Key Events Timeline
The Ethereum Merge is estimated to occur around September 15, 2022, at 9:30 AM (UTC+8)*. Note that this timeframe depends on when the Ethereum execution layer Paris upgrade reaches the Terminal Total Difficulty (TTD) value of 58,750,000,000,000,000,000,000.
Bybit will suspend ETH, ERC-20 tokens, and ERC-721 NFT deposits/withdrawals 1 hour before the Merge (8:30 AM UTC+8). Cross-chain deposits/withdrawals (Arbitrum, Optimism, BSC, ZkSync) remain paused until post-airdrop distribution.
👉 Secure your ETH holdings now to ensure eligibility for potential fork rewards.
Possible Post-Merge Scenarios
Single Chain (No Fork):
- Bybit will resume ETH services after confirming network stability.
Hard Fork (ETHW Creation):
A new PoW chain ("ETHW") may emerge. Bybit will:
- Snapshot user ETH balances.
- Distribute ETHW tokens 1:1 to eligible accounts.
A. Airdrop Rules
A.1 Snapshot Timing
- Window: 9:30–10:30 AM UTC+8 (TTD completion).
- Method: Bybit will take minute-by-minute snapshots; the closest to the fork time will be final.
A.2 Eligible Accounts
Includes:
- Spot, derivatives, USDC, unified margin, and savings accounts.
- Trading bots/liquidity pools (ETH portion only).
Excludes:
- Pending deposits/withdrawals.
- Unrealized PnL in contracts.
- Dual investment products.
A.3 Distribution
- ETHW tokens will be credited within 8 hours post-Merge.
- Deposits/withdrawals enabled after ETHW network stabilization.
B. Trading Impacts
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Spot & Leverage | ETH trading continues. Borrowing paused Sept 14–16 (UTC+8). |
| Futures | Contracts unaffected; possible adjustments to margins/funding rates. |
| Options | Strike prices unchanged; ETHW may be added as underlying asset post-fork. |
| NFT Market | ERC-721 deposits/withdrawals paused; trading remains active. |
FAQs
Q: Will ETH staking rewards be affected?
A: No. Staked ETH continues earning PoS rewards.
Q: How is ETHW’s value determined?
A: Market-driven. Bybit will list ETHW if liquidity meets standards.
Q: Can I trade during the snapshot?
A: Yes, but avoid transfers to ensure accurate balance capture.
Pro Tip: Store ETH in Bybit’s unified account to automatically qualify for snapshots.
👉 Explore ETH trading strategies amid volatility.
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