Ethena to Activate Fee Switch! What Does This Mean for ENA?

2025-09-16
Ethena to Activate Fee Switch! What Does This Mean for ENA?

The Ethena Foundation has confirmed plans to activate the much-anticipated fee switch for its synthetic dollar protocol.

Once switched on, part of the protocol’s fees will be redirected to ENA holders, effectively rewarding the community that supports Ethena’s ecosystem.

The move comes after Ethena achieved major success metrics, including more than $6 billion in circulating USDe supply and over $250 million in revenue.

With USDe’s rapid rise to the third largest stablecoin by market cap, the proposal is attracting attention across the DeFi community. But what does this change really mean for ENA holders and Ethena’s future?

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Key Takeaways

  1. Ethena’s fee switch will redirect part of protocol fees to ENA holders.

  2. The proposal comes after Ethena surpassed revenue and adoption milestones.

  3. ENA’s market performance shows strong growth, but token unlocks influence price trends.

Why the Fee Switch Matters

The idea of a fee switch has been circulating since November when market maker Wintermute proposed it.

The switch would allow ENA holders to receive a share of the protocol’s fees, aligning token ownership more closely with Ethena’s revenue model.

It essentially gives ENA a direct utility: the ability to capture value from the growth of the USDe ecosystem. Ethena’s governance only considered this proposal after key conditions were met.

These included a circulating supply of more than $6 billion in USDe, total protocol revenue of more than $250 million, and adoption of USDe across four of the top five centralized exchanges by derivatives volume.

Each milestone signaled both scale and stability, reducing the risks of activating the switch prematurely. For ENA holders, this represents a potential shift in how the token is valued.

Instead of relying mainly on speculation, ENA could become more attractive because of the income it generates through fees. This might bring new interest from investors who value sustainable yield over pure price growth.

Read Also: Ethena Shakes Up Hyperliquid With Bold USDH Stablecoin Proposal

ENA’s Market Position Today

Ethena to Activate Fee Switch! What Does This Mean for ENA?

ENA has shown remarkable resilience in the past year. The token is up more than 200 percent, trading around $0.70.

While this price is still below its all-time high of $1.52, its market capitalization tells another story. With more tokens unlocked and circulating, ENA’s market cap recently hit a record $5.6 billion.

The difference between price action and market cap is largely explained by token unlocks. As more supply enters the market, it naturally weighs on price per token, even if overall network value is increasing.

For long-term investors, this is an important detail to track, since supply dynamics can play as big a role as demand.

What stands out is the broader backdrop of USDe’s explosive growth. With a market cap nearing $14 billion, USDe has become the third largest stablecoin in just a short time.

Its rapid rise shows strong adoption and demand, which could indirectly benefit ENA as the governance and fee-sharing token.

Read Also: Ethena (ENA) Price Eyes $1 Breakout, Arthur Hayes Sparks Massive Hype

What This Means for the Future of Ethena

If approved by governance, the activation of the fee switch could reshape Ethena’s position in the DeFi landscape.

It strengthens the connection between protocol growth and ENA value, creating a more tangible reward system for holders.

This might lead to increased community participation in governance and more long-term interest in ENA.

At the same time, there are considerations. Fee distribution models must be designed carefully to ensure sustainability. If fees are spread too thin, rewards may be small compared to investor expectations.

On the other hand, if rewards are meaningful, it could boost demand for ENA and possibly reduce selling pressure from token unlocks.

Another factor is market sentiment. The DeFi sector is competitive, and while USDe’s growth has been impressive, it will need to maintain trust and liquidity to keep expanding. If it does, ENA holders stand to benefit even more from the fee switch mechanism.

Read Also: How Hyperliquid and Ethena Partnership Elevates HYPE Token and USDe Integration

Conclusion

The Ethena Foundation’s proposal to activate its fee switch marks an important milestone for both the protocol and its token holders.

By tying ENA more closely to Ethena’s revenue, the move could redefine how the market values the token.

With USDe’s rapid climb to the third largest stablecoin and ENA’s growing market capitalization, the timing feels well aligned with the project’s momentum.

Still, ENA’s price trends will continue to be shaped by supply unlocks and overall market sentiment. For investors, the key will be balancing short-term fluctuations with the potential of fee-based returns.

If the proposal passes, ENA may evolve into more than just a governance token and become a key part of DeFi’s yield opportunities.

For those who want a secure and simple way to trade ENA and other crypto assets, platforms like Bitrue offer a reliable experience. With user-friendly tools and strong security, Bitrue makes it easier to participate in crypto opportunities without unnecessary risks.

FAQ

What is the Ethena fee switch?

It is a mechanism that redirects part of Ethena’s protocol fees to ENA holders once activated.

Why is the fee switch being proposed now?

Ethena met key success metrics such as USDe supply, revenue milestones, and major exchange integrations, making it safer to activate.

How does the fee switch benefit ENA holders?

ENA holders may receive a share of protocol fees, giving the token a source of yield beyond price appreciation.

What is the current value of USDe?

USDe has a market capitalization of nearly $14 billion, making it the third largest stablecoin after USDT and USDC.

Why is ENA’s market cap at a record high while its price is lower?

This is due to token unlocks, which increase supply in circulation. Even if overall value rises, per-token price can remain lower.

Disclaimer: The views expressed belong exclusively to the author and do not reflect the views of this platform. This platform and its affiliates disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or suitability of the information provided. It is for informational purposes only and not intended as financial or investment advice.

Disclaimer: The content of this article does not constitute financial or investment advice.

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