Crypto.com's managing director says institutions are shifting from passive Bitcoin exposure to active participation in on-chain infrastructure, RWAs, and blockchain settlement.
Macro & Markets ·
Crypto.com's managing director Iskandar Vanblarcum says institutional adoption of digital assets has shifted significantly over the past 12–18 months, moving away from passive price exposure toward direct participation in on-chain market infrastructure, tokenized assets, and real-time settlement. Institutions now recognize benefits including reduced friction, faster settlement, 24/7 access, and deep liquidity. Examples cited include institutions integrating tokenized real-world assets as active trading collateral, adopting blockchain settlement networks to optimize capital efficiency, and using blockchain rails for cross-border payments.
The deepening structural integration reflects a blurring of lines between traditional assets and digital infrastructure. Banks and investment firms are increasingly leveraging blockchain's programmability to rewire legacy financial systems, moving beyond Bitcoin ETFs and custody arrangements toward active participation in decentralized ecosystems.
Regulatory fragmentation and the lack of global legal clarity on certain digital asset products remain significant barriers. Institutions also face internal pressures around compliance frameworks and specialized infrastructure investment needed to manage technological vulnerabilities and build trust before deploying capital at scale.