The crypto landscape is poised for major changes in 2025, with powerful forces — including artificial intelligence (AI), decentralized finance (DeFi) innovation, and evolving global regulations — reshaping the industry in real-time. GreedyChain.com brings you the whole story, clear of hype and hoopla. We deliver powerful intelligence to help you stay out in front of the evolving Web3 landscape. Investors should watch key trends: AI-crypto hybrids, DeFi’s expansion into real-world assets, regulatory clarity across key markets, and Layer 2 and interoperability innovations are key areas to focus on.

2025 will be a watershed year for cryptocurrencies, poised to see profound advancements in technological maturity and integration into the mainstream. To enhance efficiencies, scale, and security, blockchain projects are adopting AI models directly into their networks. The upcoming year will be an important one for the regulatory scene. That’s why these changes will be key to cutting through the complications and confusion this fast-growing industry has created.

In 2025, as the major blockchain networks strive for mass adoption, scalability and interoperability emerge as the key considerations. In March 2025, the conversation on repealing the DeFi broker rules intensified. The Senate then voted 70–27, and the House soon thereafter with a 292–132 vote to officially repeal these rules using the Congressional Review Act (CRA). As of January 10, 2025, the IRS has released the final draft of Form 1099-DA, which reads “Digital Asset Proceeds From Broker Transactions.” Beginning in 2025, brokers will have to report their customers’ digital asset transactions to the IRS through this new form.

Investors should keep a close eye on AI-crypto hybrids, DeFi’s expansion into real-world assets, regulatory clarity across key markets, Layer 2 and interoperability innovations, as these are expected to shape the crypto landscape in 2025. The crypto landscape has matured quickly. Like any rapidly-growing industry, and especially as mainstream financial systems become more attached, we need a more coordinated and thoughtful approach to regulation.

The Impact of Proposed Repeal of Staff Accounting Bulletin 121

The indirect consequences of the proposed repeal of Staff Accounting Bulletin 121 (SAB 121) are far reaching and deeply impactful to the growing crypto industry. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released SAB 121. This rule requires businesses that hold crypto assets on behalf of users to list those crypto assets as liabilities on their balance sheets. This has resulted in crypto custody services being less attractive to institutional investors and traditional financial firms. That provision locks up a large amount of capital, making them reluctant to provide such services.

Repealing SAB 121 would increase institutional participation in the crypto market. Third, it would ease the capital burden associated with custodying digital assets. This would result in improved liquidity, enhanced market stability, and accelerated mainstream adoption of crypto assets. This proposal brings crypto assets in line with the treatment of other asset classes. It helps to create a more even playing field for all investors.

On the flip side, some advocates for consumer protection claim that repealing SAB 121 would expose consumers to greater risks. In conclusion, SAB 121 is designed to ensure consumer protection. It makes certain that firms that own crypto assets have the necessary capital reserves to absorb expected loss. Without these requirements, consumers are at a higher risk of fraud, hacks, or other loss. That’s a tricky balancing act between encouraging innovation and promoting investor protection.

Exploring Real Estate Tokenization and Asset Integration

Interest in real estate tokenization is at an all-time high. It increases the real estate market’s liquidity and provides new opportunities by enabling fractional ownership of properties. It means investors can buy and sell fractions of properties easier than ever, enabling the fractionalization economy. This is enabled by digitizing real estate assets as blockchain-based tokens. For many investors, such investment was out of reach — until now. Even those who don’t have the capital to purchase an entire property can now get in on the action.

The incorporation of real-world assets (RWAs) such as real estate into the DeFi space is a third, notable trend. With blockchain technology, you can represent ownership of physical assets on the chain. Next, use those tokens to yield farm in DeFi protocols such as lending and borrowing markets. This can unlock new sources of capital for real estate projects and create new opportunities for investors to earn yield on their assets.

Tokenization of real estate faces headwinds and barriers to asset integration. Regulatory uncertainty remains a major hurdle. Further, we require sound valuation approaches and sophisticated ways to control the legal ownership of tokenized assets. How cities and states in overcoming these challenges will determine whether these technologies are widely adopted.

Navigating Regulatory Challenges and Corporate Adoption

The regulatory environment around cryptocurrencies is rapidly evolving. Companies operating within this landscape need to remain aware and agile to a constantly evolving set of rules and regulations. One of the most significant legislative changes coming in 2025 is the IRS’s introduction of new reporting requirements for digital asset transactions. Notably, beginning Jan. 1, 2026, brokers will be required to report digital asset transactions—including cost basis and gain/loss character—to the IRS. There’s a transition rule for 2025 where you can report on either Form 1099-B or Form 1099-DA.

Starting January 10, 2025, these IRS published the final draft of Form 1099-DA. This form is curiously named “Digital Asset Proceeds From Broker Transactions.” Brokers need to use this form to report digital asset transactions. The IRS first applied the term “digital asset middleman” in Treasury Decision 10021. The above decision marks a significant expansion of the current broker reporting obligations to include digital assets. Brokers must report specific digital asset transactions occurring from 2025 onward, including customers’ name, address, and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), date and time of each transaction, amount and type of digital asset sold, and gross proceeds from the sale.

Now thousands of companies are trying to figure out how they can use blockchain technology within their organization. Consequently, corporate adoption of cryptocurrencies is skyrocketing. This includes using cryptocurrencies for payments, investing in digital assets as a treasury management strategy, and developing blockchain-based solutions for supply chain management and other business processes. Moving past the regulatory hurdles that cryptocurrencies present is key for companies wishing to utilize these technologies.

Future Trends: Insights for Business Leaders

Here are a few important trends we expect to influence the crypto industry in the years ahead. It is essential for business leaders to be equipped with these trends, so that they can make smart investments, attract talent, and beat the competition to success.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Cryptocurrency

AI is set to play an even bigger role in the cryptocurrency space. Blockchain projects are baking AI models into their networks in order to increase efficiency, scalability and security. AI is already being deployed to analyze vast amounts of market data, detect fraudulent activity, and optimize trading strategies. AI-backed tools have lastly transformed the way investors discover and use information to make informed investment choices through customized recommendations and insights.

Understanding Stable Funding and the GENIUS Act

Without stable funding, the crypto market’s stability and future growth will continue to be uncertain. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that are usually pegged to a stable asset like the US dollar. They provide an important role by offering liquidity and enabling the transactions that occur. If the GENIUS Act were to pass, it would create a new regulatory framework for stablecoins. This framework will increase their adoption and use and speed their widespread use.

Importance of Strategic Reserves in the Market

Furthermore, maintaining strategic reserves of cryptocurrencies can ensure they are in sufficient supply to stabilize the market during times of volatility. You’d use these reserves to purchase cryptocurrencies when prices sink. This new strategy has been effective at curbing panic selling and building investor confidence. Only companies and organizations that begin building strategic reserves of cryptocurrencies will ultimately strengthen the market’s long-term health. Their engagement is essential for propelling predictability and progress in this rapidly changing environment.

Increased Regulatory Measures and Their Implications

Greater regulatory enforcement is unavoidable as the crypto industry continues to mature. These actions are designed to safeguard consumers against deceptive business practices and fraud. They further promote a fair and transparent market to their publics. Many crypto advocates see regulations purely as an obstacle. Instead, these regulations can help bring clarity and legitimacy to this new, emerging market, opening the floodgates to more mainstream investors.

Effective Strategies for Business Leaders in Crypto

Here are some strategies for business leaders in the crypto space:

  1. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest trends, regulations, and technologies in the crypto market.
  2. Embrace innovation: Be open to new ideas and technologies, and be willing to experiment with different approaches.
  3. Manage risk: Understand the risks associated with cryptocurrencies, and take steps to mitigate those risks.
  4. Build relationships: Network with other leaders in the crypto space, and build relationships with regulators and policymakers.
  5. Focus on compliance: Ensure that your business is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.

Weekly Thematic Summaries

Keeping up with industry changes, regulations, and trends is key to successful investing, and staying ahead of the curve is essential for today’s investors and business leaders. Thematic scene-setters each week will serve as useful touchstones to remind people of the major, powerful themes/trends/events that are truly moving and shaking the industry. These briefings could include regulatory updates, new technology developments, market trends, and other emerging opportunities.

Follow all the recent news and market activity in crypto with our weekly thematic wrap-ups. You’ll no longer need to waste days or weeks digging through each article and report one-by-one! This will enable you to optimize your strategy, focus on what works, and stay a step ahead of your competitors. Seek out analyses that provide a sober perspective, devoid of industry hype, on the real information and implications.

Conclusion

The crypto landscape in 2025 is far more exciting, innovative and transformative, as assets including AI, DeFi and regulatory environments continue to reshape the crypto industry. Continuing to be well-informed on these basic, growing trends are key not only for investors but for business leaders as well. Get to know what these changes mean! Navigate this dynamic landscape, and you’ll set yourself up to thrive in the innovative ecosystem of digital assets. The answer is keep ahead of the curve, embrace innovation responsibly, and mitigate risk.

Contributors

Graham Michitsch

Graham Michitsch is an architect and digital asset strategist with deep expertise in blockchain technology, smart contracts and distributed networks.

Michael Valerio

Michael is a veteran financial executive with extensive experience in crypto markets and regulatory compliance.

Cherry Bekaert

Cherry Bekaert is a leading accounting and consulting firm that provides expert guidance to businesses operating in the cryptocurrency industry.