Institutional Players Drive Crypto Evolution in 2025
In 2025, major financial institutions are reshaping the cryptocurrency sector, moving beyond the retail speculation and memecoin trends that characterized earlier market cycles. This shift emphasizes blockchain utility and the tokenization of real-world assets, signaling a maturation of the industry.
HSBC and BNP Paribas Join Canton Foundation
HSBC and BNP Paribas have officially joined the Canton Foundation, a consortium promoting the adoption of the Canton blockchain, which is engineered for institutional finance and real-world asset management. These additions follow prominent backers like Goldman Sachs, Hong Kong FMI Services, and Moody’s Ratings.
A BNP Paribas executive highlighted the bank’s commitment to leveraging blockchain to meet evolving client demands. HSBC has also been actively engaged in various blockchain initiatives, including plans to apply for a stablecoin license in Hong Kong and involvement in custody, bond issuance, and tokenization projects.
Mega Matrix Pursues $2 Billion Ethena Token Acquisition
Mega Matrix, a crypto-focused holding company, has filed for a $2 billion shelf registration aiming to build a treasury centered on Ethena’s stablecoin ecosystem. The company intends to concentrate its holdings exclusively on the ENA governance token, which governs the USDe synthetic stablecoin.
Unlike collateralized stablecoins such as USDC and USDT, USDe maintains its dollar peg through a hedging mechanism. Ethena’s USDe stablecoin has experienced rapid growth, boasting a market capitalization near $13 billion, positioning it among the largest stablecoins by market cap.
Gemini Targets $3 Billion Valuation in IPO
Cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, is preparing for an initial public offering with a targeted valuation of approximately $3 billion. Updated SEC filings indicate the IPO share price range has been raised to $24–$26 from an initial $17–$19 estimate, potentially raising $433 million.
The offering is supported by Nasdaq, which will acquire 2.1 million shares. Trading volumes on Gemini have increased ahead of the IPO, with daily volumes around $200 million, reflecting heightened market interest.
Tokenized Gold Introduced to US IRAs
Tokenization of physical assets has entered the retirement savings space as SmartGold plans to offer tokenized gold-backed IRAs. In partnership with Chintai Nexus, SmartGold aims to tokenize up to $1.6 billion of vaulted gold, subject to investor demand.
This model allows investors to hold gold securely vaulted through SmartGold while receiving digital tokens from Chintai that represent ownership. These tokens can be used in yield-generating strategies onchain, combining asset security with blockchain liquidity and tax advantages.
Conclusion
The convergence of traditional finance institutions with blockchain technology in 2025 marks a pivotal transition in the crypto landscape. Institutional mandates are driving adoption of tokenized assets, stablecoin governance, and public market participation, signaling a more mature and utility-focused phase for the sector.
FinOracleAI — Market View
The entry of heavyweight financial institutions like HSBC and BNP Paribas into the Canton Foundation, alongside Mega Matrix’s substantial stablecoin treasury plans and Gemini’s ambitious IPO, collectively underscore a robust institutional appetite for blockchain-based financial products. Tokenized gold’s introduction into IRAs further broadens blockchain’s real-world asset applications.
These developments are likely to foster increased market confidence, liquidity, and regulatory engagement, reducing volatility typically associated with retail-driven cycles. However, regulatory frameworks and token adoption rates remain key risks to monitor as institutional participation deepens.
Impact: positive
