The Next Chapter of Crypto Assets: From Wild Growth to Mainstream Applications

Author: Warren Blake, Source: Smart Trade Insights, Translated by: Shaw Jinse Finance

The Crazy Journey of Early Days

At first, the world of cryptocurrency was like a frontier town. Unknown, chaotic, full of hope and danger. Prices could plummet by thousands of dollars in an afternoon. Hackers took advantage of weak defenses to steal vast fortunes. The collapse of Mt. Gox in 2014 – 850,000 bitcoins vanished – remains one of the darkest warnings of the early system's fragility to this day.

For ordinary people, the concept of Bitcoin or Ethereum is itself shrouded in mystery and risk. Buying cryptocurrency is less like investing and more like stepping into a smoke-filled chamber, where the rules are vague and the risks are extremely high. New exchanges emerge overnight, only to vanish without a trace the next morning. Scams disguised as investments lure hopeful individuals, ultimately leaving them empty-handed. Behind every story of overnight wealth lies a deeper tale of heartbreaking losses.

This volatility adds to its mystique. Watching Bitcoin soar from $1,000 to $20,000 and then drop back down is both exhilarating and frightening. The impulse to jump in is often accompanied by an equally strong desire to get out. This is a game for speculators, not for families planning for retirement. For most Americans, cryptocurrency is just a curiosity in the headlines—distant and dangerous, perhaps not suitable for them.

Towards Stability

Fast forward to 2024 and 2025, the landscape is no longer a lawless wilderness. The approval of Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by the United States marks a decisive shift. These funds allow investors to purchase cryptocurrencies through familiar brokerage accounts—just like they would buy Apple stock or a major index. No digital wallets, no keys. Just a stock ticker and a “buy” button.

The results are clear. By mid-2025, Bitcoin spot ETFs have attracted nearly $15 billion in inflows, comparable to some of the most established funds in the United States. This is not an exaggeration, as both households and institutions are saying, “Count us in!” Suddenly, cryptocurrency no longer feels like a gamble but rather an option on the investment menu.

Banks that were once skeptical of cryptocurrencies, even dismissive, are now changing their attitudes. Whether regional banks or large financial institutions, they are now offering custody services, payment channels, and support for digital assets. This indicates that cryptocurrencies are no longer just the domain of enthusiasts. They are entering the vaults and systems that protect our salaries and mortgages.

Road Rules

Equally important is that Washington has finally drawn clearer boundaries. For years, regulators have been debating the definition of cryptocurrency—whether it is a security, a commodity, or something entirely different. This uncertainty has left businesses bewildered and investors uneasy. Now, bipartisan efforts in the U.S. Congress are working to establish regulations for cryptocurrency.

Rather than viewing these regulations as red tape, it is better to see them as traffic lights. By defining the status of digital assets and providing banks with a clear framework, these new rules reduce the risk of being caught off guard. Investors can feel more assured that their funds will not be left in a legal gray area. For the first time, the industry is starting to operate according to rules that everyone is familiar with.

Daily Acquisition Methods

These changes are significant for ordinary Americans. Buying Bitcoin no longer means sending money to an unknown exchange overseas. It has become very simple; just log into your brokerage account or retirement account, enter the stock code, and then click “buy.”

Fractional ownership makes the process more convenient. You don't need to spend $60,000 to buy a Bitcoin. You can invest $50 or $100 at a time, just like investing in stocks. Settlements are completed instantly, and pricing is clear and transparent. Most importantly, these systems are supported by professional security standards and strict regulations.

The early missing sense of security has finally returned. Investors no longer have to worry about forgetting passwords or wallets being stolen, but can instead rely on banks and financial institutions to handle the heavy technical work. This marks a shift from secretive behind-the-scenes transactions to counter transactions for the general public.

The Next Wave: Tokenization

As cryptocurrencies become increasingly easy to purchase, new concepts are further enhancing their potential. One of the most prominent is tokenization—almost anything of value can be broken down into digital fragments and traded as easily as company stocks.

Imagine owning a small piece of the ownership of an office building in Chicago, a small portion of U.S. Treasury bonds, or perhaps even a piece of artwork hanging in a museum. Tokenization makes these once exclusive assets more accessible. No need for millions of dollars in upfront capital, no geographical restrictions. With just a few clicks on an app, you can own a part of assets that were once only available to institutions and the wealthy.

This is not just a theory. Real estate projects, government bonds, and collectibles have begun to be tested in token form. If this trend continues, the boundaries between “Wall Street” and the “general public” may become even more blurred, allowing ordinary investors the opportunity to enter fields that were once out of reach.

Beyond Speculation

The story of cryptocurrency is no longer just about investment. It is also becoming a practical tool. Stablecoins—digital tokens pegged to the US dollar—are being used for fast, low-cost payments. Imagine remitting money overseas, with funds arriving instantly, without high fees or long waits. Businesses are also exploring the same tools to reduce friction in everyday transactions.

Cross-border remittances, small business payments, and even payroll systems—cryptocurrency is gradually making its way into these areas. Its promise is evident: the speed of fund transfers is as fast as the internet, with fewer intermediaries and lower fees. As regulated banks enter the stablecoin market, this promise is gradually becoming a reality.

Clearer Prospects

Looking back, the development history of the cryptocurrency industry is astonishing. From the chaotic situation of hacking attacks and scams to the orderly development of ETFs and regulated banking partnerships, the industry has shed many of its early burdens. Although the rollercoaster-like ups and downs have not stopped, the track seems to have become more stable.

For the average American, cryptocurrency no longer needs to be an adventurous unknown journey. It can become a gradual choice among many investments, properly integrated into a diversified portfolio. This wild frontier is being tamed, and pioneers are flocking in.

This is not the end, just the beginning

Cryptocurrency is not a passing fad; it has taken root in mainstream society. You can perceive this in your brokerage accounts, the new services from banks, and the serious discussions in Washington. The excitement remains, but the chaos is giving way to order.

For those holding a coffee and paying attention to this process, the message couldn't be clearer: Cryptocurrency is no longer an outsider. It is becoming part of the community — and this story is far from over, having just begun to get on track.