HYPERION DEFI, INC.
For the period ended Sep 30, 2025. Filed Nov 14, 2025.
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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Sep 30, 2025 · Filed Nov 14, 2025
HYPD$2.49-2.7%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-06-30; filed 2025-08-13.
0001410578-25-001740
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-Q
Period ended 2025-09-30; filed 2025-11-14.
0001104659-25-111671
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 53 previous paragraphs and 125 current paragraphs.
30 unchanged; 19 reworded; 73 added; 3 removed; 1 previous and 3 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 15 previous and 29 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (73)
Current report
RISKS RELATED TO OUR HYPE TOKEN TREASURY STRATEGY
Current report
Our financial condition is substantially dependent on the market price and liquidity of HYPE tokens, which are subject to extreme volatility and limited trading venues. Substantially all of our treasury assets are concentrated in HYPE tokens, the native cryptocurrency of the Hyperliquid protocol. HYPE tokens have experienced significant price volatility, and our financial results will fluctuate materially based on HYPE token price movements. Unlike our previous cash and cash equivalent holdings, HYPE tokens cannot be readily converted to cash and are subject to significant liquidity constraints. We depend on the continued success and adoption of the Hyperliquid protocol for the value of our treasury holdings.
Current report
HYPE faces unique technical, governance and concentration risks that could materially affect its long-term viability.
Current report
HYPE is a high-throughput Layer 1 blockchain with an architectural feature that differs significantly from other blockchains, such as Ethereum. While these features allow for rapid processing of transactions, they introduce risks that could adversely impact the value of HYPE and the stability of the HYPE network. HYPE has previously experienced a network outage that resulted in slow operations and user inability to close positions. If this kind of network outage were to recur, the confidence of the HYPE development community and its users could be adversely affected, which could cause a decline in the value of HYPE. Structural flaws could emerge that require a fork, which may have an adverse impact on the HYPE network and our holdings.
Current report
In addition, the concentration of validators on the Hyperliquid network presents centralization risks that could affect the security and value of our HYPE token holdings. The Hyperliquid blockchain currently operates with a limited number of validators (approximately 24 as of the date of this filing), which creates potential single points of failure. If these validators were to be compromised or act maliciously, it could result in network disruption, loss of funds, or other adverse effects that could materially impact the value of our HYPE token holdings.
Current report
HYPE is subject to technological obsolescence, including competition from emerging blockchain and artificial intelligence protocols, which could have a negative impact on the price of HYPE and adversely affect the value of our HYPE holdings.
Current report
The digital asset ecosystem is characterized by rapid technological innovation and evoluation, short development cycles, and intense competition among Layer 1 blockchains and related infrastructure providers. Numerous alternative cryptocurrencies, blockchains, and DeFi platforms are vying for market share in areas such as perpetual futures trading, staking, and on-chain liquidity provision, which are core to the Hyperliquid ecosystem and its HYPE token. As of October 31, 2025, HYPE was the eleventh largest digital asset by market capitalization, as tracked by CoinMarketCap.com, based on circulating market capitalization. As of October 31, 2025, the digital assets tracked by CoinMarketCap.com had a total market capitalization of approximately $3.41 trillion (including the
Current report
approximately $14.3 billion market cap of HYPE, based on circulating market capitalization), as calculated using market prices and total available supply of each digital asset.
Current report
HYPE faces competition from a wide range of digital assets, including Bitcoin and Ether, and from existing protocols, such as Aptos and Sei, as well as new entrants that are currently being developed. Many consortiums and financial institutions are also researching and investing resources into private or permissioned blockchain platforms rather than open platforms like the Hyperliquid network. As 99% of Hyperliquid’s revenues are currently allocated to the Assistance Fund for the repurchase of HYPE tokens, a decline in revenue could have a material impact on the demand for HYPE tokens. In addition, HYPE is supported by fewer trading platforms than more established digital assets, such as Bitcoin and Ether, which could impact its liquidity. Further, the Hyperliquid network is in direct competition with other smart contract platforms, such as the Ethereum, Solana, Polkadot, Avalanche and Cardano networks. Competition from the emergence or growth of alternative digital assets or other smart contract platforms could have a negative impact on the demand for, and price of, HYPE, and thereby adversely affect the value of our HYPE holdings.
Current report
Competitors may offer superior scalability, security, interoperability, decentralization, programmability and adoption, and may attract developers away from the HYPE ecosystem. Advancements in AI and blockchain technology are likely to accelerate the development of such protocols, including the development of additional networks that natively integrate AI into consensus mechanisms and other core features. If HYPE is unable to evolve to address such increased competition or if Layer 2 networks believe that HYPE’s core technology stack is outdated or less attractive compared with other Layer 1 networks, HYPE may be considered technologically obsolete by the next generation of protocols. Any decline in the HYPE network would materially impact the market value of HYPE and adversely affect the value of our HYPE treasury holdings and our stock price.
Current report
Investors may also invest in HYPE through means other than our securities, including through direct investments in HYPE and other financial vehicles, including securities backed by or linked to HYPE and digital asset treasury companies similar to us. Market and financial conditions, and other conditions beyond our control, may make it more attractive to gain exposure to HYPE through other vehicles, rather than our securities.
