Big Companies Are Quietly Betting on Blockchain
A recent Coinbase report suggests more Fortune 500 companies are looking into blockchain—not for flashy crypto projects, but for behind-the-scenes fixes. About 60% of them are reportedly testing how the tech could streamline things like invoicing, record-keeping, and payments. It’s not all hype, either. One in five executives now say blockchain is part of their long-term strategy, up nearly half from last year.
But it’s not just the giants. Smaller businesses are poking around, too. Around 80% of surveyed companies think blockchain could help with internal tasks, especially where automation and transparency matter. Even among those not using it yet, nearly half plan to explore it within three years. That’s surprising, given how much airtime AI gets these days.
Why the Sudden Interest?
The appeal seems practical, not speculative. Big firms are eyeing tokenization—turning assets into tradable digital tokens—while smaller ones like the idea of faster, cheaper cross-border payments. There’s also the fundraising angle; decentralized models can cut out middlemen.
Still, hesitation lingers. The report notes that clearer U.S. regulations would help. “Market structure and stablecoin laws are critical,” it says, hinting that companies are waiting for rules before diving deeper.
Blockchain Firms Are Holding Their Own
Despite AI dominating headlines, blockchain-focused companies aren’t fading. Some in cybersecurity have reportedly delivered 200% returns, outpacing AI ventures in certain cases. Hong Kong’s Cyberport initiative, for example, has attracted over 150 Web3 startups with tax breaks and government backing.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s making moves. Its digital asset minister, Bilal Bin Saqib, just wrapped up a U.S. tour, meeting with politicians like Senator Cynthia Lummis and NYC Mayor Eric Adams. The goal? To borrow ideas—and maybe partnerships—for Pakistan’s own crypto push. Saqib even floated a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve” plan, echoing a Trump-era concept.
Pakistan’s Digital Gamble
The country’s racing to digitize, launching a new regulator (the PDAA) to oversee crypto licensing and stablecoins. It’s also experimenting with Bitcoin mining, using excess energy, and shifting birth/death records to blockchain for better accuracy.
Whether any of this pans out is unclear. But the trend’s hard to ignore: from corporate back offices to government ledgers, blockchain’s creeping in—slowly, quietly, and without much fanfare.
