Cryptocurrencies and the future of the global economy

By Trach Roksolana, crypto analyst

Fifteen years ago, cryptocurrencies were a tool for a narrow circle of tech enthusiasts. Ten years ago, they remained a field of play for risky traders and private investors willing to go all-in. But five years ago, the situation changed dramatically as large institutions and governments joined the game.

Today, cryptocurrencies are already a full-fledged global market integrated into the global financial system. Blockchain-based digital assets have evolved from a fringe phenomenon into a new class of investment with increasingly greater impact, both technological and financial.

International recognition

For the first 10-12 years after the launch of Bitcoin (BTC), cryptocurrencies remained mostly in the hands of retail investors. The real turning point occurred during the bull market of 2021: Bitcoin reached $69,000, and the total capitalization of the crypto market exceeded $3 trillion. It was then that large corporations, investment funds, and financial giants began to pay attention to digital assets.

Over time, large corporations began to gradually enter the crypto market. At first, these were isolated examples, such as Tesla, but every year the number of participants from the big league is growing. As of 2025, 34 public companies officially hold bitcoin on their balance sheets – and this does not include smaller institutional investors. [1]

The total amount of BTC in the hands of these companies is about 700,000 coins, of which 80% is controlled by Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy). It has been adding to its reserves on a weekly basis for more than half a year now, and its demand often exceeds the amount of Bitcoin miners produce each week.

The next key step towards institutional adoption was the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the United States, a strong signal to global investors that cryptocurrency has become part of the legitimate investment landscape.

• In January 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved a new type of classic Bitcoin-based fund. This allowed indirect investment in cryptocurrencies through traditional instruments – the same returns, but fewer risks. [2]
• The event reduced the level of fear and aroused the interest of not only companies, but also banks and pension funds in the United States – BTC became legal through the stock market.
• In the summer of the same year, the Commission approved an ETF based on Ethereum, the second largest asset among cryptocurrencies. After that, rumors and talks about launching funds of other coins began – Cardano (ADA), Ripple (XRP), Solana (SOL).

In May 2025, BlackRock Corporation held a meeting with the SEC, where it stated that it expects the US stock market to be tokenized on the basis of ETH, and is also waiting for the SEC to allow official ETH staking. This may be a new step in the official recognition of cryptocurrencies by large companies and governments [3].

What was the reason for this transition?

– First, it was due to the maturity of the market itself: the development of a convenient infrastructure, the emergence of regulated exchanges and reliable services for the safe storage of cryptocurrencies, as well as the creation of specialized funds.

– Secondly, it is due to the status of Bitcoin as an alternative financial instrument in the context of global economic instability. Today, BTC is considered “digital gold” and a reserve asset.

The involvement of large institutional players increases confidence in the market, reduces its volatility and contributes to the formation of stable long-term liquidity. Big capital is interested in market growth.

A new concept of capital allocation

The main advantage of cryptocurrencies is their complete autonomy and independence from the traditional financial system, which is ensured by blockchain technology and relevant algorithms. As a result, crypto assets are becoming a new channel for capital movement. This channel opens up new prospects not only for individual users but also for entire countries.

– Some countries openly use cryptocurrencies. In situations of economic crisis, high inflation, or a strong dependence on the dollar, as in El Salvador, cryptocurrencies are used to radically solve problems and implement reforms.

– Other countries use cryptocurrencies in a covert manner. For example, to accumulate reserves, as Bhutan does, or to circumvent sanctions. Shadow operations are practiced by Iran, Russia, and North Korea, which prohibit the circulation of crypto assets in their countries.

Cryptocurrencies promote financial inclusion by opening up access to global investment to anyone, regardless of social status or location. This contributes to the redistribution of capital in the world: anyone with a smartphone, whether in Africa or Latin America, can take advantage of investment opportunities, make international payments, take out loans, and earn passive income.

Digital assets are changing not only investment models but also the geography of access to finance. In countries with an underdeveloped or non-existent traditional banking system, cryptocurrencies are becoming a real “window” to the global economy.

It can be said that investments in cryptocurrencies are already significantly changing the financial world. They open up new opportunities for both businesses and ordinary people in different countries. Cryptocurrencies create a simple and transparent system where money can move freely without banks or intermediaries. This gives more freedom to companies and new ways of earning money for investors. More and more large players are entering the crypto market, which means that in the future, digital assets will become a regular part of the global economy.

The prospects for the development of cryptocurrencies open up unique horizons for businesses: from simplifying international payments to new financing models. This change makes the financial system more understandable and convenient, and opens the door to participation in the global market for everyone – regardless of where a person lives or what their social status is. In the coming years, cryptocurrencies can become a catalyst for innovation and growth for companies of all sizes, laying the foundation for new businesses and the financial system of the future.

[1] https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-8-933608-20250703

[2] https://www.sec.gov/newsroom/speeches-statements/gensler-statement-spot-bitcoin-011023

[3] https://www.sec.gov/files/ctf-memo-blackrock-05092025.pdf