Why Analyst Michaël van de Poppe Thinks SUI Is the Next Big DeFi Gem
Crypto analyst Michaël van de Poppe has positioned SUI as a standout opportunity in the current market, calling it a “hidden gem” with exceptional DeFi potential. The Sui blockchain has demonstrated remarkable growth throughout 2024 and into 2025, with its ecosystem expanding at an unprecedented pace that’s caught institutional attention.
Van de Poppe’s bullish stance on SUI stems from multiple converging factors including rising DeFi volume, strong positioning from long-term holders, and increasingly bullish trader sentiment as key indicators supporting his optimistic outlook.
SUI’s Explosive DeFi Growth Drives Market Confidence
The blockchain’s Total Value Locked has surged to over $2 billion, representing one of the most aggressive growth trajectories in the DeFi space. This exponential expansion reflects genuine utility and adoption rather than speculative trading.
The network’s DeFi ecosystem has evolved into a comprehensive financial infrastructure supporting various protocols. Major platforms like DeepBook provide liquidity infrastructure, while projects such as Bluefin, Suilend, Cetus, and Scallop contribute to ecosystem depth and functionality. This diversification creates multiple revenue streams that strengthen SUI’s long-term value proposition.
Stablecoin supply on the Sui network has grown from $400 million in January to nearly $1.2 billion. This triple-digit growth indicates real economic activity and user confidence in the platform’s stability features.
SuiLend’s Breakthrough Performance Signals Broader Ecosystem Strength
SuiLend has emerged as a flagship protocol within the Sui ecosystem, demonstrating the platform’s capability to support sophisticated financial applications. The lending protocol’s success validates van de Poppe’s thesis that SUI offers genuine utility beyond speculative trading.
The protocol’s growth trajectory mirrors broader ecosystem expansion, with institutional-grade features attracting professional traders and institutional capital. This institutional adoption creates a foundation for sustained growth rather than typical boom-bust cycles of speculative crypto projects.
Van de Poppe emphasizes that SuiLend’s performance represents the beginning of what’s possible within the Sui ecosystem, potentially triggering a cascade of innovation across the platform.
ETF Potential Positions SUI for Institutional Recognition
21Shares filed for a SUI spot ETF in mid-2025 with plans to list it on Nasdaq. This development represents a significant milestone that could transform SUI’s market dynamics by providing institutional investors with regulated exposure.
The ETF filing signals broader recognition of SUI’s legitimacy within traditional financial circles. Van de Poppe views this development as a potential catalyst to accelerate institutional adoption and provide sustained buying pressure for the token.
If approved, the SUI ETF would join Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in offering mainstream investors cryptocurrency exposure. This regulatory validation could unlock significant capital flows from pension funds, endowments, and other institutional investors requiring regulated investment vehicles.
Technical Analysis Supports Van de Poppe’s Bullish SUI Thesis
Van de Poppe noted that this growth, coupled with previous bullish chart behavior, may set the stage for a strong breakout if SUI can close above $3.30. The analyst has identified key technical levels that could trigger significant price appreciation based on historical patterns and current market dynamics.
The blockchain’s fundamentals align with its technical setup, creating what van de Poppe describes as an optimal environment for sustained growth. Strong buyer engagement and consistent volume patterns support technical analysis while fundamental growth provides underlying value justification.
Strategic Positioning Within the Crypto Market
Van de Poppe’s SUI analysis occurs within his broader market outlook, where he anticipates selective altcoin opportunities emerging in 2025-2026. Macroeconomic shifts like falling interest rates and a weaker U.S. dollar could spark a late 2025 to early 2026 altcoin breakout.
The analyst believes SUI is positioned to benefit disproportionately from these trends due to strong fundamentals and growing ecosystem. Unlike many altcoins relying purely on speculation, SUI’s utility-driven growth provides sustainable value creation that can withstand market volatility.
This strategic positioning makes SUI particularly attractive for investors seeking exposure to blockchain innovation while minimizing speculative risks associated with less mature projects.
Conclusion
Michaël van de Poppe’s identification of SUI as the next big DeFi gem reflects a comprehensive analysis of technical indicators, fundamental growth metrics, and market positioning. The blockchain’s explosive TVL growth, successful protocols like SuiLend, and potential ETF approval create multiple catalysts for continued appreciation.
