Cryptocurrencies have long been seen as a volatile and speculative asset class, but a shift is underway. With growing institutional adoption and policy discussions taking center stage, the question is no longer if crypto will go mainstream, but when.
At the Moneycontrol Global Wealth Summit 2025, industry leaders and financial experts discussed what it will take for digital assets to become a fully integrated part of the global financial system.
Crypto’s Growing Legitimacy
The surge in cryptocurrency adoption is undeniable. Fueled by US President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance, digital asset markets have seen increased investor confidence, propelling prices and institutional interest.
“Crypto is getting real. Until the last 4-5 years, it was primarily tech geeks and developers experimenting with it,” said Sumit Gupta, Co-founder and CEO of CoinDCX. “Now, we’re seeing strong engagement from retail investors, traditional financial institutions, and even family offices.”
Institutional Money Is Entering the Market
One of the strongest signals that crypto is gaining legitimacy is the increasing interest from institutional investors and family offices—a significant shift from the early days when it was seen as a high-risk asset.
Vikram Subburaj, Co-founder and CEO of Giottus, noted, “Family offices and institutional investors are exploring crypto as part of diversified portfolios. That’s a major milestone in the journey toward mainstream adoption.”
This trend indicates that traditional finance is starting to recognize crypto as an investable asset class rather than just a speculative bubble.
Regulatory Clarity: The Missing Piece
Despite the enthusiasm, regulatory uncertainty remains one of the biggest barriers to widespread adoption.
“Crypto is a global asset,” said Edul Patel, Co-founder of Mudrex. “Any one country trying to regulate it in isolation won’t work. A global regulatory framework is necessary for long-term stability.”
Fragmented regulations create roadblocks for businesses and investors. While some regions like the EU, UAE, and Hong Kong have made strides in forming clear policies, others, like India and the US, are still working toward regulatory clarity.
What’s Next for Crypto?
For cryptocurrencies to fully go mainstream, experts suggest three key areas need to be addressed:
- Regulatory Clarity – Governments worldwide must align policies to create a predictable legal framework.
- Institutional Investment – Continued growth in ETFs, crypto reserves, and corporate adoption will drive legitimacy.
- Scalability & Usability – Blockchain technology must evolve to support everyday transactions and real-world applications.
As the industry matures and discussions like those at the Global Wealth Summit 2025 continue, it’s clear that crypto is no longer just an alternative asset—it’s on the path to becoming a core part of the financial system. The only question is: How soon will it happen?
