The financial world is witnessing a transformative shift — traditional brokers are opening their doors to cryptocurrency, while crypto-native platforms are expanding beyond digital assets into mainstream finance. This convergence marks the dawn of a new era in asset liquidity, where boundaries between stock markets and blockchain ecosystems blur.
As we step into 2025, two powerful trends are redefining the investment landscape: "brokers embracing crypto" and "exchanges breaking out". These movements aren’t isolated experiments — they signal a systemic evolution toward integrated, multi-asset financial platforms.
How Brokers Are Going Crypto-First
One of the most significant developments comes from Futu Securities, a dominant player in Hong Kong’s stock app market. With over 25 million registered users and client assets exceeding HK$743.3 billion, Futu has long been a leader in online brokerage. Now, it's accelerating its entry into the digital asset space.
In November 2023, Futu submitted an application for a Virtual Asset Trading Platform (VATP) license to the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong through its subsidiary, PantherTrade. By August 1, 2024, it launched spot trading for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
Now, Futu has taken another bold step: enabling direct Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT deposits into user accounts. Eligible investors can now transfer crypto assets seamlessly into their portfolios and allocate funds across Hong Kong stocks, U.S. equities, ETFs, bonds, and virtual assets — all within a single interface.
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Minimum deposit requirements are competitive:
- BTC: 0.0002 BTC
- ETH: 0.001 ETH
- USDT: Available exclusively to professional investors
Early adopters report that transaction speeds match those of leading centralized exchanges, indicating a smooth and reliable onboarding experience.
This isn’t just about adding new features — it’s a strategic pivot toward becoming a multi-asset financial hub, blending traditional capital markets with the agility of blockchain-based finance.
The Global Trend: Traditional Finance Meets Digital Assets
Futu isn’t alone. Across markets, established financial institutions are racing to integrate crypto services.
In Hong Kong, Victory Securities launched USDT and USDC deposit and withdrawal functions via its VictoryX app in May 2024. The firm has set an ambitious vision to become a “full-stack virtual asset service provider” within three years.
Across the Pacific, Robinhood has emerged as a trailblazer in the U.S. In 2024, its crypto trading volume surged to $143 billion — a staggering 259% year-on-year increase — reaching nearly two-thirds of Coinbase’s retail volume. Not content with domestic dominance, Robinhood acquired Bitstamp and plans to roll out crypto services in Singapore by the end of 2025, targeting the fast-growing Asian market.
Other giants are following suit:
- Charles Schwab expects to launch BTC and ETH spot trading this year.
- E*Trade, under Morgan Stanley, aims to offer crypto services by 2026.
These moves reflect a broader industry consensus: crypto adoption is no longer optional — it’s inevitable.
Crypto Exchanges Expand Beyond Blockchain
While brokers integrate crypto, the reverse is also happening: major crypto platforms are expanding into traditional finance.
Bybit, known for its derivatives trading strength, recently announced plans to introduce U.S. stock trading, along with indices, gold, and crude oil products. This expansion transforms the platform from a crypto-only venue into a diversified investment ecosystem.
Equally important is the push into real-world utility. Platforms are bridging the gap between digital assets and everyday spending:
- OKX Pay functions like a "crypto money market fund," allowing users to earn yield on idle balances.
- Bitget and Coinbase have rolled out crypto debit cards.
- OKX and Kraken are developing their own card solutions, enabling users to spend digital assets at physical stores and online merchants.
This shift isn't just about convenience — it's about building closed-loop ecosystems that increase user engagement, retention, and revenue diversification.
As crypto influencer Rocky puts it:
“There will only be two types of exchanges in the future: comprehensive platforms integrating real-world assets (RWA), and traditional ones clinging to pure crypto.”
The future belongs to those who can blend blockchain innovation with mainstream financial access.
Why Asset Interoperability Is Inevitable
The merging of stock and crypto markets — often called "coin-stock convergence" — is more than a technological upgrade. It represents a fundamental shift in how capital flows across asset classes.
Key Impacts of This Trend:
- Increased Competition for Liquidity
As crypto projects gain visibility on mainstream platforms, they’ll compete directly with equities for investor attention and capital. Only high-quality protocols with clear use cases will thrive. - Improved Market Discipline
When investors apply traditional valuation frameworks (e.g., P/E ratios, cash flow analysis) to crypto assets, speculative tokens will face greater scrutiny. This could accelerate the exit of low-value projects. - Rise of Stablecoins as Bridge Assets
With regulatory clarity improving in jurisdictions like Hong Kong and Singapore, stablecoins like USDT and USDC are becoming trusted conduits between fiat and digital economies. - Regulatory Maturation Enables Integration
Clearer compliance frameworks allow licensed brokers and regulated exchanges to operate confidently in hybrid environments — reducing risk while expanding access. - Consolidation Through M&A
Expect more mergers between traditional financial firms and crypto infrastructure providers. These partnerships will drive innovation while ensuring compliance at scale.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does “brokers embracing crypto” mean?
A: It refers to traditional financial institutions — like stockbrokers — integrating cryptocurrency services such as buying, selling, holding, or depositing digital assets alongside conventional investments like stocks and ETFs.
Q: Why are exchanges adding stocks and commodities?
A: To diversify offerings and retain users within their ecosystems. By providing access to both crypto and traditional assets, exchanges become one-stop financial platforms.
Q: Are these services available globally?
A: Availability varies by jurisdiction due to regulation. Services like Futu’s crypto deposits are currently limited to eligible users in compliant regions like Hong Kong.
Q: Is it safe to deposit crypto into a brokerage account?
A: Yes — if the platform is properly licensed (e.g., by Hong Kong’s SFC or U.S. regulators). Always verify regulatory status before transferring funds.
Q: What role do stablecoins play in this integration?
A: Stablecoins act as liquidity bridges between fiat and crypto systems. Their price stability makes them ideal for transfers, payments, and yield generation across platforms.
Q: Will this trend lead to full financial convergence?
A: We’re moving toward a unified financial system where asset type matters less than accessibility, security, and yield potential — a future where portfolios naturally blend stocks, bonds, gold, and digital assets.
Final Outlook: The Future Is Hybrid
We’re no longer looking at separate financial silos. The rise of multi-asset platforms, regulatory maturation, and growing consumer demand for flexibility are driving irreversible integration.
Whether you're an investor managing a diversified portfolio or a user wanting to spend crypto at your local café, the tools are now emerging to make digital finance truly seamless.
As boundaries dissolve between Wall Street and Web3, one thing becomes clear:
👉 Explore the next generation of integrated financial platforms today.
The era of isolated ecosystems is ending. Welcome to the age of universal asset liquidity — where value flows freely across markets, technologies, and borders.