On April 1st, the crypto group was caught off guard as a sequence of altcoins, together with ACT, KAVA, DF… plummeted by almost 50%.
What was the widespread thread amongst these tokens? All of those tokens have been related to the identical market maker: Wintermute. This shortly led to hypothesis inside the group that Wintermute had dumped its total holdings, triggering sharp declines and widespread panic.
Nevertheless, Wintermute’s CEO promptly responded, firmly denying the allegations and dismissing them as unfounded rumors.
A tricky yr for Wintermute
In early 2025 – as many altcoins hit new all-time lows (ATLs), Wintermute as soon as once more discovered itself underneath scrutiny for allegedly triggering sharp market volatility. Based on information from Arkham, between January 27 and 28, Wintermute obtained over $100 million from Binance – a sum important sufficient to shake the market throughout that interval.
Nevertheless, Evgeny Gaevoy, CEO of Wintermute, clarified that every one transactions between Binance and Wintermute have been solely for market-making and liquidity provision functions.
What Wintermute does thread
It’s been exceptionally “fun” on twitter previous couple of days with some accounts hitting new lows when it comes to market construction understanding. I’ve written just a few instances previously about what we do and the way we desire to do issues, however perhaps it’s an excellent time for…
— wishfulcynic (@EvgenyGaevoy) February 3, 2025
Because the market started to stabilize, Wintermute as soon as once more turned the scapegoat for a serious crash involving 9 tokens listed on Binance. Based on information from Arkham, Wintermute withdrew liquidity from a number of AMMs, triggering price drops of greater than 60% for tokens together with ACT, DEXE, KAVA, DF, HIPPO, BANANAS31, LUMIA, TST, and QUICK.
Different altcoins have been additionally affected, with some posting losses nearing 40%.
A number of altcoins crashed. Supply: X
Nevertheless, echoing occasions from earlier within the yr, CEO Evgeny Gaevoy denied any accusations of rug pulls or mass dumping. He clarified that Wintermute’s actions have been purely associated to arbitrage buying and selling.
We’re merely participating in AMM arbitrage. Actually, we’re additionally questioning what’s happening out there,” Gaevoy mentioned.
In response to the backlash, Wintermute reportedly started shopping for again ACT and several other of the affected tokens.
Binance: As the brand new market villain
Binance’s sudden coverage shift sparks market turmoil
If Wintermute had no intention of dumping tokens, the group started to ask a extra urgent query: Who was actually behind the crash?
Some speculated that Binance might have “indirectly” triggered the steep decline in a number of altcoins. At 2 PM (GMT) on April 1, the alternate abruptly introduced modifications to leverage and margin necessities for sure tokens. For open positions, Binance mechanically utilized the brand new phrases.
Learn extra: There Might be Extra BNB Chain Token Listed on Binance
The transfer led to a wave of compelled liquidations, pushing many merchants into the crimson and sending altcoin costs into freefall. The influence wasn’t restricted to derivatives markets; the sell-off shortly spilled over to identify markets, contributing to a broader market downturn.
The suddenness of the change raised issues throughout the group. Many argued that Binance’s actions have been too abrupt, leaving merchants with little time to regulate. Some now marvel: might comparable occasions unfold once more?
Binance responds, however doubts stay
In response, Binance co-founder Yi He said that the crew is gathering proof and can challenge an official clarification quickly. She additionally hinted that sure well-known figures within the crypto house could also be deliberately damaging Binance’s status by spreading adverse narratives.
Nonetheless, the problem stays unresolved. Many traders argue that Binance’s current actions have had a disproportionately adverse influence available on the market, leaving positions worse off than only a day prior.
Learn extra: Recap of the Value Manipulation in Hyperliquid