Goldman Backs Crypto Lending and Token Plans at TOKEN2049

• Goldman Sachs is working on big plans to trade more digital assets and build token tools.
• The company believes clear rules will help banks join crypto markets in a bigger way.
• Stablecoin bills in the US may speed up how fast banks start using digital money.

Goldman Sachs is making a bold move into the crypto world, signaling a major shift in Wall Street’s stance on digital assets. At the TOKEN2049 event in Dubai, the bank’s Global Head of Digital Assets, Mathew McDermott, revealed that Goldman is ramping up its trading activity, entering the crypto lending space, and investing in tokenization projects. He attributed the move to heightened client interest and said the bank is working to secure the necessary regulatory approvals. 

A Surge in Institutional Crypto Interest

Responding to rising demand for digital assets among its institutional clients, McDermott emphasized the growing interest as a key driver behind the firm’s strategic pivot into crypto, stating that it is pursuing necessary approvals to expand operations.

The financial services giant is already active in derivatives, futures, options, and ETF products linked to cryptocurrencies. These services operate under its digital asset division. Notably, the bank’s next focus is on tokenization and the integration of traditional products.

Besides trading, Goldman has also developed a blockchain-based platform called GS DAP, which will soon be launched. “We have a few strategic partners that are helping us create value,” McDermott said. “We are fairly certain that we will divest that next year.”

Regulatory Clarity Seen as Catalyst for Growth

McDermott underscored the critical role of regulation in advancing crypto adoption, particularly in the United States. He asserted that scaling is important and added that major institutions being able to deploy capital in a cross-section of the marketplace takes it to the next level.

Further, he emphasized that clear regulations could significantly enhance institutional participation and added that lobbying groups are actively engaged in the U.S. administration to tailor favorable crypto policies. Moreover, he stated that the trajectory of crypto regulation in the U.S. is promising and beneficial for the global digital asset market. 

Related: Gemini Plans IPO with Goldman Sachs, Citigroup Support

Stablecoin Legislation Poised to Accelerate Adoption

Pointing to two stablecoin bills currently in progress, McDermott stated that they are potentially transformative. Further, he stated that if regulations allow stablecoins to be easily adopted by financial institutions, it could accelerate the use of digital currency by big players. He noted that the adoption of stablecoins could serve as a gateway for the broader financial integration of digital currencies across large institutions. Consequently, this could fast-track digital asset usage in traditional finance. Can Goldman Sachs’ aggressive strategy push other institutions to follow suit?

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