Ethena Labs Exits Hyperliquid USDH Bid as Polymarket Traders Back Native Markets

Ethena Labs exits the Hyperliquid USDH race as Polymarket bets heavily favor Native Markets, with a $5.9B stablecoin reserve on the line.
By Michael Adeleke
Polymarket traders give Native Markets 91% odds to win Hyperliquid’s USDH vote after Ethena Labs pulls its bid, citing community feedback.

Highlights

  • Ethena Labs has withdrawn its proposal to issue Hyperliquid’s USDH stablecoin after community concerns
  • Polymarket traders give Native Markets a 91% chance of winning the validator vote.
  • Polymarket traders give Native Markets a 91% chance of winning the validator vote.

Ethena Labs has formally pulled its bid to issue Hyperliquid’s USDH stablecoin. This comes as Polymarket traders increasingly back Native Markets to secure the mandate.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Ethena Labs Steps Back On USDH Issuer Bid

In a recent X post, Ethena Labs’ founder confirmed that the team would no longer be seeking validator support for Hyperliquid’s USDH stablecoin. The decision, he said, followed direct feedback from both community members and validators. They raised concerns that Ethena was not a native Hyperliquid project and that its broader product ambitions extended well beyond USDH.

Hyperliquid had announced plans to launch its native USDH stablecoin through a validator vote. As it stands, Native Markets seems to be the leading candidate.

The founder further praised the community-led process, congratulating Native Markets on its momentum. “No one cares how big you are, your pedigree, or resources,” the founder remarked. He called the validator vote a “level playing field” where new entrants can earn credibility purely through grassroots support.

Although Ethena Labs exited the USDH race, the team emphasized that its long-term vision remains intact. The company is doubling down on new product development within the Hyperliquid ecosystem. 

Planned innovations include synthetic dollar instruments such as hUSDe, USDe-linked savings, and card spending solutions. This would hedge flows on Hyperliquid and HIP-3 market designs. This includes reward-bearing collateral and modular prime broking.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Traders on Polymarket Bet Big on Native Markets Winning

According to Polymarket, traders are giving Native Markets 91% odds of winning the validator vote. The team has been gathering visible community support. This comes particularly after the protocol’s foundation announced it would abstain from directly influencing the outcome.

Source: Polymarket

The Hyperliquid Foundation clarified that it will align its validator vote with whichever team gains the most non-foundation support. This would ensure a transparent and community-led selection process. 

The eventual winner of the vote will oversee a $5.9 billion stablecoin reserve, currently dominated by Circle’s USDC pairs.

Following the vote, Kraken intends to list USDH alongside HYPE, continuing its bullish momentum. The action could hasten adoption by increasing the new token’s institutional visibility.

The USDH vote, scheduled for September 14, saw interest from other heavyweight firms. Paxos, Frax, and Agora were also in contention. Notably, Arthur Hayes bought additional ENA tokens, betting on the outcome of its stablecoin launch. With Native Markets now holding the lead, the outcome could redefine which teams set the tone for Hyperliquid’s next growth phase.

Advertisement
Michael Adeleke
Michael Adeleke is a passionate crypto journalist known for breaking down complex blockchain concepts and market trends into clear, engaging narratives. He specializes in delivering timely news and sharp market analysis that keeps crypto enthusiasts informed and ahead of the curve. With an engineering background and a degree from the University of Ibadan, Michael brings analytical depth and precision to every piece he writes.
Why trust CoinGape: CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.