Crypto: A Modernizing Force for Capital Markets?
Crypto's Potential to Reshape Capital Markets
Mert Mumtaz, CEO of RPC node provider Helius, suggests that labeling crypto as simply "Web 3.0" undervalues its potential. He argues that crypto can fundamentally evolve the capitalist system by enhancing the free flow of information, securing property rights, aligning incentives, and promoting transparency and frictionless capital flows. According to Mumtaz, crypto isn't just an iteration of the internet; it's "capitalism 2.0."
US Regulators Eye 24/7 Financial Markets
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) have jointly hinted at the possibility of 24/7 capital markets. This move could represent a significant shift from the traditional financial system's limitations.
Modernizing the Financial System
The regulators are exploring several points to modernize the existing financial system:
- Always-on markets
- Regulatory frameworks for perpetual futures contracts
- Regulations for event prediction markets
According to their joint statement, expanding trading hours could better align U.S. markets with the global, always-on economy, especially considering that markets like foreign exchange, gold, and crypto assets already operate continuously.
These proposals could further integrate traditional finance with digital assets, potentially migrating the legacy financial system to internet capital markets through digital rails, including the tokenization of real-world assets on the blockchain.
Tokenized assets can include stocks, stablecoins, private credit, bonds, art, collectibles, and real estate. The Solana Foundation also has a roadmap to develop internet capital markets through 2027.
For companies exploring tokenization, smart contract security is paramount. Platforms like Codeum offer auditing services to help ensure the safety and reliability of blockchain-based financial instruments.
Robinhood has already introduced tokenized stock trading for European users, signaling a growing trend.