Blockchain to Power Future Global Transactions

Industry Insights from Next Move Strategy Consulting

As the world’s financial systems evolve toward digital transformation, blockchain technology is emerging as the next foundational layer of global commerce. In a compelling statement at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025, Bill Winters, CEO of Standard Chartered, projected a future where nearly all global transactions will be powered by blockchain infrastructure — marking a profound shift in how value is exchanged and managed across borders.

Rewiring the Financial Ecosystem Through Blockchain

Addressing a panel in Hong Kong, Winters stated, “Our belief … is that pretty much all transactions will settle on blockchains eventually, and that all money will be digital.” His remarks underscored the scale of transformation underway — a complete rewiring of the financial system that will reshape the mechanisms of trade, payments, and asset management.

Winters emphasized that the evolution toward blockchain-driven finance requires continued experimentation and innovation. The event also highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a leader in digital asset regulation and testing, reinforcing its ambition to position itself as a regional hub for blockchain and crypto innovation.

Standard Chartered’s Expanding Digital Asset Footprint

Standard Chartered, listed in both London and Hong Kong, has been steadily expanding its presence in the digital asset landscape. The bank has launched initiatives in digital asset custody, trading platforms, and tokenized products, signaling its long-term commitment to blockchain-based financial infrastructure.

Under Hong Kong’s newly launched digital asset licensing framework, Standard Chartered has also joined forces with Animoca Brands and HKT to develop a Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin. The initiative aligns with the city’s broader strategy to advance tokenization pilots and enhance cross-border trade efficiency through regulated digital currencies.

Winters noted that Hong Kong dollar stablecoins could emerge as an innovative new medium of exchange for international digital trade, offering speed, transparency, and cost efficiency compared to traditional settlement systems.

The Broader Momentum Behind Tokenization

The shift toward tokenized finance is gaining traction across the global financial ecosystem. Prominent industry leaders have echoed similar optimism about blockchain’s potential:

• Vlad Tenev, CEO of Robinhood Markets, recently described tokenization as a “freight train” destined to reshape major markets within the next five years.

• Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, noted that every asset class — from equities to real estate — can eventually be tokenized, calling it a “revolution” in investment management.

These perspectives highlight how blockchain-enabled tokenization is redefining ownership, liquidity, and accessibility in financial markets, breaking down traditional barriers and enabling fractionalized investment opportunities worldwide.

Next Move Strategy Consulting’s View

From a strategic standpoint, Next Move Strategy Consulting recognizes Standard Chartered’s blockchain vision as a pivotal indicator of market direction. The statement reflects a global shift toward digital-first finance, where blockchain serves as the backbone for secure, transparent, and real-time transactions.

The consulting firm identifies Blockchain Market adoption as a key driver of modernization across banking and financial services, enabling interoperability between traditional institutions and digital ecosystems. This transition not only accelerates cross-border settlement efficiency but also establishes the foundation for tokenized economies—where both currency and assets coexist within integrated, programmable ledgers.

According to Next Move Strategy Consulting, the rise of blockchain-enabled finance signals a paradigm shift from legacy banking infrastructures to systems built on distributed trust, automation, and transparency. As global adoption gathers pace, financial institutions that embrace blockchain early are expected to gain a competitive edge in operational resilience, compliance, and innovation.

Reshaping the Future of Money

As digital assets move from the periphery to the core of financial systems, blockchain technology is redefining the architecture of global finance. Standard Chartered’s vision reflects an industry consensus that the future of money is digital, decentralized, and data-driven.

In an increasingly connected world, blockchain is no longer a speculative concept but a strategic necessity — one capable of unifying markets, reducing friction, and enabling a transparent, efficient, and inclusive global economy.

Source: CNBC

Prepared by: Next Move Strategy Consulting