Institutional Crypto: Banks Now Buying 'Equity-Like' Tokens?
·2 min read·Intermediate
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Thought crypto was just for tech bros? Looks like big institutional investors are finally dipping their toes, and they're not just playing around.
In 30 seconds
01Wintermute's annual report confirms a surge in institutional OTC crypto trading.
02Evgeny Gaevoy of Wintermute sees growing interest in equity-like crypto tokens.
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What this means for you
This means the crypto world is growing up, becoming less of a Wild West and more of a "serious" financial market, with all the pros and cons that entails. For small investors, it could mean less wild speculation, but also fewer lottery-like opportunities.
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·1 min·1·Beginner
03A clear sign big players are taking crypto seriously, beyond wild speculation.
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Are the 'Big Boys' Really Coming?
Yes, it certainly seems so. After years of chatter and a few timid experiments, financial heavyweights are starting to seriously consider the world of cryptocurrencies. Apparently, it's no longer just a toy for nerds.
Evgeny Gaevoy, Co-Founder and CEO of Wintermute, stated on Bloomberg Crypto on August 4, 2026, that there's growing interest in equity-like tokens. His company, Wintermute, is a prominent market maker in the crypto space, so these aren't just bar rumors. They have their finger on the pulse.
Their annual report on OTC-over-the-counter, or direct trades between large players outside public exchanges-flows showed a surge in institutional trading. In short, banks, funds, and the like are moving significant volumes. And it's no longer a secret; it's a proven fact.
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What are these 'Equity-Like Tokens'?
Let's be clear: they're not actual shares; don't expect to become a shareholder of Apple by buying a . These are digital assets that try to replicate some characteristics of traditional shares, but on a blockchain. Maybe they grant a share of a project's profits, or voting rights in certain decisions.
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"Equity-like" tokens are digital assets aiming to replicate some features of traditional stocks, such as profit participation or voting rights, using blockchain technology. For institutions, they might offer a way to access new markets or different yields, potentially with reduced bureaucracy. It's an attempt to make the whole thing less wild, less Wild West, and more like what they're familiar with.
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So, What Changes for Us Regular Folks?
The arrival of the "big players" in the crypto world is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it brings stability and legitimacy. More capital means more liquidity and perhaps fewer insane price swings, which isn't bad for those without a lion's stomach.
On the other hand, it might mean fewer opportunities for easy gains, the kind that made early adopters scream with joy or despair. The market becomes more mature, but also more controlled and, let's face it, a bit more boring. But perhaps that's the price to pay to bring crypto out of its niche and truly into the mainstream.
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