Ethena and DeFi tokens, citing superior risk-adjusted returns from revenue-linked protocols.

- Ethena's sUSDe led 2025 dividend payouts with $253.6M, outperforming competitors like Sky's sUSDS and Securitize's BUIDL.

- Institutional capital is shifting toward yield-generating DeFi assets, with Hayes allocating 60% of his portfolio to DeFi tokens and stablecoins.

- Regulatory frameworks like MiCA and the GENIUS Act are normalizing institutional DeFi engagement, accelerating sector maturation.

- Ethena's dual role in institutional portfolios and yield markets highlights its growing influence amid broader DeFi adoption trends.

Ethena (ADA) is drawing significant market attention after Arthur Hayes redirected millions from Ethereum into the protocol. The BitMEX co-founder's $5.53 million allocation underscores confidence in Ethena's yield-generation model amid broader DeFi adoption. Further validating its appeal, Ethena's sUSDe token dominated 2025 dividend payouts with $253.6 million distributed. These developments highlight Ethena's dual role in both institutional portfolios and yield markets.

Why Did Arthur Hayes Invest in Ethena?

Arthur Hayes sold 1,871 ETH worth $5.53 million to invest in Ethena alongside

and .fi. His thesis centers on Ethereum transitioning to infrastructure while DeFi protocols offer better risk-adjusted returns through revenue-linked assets. Hayes accumulated these positions during price dips, reflecting long-term conviction in their fundamentals.

Regulatory progress like the GENIUS Act and MiCA framework is normalizing institutional DeFi engagement.

Hayes now holds over 60% of his portfolio in DeFi tokens and stablecoins. This shift aligns with capital seeking durable yield assets as the sector matures.

What Makes sUSDe the Top Dividend-Paying Token?

Ethena's sUSDe distributed $253.6 million in dividends during 2025, according to Stablewatch.

It substantially outpaced competitors like Sky's sUSDS ($139.3 million) and Securitize's BUIDL ($85.5 million). The token's leading payout volume underscores strong investor demand for structured yield.