Blockchain May Be the Engine Powering the Future of Capitalism

Crypto Isn’t Web 3.0—It’s the Next Phase of Capitalism, Says Crypto Exec

A prominent executive in the cryptocurrency space has asserted that cryptocurrency is not merely a component of the next generation of the internet, known as Web 3.0, but rather a transformative force in the broader landscape of global finance and capitalism. This perspective aligns with the growing integration of blockchain technology into traditional financial systems and the increasing regulatory clarity emerging in key markets.

Blockchain, the underlying technology behind most cryptocurrencies, is reshaping how financial transactions are conducted. It enables decentralized, transparent, and secure record-keeping, reducing reliance on intermediaries like banks. This technology is not limited to cryptocurrencies but is being applied to various sectors, including supply chains, asset management, and financial services. For instance, IBM's Food Trust network leverages blockchain to track food supply chains, enhancing transparency and trust among consumers and producers.

The shift toward blockchain-based systems is being driven by both technological advancements and regulatory developments. In the United States, the passage of the GENIUS Act in 2025 marks a significant regulatory milestone, providing a framework for stablecoins and digital assets. The legislation, which is expected to be signed into law, is anticipated to further legitimize and scale the use of blockchain in financial markets. This has already had tangible effects on the market, with the total market cap of crypto assets surpassing $4 trillion in July 2025, a milestone attributed to favorable regulatory moves and market confidence.

The global financial sector is taking notice. Major institutions such as BlackRock, JP Morgan, and Goldman Sachs have increased their engagement with blockchain, recognizing its potential to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and enable faster settlements. Bank of America has even suggested that blockchain infrastructure could fundamentally alter how value is stored and exchanged across industries. In Europe, the European Union has moved to regulate cryptocurrencies more closely, particularly to combat money laundering and ensure transparency in financial transactions.

Meanwhile, asset tokenization is gaining traction as a new frontier in the crypto space. This process involves digitizing real-world assets—such as real estate, stocks, and commodities—into tokens that can be traded on blockchain platforms. This innovation allows for fractional ownership and increased liquidity, making high-value assets more accessible to retail investors and individuals in emerging markets. For example, a retail investor in Bangkok could now purchase a tokenized share in a commercial building in the same city, bypassing traditional barriers to entry.

However, the adoption of blockchain and tokenization faces several challenges. Regulatory uncertainty, interoperability issues between legacy systems and blockchain networks, and liquidity concerns in secondary markets remain significant hurdles. Nonetheless, policymakers and financial institutions are working to address these issues through standardization and the development of coordinated frameworks. The World Economic Forum, for example, has emphasized the importance of building trusted, interoperable blockchain systems to realize the technology’s full potential.

Looking ahead, the convergence of blockchain and traditional finance could redefine the global economic landscape. As stablecoins and tokenized assets become more integrated into daily financial activity, individuals may interact with decentralized financial systems without even realizing it. Just as the internet revolutionized access to information, blockchain is poised to revolutionize how value is created, stored, and exchanged. The next phase of capitalism may well be decentralized, transparent, and powered by blockchain.