Building bridges with physical systems: How better real-world infrastructure will take crypto mainstream

Crypto has made impressive strides since the early days of Bitcoin, evolving from niche speculation to a legitimate player in today’s financial system. But despite advances in tech and adoption, infrastructure remains a key obstacle to its integration into everyday life. For crypto to move beyond tech-savvy users, it needs real-world legal, financial, and physical systems that make it easy, secure, and familiar to the average user. Here’s how crypto is now going mainstream as it rapidly gets the real-world infrastructure it needs.

From grey areas to guardrails: How regulation is building crypto's future

A stable, clear regulatory environment is foundational for any financial system and legislation like the GENIUS Act is moving the US in that direction by defining what kinds of crypto assets are allowed, how to tax them, and how consumer protection can be integrated. Initiatives like Project Crypto aim to integrate crypto into the broader payments ecosystem in a compliant way. This kind of regulatory clarity gives institutional players confidence to participate while protecting retail users from bad actors. Instead of trying to shut crypto down, lawmakers are building the lanes through which it can drive through safely.

Tokenized real estate and other assets

Tokenization is one of the most exciting trends in crypto today. By turning familiar real-world assets (RWAs) like property, bonds, or credit into digital tokens, platforms like Securitize and JPMorgan’s Kinexys are building a new market that’s faster, more transparent, and more accessible. This shift brings blockchain into traditional finance. For example, tokenized bonds can settle in real time, while tokenized real estate makes fractional ownership possible. As token infrastructure matures, we’ll see more legacy financial products reimagined on-chain. 

Bridging TradFi and DeFi: Payments, custody and institutional access

Infrastructure developments now allow crypto purchases in the same way as fiat. Payment processors are piloting stablecoin settlements, and some investment providers have begun offering crypto options in retirement accounts. These advancements create smoother on-ramps for users and make crypto a practical tool, not just a speculative asset.

Making crypto tangible: Payment rails and physical access

Real-world access points are essential so that everyone can use crypto. This includes crypto-linked debit cards and retailers that will accept stablecoins right when you buy a product. Crucially, accessibility also includes physical infrastructure like Bitcoin ATMs that let you convert cash to crypto instantly, reducing friction and making the process more intuitive without requiring a technical background or digital wallet. By bridging digital assets with real-world access, these touchpoints play a vital role in mass adoption. 

Crypto going mainstream starts with infrastructure

The crypto space is no longer just about innovation, but integration. Real-world infrastructure is what will transform digital assets from fringe tools into everyday essentials.