Structured investment products offer a unique way to earn yield while managing risk. Among these, Shark Fin products stand out for their principal protection and potential for higher returns based on market performance. This guide explains how they work, their benefits, and key considerations.
What is a Shark Fin Product?
A Shark Fin is a principal-protected savings product that rewards users with a higher APY when the underlying asset settles within a predefined range at maturity. Its unique features include:
- Principal Protection: Your initial capital is safeguarded. You are guaranteed to receive at least a base reward regardless of market volatility.
- Bull and Bear Market Opportunities: These products allow users to take a simultaneous view on both the upward and downward price movement of major cryptocurrencies like BTC and ETH.
- Subscribe and Earn in Stablecoin: Subscriptions and settlements are typically conducted in USDT, simplifying the process and mitigating exchange rate risk. All profits are returned in USDT.
- Enhanced Financial Management: Users can often choose between short-term durations, such as 3-day and 7-day terms. The fixed timeframe and a guaranteed minimum APY provide certainty of earning a known minimum reward.
- No Hidden Fees: Reputable platforms do not charge additional trading or processing fees to execute these orders.
How Does a Bullish Shark Fin Work?
A user would subscribe to a Bullish Shark Fin when they expect the price of BTC or ETH to rise. The final settlement price of the asset after the product's term (e.g., 7 days) determines the final APY paid out.
The profit is generally calculated using the formula: Subscription Amount × Final APY × (Term / 365). An estimated profit can usually be calculated on the subscription page during the offering period.
There are three potential settlement scenarios:
- Below the Range: Price expires below the lower bound - Base % APY is paid.
- Within the Range: Price expires within the predefined range - A variable APY between the low and high APY is paid, depending on the exact settlement price.
- Above the Range: Price expires above the upper bound - Base % APY is paid.
Hypothetical Example of a Bullish Shark Fin
- Subscription Amount: 1,000 USDT
- APY Range: 1% - 18%
- Term: 7 days
- BTC Price Range: $18,000 - $21,000
Note: This is a hypothetical example for illustration only and does not represent future APY.
Case 1: Below the Range
- Settlement Price: $17,000 (< $18,000)
- Final APY: 1% (Base Rate)
- Profit Calculation: 1,000 × 1% × (7/365) = 0.192 USDT
Case 2: Within the Range
- Settlement Price: $19,500 (within $18,000 - $21,000)
APY Calculation: The APY often scales linearly within the range.
(19,500 - 18,000) / (21,000 - 18,000) × (18% - 1%) ≈ 8.5%- Final APY: 1% + 8.5% = 9.5% (Note: Calculation method may vary by provider)
- Profit Calculation: 1,000 × 9.5% × (7/365) = 1.822 USDT
Case 3: Above the Range
- Settlement Price: $24,000 (> $21,000)
- Final APY: 1% (Base Rate)
- Profit Calculation: 1,000 × 1% × (7/365) = 0.192 USDT
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How Does a Bearish Shark Fin Work?
Conversely, a user would choose a Bearish Shark Fin if they predict the price of BTC or ETH will fall. The same principle applies: the final settlement price determines the APY.
The profit calculation formula remains: Subscription Amount × Final APY × (Term / 365).
The three scenarios are also similar:
- Below the Range: Price expires below the lower bound - Base % APY is paid.
- Within the Range: Price expires within the predefined range - A variable APY is paid.
- Above the Range: Price expires above the upper bound - Base % APY is paid.
Hypothetical Example of a Bearish Shark Fin
- Subscription Amount: 1,000 USDT
- APY Range: 2% - 19%
- Term: 7 days
- BTC Price Range: $18,000 - $21,000
Note: This is a hypothetical example for illustration only.
Case 1: Below the Range
- Settlement Price: $17,000 (< $18,000)
- Final APY: 2% (Base Rate)
- Profit Calculation: 1,000 × 2% × (7/365) = 0.384 USDT
Case 2: Within the Range
- Settlement Price: $19,500 (within $18,000 - $21,000)
APY Calculation: For a bearish product, the APY often decreases as the price rises within the range.
19% - [(19,500 - 18,000) / (21,000 - 18,000) × (19% - 2%)] ≈ 19% - 8.5% = 10.5%- Final APY: 10.5% (Note: Calculation method may vary by provider)
- Profit Calculation: 1,000 × 10.5% × (7/365) = 2.014 USDT
Case 3: Above the Range
- Settlement Price: $24,000 (> $21,000)
- Final APY: 2% (Base Rate)
- Profit Calculation: 1,000 × 2% × (7/365) = 0.384 USDT
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main advantage of a Shark Fin product?
The primary advantage is principal protection. Your initial investment is safe, and you are guaranteed a minimum return. This allows you to potentially earn a higher yield than standard savings products without the risk of losing your capital.
How is the final APY calculated when the price is within the range?
The APY typically scales linearly between the minimum and maximum values based on how close the settlement price is to the upper or lower bound of the range. The exact formula can differ between providers, so it's crucial to read the product details before subscribing. 👉 Learn more about yield calculation methods
Are Shark Fin products suitable for long-term investing?
They are generally designed for short-term market views due to their fixed, short durations (e.g., 3 or 7 days). They are more tactical tools for earning yield in sideways or moderately volatile markets rather than long-term hold strategies.
What are the risks involved?
The key risk is opportunity cost. If the asset's price moves dramatically outside the predicted range, you will only receive the base APY, which could be lower than the yield from a simple savings account or other investment during that period.
Can I redeem my investment before the maturity date?
Typically, these products are locked until maturity. Early redemption is usually not permitted, which ensures the structure of the product and the principal protection guarantee remain intact.
Who should consider using Shark Fin products?
They are ideal for investors with a neutral to moderately bullish or bearish short-term outlook on an asset's price who want to earn a potential premium over standard yields while having their principal protected from loss.