The future of bitcoin is a hot topic in the financial world, and a recent discussion brought together industry experts to share their insights.

Merris Badcock from The Digital Chamber led the conversation with Perianne Boring, CEO of The Digital Chamber, Lilya Tessler, Partner and Head of the FinTech and Blockchain Group at Sidley Austin LLP, Caitlin Long, founder and CEO at Custodia Bank, and Natalie Brunell, host of the Coin Stories Podcast. Each offered a unique perspective on what the next decade might hold for bitcoin and the broader crypto ecosystem.

Merris Badcock kicked off the discussion by asking the panelists about their projections for the next decade of bitcoin and crypto.

Boring highlighted the importance of establishing a legal framework to support blockchain businesses and investors in the United States. She emphasized the transformative potential of spot bitcoin ETFs, which have already attracted multi-billion-dollar inflows, marking the most successful ETF launch in history. Boring predicted that as more institutional investors, including Fortune 500 companies and sovereign entities, recognize bitcoin as a valuable asset, the adoption will drive bitcoin’s price to unprecedented heights.

Tessler focused on the evolving regulatory landscape. She noted the significant progress in creating regulations for crypto and digital assets globally. Tessler expressed hope that the U.S. would follow suit, enabling the development of more products and services that leverage blockchain technology. Her vision for the future involves less litigation and more guidance to help clients navigate and comply with smart regulations.

Caitlin Long offered a banking perspective, predicting a future where there is no separate crypto industry. She envisaged a scenario where traditional banks integrate bitcoin into their systems, leading to greater stability. Long warned, however, that some banks might fail if they fail to adapt and over-leverage themselves, similar to past failures like Block and Celsius. She foresaw a landscape where many banks would be led by individuals with native crypto expertise.

Natalie Brunell spoke about the societal impact of bitcoin, particularly its potential to restore hope among young people. Citing an interview with Larry Fink, Brunell emphasized bitcoin’s ability to empower individuals to achieve their dreams, from starting businesses to affording education and retirement. She expressed hope that bitcoin would address systemic issues and heal societal problems by providing a more equitable financial system.

Watch the full discussion here: