At the Benzinga Future of Digital Assets conference, experts discussed the far-reaching impact of recent and potential regulatory changes on digital asset markets. The conversation centered on how these developments could accelerate institutional adoption, with key insights into the repeal of SAB 121 and the effects of updated accounting standards.
Easing Custody Restrictions Could Unlock Institutional Growth
SAB 121, which limits banks' ability to offer custody services for digital assets, has long been a barrier to broader institutional adoption. Adam Guren, founder of Hunting Hill Global Capital, called attention to its restrictive nature and the opportunity its repeal could represent. "Once the banks are coming into the U.S., it's just a massive uptick from flows and the way the space can be institutionalized," he stated.
Guren highlighted the Bank of New York Mellon's exemption from SAB 121 as a potential precedent. Such regulatory changes, he noted, could encourage more institutions to enter the market, paving the way for new products and greater confidence in digital assets among traditional financial players.
New Accounting Standards Change Corporate Thinking
The Financial Accounting Standards Board's recent decision to adopt fair market value accounting for digital assets is already transforming how companies approach their balance sheets. Anthony Rousseau, head of brokerage solutions at TradeStation, explained, "We're starting to see corporate balance sheets race to put Bitcoin on their balance sheet... It's something none of us really expected to take hold as quickly as it has."
Rousseau cited MicroStrategy as a prime example of how this shift is influencing corporate strategy. By integrating Bitcoin into its financial planning, the company has created a template for others to follow. Rousseau predicted this trend would expand as more businesses explore digital assets as a financial tool.
Market Changes Signal Broader Adoption Ahead
The panelists agreed that regulatory clarity and accounting updates could foster greater confidence in digital assets among institutional and corporate players. These changes, they suggested, would help bridge the gap between traditional finance and the digital asset market.
Guren noted the potential for these shifts to inspire businesses to rethink their strategies: "This could open the door for firms to think about how digital assets fit in their business, outside of just having Bitcoin on their balance sheet."
The discussion highlighted how targeted regulatory updates can reshape an industry. As the digital asset market continues to evolve, the insights shared at the conference offered a clear message: clarity and cooperation will drive the next phase of adoption.
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