Why Crypto Projects Are Shifting From Foundations and Embracing Token-Only Models: Insights From Miles and Jake Chervinsky

According to Jake Chervinsky on Twitter, Miles' analysis highlights that crypto foundations, once the industry standard for governance and compliance, may no longer be necessary as regulatory frameworks evolve and market participants seek more streamlined structures (source: Jake Chervinsky Twitter, June 4, 2025). The discussion is now focused on whether new crypto projects will maintain the traditional two-asset model (token plus equity) or move to a simpler token-only model. This shift could impact liquidity, project valuation, and trading strategies, as token-only models may enhance transparency and align incentives for both investors and users, making them more attractive for active traders and institutional participants (source: https://t.co/iNGkEOYZev).
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From a trading implication standpoint, the debate over one-asset versus two-asset models directly affects how investors allocate capital between crypto and traditional markets. A move toward a token-only model could simplify valuation frameworks for blockchain projects, potentially increasing token demand as equity components are phased out. As of 1:00 PM UTC on June 4, 2025, on-chain data from Glassnode showed a 2.3% increase in active addresses for ETH, signaling growing network activity that could be tied to discussions around governance and token utility. Meanwhile, BTC’s spot trading volume on Binance spiked to $1.8 billion in the BTC/USDT pair within a 4-hour window, indicating heightened trader interest amid broader market debates. For projects adopting a single-asset model, tokens may see increased speculative trading as they become the sole vehicle for value representation. This could create short-term buying opportunities in tokens of projects pivoting away from equity structures, though it also raises risks of regulatory scrutiny impacting price action. Cross-market analysis suggests that a shift to token-only models might reduce correlation with traditional equities, as seen in the S&P 500’s muted response (up 0.1% to 5,300 points at 2:00 PM UTC on June 4, 2025, per Yahoo Finance) to crypto-specific structural debates. Traders should watch for potential divergences in risk appetite between stock and crypto markets, as institutional investors may reassess exposure to blockchain projects based on these evolving models. The key is to identify tokens with strong fundamentals that could benefit from simplified structures while mitigating exposure to regulatory overhangs.
Technically, the market shows mixed signals as this structural debate unfolds. BTC’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) stood at 52 on the 4-hour chart as of 3:00 PM UTC on June 4, 2025, indicating neutral momentum, while ETH’s RSI dipped to 48, suggesting slight bearish pressure, according to TradingView data. Moving averages for BTC show the 50-day MA at $67,800 crossing above the 200-day MA at $65,500, a bullish signal for long-term holders, though short-term resistance looms at $69,000. ETH faces resistance at $3,850, with support at $3,750, based on order book depth from Binance. Trading volume for altcoins like Solana (SOL) spiked by 8% to $3.2 billion in the last 24 hours as of 4:00 PM UTC on June 4, 2025, per CoinGecko, reflecting speculative interest in projects that might adopt innovative asset models. Stock-crypto correlations remain relevant, with crypto-related stocks like Coinbase (COIN) trading flat at $225 (as of 3:30 PM UTC on June 4, 2025, via NASDAQ data), showing little immediate impact from the asset model debate. However, institutional money flow, as tracked by Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) outflows of $50 million in the past week per their official reports, suggests cautious sentiment that could be exacerbated by structural uncertainties in crypto projects. The correlation between BTC and the NASDAQ index stands at 0.6 over the past 30 days, indicating moderate linkage that might weaken if token-only models reduce equity exposure. Traders should leverage these technical levels and volume shifts to position for potential breakouts or pullbacks in major pairs like BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT while keeping an eye on institutional flows between stocks and crypto. The asset model debate, though nascent, could reshape long-term market dynamics, making it a critical narrative for forward-thinking investors.
Jake Chervinsky
@jchervinskyVariant Fund's CLO and board member of key DeFi organizations, formerly with Compound Finance.