Trend Research Uses USDT Loans to Expand Holdings to $1.8B, Eyes 2026 Bull Run

A Hong Kong-based investment firm called Trend Research has lately been seen as one of the most aggressive investors in the Ethereum token. The firm has managed to build an ETH treasury of close to $1.8 billion while preparing for a potential bull run in 2026.

Trend Expands ETH Treasury Through Leverage

The firm has been adding to its ETH holdings even as it recognizes the likelihood of a sharp market correction in early 2026. According to Lookonchain, it has amassed a total of 601,074 ETH. At present, this total has a value of approximately $1.83 billion.

As a means of funding this plan, the firm has largely depended on borrowing using stablecoins. The company has borrowed about $958 million from the Aave lending market using the USDT stablecoin.

They proceed to purchase ETH using the borrowed money from the CEXs. From the withdrawal data, the purchase value of the token acquired is approximated at $3,265.

Soon after, Jack Yi, the founder, stated that the company is committed to its plan of buying more assets. Trend Research started purchasing the token after a big drop in the market and has continued to buy more at regular intervals since then.

Yi pointed out that the fund is not trying to time the market bottoms but is working to position itself before the structurally positive market outlook of 2026.

He also referred to the derivative market as one of those determinants that set market prices. He noted that the opening interest in ETH futures contracts has reached new records.

Meanwhile, BitMine has also been accumulating the token systematically. The firm has recently made its move into staking its ETH holdings.  They have reportedly deposited $1 billion worth of the altcoin from its ETH treasury into the Ethereum Proof-of-Stake consensus algorithm to earn interest.

Ethereum Price Performance Amid Network Upgrades

Over the past day, Ethereum recovered the $3,000 marker but has pulled back to trade at $2,964. This recovery takes place during a period of more activity among ETH treasury companies and the progress of the upgrades.

It was said that the Glamsterdam upgrade will happen in the first half of 2026. This update would make MEV more fair by splitting proposers and builders into separate roles.