Ethereum’s Uptrend Indicator: Leading Trader’s Return Reflects Renewed Institutional Trust

Former Binance star trader Ohtanishohei, recognized for his skill in compounding profits with leveraged trades, has resumed a long position on

(ETH) after being inactive for a month. As reported by crypto influencer @FORAB, this South Korean trader executed two trades totaling 750 at an average price of $3,950.67, utilizing 5x leverage. This is his first ETH long since the end of August, and it follows a history of turning $100,000 into $10 million in unrealized profits over the past year through aggressive compounding. His latest move signals renewed optimism in Ethereum, with Ohtanishohei’s trades often seen as a gauge for institutional sentiment.

Ohtanishohei’s track record demonstrates his ability to rapidly expand positions. By using leveraged futures on Binance, he previously amassed over $10 million in unrealized gains by consistently rolling over long positions from an initial $100,000. His current ETH position, worth about $3 million at entry, continues this strategy. The 5x leverage increases both the upside potential and the risk, as a 10% drop in price could threaten his margin. This mirrors a broader trend in DeFi, where high-leverage trading is becoming more prevalent, though it comes with heightened volatility risks.

The timing of Ohtanishohei’s latest trade comes amid mixed signals in the ETH market. Despite Ethereum facing selling pressure from large holders and $59 million in ETF outflows in August, short-term technicals point to steadying demand. On-chain metrics reveal a 7% uptick in active Ethereum addresses, and the Crypto Fear & Greed Index moved from "caution" (62) to "greed" (68) after his trade was announced. These figures suggest increasing involvement from both retail and institutional players, though broader economic factors like Federal Reserve rate decisions and dollar weakness remain important.

Ohtanishohei’s trades have historically impacted market trends. In April 2025, his $12.6 million ETH long at 5x leverage led to a 15% jump in trading volume and a 1.5% rise in the ETH/BTC ratio. While such large trades can heighten volatility, they also reflect confidence in Ethereum’s long-term outlook. Upgrades like Ethereum 2.0 and its foundational role in DeFi and smart contracts provide ongoing support. Analysts point out that Ethereum’s 59.2% share of total value locked (TVL) as of July 2024 cements its importance for leveraged trading strategies.

Nonetheless, leveraged trading carries significant risks. A single unfavorable price move can wipe out months of gains, as seen in July 2025 when $264 million in crypto positions were liquidated in a day. Ohtanishohei’s choice to close a previous $303 million ETH long in August—locking in $6.86 million—shows careful risk management. For his current trade, observers are watching whether Ethereum can stay above $3,900, as a drop below that could trigger margin calls. On the other hand, a continued rally might push ETH toward the $4,200 resistance, in line with broader trends like a weakening dollar.

Ohtanishohei’s renewed ETH long position illustrates the relationship between individual trading strategies and overall market mood. While leverage can intensify market moves, it also adds vulnerability during downturns. How the Ethereum market reacts to this trade will depend on the balance between bullish technical signals and macroeconomic factors, including ETF flows and institutional interest. For now, his actions highlight Ethereum’s role as a prime target for aggressive capital deployment within the DeFi sector.