Institutional Shifts Signal HYPE's Rise in DeFi's Future

Hyperliquid (HYPE) has captured the attention of institutional investors and market analysts, emerging as a key player in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector. Recent developments, including corporate treasury reallocations and technical performance, have positioned HYPE as a potential top buy ahead of the 2025 bull run.

Lion Group Holding Ltd. (NASDAQ: LGHL), a Singapore-based trading platform operator, announced a strategic shift in its crypto treasury management by moving assets from Solana (SOL) and Sui (SUI) into Hyperliquid. The firm is phasing in 6,629 SOL and roughly 1 million SUI to HYPE tokens through a gradual accumulation strategy. This decision underscores growing institutional interest in DeFi-native assets with robust growth metrics and adoption potential. LGHL now holds HYPE as its primary digital reserve asset, reflecting a broader trend among Nasdaq-listed firms, including Eyenovia, Sonnet BioTherapeutics, and Tony G Co-Investment Holdings, which have also allocated significant capital to HYPE.

Hyperliquid’s dominance in the DeFi perpetual futures trading market is another key factor driving institutional interest. As of August 2025, the platform recorded $383 billion in trading volume, generating $106 million in revenue, a 23% increase from the previous month. Total value locked (TVL) has climbed to $1.75 billion, placing Hyperliquid among the top decentralized exchanges. The platform now commands 70% of the DeFi perpetuals market, supported by a robust on-chain order book and efficient trading infrastructure.

The recent launch of BitGo’s institutional custody services for HYPE in the U.S. has further solidified confidence in the token. Secure and compliant storage options are now available for institutional investors, removing a significant barrier to entry. This development aligns with broader industry trends, as institutional actors increasingly seek diversified portfolios that include next-generation DeFi tokens with strong revenue growth and trading volumes.

HYPE’s price has surged in response to these developments. On September 8, 2025, HYPE hit an all-time high of $51.50, a 450% increase from April 2025 levels. Analysts are now watching the $52 level closely, as a breakout could trigger further momentum. The token’s strong performance has been bolstered by growing support from the broader institutional community, including VanEck CEO Jan van Eck, who has publicly endorsed HYPE and confirmed the firm’s participation in the ecosystem. VanEck also highlighted Hyperliquid’s technology and decentralized governance model as compelling for long-term investment.

Looking ahead, technical indicators suggest that HYPE could continue its upward trajectory. The token has been testing resistance levels between $50 and $52, with each retest showing increased buying pressure. On-chain data also indicates reduced sell pressure, with consistent support near key resistance levels. The weekly chart shows HYPE maintaining support above the crucial $42 level, and the weekly RSI has reset, signaling a potential for another upward move.

Hyperliquid is also preparing to launch its native stablecoin, USDH, which has attracted major institutional proposals from firms like Paxos and Frax Finance. These proposals include models where reserve earnings will be directed toward HYPE buybacks, further enhancing the token’s utility and demand. The launch of USDH is expected to play a significant role in attracting new institutional capital and reinforcing HYPE’s position in the DeFi landscape.