Bitcoin Margin Longs Surge on Bitfinex as Traders Bet on Rebound

Since the start of 2025, leveraged Bitcoin (BTC) holdings on Bitfinex have surged by more than 13,000 BTC, signaling renewed optimism among traders despite the ongoing market downturn.

Even as Bitcoin’s price struggles, Bitfinex traders—known for buying dips and timing market shifts—are increasing their exposure, hinting at a possible bottom.

The amount of BTC acquired using borrowed funds on Bitfinex has climbed from 50,773 BTC to over 60,000 BTC this month, marking a 2% jump in the last 24 hours alone, according to Coinglass and TradingView data.

This increase in margin long positions suggests traders are betting on a Bitcoin recovery, despite its 20% slump this month—its worst performance since June 2022.

Bitfinex traders, often large-scale holders or “whales,” have historically used margin longs to accumulate BTC during corrections or sideways markets. Their positioning in previous years, including mid-2024, has often preceded major rallies.

Zooming out, historical data shows that margin long activity tends to rise when prices decline and shrink when markets near peaks—a pattern evident during Bitcoin’s highs in 2021 and 2024.

Meanwhile, overall market sentiment has turned bearish, with Coinglass’ Crypto Fear & Greed Index indicating extreme fear. Notably, the market has only registered four days of extreme fear in the past year, compared to more than 230 days dominated by greed or extreme greed.