Here are the segments and specific crypto assets that could potentially benefit the most from further institutional capital inflows into the crypto market, especially through ETFs, custody, and asset tokenization:
1. Real World Assets (RWA)
Why this is important:
Institutionals want to tokenize government bonds, real estate, funds, to reduce costs and speed up settlements.
Key tokens:
Chainlink (LINK) – leader in infrastructure for RWA (oracles, CCIP, proof-of-reserve).
Ondo Finance (ONDO) – tokenization of US bonds and treasury securities.
Centrifuge (CFG) – a platform for collateralizing real assets (factoring, real estate).
2. Custody and storage infrastructure
Why:
Asset storage (especially with regulatory compliance requirements) — is the foundation of institutional work.
Key tokens:
Fireblocks (no token yet) — actively used in ETF storage, but if a token appears — keep an eye on it.
Polkadot (DOT) / Substrate ecosystem – used in institutional-grade custody and confidential networks.
XDC Network (XDC) – a network focused on institutional use (especially in Asia).
3. Layer 1 / Layer 2, where RWA and tokenization can develop
Key tokens:
Ethereum (ETH) – the main network for tokenization and RWA.
Solana (SOL) – rapidly growing institutional activity (BlackRock is experimenting with tokenization on SOL).
Polygon (MATIC) – actively works with Nike, Reddit, Starbucks — and with TradFi partners.
4. Decentralized identity and compliance providers
Why:
Institutionals need KYC, AML, proof-of-identity and permissioned blockchains.
Key tokens:
Worldcoin (WLD) – biometric identification (although it raises controversies).
Civic (CVC) – solutions for decentralized identification.
Polygon ID / zk-based ID – infrastructure solutions in the ZK segment.
5. Participants in the ETF race and beneficiaries of BTC growth
Key tokens:
Bitcoin (BTC) – a direct beneficiary of institutional demand.
Stacks (STX) – infrastructure for DeFi on Bitcoin (L2).
Runes/BRC-20 – in perspective, if ETF providers support BTC smart contracts.
Conclusion:
Institutional capital has already begun to build the infrastructure of the new digital stock market. The tokens that will win are those that:
1. Solve real problems (regulation, custody, integration with TradFi).
2. Work with large companies and banks (like LINK, ETH, MATIC).
3. Create infrastructure for RWA and compliant ecosystems.