Current report
Certain digital assets, such as Bitcoin, use a “proof-of-work” consensus algorithm. The genesis block on the Bitcoin blockchain was mined in 2009, and Bitcoin’s blockchain has been in operation since then. Many newer blockchains enabling smart contract functionality use a newer consensus algorithm known as “proof-of-stake.” While their proponents believe that they may have certain advantages, the “proof-of-stake” consensus mechanisms and governance systems underlying many newer blockchain protocols, including the Hyperliquid network, and their associated digital assets – including our HYPE holdings – have not been tested at scale over as long of a period of time or subject to as widespread use or adoption as, for example, Bitcoin’s proof-of-work consensus mechanism has. This could lead to these blockchains, and their associated digital assets, having undetected vulnerabilities, structural design flaws, suboptimal incentive structures for network participants (e.g., validators), technical disruptions, or a wide variety of other problems, any of which could cause these blockchains not to function as intended, lead to outright failure to function entirely causing a total outage or disruption of network activity, or to suffer other operational problems or reputational damage, leading to a loss of users or adoption or a loss in value of the associated digital assets, including our HYPE holdings. Over the long term, there can be no assurance that the proof-of-stake blockchain on which our HYPE holdings rely will achieve widespread scale or adoption or perform successfully; any failure to do so could negatively impact the price of HYPE and the value of our HYPE holdings.
Current report
Our digital asset holdings are less liquid than our existing cash and cash equivalents and may not be able to serve as a source of liquidity for us to the same extent as cash and cash equivalents. We are also subject to the credit risk of custodians.
Current report
Historically, crypto markets have been characterized by significant volatility in price, limited liquidity and trading volumes compared to sovereign currencies markets, relative anonymity, a developing regulatory landscape, potential susceptibility to market abuse and manipulation, compliance and internal control failures at exchanges, and various other risks inherent in their entirely electronic, virtual form and decentralized network. During times of market instability, we may not be able to sell our digital asset holdings at favorable prices or at all. Further, we use custody infrastructure providers and transact with trade execution partners. Currently, we do not deposit our digital assets directly with a custodian but instead use a self-custody approach using infrastructure provided by a custodian. These entities do not have the same protections as are available to cash or securities deposited with or transacted by institutions subject to regulation. For example, U.S. banks are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to $250,000 per depositor in the case of the bank’s insolvency. U.S. broker-dealers are covered by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”), which ensures recovery of the securities by the depositor. In contrast, cryptocurrency custody infrastructure providers do not offer such protections. If such a provider were to become insolvent, it is possible that we could face delays or difficulties with respect to the management of our digital assets.
Current report
Apart from the risk of insolvency of the custody infrastructure provider, there is also a risk of custodians freezing withdrawals, typically in connection with a security incident, regulatory compliance or technical issues, and may be unresponsive to customers attempting to retrieve their funds. In such events, it may be difficult to reach a representative to assist with unfreezing assets and we may not be able to sell or use our digital assets.
Current report
Additionally, the secondary market for borrowing against digital assets is not well developed. We may be unable to enter into term loans or other capital raising transactions collateralized by our unencumbered digital assets or otherwise generate funds using our digital assets, especially during times of market instability or when the price of digital assets has declined significantly. If we are unable to sell our digital assets, enter into additional capital raising transactions using digital assets as collateral, or otherwise generate funds using our digital assets or if we are forced to sell our digital assets at a significant loss in order to meet our working capital requirements, our business and financial condition could be negatively impacted.
Current report
Competition from central bank digital currencies (“CBDCs”) and emerging payments initiatives involving financial institutions could adversely affect the price of HYPE and other digital assets.
Current report
Central banks in various countries have introduced digital forms of legal tender (“CBDCs”). China’s CBDC project, known as Digital Currency Electronic Payment, has reportedly been tested in a live pilot program conducted in multiple cities in China. Central banks representing at least 130 countries have published retail or wholesale CBDC work ranging from research to pilot projects. Whether or not they incorporate blockchain or similar technology, CBDCs, as legal tender in the issuing jurisdiction, could have an advantage in competing with, or replace, HYPE and other cryptocurrencies as a medium of exchange or store of value. Central banks and other governmental entities have also announced cooperative initiatives and consortia with private sector entities, with the goal of leveraging blockchain and other technology to reduce friction in cross-border and interbank payments and settlement, and commercial banks and other financial institutions have also recently announced a number of initiatives of their own to incorporate new technologies, including blockchain and similar technologies, into their payments and settlement activities, which could compete with, or reduce the demand for, HYPE. As a result of any of the foregoing factors, the price of HYPE could decrease, which could adversely affect the value of our HYPE holdings.
Current report
The Company’s liquid staking activities, including its holdings of HiHYPE (an intangible digital asset), expose the Company to additional risks and earnings volatility.
Current report
Hyperion Institutional HYPE (“HiHYPE”) is a liquid staking token (“LST”) designed by Kinetiq to enable the Company to access HyperEVM DeFi. HiHYPE evidences ownership of the Company’s deposited HYPE, the underlying digital asset of HiHYPE, in a segregated, whitelisted, KYB/AML-compliant address, and automatically accrues staking rewards. Liquid staking allows the Company to earn native staking rewards while maintaining access to liquidity on its digital assets that can be used for additional strategies on- and off-chain.
