Deep Dive
1. ENS Domain Ties to $735M Bitcoin Short (13 October 2025)
Overview:
On-chain investigators linked a $735M Bitcoin short position to Garret Jin, former BitForex CEO, via his ENS domain (garrettjin.eth). The trade preceded Bitcoin’s 12% crash on 10 October, raising suspicions of insider activity. Jin denies wrongdoing, claiming funds belonged to clients and the move was based on macroeconomic analysis.
What this means:
While not directly about ENS protocol developments, this highlights ENS’s role as a transparency tool in tracking high-stakes market activity. The association could temporarily elevate ENS’s visibility but risks reputational spillover if linked to controversial actors. (Yahoo Finance)
2. $337M ENS Token Unlock Adds Selling Pressure (6 October 2025)
Overview:
ENS unlocked 19.82M tokens (5.3% of circulating supply) on 5 October, part of a broader $1.05B token unlock wave across Aptos, ImmutableX, and others. The release coincided with ENS’s 30-day price drop of 31.6%, exacerbating bearish sentiment.
What this means:
Token unlocks increase sell-side pressure, particularly in thin liquidity markets. With ENS’s 24h turnover at 17.4% (high liquidity), the unlock may prolong downside volatility unless offset by institutional accumulation or protocol upgrades. (Cointribune)
3. Domain Industry Urged to Adopt Tokenization (5 October 2025)
Overview:
Analysts warn traditional domain markets face a liquidity crisis, with sales taking months and fees up to 30%. ENS is cited as a Web3 alternative enabling instant settlements, fractional ownership, and DeFi integration.
What this means:
ENS stands to benefit from Web2 domain players modernizing infrastructure. However, adoption hinges on resolving UX hurdles (e.g., gas fees) and accelerating Layer-2 integrations like ENSv2. Failure to scale could cede ground to newer protocols. (Binance News)
Conclusion
ENS faces a trifecta of market scrutiny, supply inflation, and industry disruption. While its utility in tracking high-profile trades underscores blockchain transparency, the token unlock and domain-sector shifts test its resilience. Can ENS leverage its identity infrastructure to offset macro headwinds and capitalize on Web3’s naming demands? Monitor protocol upgrades (e.g., ENSv2) and exchange inflows post-unlock for directional cues.