Crypto trading firm Wintermute expects stablecoins to become deeply integrated with traditional finance in 2025.

This integration will be driven by the growing adoption of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and increased corporate holdings of digital assets, according to Wintermute’s recently released annual review and outlook report.

The firm predicts a major corporate acquisition or merger will be settled entirely in stablecoins this year, marking a significant convergence between crypto and traditional financial systems.

The forecast comes as institutions increasingly recognize the advantages of stablecoins for their efficiency, speed, and reduced cross-border transaction costs.

The shift toward stablecoins is part of a larger wave of institutional adoption observed in 2024, which saw Wintermute’s OTC trading volumes quadruple, reaching a record $2.24 billion in a single day during November.

Wintermute’s CEO, Evgeny Gaevoy, emphasized the role of stablecoins in bridging the gap between crypto markets and traditional finance.

The firm’s outlook suggests that tokenized corporate debt or equity settled in stablecoins could become increasingly common as companies explore blockchain technology for its transparency and efficiency.

The company has expanded its presence in global ETF markets through partnerships with OSL Digital Securities and HashKey HK Exchange, supporting Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs listed in Hong Kong.