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What’s Next for Crypto in Capital Markets? 5 Key Insights You Need to Know

At the 2025 Centri Capital Conference, thought leaders from across the financial and digital asset landscape gathered to explore how blockchain and cryptocurrency are reshaping the capital markets. Moderated by Centri’s Michael Andrusko, Partner and Fintech and Digital Assets Practice Leader, the panel titled Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Dynamics: Shaping the Future of Capital Markets delivered a forward-looking discussion on transparency, institutional adoption, regulation, tokenization, and generational shifts.

Here are five key takeaways from the conversation that offer a snapshot of where the industry is headed—and what it will take to get there.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Transparency and Disclosure Are Foundational

A recurring theme was the importance of transparency and disclosure in the crypto and blockchain space. Even in the absence of formal regulation, panelists emphasized that companies should proactively disclose risks, operations, and governance practices to build trust with investors and regulators. Additionally, companies should ensure their accounting policies align with the asset’s classification within the tiers proposed by the landmark report by the Presidential Working Group on Digital Assets Markets (PWG), titled “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology,” and prepare for tailored disclosure and custody rules that may emerge from future SEC and CFTC policies.

2. Institutional Adoption Is Accelerating but Uneven

Institutional investors are increasingly engaging with digital assets, but their adoption varies by maturity and risk appetite. While some are already integrating crypto into portfolios, others are still exploring entry points, often starting with Bitcoin and ETFs. Education and risk management frameworks are key to broader adoption.

3. Regulation Is Evolving Toward Collaboration

There’s a noticeable shift from “regulation by enforcement” to more collaborative regulatory engagement. Firms are now more encouraged to engage with regulators like the SEC without fear of immediate enforcement, signaling a more constructive path forward for compliance and innovation.

4. Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization Is a Major Frontier

Tokenizing real-world assets like real estate and financial instruments is seen as a transformative use case for blockchain. However, success depends not just on tokenization itself, but on where and how these assets are traded—with public blockchains and liquidity pools playing a critical role.

5. Generational Shifts Will Drive Future Adoption

Younger generations, especially Gen Z, are more comfortable with digital finance and less reliant on traditional banking tools like checks. This demographic shift is expected to accelerate the adoption of blockchain-based financial products, especially as they inherit wealth and influence financial markets.

Looking Ahead

The conversation on blockchain isn’t slowing down, and neither are the innovations fueling its growth. These insights set the tone for what’s to come at the 2026 Centri Capital Conference, returning to the Nasdaq on April 14, 2026. To stay engaged with these market-defining topics and to join the next wave of capital markets innovation, visit our Capital Conference landing page and learn more.

Mike Andrusko

Partner | Fintech and Digital Assets Practice Leader | CPA

Michael is a Partner at Centri Business Consulting and the leader of the firm’s Fintech and Digital Asset Practices. He has more than 13 years of experience in the accounting treatment of various transactions, including complex debt and equity analysis, business combinations and acquisition accounting process integration. View Mike Andrusko's Full Bio