Looking ahead: Institutions as the ‘quiet builders’ of tomorrow

The BTC Markets Investor Study Report 2025 highlights strong signals of institutional engagement across global and local markets. While retail investors continue to deepen their participation, financial institutions are laying out the groundwork for the next wave of adoption through infrastructure, product development and regulatory alignment.

The report predicts continued maturation of the sector as banks, custodians and investment firms accelerate their digital-asset capabilities. This includes expanding custody solutions, exploring tokenisation opportunities and preparing retail-facing products that integrate digital assets into everyday financial settings.

Global institutions are moving decisively

Worldwide, major financial institutions are taking clear steps toward digital-asset integration:

• Zodia Custody is strengthening its institutional presence.
• State Street, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan expand trading, tokenisation and lending capabilities.
• Standard Chartered has introduced spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading for institutional clients.

These developments demonstrate the structural shift taking place across global markets, positioning digital assets as part of a broader, modernised financial system.

Australia is entering this phase as well

Domestically, institutions are beginning to move. AMP became the first Australian superannuation fund to publicly invest in crypto through Bitcoin futures - a significant step for the local industry. This marks the start of what the report describes as a growing trend, with more super funds and financial institutions expected to explore digital-asset offerings in the coming years.

Caroline Bowler, outgoing CEO of BTC Markets noted: “Digital assets are no longer fringe, they are becoming part of the financial mainstream. We are seeing real momentum in retail-facing crypto products across superannuation and banking. By 2026, Australia’s major financial institutions will be offering crypto to everyday investors.

BTC Markets remains ready and focused on delivering trusted, compliant solutions for this next chapter,” Ms Bowler concluded.

The path to a more integrated financial ecosystem

As digital-asset infrastructure matures, institutions are playing a foundational role - often quietly, behind the scenes. Their efforts in custody, compliance, technology, and product development will shape the offerings available to everyday investors.

The ISR highlights that this institutional groundwork is a key driver of future growth. With global momentum rising and domestic interest increasing, Australia is approaching a pivotal phase. The groundwork being laid today will support wider access, stronger safeguards, and broader participation across the investor community.

To explore the full findings, you can read the Investor Study Report 2025 on our website.

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