INTRODUCTION

At Token2049, one of the most anticipated discussions was the panel titled “From Apps to Assets: Fintech’s Leap into Crypto.”

The conversation was moderated by CoinGecko CEO Bobby Ong and featured John Wang, Johann Kerbrat, Mazen ElJundi, and May Zabaneh.

The event brought together leaders from fintech and payments companies to explore how digital assets are evolving from speculative instruments to everyday financial products.

The conversation focused on regulatory milestones, user‑driven adoption, and the design choices shaping the future of cryptocurrency in mainstream finance.

USER DEMAND VS. INDUSTRY PUSH

A key question raised was whether crypto adoption is driven more by consumer demand or by fintech companies pushing new products. Panelists agreed that customers have long sought access to crypto, but barriers such as limited funding options slowed progress.

Now, with clearer regulations and improved infrastructure, the dynamic has shifted. Companies emphasized that crypto integration is not forced on users but rather a response to consistent demand. The relationship is mutually reinforcing: users want access, and fintechs provide it while prioritizing compliance and safety.

THE ROLE OF REGULATION

If there was one recurring theme, it was regulation.

The GENIUS Act in the United States was cited as a turning point, providing a framework for stablecoins and lending legitimacy to crypto. In Europe and Singapore, regulators have also been proactive, with MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) recognized as a global leader.

Yet regulatory clarity remains incomplete. Market structure rules are still pending in the U.S., and many jurisdictions remain fragmented.

Despite this, panelists agreed that regulatory momentum is opening doors for fintech and institutional investors, signaling a new phase of adoption.

USER EXPERIENCE AND CONSUMER EDUCATION

Another central theme was the importance of simplifying user experience. Consumers do not need to understand blockchain mechanics to use crypto. Instead, platforms must make the process intuitive.

One panelist illustrated this with a story of settling travel expenses across currencies. Using a remittance product, crypto was converted instantly across borders in seconds. Compared to the traditional method—selling crypto, wiring funds, and waiting days—the difference was striking.

Robinhood shared tools like real‑time profit and loss tracking, while PayPal discussed its “Pay with Crypto” feature that lets merchants accept digital assets but settle in fiat. Across these examples, the design principle was consistent: reduce complexity, ensure transparency, and make crypto as easy as tapping a card.

At the same time, promoting financial literacy is crucial and cannot be ignored.

Revolut’s “Learn to Earn” program offers short tutorials, quizzes, and rewards, reaching millions of users. This not only helps users build knowledge but also increases engagement.

Education remains crucial for staking. While staking adoption is growing, many users still confuse it with lending. Panelists believe that clearer communication is crucial for the sustainable development of the industry.

PRODUCT INNOVATION AND NEW USE CASES

Beyond payments, fintech players are developing broader applications. Prediction markets are emerging as a new asset class, with efforts to legalize them in the United States reflecting a long‑term commitment to trust and compliance.

Stablecoins were another focus. PayPal emphasized their role in reducing processing costs for merchants and improving cross‑border settlements, particularly for small businesses. Revolut introduced “crypto cards,” enabling users to spend digital assets directly while the platform manages conversion.

These innovations signal a shift from crypto as speculation to crypto as utility. True adoption, panelists agreed, will come when digital assets improve daily life rather than serve only for profit‑taking.

THE NORTH STAR METRICS

Johann Kerbrat also outlined how success is measured. For Robinhood, the goal is democratizing access to asset classes once reserved for the wealthy, with tokenization as the key driver.

For Revolut, the North Star is scale: 100 million customers in 100 markets, achieved while remaining the safest and most accessible provider. For PayPal, success is measured through adoption and transaction volume, particularly by pushing stablecoins into payments beyond trading. Kalshi, meanwhile, stressed the importance of legitimizing new financial products through sustained regulatory dialogue.

WHAT MAKES THIS CYCLE DIFFERENT

The panel concluded by reflecting on what differentiates this cycle from previous ones.

Three forces stood out: the beginnings of regulatory clarity, the entry of institutional players, and the rise of stablecoins. Together, they are transforming crypto from a niche market into a mainstream financial system.

In addition, product design has matured. Rather than overwhelming users with technical complexity, platforms are delivering simple, transparent, and accessible services. Combined with the scale of fintech networks, this positions crypto for broader global adoption than ever before.

CONCLUSION

The Token2049 panel demonstrated that fintech is no longer treating crypto as a side experiment. Instead, digital assets are being integrated into the core of financial services, guided by user demand, regulatory advances, and a commitment to usability. From remittances to stablecoin payments, from staking to prediction markets, the industry is pushing toward a future where crypto operates seamlessly in the background.

The challenges remain—regulatory gaps, education needs, and institutional scaling—but the direction is unmistakable. As one panelist concluded, the real breakthrough will come when crypto is no longer discussed as an experiment but simply used, securely and globally, as part of everyday finance.