As pointed out in CoinDesk's institutional investor newsletter "Crypto Long & Short" weekly analysis, 2026 is likely to be a fundamental turning point in the structure of financial markets. Of particular note is the shift in capital markets from the concept of "business hours" that has lasted over 100 years to a "24/7" operation. This is not merely an extension of trading hours but signifies a complete overhaul of the industry, including settlement cycles, capital efficiency, and regulatory frameworks.
Settlement Revolution: From Days to Seconds, Institutional Investor Operations Under Scrutiny
Currently, when institutional investors enter new asset classes, they must go through complex onboarding processes. From pre-allocating assets to collateral management, the entire process is being redefined.