Disclosure: The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to the author and do not represent the views and opinions of crypto.news’ editorial. The original purpose of crypto as a tool to bypass centralized finance and give people control back has evolved beyond its initial user base. According to one report, worldwide crypto ownership exceeds 824 million people, and another study shows millennials lead this adoption charge . You might also like: The moment for mass adoption is here, and crypto’s still not ready | Opinion As the use of crypto edges toward payrolls, point-of-sale terminals, and household budgets, the conversation has to shift from novelty to responsibility. Whether crypto becomes a dependable pillar of the global economy depends on clear regulations and compliance frameworks. A recent study published in the Journal of Risk Management, which included 428 U.S. investors, found that regulatory clarity makes individuals far more comfortable investing in crypto products. This finding sends a clear message: treating regulatory compliance as a mere “legal checkbox” is a fatal mistake our industry can’t afford. Regulatory frameworks are not barriers to growth; instead, they are the necessary foundation toward mass adoption and legitimacy over the long term. Without such a foundation, the industry will be unstable and also limited in its reach. From chaos to freeways The current regulatory struggles the crypto industry is experiencing have been a “rite of passage” for many industries. More often than not, transformative industries needed to achieve their complete potential by implementing clear and sensible rules throughout history. The first cars amazed people with their engineering brilliance while the surrounding environment remained in disarray. The world lacked traffic regulations, safety protocols, and dependable infrastructure at that time. It was a dangerous free-for-all. What changed everything? The establishment of traffic laws, together with safety standards, manufacturing requirements, and licensing processes, became the catalyst for change. The passage of time revealed that uncontrolled innovation by itself failed to create the necessary transformation. The established rules developed a trustworthy framework that allowed cars to transition from exclusive hobby vehicles for a small group into dependable instruments for worldwide use. It turned chaos into freeways. Crypto’s current state resembles a critical decision point. The general public, along with established institutions, maintains doubts about crypto and shows confusion regarding its nature. The path forward requires us to understand that innovation needs a defined set of rules to establish its base. Working hand-in-hand with regulators allows companies to align their operations with internationally recognized standards. Robust Know Your Customer procedures and Anti-Money Laundering protocols serve a double purpose: to protect users while shielding the platform from illicit activities. Clear rules for crypto platforms don’t stifle innovation; they really enable them to innovate in a safe, responsible, and confident way. Trust and global growth require clear rules The future success of crypto ultimately boils down to three things: genuine user trust, meaningful institutional participation, and global growth. None of these is possible without transparent and enforceable frameworks. Research published in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications also stresses the importance of trust, noting that increased awareness of crypto can lead to higher adoption rates when coupled with trust. Consider this from a human viewpoint. People need to know that there are established safeguards regarding digital assets, so they can invest their hard-earned money without any concerns. Similarly, large financial institutions need a clear set of rules that align with their stringent risk and compliance standards before committing significant capital. And for any crypto platform to grow sustainably on a global scale, it needs to operate with a consistent high standard that earns the respect of regulators and users. Trust, institutions, and growth are three elements similar to dominoes that fall in a line. And the first domino, the one that sets everything else in motion, is a regulated and secure environment. A compliance-first future Compliance must lead the way for crypto to finally break through and achieve its incredible potential. It will act as the bridge that connects our decentralized world with the mainstream global economy. Compliance is the language that will build trust with the public, unlock trillions of dollars worth of institutional capital, and create a more accessible financial future. The journey from a disruptive idea to an essential part of daily life is a long one. But just like in the case of the automobile, it is a journey made possible using clear rules to build a better, safer road for everyone to travel on. Read more: Regulatory compliance needs smart privacy | Opinion Author: Hon Ng Hon Ng is the chief legal officer at Bitget. He has an extensive track record of working closely with governments and policymakers, leading major initiatives such as securing 17 crypto licenses and shaping new regulatory frameworks for digital assets. His notable achievements include overseeing a $500 million acquisition stake in Twitter alongside Elon Musk, managing multi-regulator enforcement actions in the crypto space, and leading high-profile deals like Uber’s $2 billion Southeast Asia merger with Grab and the $35 billion Uber China merger with Didi.