Current report
The risks involved with liquid staking differ from direct staking, including the following:
Current report
The Hyperliquid network is based upon the development and deployment of smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement written into software code. Like any software code, smart contracts are exposed to risk that the code contains a bug or other security vulnerability, which can lead to loss of assets that are held on or transacted through the contract. The smart contract is deployed on Hyperliquid and, as such, may contain a bug or other vulnerability that may lead to the loss of, or inability to access, digital assets held in the smart contract. The Company currently relies on Kinetiq for its liquid staking solution. The smart contract code written by Kinetiq was audited by Code4rena, Spearbit, Pashov Audit Group, and Zenith. Nevertheless, there is no guaranty against a bug or other vulnerability leading to a loss of digital assets.
Current report
In addition, the Company is also exposed to risk of losing HYPE in the pool due to system failure or hacking. As a result, HiHYPE tokens do not confer an enforceable right to the underlying HYPE tokens, but only a claim. Further, the redemption of HiHYPE tokens back into the underlying HYPE tokens may be subject to any protocol-defined lockup or unbonding periods.
Current report
HiHYPE tokens are initially recognized at the fair value of the HYPE tokens exchanged and, due to their indefinite useful life, are not amortized but instead are subject to impairment testing. In contrast, HYPE is measured at fair value. The variances in valuation methods between HYPE and HiHYPE may create material volatility in the financial statements depending on conversion and redemption activity between HYPE and HiHYPE each period. In addition, any staking rewards earned on HiHYPE are not recognized until HiHYPE tokens are redeemed.
Current report
Investment Company Act. However, because of the lack of any current authoritative framework for analyzing the issue, it is possible that the SEC or another regulatory body or federal court could determine that HYPE is a security. Our belief, even if reasonable under the circumstances, would not preclude legal or regulatory action based on such a finding that HYPE is a “security,” including a requirement to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act. If we were required to register as an investment company, we expect we would need to make fundamental changes to our business model, strategy, operations and assets.
Current report
We are not subject to the legal and regulatory obligations that apply to investment companies such as mutual funds and funds, or to obligations applicable to investment advisers.
Current report
Mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and their directors and management are subject to extensive regulation as investment companies and investment advisers under U.S. federal and state law; this regulation is intended for the benefit and protection of investors. We are not subject to, and do not otherwise voluntarily comply with, these laws and regulations. This means, among other things, that the execution of or changes to our treasury reserve policy or our HYPE strategy, our use of leverage, the manner in which our HYPE is custodied, our ability to engage in transactions with affiliated parties and our operating and investment activities generally are not subject to the extensive legal and regulatory requirements and prohibitions that apply to investment companies and investment advisers. For example, although a significant change to our treasury reserve policy would require the approval of our board of directors, no stockholder or regulatory approval would be necessary. Consequently, our board of directors has broad discretion over the investment, leverage and cash management policies it authorizes, whether in respect of our HYPE or other activities we may pursue, and has the power to change our current policies, including our strategy of acquiring and holding HYPE. As a result, investors in our company may be exposed to greater volatility, concentration risk and governance discretion than they would be if we were subject to the protections afforded to regulated investment vehicles.
Current report
TECHNOLOGICAL AND OPERATIONAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR STRATEGY
Current report
The digital assets held by us are not insured. The market for such insurance is in the early stages. Further, banking institutions will not accept our digital assets and they are therefore not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”). Therefore, a loss may be suffered with respect to our digital assets which is not covered by insurance and we may not be able to recover any of our carried value in these digital assets if they are lost or stolen or suffer significant and sustained reduction in conversion spot price. If we are not otherwise able to recover damages from a malicious actor in connection with these losses, our business and results of operations may suffer, which may have a material negative impact on our share price. The limited rights of legal recourse available to us and our lack of insurance protection for risk of loss of our digital assets exposes us and our shareholders to the risk of loss of our digital assets for which no person may ultimately be held liable and we may not be able to recover our losses. Any uninsured losses may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and/or financial condition.
Current report
Our participation in on-chain activities related to validating and DeFi partnerships, such as our HYPE Asset Use Service, exposes the company to slashing risk, which may result in partial loss of staked digital assets. Slashing may occur due to validator misbehavior, software flaws, operational mistakes, or changes to network governance, with tokens permanently forfeited and not recoverable. Such losses could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and reputation. While we seek to mitigate these risks through legal contracts, internal controls and counterparty diligence, residual risk remains due to factors beyond our control.
Current report
We face other risks related to our digital asset treasury reserve business model.
Current report
Our digital asset treasury reserve business model exposes us to various risks, including the following:
Current report
We may engage in distinct digital asset financing strategies, in which we will leverage our digital asset holdings to acquire additional amounts of the same leveraged digital assets, and may do so on a compounded basis, which will increase our exposure to smart-contract, operational, and counterparty risks.
Current report
We may engage in digital asset leverage strategies to acquire additional amounts of HYPE. As part of this strategy, we may borrow digital assets by pledging our own HYPE holdings as collateral, deploy these borrowed assets to acquire additional amounts of HYPE, and subsequently re-pledge the newly acquired HYPE to further engage in these leveraged transactions. As each of these transactions will be effectuated on chain, the strategy may expose us to significant smart-contract vulnerabilities and operational risks. The smart contracts that are used for purposes of these transactions may contain undiscovered bugs, logical errors or economic vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors or that could cause the contracts to perform in unintended ways, resulting in partial or total loss of our collateral and borrowed assets. In addition, the strategy may subject us to counterparty risk through the platforms we utilize to facilitate leveraging strategies including, among others, insolvency of the platform, coding errors, and cyberattacks. Finally, lenders customarily require that collateral ratios be maintained within narrowly defined thresholds and may exercise broad contractual discretion to impose additional margin requirements or to liquidate collateral without notice when those
Current report
thresholds are breached. We may also incur losses if the interest that accrues on our borrowings significantly exceeds the revenue generated by the borrowed HYPE.
