How BlackRock and Stripe are driving crypto into ‘adulthood,’ according to a16zCrypto

Markets 2025-10-24 10:19

How BlackRock and Stripe are driving crypto into ‘adulthood,’ according to a16zCrypto

Crypto’s stellar 2025 sets the stage for the industry to accelerate its growth.

That’s the central message of venture capital powerhouse Andreessen Horowitz’s crypto division’s latest State of Crypto report.

“Seventeen years in, crypto is leaving its adolescence and entering adulthood,” a16zCrypto wrote.

The report paints a picture of a maturing industry that has moved past its speculative phase and into “a meaningful part” of the economy.

The report comes as blockchains now process more than 3,400 transactions per second, and Wall Street giants and fintech challengers alike are building crypto products.

New institutional standard

BlackRock received special accolades from a16zCrypto.

It noted how the investment giant’s iShares Bitcoin Trust has been a roaring success that has driven institutional investments and added $175 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum onchain holdings.

Circle’s billion-dollar initial public offering, Stripe’s acquisition of stablecoin infrastructure startup Bridge, and the passage of the Genius Act, a landmark stablecoin bill that gave builders and institutions long-awaited regulatory clarity, were also hailed as key achievements from the industry.

Stablecoins now power $46 trillion in total annual transaction volume — up 106% year-on-year — nearly triple Visa’s throughput and on pace with the Automated Clearing House network, an electronic funds-transfer systen that underpins US banking.

Mentions of stablecoins in Securities and Exchange Commission filings have jumped 64% in 2025, and a wave of new products has followed. Firms including Citigroup, Fidelity, JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, and Visa are now offering or planning to offer crypto to their clients, a16zCrypto said.

Beyond trading, fintechs like PayPal, Robinhood, and Stripe are building blockchains of their own, focused on payments and real-world assets, while BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust became the most-traded Bitcoin exchange-traded product launch of all time.

“These companies have massive distribution. If development continues, crypto could become deeply integrated into the financial services we use every day.”

Crypto market movers

  • Bitcoin is up 1.2% over the past 24 hours at around $109,400.

  • Ethereum is up 1.2% over the past 24 hours, trading at $3,880.

Share to:

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

Curated Series

SuperEx Popular Science Articles Column

SuperEx Popular Science Articles Column

This collection features informative articles about SuperEx, aiming to simplify complex cryptocurrency concepts for a wider audience. It covers the basics of trading, blockchain technology, and the features of the SuperEx platform. Through easy-to-understand content, it helps users navigate the world of digital assets with confidence and clarity.

How do beginners trade options?How does option trading work?

How do beginners trade options?How does option trading work?

This special feature introduces the fundamentals of options trading for beginners, explaining how options work, their main types, and the mechanics behind trading them. It also explores key strategies, potential risks, and practical tips, helping readers build a clear foundation to approach the options market with confidence.

What are the risks of investing in cryptocurrency?

What are the risks of investing in cryptocurrency?

This special feature covers the risks of investing in cryptocurrency, explaining common challenges such as market volatility, security vulnerabilities, regulatory uncertainties, and potential scams. It also provides analysis of risk management strategies and mitigation techniques, helping readers gain a clear understanding of how to navigate the crypto market safely.

Bitcoin historical price data and trends

Bitcoin historical price data and trends

This special feature gathers multiple articles on Bitcoin’s historical price data, analyzing past trends, market cycles, and key events that shaped its value. It also explores factors influencing price movements, providing readers with insights into Bitcoin’s long-term performance and market patterns.

Detailed Illustrated Guide to Contract Trading

Detailed Illustrated Guide to Contract Trading

This collection, "Detailed Illustrated Guide to Contract Trading," explains the fundamentals of contract trading, including futures and margin trading. It uses clear illustrations to simplify key concepts, risk management strategies, and order types, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced traders.