Last week, I had the opportunity to participate in my first roundtable at Chainlink held during the Digital Asset Summit in New York. As someone newly joining the team, it was incredible to see firsthand how Chainlink is bringing together traditional finance and Web3 leaders to explore the mainstream adoption of digital assets. 

The roundtable, held under Chatham House Rules, brought together senior leaders from some of the world’s largest asset managers, banks, payment providers, and blockchain innovators to discuss the evolving digital assets landscape. 

From regulatory clarity to onchain identity and cross-chain interoperability, the conversation highlighted the momentum—and the challenges—facing institutions as they explore tokenization and onchain finance. Here are seven key insights that stood out.

1. Regulatory Clarity is the Catalyst for Institutional Growth

Institutional participants emphasized that clearly defined regulatory frameworks are essential to unlocking the next stage of growth for digital assets, especially within the United States. Specifically, institutions would like to see clearly defined compliance frameworks and are interested in regulated sandbox environments, similar to those in Singapore and Dubai. 

2. Compliance Starts With Onchain Identity

Compliance isn’t optional; it’s foundational. Participants underscored the need for onchain identity solutions and verifiable data to meet regulatory standards in digital markets. Chainlink’s infrastructure was highlighted as a solution already trusted by top-tier institutions. 

3. Collateral Diversification Remains a Key Area for Discussion

The topic of collateral diversification sparked a thoughtful debate, with participants exploring whether combining traditional financial assets with digital assets could enhance the credibility and stability of tokenized markets. While perspectives varied, there was agreement that collateral composition plays a critical role in risk management and remains a priority area for continued institutional dialogue.  

4. Liquidity is the Lifeblood of Tokenized Markets

Participants unanimously agreed liquidity is critical for tokenized assets to thrive. The group concluded that liquid markets for tokenized assets require transparency, trust, and transaction clarity, making auditable data and interoperability crucial components for facilitating transparent and efficient market activities. 

5. Solving Fragmentation Unlocks Liquidity

Addressing the multi-chain landscape, participants underscored how blockchain fragmentation limits liquidity and complicates compliance. The Chainlink standard for cross-chain interoperability was highlighted as a proven solution for overcoming these challenges by enabling seamless and compliant transactions across both public and private blockchains. Attendees agreed secure interoperability is essential to scaling digital asset adoption.

6. Utility, Not Hype, Will Drive Adoption

The discussion highlighted a critical shift towards tokenized assets with real-world utility. Participants emphasized the need to focus on clear use cases—such as tokenized money market funds when used as institutional-grade collateral—to show how utility can drive demand and legitimize tokenization across capital markets. 

7. Risk Management Must Evolve With the Market

Reflecting on past ecosystem failures, attendees stressed the importance of robust risk management practices. There was agreement on the need for rigorous collateral validation and risk assessments to avoid market instability and contagion, with Chainlink’s reliable, real-time data for effective risk management highlighted as a proven solution. 

The roundtable reaffirmed the collective mission of enhancing the financial system through the use of blockchain technologies and digital assets. Conversations between TradFi and Web3 leaders will continue in parallel with the launch of successful use cases around customized, compliant, and future-proof blockchain applications and tokenized assets. As regulatory clarity improves and institutions adopt Chainlink’s infrastructure to overcome critical identity, risk management, and liquidity challenges, the institutional demand for digital assets is set to continue unabated toward mainstream adoption. 

As someone new to Chainlink, it was inspiring to see how deeply engaged our team is in solving real challenges at the intersection of Web3 and financial services. If this roundtable was any indication, the future of capital markets will be more open, connected and programmable – and Chainlink is right in the center of it.