Current report
FINANCIAL REPORTING, TAX, ACCOUNTING AND TRADING RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OUR STRATEGY
Current report
We may be subject to additional tax liability if regulation or policy changes adversely affect the tax treatment of rewards from staking HYPE.
Current report
The U.S. federal income tax treatment of rewards from staking digital assets such as HYPE remains uncertain and is currently under the subject of debate and regulatory attention. Under current guidance by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), staking rewards are generally treated as ordinary income upon receipt. If regulation or policy changes, or the interpretation or enforcement thereof, results in adverse tax treatment of rewards from staking HYPE, we could be subject to increased audits by the IRS and additional tax liabilities.
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Removed paragraphs (3)
Previous report
If there is a decrease in the availability of digital asset custodians that we believe can safely custody our HYPE, for example, due to regulatory developments or enforcement actions that cause custodians to discontinue or limit their services in the United States, we may need to enter into agreements that are less favorable or take other measures to custody our HYPE, and our ability to seek a greater degree of diversification in the use of custodial services would be materially adversely affected. While we will conduct due diligence on our custodians and any smart contract platforms we may use, there can be no assurance that such diligence will uncover all risks, including operational deficiencies, hidden vulnerabilities or legal noncompliance.
Previous report
The United States enacted the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) in August 2022. Unless an exemption applies, the IRA imposes a 15% corporate alternative minimum tax (“CAMT”) on a corporation with respect to an initial tax year and subsequent tax years, if the average annual adjusted financial statement income for any consecutive three-tax-year period preceding the initial tax year exceeds $1 billion. On September 12, 2024, the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service issued proposed regulations with respect to the application of the CAMT.
Previous report
On April 29, 2025, we received a notice from the Staff of Nasdaq stating that the Company’s stockholders’ equity as reported in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 was below the minimum $2,500,000 required for continued listing under Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) (the “Minimum Equity Requirement”). The Notice had no immediate effect on the listing of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market. In accordance with the Nasdaq Listing Rules, the Company had 45 calendar days, or until June 13, 2025, to submit a plan to regain compliance with the Minimum Equity Requirement. The Company has submitted a plan to regain compliance with the Nasdaq Listing Rules, which we believe should be acceptable to Nasdaq, although no assurance can be given. If the plan is accepted, Nasdaq may grant an extension of up to 180 calendar days from the date of the Notice for the Company to regain compliance, or until October 26, 2025. If the Staff does not accept our plan, we will have the opportunity to appeal that decision to a Hearings Panel.
Reworded paragraphs (19)
Previous wording
HYPE is a highly volatile asset, and fluctuations in the price of HYPE may influence our financial results and the market price of our listed securities.
Current wording
HYPE is a highly volatile asset, and fluctuations in the price and liquidity of HYPE may influence our financial results and the market price of our listed securities.
Previous wording
Moreover, the price of our listed securities has been and is likely to continue to be volatile, and with the adoption of our new cryptocurrency treasury strategy, we expect to see additional volatility in our stock price. In addition, if investors view the value of our listed securities as dependent upon or linked to the value or change in the value of our HYPE holdings, the price of HYPE may significantly influence the market price of our listed securities. The price of HYPE has historically been, and is likely to continue to be, volatile.
Current wording
Moreover, the price of our common stock has been and is likely to continue to be volatile, and with the adoption of our cryptocurrency treasury strategy, we have seen and expect to continue to see additional volatility in our stock price. In addition, if investors view the value of our listed securities as dependent upon or linked to the value or change in the value of our HYPE holdings, the price of HYPE may significantly influence the market price of our listed securities. The price of HYPE has historically been, and is likely to continue to be, volatile. Since December 4, 2024 (the first date for which public information of the HYPE token price is available at TradingView.com) through November 10, 2025, the token price of HYPE, based on the price reported by TradingView.com as of 23:59 p.m. UTC on each day, has ranged from as low as $10.26 (April 6, 2025) to as high as $58.60 (September 18, 2025).
Previous wording
As a result of our HYPE treasury strategy, our assets are concentrated in our HYPE holdings. Accordingly, the emergence or growth of digital assets other than HYPE may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. There are numerous alternative digital assets and many entities, including consortiums and financial institutions, are researching and investing resources into private or permissioned blockchain platforms or digital assets that do not use proof-of-stake consensus mechanism like the Hyperliquid network. For example, in late 2022, the Ethereum network transitioned to a “proof-of-stake” mechanism for validating transactions that requires significantly less computing power than proof-of-work mining. The Ethereum network has completed another major upgrade since then and may undertake additional upgrades in the future. If the mechanisms for validating transactions in Ethereum and other alternative digital assets are perceived as superior to proof-of-work mining, those digital assets could gain market share relative to HYPE.
