Blockchain and its many applications are changing the world. Although the last 10 years have been speculative, the next 10 will be defined by blockchain applications redefining major global industries — including financial services, technology, consumer and luxury goods, and sports and entertainment.
In particular, the ongoing development of defined blockchain use cases — cryptocurrencies; real-world asset tokenization; decentralized apps (dApps); practical self-custody; wallets and payments — will act as a key disruptor across vital business sectors.
Moreover, blockchain’s emergence into a phase of utility, adoption and ubiquity has profound implications. The World Economic Forum predicts that 10% of global GDP could be tokenized and stored on the blockchain by 2027, with the technology set to become increasingly embedded in daily life.
Finance: Reshaping Value Creation and Financial Products
- Institutional investors continue to allocate capital to digital assets and related products. Further development of trading products and custody services will make it easier for investors to allocate and increase exposure in the years ahead.
- Stablecoins are primed to alter the global payments landscape. Major firms like Visa are investing money and resources, and today’s top stablecoins continue to grow in market capitalization and use.
- Crypto exchanges will rewire how assets trade in the world. This shift is already underway and has spurred market incumbents to explore innovations such as 24/7 trading hours.
- Major financial services firms are moving toward a tokenized future. More than two-thirds of financial services interview respondents said they are developing capabilities to support the issuance and servicing of tokenized assets.
Technology: Technology & Infrastructure are Transforming Onchain
- Blockchain has changed how software, networks, and data systems are constructed and used.
- The future of AI will be influenced by blockchain. Startups and developers are exploring how blockchain can decentralize the development of artificial intelligence systems.
- Privacy and blockchain will improve symbiotically online, enabling users to transact pseudonymously while maintaining control of their personal data.
- The convergence of blockchain, cloud computing, and AI is underway and could grow into a multi-trillion-dollaropportunity.
Brand: Blockchain is Enhancing the Brand Experience
- Major consumer and luxury brands are poised to tap blockchain’s potential. Big box retail operators like Walmart and luxury brands such as LVMH are integrating blockchain to revolutionize supply chain transparency and production processes.
- Consumer and luxury brands are experimenting with use cases that can reshape their businesses, including digital product passports, luxury-brand NFTs, smart contracts for business practices, and blockchain-based product lifecycle tracking.
- Consumer and luxury goods are blending the physical and digital for an onchain future, and digital experiences will foster loyalty across different types of consumer businesses.
Entertainment: Changing the Game for Sports & Entertainment
- Sports organizations and teams are leveraging blockchain technology to enhance fan engagement through digital collectibles, team-specific tokens, and unique experiences. Blockchain applications are expected to expand into new areas including metaverse and sports betting.
- Crypto will allow creators a greater share of — and control over — revenue. This is in stark contrast with today’s state of affairs, in which creators in the film, TV, and music industries must share revenue with hosting platforms.
- Blockchain will reshape the gaming landscape and provide financial incentives to players. Interoperability and the play-to-earn model can create more sustainable funding models for gamers.
2025 & Beyond
- Bitcoin’s continued price strength through 2025
- The rise of self-custody-based dApps
- Tokenization and the arrival of equities onchain
- A new cohort of crypto and blockchain developers
- Evolving brokerage platforms and two-sided marketplaces
- Generative AI finds new use cases
Conclusion
Blockchain is no longer just a buzzword — it’s become a powerful driver of innovation, rapidly transforming global industries and economies. As shown throughout this report, the integration of blockchain into finance, technology, consumer goods, and entertainment is already reshaping traditional models, sometimes in surprising ways.
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