The integration of cryptocurrencies into Wall Street and the broader traditional finance sector has moved well beyond theoretical discussions, with prominent industry figures now seeing tangible steps toward adoption. During the Consensus 2026 event held in Miami, executives from Ondo Finance, Bitstamp under Robinhood, and Babylon Labs all agreed that institutional interest in crypto is visibly increasing, but noted that widespread mainstream adoption is still progressing at a slower pace than many expected.
Institutional interest and new partnerships
Speaking on the panel, Ian De Bode, President of Ondo Finance, highlighted the significance of recent agreements, particularly with Broadridge and the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC). These collaborations are paving the way for the digitalization of securities on blockchain networks and enabling blockchain-based stakeholder voting. Institutions that were once wary of crypto are becoming more open to new technologies in their financial solutions.
Robinhood’s representative Nicola White observed a dramatic shift in mindset during discussions with banks. Whereas two years ago, the focus was simply on understanding what blockchain was, conversations now revolve around how cryptocurrencies can be integrated into banking systems.
Advantages of crypto infrastructure
All panelists agreed that crypto technology offers clear advantages over traditional finance, particularly in terms of transaction speed and broad market accessibility. De Bode pointed out that Ondo’s tokenized treasury products allow for instant trading—even on weekends—and offer daily yield options, features not yet possible in classic money markets.
De Bode remarked, “For many in the financial world, this alone is a compelling value proposition.”
Despite these benefits, panelists emphasized that current regulations and legacy financial infrastructure continue to impede rapid institutional adaptation. White explained that banks are waiting for clearer regulatory frameworks before fully developing crypto products.
Division in global markets and looking ahead
Boris Alergant, an executive at Babylon Labs, said institutions have moved beyond focusing solely on Bitcoin price action and are now exploring areas like capital efficiency. Babylon Labs, for instance, is developing products that allow investors to borrow against Bitcoin collateral directly—removing the need for centralized or rehypothecated assets.
The panel also addressed the growing divergence between crypto ecosystems outside the United States and those regulated within the US market. De Bode noted that decentralized finance innovations continue to flourish offshore, while American banks are turning to more controlled, permissioned blockchain systems.
He commented, “I don’t believe that all offshore developments will be adopted in the US in the same way.”
Despite these challenges, panelists expressed optimism that institutional capital and crypto-native liquidity will increasingly converge in the future, ultimately leading to a long-term integration of the two systems.