Current wording
or permissioned blockchain platforms or digital assets that do not use proof-of-stake consensus mechanism like the Hyperliquid network, or use different technical innovations that build upon or improve the proof-of-stake consensus mechanism. For example, in late 2022, the Ethereum network transitioned to a “proof-of-stake” mechanism for validating transactions that requires significantly less computing power than proof-of-work mining. The Ethereum network has completed another major upgrade since then and may undertake additional upgrades in the future. If the mechanisms for validating transactions in Ethereum and other alternative digital assets are perceived as superior to proof-of-stake, those digital assets could gain market share relative to HYPE.
Previous wording
We plan to use a portion of our capital raised that is not required to provide working capital for our ongoing operations to invest in HYPE. The price of HYPE has been subject to dramatic price fluctuations and is highly volatile. Moreover, digital assets are relatively novel, and the application of securities laws and other regulations to such assets is unclear in many respects. It is possible that regulators may interpret laws in a manner that adversely affects the liquidity or value of our HYPE holdings.
Current wording
We plan to use a portion of our capital raised that is not required to provide working capital for our ongoing operations to invest in HYPE. The price of HYPE has been subject to significant price fluctuations and is highly volatile. Moreover, digital assets are relatively novel, and the application of securities laws and other regulations to such assets is unclear in many respects. It is possible that regulators may interpret laws in a manner that adversely affects the liquidity or value of our HYPE holdings.
Previous wording
HYPE and other digital assets are novel assets and are subject to significant legal and regulatory uncertainty.
Current wording
HYPE, the Hyperliquid network and other digital assets are novel and are subject to significant legal and regulatory uncertainty.
Previous wording
HYPE and other digital assets are relatively novel and are subject to significant uncertainty, which could adversely impact their price. The application of state and federal securities laws and other laws and regulations to digital assets is unclear in certain respects, and it is possible that regulators in the United States or foreign countries may interpret or apply existing laws and regulations in a manner that adversely affects the price of HYPE or the ability of individuals or institutions such as us to own or transfer HYPE.
Current wording
HYPE and other digital assets are relatively novel, have not been in existence for an extended period of time, and are subject to significant uncertainty, which could adversely impact their price. The application of state and federal securities laws and other laws and regulations to digital assets is unclear in certain respects, and it is possible that regulators in the United States or foreign countries may interpret or apply existing laws and regulations in a manner that adversely affects the price of HYPE or the ability of individuals or institutions such as us to own or transfer HYPE.
Previous wording
It is not possible to predict whether or when new laws will be enacted that change the legal framework governing digital assets or provide additional authorities to the SEC or other regulators, or whether or when any other federal, state or foreign legislative bodies will take any similar actions. It is also not possible to predict the nature of any such additional laws or authorities, how additional legislation or regulatory oversight might impact the ability of digital asset markets to function, the willingness of financial and other institutions to continue to provide services to the digital assets industry, or how any new laws or regulations, or changes to existing laws or regulations, might impact the value of digital assets generally and HYPE specifically. The consequences of any new law or regulation relating to digital assets and digital asset activities could adversely affect the market price of HYPE, as well as our ability to hold or transact in HYPE, and in turn adversely affect the market price of our listed securities.
Current wording
will take any similar actions. It is also not possible to predict the nature of any such additional laws or authorities, how additional legislation or regulatory oversight might impact the ability of digital asset markets to function, the willingness of financial and other institutions to continue to provide services to the digital assets industry, or how any new laws or regulations, or changes to existing laws or regulations, might impact the value of digital assets generally and HYPE specifically. The consequences of any new law or regulation relating to digital assets and digital asset activities could adversely affect the market price of HYPE, as well as our ability to hold or transact in HYPE, and in turn adversely affect the market price of our listed securities.
Previous wording
Additional laws, guidance and policies may be issued by domestic and foreign regulators following the filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection by FTX, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, in November 2022. The FTX collapse may have increased regulatory focus on the digital assets industry. Increased enforcement activity and changes in the regulatory environment, including changing interpretations and the implementation of new or varying regulatory requirements by the government or any new legislation affecting HYPE, as well as enforcement actions involving or impacting our trading venues, counterparties and custodians, may impose significant costs or significantly limit our ability to hold and transact in HYPE.
Current wording
Additional laws, guidance and policies may be issued by domestic and foreign regulators following the filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection by FTX, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, in November 2022. The FTX collapse may have increased regulatory focus on the digital assets industry. Increased enforcement activity and changes in the regulatory environment, including changing interpretations and the implementation of new or varying regulatory requirements by the government or any new legislation affecting HYPE, as well as enforcement actions involving or impacting our trading venues, counterparties and custody infrastructure providers, may impose significant costs or significantly limit our ability to hold and transact in HYPE. However, it is important to note that Hyperliquid—the exchange to which HYPE is native—is intended to be more decentralized than FTX, such that a single entity is unlikely to exert complete control over the entire system. For example, unlike FTX when it filed for bankruptcy protection, Hyperliquid’s assets are custodied on-chain (not centrally by a single entity), order matching on Hyperliquid occurs transparently via on-chain mechanisms (not fully off-chain), Hyperliquid is governed by a set of approximately 24 validators (not a single individual), and Hyperliquid’s on-chain states (e.g., positions, collateral, and funding rates) are publicly available such that uysers can audit the system.
Previous wording
Absent federal regulations, there is a possibility that HYPE may be classified as a “security.” Any classification of HYPE as a “security” would subject us to additional regulation and could materially impact the operation of our business.
