Institutional interest in tokenization has become independent of Bitcoin’s price fluctuations, as major financial entities recognize blockchain’s benefits for managing traditional assets like bonds and commodities. Thomas Cowan, head of tokenization at Galaxy, highlights this shift at The Bridge conference in New York City.
Separation from volatility: Tokenization interest now stands alone, unaffected by Bitcoin’s rises and falls.
Institutions are building dedicated teams for blockchain applications, focusing on efficiency in asset management.
Growth data shows tokenized assets surging, with stablecoins and money market funds leading adoption amid eased U.S. regulations.
Institutional interest in tokenization grows independent of Bitcoin price in 2025. Discover how blockchain transforms finance—explore benefits for traditional assets and why now’s the time to invest. Stay ahead with expert insights.
What is driving institutional interest in tokenization independent of Bitcoin’s price?
Institutional interest in tokenization has decoupled from Bitcoin’s volatility, allowing blockchain technology to gain traction based on its inherent advantages for financial operations. Thomas Cowan, head of tokenization at Galaxy, explained during The Bridge conference in New York City that this separation has emerged over recent months. Institutions now prioritize tokenization’s potential to streamline the movement and storage of assets like bonds and oil on blockchain networks.
Tokenization involves converting real-world assets into digital tokens on a blockchain, enabling faster, more secure transactions. This process has seen accelerated adoption in 2025, bolstered by regulatory easing under the current U.S. administration. Major traditional finance firms are increasingly investing in this technology, viewing it as a foundational shift rather than a speculative trend tied to cryptocurrency prices.
Thomas Cowan speaking at an Aptos event in New York City on Wednesday. Source: YouTube
Bitcoin’s price has fluctuated significantly this year, climbing above $126,000 in early October before dropping nearly 20% to approximately $102,000. Despite these swings, Cowan noted that institutional focus on tokenization persists, marking a maturation in the crypto sector.
How are stablecoins and tokenized money market funds advancing institutional adoption?
Stablecoins have surged in popularity following U.S. regulatory approvals earlier in 2025, providing a stable bridge between traditional finance and blockchain. Cowan described this as a use case that is “off to the races,” with institutions leveraging stablecoins for efficient, low-risk transactions. These digital assets maintain a peg to fiat currencies, reducing volatility concerns that previously deterred broader adoption.
Tokenized money market funds represent the next evolution, allowing investors to earn yields on government bonds and similar low-risk securities directly on-chain. Cowan emphasized that as capital migrates to blockchain platforms, participants seek the risk-free rates they relinquish when holding stablecoins alone. “A very logical next step to go from stables to money market funds,” he stated, underscoring the appeal for institutions managing large portfolios.
This progression aligns with broader industry developments. For instance, firms like Franklin Templeton have expanded their tokenization platforms to interoperable networks, facilitating seamless asset transfers. Data from market analyses indicate that tokenized fund assets under management have grown by over 300% year-over-year, reflecting confidence in blockchain’s scalability. Experts, including those from Galaxy Digital, project that these instruments could handle trillions in value within the next few years, driven by cost savings and 24/7 accessibility.
Cowan’s insights reveal a pivotal moment for the sector. Institutions that hesitated in prior cycles—due to price crashes shrinking crypto teams—are now committing resources. “They just see that technology as something that is going to be the back end of their financial institutions,” he added, highlighting the long-term durability of tokenization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors have made tokenization interest independent of Bitcoin price in 2025?
Regulatory clarity from the U.S. government has encouraged institutions to explore tokenization’s operational benefits, such as reduced settlement times and lower costs. Thomas Cowan from Galaxy notes that blockchain’s value for traditional assets now overshadows crypto market volatility, fostering sustained investment regardless of Bitcoin’s performance.
Why are tokenized money market funds considered the next step after stablecoins for institutions?
Tokenized money market funds offer yield-generating opportunities on safe assets like Treasury bonds, building on stablecoins’ stability. This allows institutions to maintain liquidity while earning returns on-chain, making it a natural progression for capital deployment in a blockchain ecosystem, as explained by tokenization experts.
Key Takeaways
- Decoupling from Bitcoin: Institutional enthusiasm for tokenization now relies on blockchain’s practical advantages, not price movements.
- Regulatory boost: Eased U.S. rules in 2025 have accelerated stablecoin and fund tokenization, drawing in major players.
- Investment opportunity: With technology proving transformative, now is the time for institutions to engage before widespread adoption solidifies.
Conclusion
The evolving landscape of institutional interest in tokenization signals a robust future for blockchain in traditional finance, independent of Bitcoin’s price dynamics. As stablecoins pave the way for tokenized money market funds, the sector is poised for exponential growth, promising efficiency and innovation. Institutions should evaluate these opportunities to position themselves at the forefront of this inevitable transformation.