- Matt Hougan says recent geopolitical tensions showed crypto’s resilience.
- Crypto markets remained active while traditional markets paused.
- Bitwise believes the shift toward onchain finance is inevitable.
Crisis Events Highlight Onchain Finance Shift
Recent geopolitical tensions involving Iran have reignited discussions about the role of crypto during global crises. According to Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan, the weekend events demonstrated how digital asset markets are becoming the world’s go-to financial system when traditional markets are closed.
Hougan noted that while traditional financial markets shut down on weekends, crypto continues to trade without interruption. This constant availability allows investors to react immediately to major global developments.
Following the latest geopolitical incident, crypto markets remained active and liquid, reinforcing the growing Onchain Finance Shift narrative within the industry.
Why Crypto Never Sleeps
Unlike traditional stock exchanges that operate on limited schedules, blockchain networks run continuously. This means assets can be traded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Hougan emphasized that this structural difference is becoming increasingly important during unpredictable global events. When sudden news breaks outside traditional market hours, investors often turn to crypto markets because they are always open.
Blockchains also provide faster settlement and transparent transaction records, which many analysts believe could eventually replace slower legacy financial systems. Hougan has previously argued that these advantages make it increasingly likely that global finance will migrate onto blockchain infrastructure.
The Future of Onchain Finance
The Onchain Finance Shift refers to the gradual movement of financial activity onto blockchain-based systems. This includes trading, lending, payments, and settlement being conducted directly on decentralized networks.
Supporters believe the shift could transform global finance by enabling:
- Instant settlement of financial transactions
- Lower costs compared with traditional banking systems
- Continuous global market access without intermediaries
Hougan said recent events strengthened his belief that this transition will arrive sooner than many expect. In his view, geopolitical uncertainty may accelerate adoption as investors seek financial systems that remain accessible during times of crisis.
If that trend continues, crypto markets could increasingly act as the first response market when global events unfold.