Current wording
Absent federal regulations, there is a possibility that HYPE may be classified as a “security.” Any classification of HYPE as a “security” would subject us to additional regulation and could materially and adversely impact the operation of our business.
Previous wording
Neither the SEC nor any other U.S. federal or state regulator has publicly stated whether they believe that HYPE is a “security.” Despite the Executive Order titled “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology,” which includes as an objective, “protecting and promoting the ability of individual citizens and private sector entities alike to access and … to maintain self-custody of digital assets,” HYPE has not yet been classified with respect to U.S. federal securities laws. Therefore, while (for the reasons discussed below) we believe that HYPE is not a “security” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws, and registration of the Company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”) is therefore not required under the applicable securities laws, we acknowledge that a regulatory body or federal court may determine otherwise. Our belief, even if reasonable under the circumstances, would not preclude legal or regulatory action based on such a finding that HYPE is a “security” which would require us to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.
Current wording
If HYPE were classified as a “security” for purposes of the U.S. federal securities laws, our business would become subject to additional regulation, including a requirement to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Investment Company Act”). To date, neither the SEC nor any other U.S. federal or state regulator has publicly stated whether they believe that HYPE should be classified as a “security.” Despite the Executive Order titled “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology,” which includes as an objective, “protecting and promoting the ability of individual citizens and private sector entities alike to access and … to maintain self-custody of digital assets,” there is no authoritative framework for determining with certainty whether HYPE is or is not a “security” for purposes of the U.S. federal securities laws, and no action has been taken by any regulator in the United States regarding such determination. For the reasons discussed below, we believe that HYPE should not be classified as a “security,” and, as a result, we do not believe the Company is required to register as an investment company under the
Previous wording
We have also implemented a process for analyzing the U.S. federal securities law status of HYPE and other cryptocurrencies as guidance and case law evolve. As part of our U.S. federal securities law analytical process, we take into account a number of factors, including the various definitions of “security” under U.S. federal securities laws and federal court decisions interpreting the elements of these definitions, such as the U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions in theHowey andReves cases, as well as court rulings, reports, orders, press releases, public statements, and speeches by the SEC Commissioners and SEC Staff providing guidance on when a digital asset or a transaction to which a digital asset may relate may be a security for purposes of U.S. federal securities laws. Our position that HYPE is not a “security” is premised, among other reasons, on our conclusion that HYPE does not meet the elements of theHowey test. Among the reasons for our conclusion that HYPE is not a security is that holders of HYPE do not have a reasonable expectation of profits from the efforts of Hyperliquid, the Hyperliquid Foundation or any other person, entity or group of persons in respect of their holding of HYPE. Also, HYPE ownership does not guarantee the right to receive any interest, rewards, or other returns. We believe that HYPE is a commodity due to its utility for gas.
Current wording
We have implemented a process for analyzing the U.S. federal securities law status of HYPE and other cryptocurrencies as guidance and case law continue to evolve. As part of this process, we take into account a number of factors, including the various definitions of what constitutes a “security” under U.S. federal securities laws and federal court decisions interpreting the elements of these definitions, such as the U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions in theHowey andReves cases, as well as court rulings, regulatory reports, orders, press releases, public statements, and speeches by the SEC Commissioners and SEC Staff providing guidance on when a digital asset or a transaction to which a digital asset may relate may be a security for purposes of U.S. federal securities laws. Recently, the SEC announced “Project Crypto” which is expected to result in rulemakings and/or other authoritative guidance on how to determine whether digital assets are or are not “securities” for purposes of U.S. federal securities laws. Public statements by Chairman Atkins suggest that the SEC is considering a regulatory framework that will offer substantial flexibility to determine that digital assets are not securities. Further, it appears that the current United States Congress is inclined towards increased flexibility regarding the regulatory treatment of digital assets. We expect this area of regulation will develop rapidly during this Administration, and we plan to continually monitor developments in this area as they evolve. Our position that HYPE is not a “security” is premised, in part, on our conclusion that HYPE does not meet the elements of theHowey test. Among the reasons for our conclusion that HYPE is not a security is that holders of HYPE do not have a reasonable expectation of profits from the efforts of Hyperliquid, the Hyperliquid Foundation or any other person, entity or group of persons in respect of their holding of HYPE. HYPE’s value does not primarily derive from the efforts of a centralized “manager” because Hyperliquid is structured around validator governance rather than a single operating entity. Relatedly, token holders are not passive investors; rather, they have the ability to directly influence governance decisions, staking incentives, and validator participation. Consistent with this analysis, we note that Hyperliquid’s founding team has stated a clear goal of “full decentralization” in both validator distribution and protocol governance, signaling an intent to eliminate all vestiges of centralized managerial reliance. Also, HYPE ownership does not guarantee the right to receive any interest, rewards, or other returns. While we recognize that any new regulatory framework for digital assets promulgated by the SEC may not be based on the elements of theHowey test, we believe more generally that HYPE does not otherwise have the characteristics of a “security” for purposes of the U.S. federal securities laws. The views of the SEC and other regulator…
Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.
Previous wording
We do not believe that we are an “investment company” as such term is defined in either Section 3(a)(1)(A) or Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act since we believe HYPE is not an investment security. With respect to Section 3(a)(1)(A), we do not hold ourselves out as being engaged primarily or propose to engage primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities within the meaning of such section. With respect to Section 3(a)(1)(C), we believe we satisfy the elements of Rule 3a-1 and therefore are deemed not to be an investment company under, and we intend to conduct our operations such that we will not be deemed an investment company under, Section 3(a)(1)(C).
Current wording
We do not believe that we are an “investment company” as such term is defined in either Section 3(a)(1)(A) or Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act since we believe HYPE is not an investment security. With respect to Section 3(a)(1)(A), we do not hold ourselves out as being engaged primarily or propose to engage primarily in the business of investing, reinvesting, or
Previous wording
If the Hyperliquid network is disrupted or encounters any unanticipated difficulties, then the processing of transactions on the Hyperliquid network may be disrupted, which in turn may prevent us from depositing or withdrawing HYPE from our accounts with our custodian or otherwise effecting HYPE transactions. Such disruptions could include, for example: the price volatility of HYPE; the insolvency, business failure, interruption, default, failure to perform, security breach, or other problems of participants, custodians or others; the closing of HYPE trading platforms due to fraud, failures, security breaches or otherwise; or network outages or congestion, power outages, or other problems or disruptions affecting the Hyperliquid network. In addition, digital asset validating operations can consume significant amounts of electricity, which may have a negative environmental impact and give rise to public opinion against allowing, or government regulations restricting, the use of electricity for validating operations. Additionally, validators may be forced to cease operations during an electricity shortage or power outage.
Current wording
If the Hyperliquid network is disrupted or encounters any unanticipated difficulties, then the processing of transactions on the Hyperliquid network may be disrupted, which in turn may prevent us from depositing or withdrawing HYPE from our wallet addresses or otherwise effecting HYPE transactions. Such disruptions could include, for example: the price volatility of HYPE; the insolvency, business failure, interruption, default, failure to perform, security breach, or other problems of participants, custodians or others; the closing of HYPE trading platforms due to fraud, failures, security breaches or otherwise; or network outages or congestion, power outages, or other problems or disruptions affecting the Hyperliquid network. For example, in June 2025, after a trader allegedly manipulated the price of JELLY in a Hyperliquid vault market, Hyperliquid forcibly closed the market at a very low price to minimize losses. Hyperliquid’s intervention raised questions as to whether the platform is truly decentralized.
Previous wording
We will hold our HYPE with regulated custodians that have duties to safeguard our private keys. Our custodial services contracts will not restrict our ability to reallocate our HYPE among our custodians, and our HYPE holdings may be concentrated with a single custodian from time to time. In light of the significant amount of HYPE we anticipate that we will hold, we expect to continually seek to engage additional custodians to achieve a greater degree of diversification in the custody of our HYPE as the extent of potential risk of loss is dependent, in part, on the degree of diversification. However, multiple custodians may utilize similar wallet infrastructure, cloud service providers or software systems, which could increase systemic technology risk.
Current wording
We hold our HYPE in self-custodied wallet addresses, using infrastructure provided by regulated custodians, including Anchorage Digital Bank, as well as hardware wallet providers. Our custodial services contracts do not restrict our ability to reallocate our HYPE among our wallet addresses, and our HYPE holdings may be concentrated with a single custodian from time to time. In light of the significant amount of HYPE that we hold, we expect to continually seek to engage additional custody infrastructure providers to achieve a greater degree of diversification in the custody of our HYPE as the extent of potential risk of loss is dependent, in part, on the degree of diversification. However, multiple custody infrastructure providers may utilize similar wallet infrastructure, cloud service providers or software systems, which could increase systemic technology risk. While we will conduct due diligence on our custody infrastructure providers and any smart contract platforms we may use, there can be no assurance that such diligence will uncover all risks, including operational deficiencies, hidden vulnerabilities or legal noncompliance.
Previous wording
Any insurance that may cover losses of our HYPE holdings may cover none or only a small fraction of the value of the entirety of our HYPE holdings, and there can be no guarantee that such insurance will be maintained as part of the custodial services we have or that such coverage will cover losses with respect to our HYPE. Moreover, our use of custodians exposes us to the risk that the HYPE our custodians hold on our behalf could be subject to insolvency proceedings and we could be treated as a general unsecured creditor of the custodian, inhibiting our ability to exercise ownership rights with respect to such HYPE. Any loss associated with such insolvency proceedings is unlikely to be covered by any insurance coverage we may maintain related to our HYPE. The legal framework governing digital asset ownership and rights in custodial or insolvency contexts remains uncertain and continues to evolve, which could result in unexpected losses, protracted recovery processes or adverse treatment in insolvency proceedings.
Current wording
To the extent that we obtain insurance to cover losses of our HYPE holdings in the future, such insurance may cover none or only a small fraction of the value of the entirety of our HYPE holdings. Any loss associated with any insolvency proceedings is unlikely to be covered by any insurance coverage we may obtain in the future related to our HYPE. The legal framework governing digital asset ownership and rights in custodial or insolvency contexts remains uncertain and continues to evolve, which could result in unexpected losses, protracted recovery processes or adverse treatment in insolvency proceedings.
