SharpLink and DeFi Development Corp outline vision for digital asset treasuries
At Korea Blockchain Week 2025, SharpLink Gaming CEO Joseph Chalom described on-chain settlement as the “greatest risk reduction” in the history of financial services, emphasizing blockchain’s potential to transform global markets. Alongside DeFi Development Corp’s Dan Kang, both executives highlighted how digital asset treasuries (DATs) could reshape institutional finance.
Moving Beyond Crypto’s Market Cap
Chalom, a former BlackRock executive, explained that SharpLink’s long-term goal goes far beyond crypto’s $4 trillion market. Instead, the company is targeting the $700 trillion traditional finance market that could migrate to decentralized networks.
“Are we fighting over crypto’s market cap, or are we bringing the structure of traditional finance on-chain?” Chalom asked, noting that instant, atomic settlement eliminates time and cost friction, unlocking massive efficiencies.
The Rise of Digital Asset Treasuries
Inspired by corporate Bitcoin holdings in past cycles, DATs have emerged as a fast-growing trend in institutional adoption. These treasury vehicles provide exposure to cryptocurrencies while generating yield through staking and decentralized finance.
Kang compared DATs to a speedboat versus ETFs: “It gets you to your destination much faster. You can accelerate, steer, and adapt as markets change.”
Measuring Success in DATs
For Chalom, three factors determine a successful DAT: daily trading volume, strong management, and stock liquidity. Without these, fundraising risks diluting shareholder value. Kang added that growth in underlying assets per share is the ultimate benchmark, referencing how one prominent firm outperformed Bitcoin by increasing asset allocation efficiency.
Resilience in Bear Cycles
Despite concerns over a potential downturn, both executives argued that DATs are positioned to withstand market pressures. By staking assets and deploying them on-chain, these treasuries generate organic yield and high-margin revenues.
Chalom emphasized his broader mission: “We’re not just here to accumulate Ethereum. We’re here to seed protocols, support ecosystems, and accelerate institutional adoption that can transform the world.”
As treasuries expand, on-chain settlement and programmable finance could redefine global markets, offering transparency, efficiency, and resilience that traditional systems cannot match.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.