ChainTech Africa

July 16, 2025 

As the digital asset market continues to gain traction in traditional finance, Bitwise Asset Management, one of the leading crypto-focused investment firms, is doubling down on its conviction that crypto is here to stay — and that the momentum is now unstoppable.

Speaking during a CNBC interview on Friday, Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan declared, “Crypto is going mainstream, and you can’t put the genie back in the bottle.” His comments reflect a growing sentiment among institutional investors that digital assets, particularly Bitcoin and Ethereum, have evolved from speculative experiments into legitimate components of a modern portfolio.

Institutional Influx Accelerates

According to Bitwise, adoption by banks, asset managers, and pension funds has reached a tipping point. Hougan pointed to the rising inflows into crypto-linked ETFs, expanding integration with major fintech platforms, and growing government engagement with tokenized assets.

“We’re seeing the beginning of a structural shift,” Hougan said. “This isn’t just about crypto-native investors anymore. It’s about wealth managers, financial advisors, family offices, and retirement funds.”

In June alone, U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs saw over $3.2 billion in net inflows, helping fuel Bitcoin’s rise past $113,000 earlier this month. Ethereum-based investment products are also gaining attention, with several Ether spot ETFs now awaiting SEC approval.

From Speculation to Infrastructure

Bitwise believes crypto is entering a new phase — one focused less on hype and more on utility, regulation, and long-term growth. Hougan pointed to advances in tokenized real-world assets, decentralized finance (DeFi), and stablecoin adoption as major factors pushing the industry into the mainstream.

“We’ve moved beyond the speculative phase,” he said. “Now, crypto is about building better financial infrastructure — faster payments, 24/7 markets, and borderless access to capital.”

This is particularly relevant in emerging markets, where access to traditional banking systems remains limited. Stablecoins like USDC and USDT have seen surging usage in countries facing inflation or capital controls, further underscoring the real-world impact of blockchain-based finance.

Regulatory Clarity Is Coming — Slowly

Bitwise also sees progress on the regulatory front. While the U.S. has lagged behind jurisdictions like the EU and Hong Kong, the firm remains optimistic that clearer frameworks are coming. This week, Senator Cynthia Lummis confirmed that a comprehensive crypto market structure bill could be finalized by September 30, offering long-awaited clarity for businesses and investors alike.

“Regulation is catching up to innovation,” Hougan said. “It may be slower than some want, but the direction is clear — regulators are engaging, not ignoring or banning the technology.”

Looking Ahead

For Bitwise, the future of crypto is no longer a matter of “if” but “how fast.” The company expects continued inflows into digital asset investment products, more corporate treasury adoption, and further development of Web3 infrastructure — particularly in areas like identity, decentralized storage, and AI integration.

“We’re just scratching the surface,” Hougan concluded. “The technology is open, global, and getting better every day. You can debate valuations, but you can’t deny that crypto is becoming part of the global financial fabric.”

As Wall Street leans in, governments build regulatory frameworks, and consumers grow more familiar with digital assets, Bitwise’s message is clear: the crypto revolution is irreversible — and it’s accelerating.