Previous wording
HYPE is controllable only by the possessor of both the unique public key and private key(s) relating to the local or online digital wallet in which the HYPE is held. While the L1 blockchain ledger requires a public key relating to a digital wallet to be published when used in a transaction, private keys must be safeguarded and kept private in order to prevent a third party from accessing the HYPE held in such wallet. To the extent the private key(s) for a digital wallet are lost, destroyed, or otherwise compromised and no backup of the private key(s) is accessible, neither we nor our custodians will be able to access the HYPE held in the related digital wallet. Furthermore, we cannot provide assurance that our digital wallets, nor the digital wallets of our custodians held on our behalf, will not be compromised as a result of a cyberattack. The HYPE and blockchain ledger, as well as other digital assets and blockchain technologies, have been, and may in the future be, subject to security breaches, cyberattacks or other malicious activities.
Current wording
HYPE is controllable only by the possessor of both the unique public key and private key(s) relating to the local or online digital wallet in which the HYPE is held. While the L1 blockchain ledger requires a public key relating to a digital wallet to be published when used in a transaction, private keys must be safeguarded and kept private in order to prevent a third party from accessing the HYPE held in such wallet. To the extent the private key(s) for a digital wallet are lost, destroyed, or otherwise compromised and no backup of the private key(s) is accessible, neither we nor our custody infrastructure providers will be able to access the HYPE held in the related digital wallet. Furthermore, we cannot provide assurance that our digital wallets, nor the digital wallets of our custody infrastructure providers, will not be compromised as a result of a cyberattack. The HYPE and blockchain ledger, as well as other digital assets and blockchain technologies, have been, and may in the future be, subject to security breaches, cyberattacks or other malicious activities.
Previous wording
Because we only recently initiated our HYPE treasury strategy, our historical financial statements do not reflect the potential variability in earnings that we may experience in the future from holding or selling significant amounts of HYPE. The price of digital assets have historically been subject to dramatic price fluctuations and is highly volatile. In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2023-08, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Crypto Assets (Subtopic 350-60): Accounting for and Disclosure of Crypto Assets (“ASU 2023-08”), which we have adopted.
Current wording
Our historical financial statements do not reflect the potential variability in earnings that we may experience in the future from holding or selling significant amounts of HYPE. The prices of digital assets have historically been subject to significant price fluctuations and are highly volatile. In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update 2023-08, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Crypto Assets (Subtopic 350-60): Accounting for and Disclosure of Crypto Assets (“ASU 2023-08”), which we have adopted.
Previous wording
ASU 2023-08 requires us to measure our HYPE holdings at fair value in our statement of financial position, and to recognize gains and losses from changes in the fair value of our HYPE in net income each reporting period. ASU 2023-08 also requires us to provide certain interim and annual disclosures with respect to our HYPE holdings. As a result, volatility in our earnings may be significantly more than what we experienced in prior periods.
Current wording
ASU 2023-08 requires us to measure our HYPE holdings at fair value in our balance sheet, and to recognize gains and losses from changes in the fair value of our HYPE in net income each reporting period. ASU 2023-08 also requires us to provide certain interim and annual disclosures with respect to our HYPE holdings. As a result, volatility in our earnings may be significantly more than what we experienced in prior periods.
Previous wording
In connection with the implementation of our HYPE treasury strategy, we have adopted ASU 2023-08. ASU 2023-08 requires us to measure our HYPE holdings at fair value in our statement of financial position, with gains and losses from changes in the fair value of our HYPE recognized in net income each reporting period. When determining whether we are subject to CAMT and when calculating any related tax liability for an applicable tax year, the proposed regulations provide that, among other adjustments, our adjusted financial statement income must include this ratable amount in addition to any unrealized gains or losses reported in the applicable tax year.
Current wording
In connection with the implementation of our HYPE treasury strategy, we have adopted ASU 2023-08. ASU 2023-08 requires us to measure our HYPE holdings at fair value in our balance sheet, with gains and losses from changes in the fair value of our HYPE recognized in net income each reporting period. When determining whether we are subject to CAMT and when calculating any related tax liability for an applicable tax year, the proposed regulations provide that, among other adjustments, our adjusted financial statement income must include this ratable amount in addition to any unrealized gains or losses reported in the applicable tax year.
Rearranged current paragraphs (3)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
As a result of our HYPE treasury strategy, our assets are concentrated in our HYPE holdings. Accordingly, the emergence or growth of digital assets other than HYPE may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. There are numerous alternative digital assets and many entities, including consortiums and financial institutions, that are researching and investing resources into private
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
It is not possible to predict whether or when new laws will be enacted that change the legal framework governing digital assets or provide additional authorities to the SEC or other regulators, or whether or when any other federal, state or foreign legislative bodies
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
trading in securities within the meaning of such section. With respect to Section 3(a)(1)(C), we believe we satisfy the elements of Rule 3a-1 and therefore are deemed not to be an investment company under, and we intend to conduct our operations such that we will not be deemed an investment company under, Section 3(a)(1)(C).
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
We acknowledge, however, that the SEC, a federal court or another relevant entity could take a different view. Application of securities laws to the specific facts and circumstances of digital assets is complex and subject to change. Our conclusion, even if reasonable under the circumstances, would not preclude legal or regulatory action based on a finding that HYPE, or any other digital asset we might hold is a “security.” As such, we are at risk of enforcement proceedings and lawsuits against us, which could result in potential injunctions, cease-and-desist orders, fines and penalties if HYPE was determined to be a security by a regulatory body or a court. Such developments would adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects.