Web3 and Its Relationship with the Financial System
Introduction The financial system has always been central to human progress — evolving from barter to banknotes, from centralized institutions to decentralized finance. Now, as technology moves into the next phase of the internet — Web3 — the way we perceive, manage, and interact with money is undergoing a radical transformation. Web3 isn’t just a technical innovation; it’s a philosophical shift in how trust, ownership, and value are managed online. This article explores what Web3 really means, how it’s reshaping the financial system, and what it could mean for individuals, institutions, and the global economy. What is Web3? Web3 is the third generation of the internet, where control shifts from centralized platforms (like Google, Facebook, and Amazon) to decentralized networks built on blockchain technology. It empowers users with ownership of their data, digital assets, and identity. Unlike Web2, where data and power are concentrated in the hands of a few corporations, Web3 is about openness, transparency, and self-governance. Core components of Web3 include: Decentralized applications (dApps) Smart contracts Decentralized finance (DeFi) NFTs and digital ownership Token-based incentives Self-sovereign identity The Traditional Financial System: Centralized and Regulated The current financial system is built on centralized institutions — banks, governments, insurance companies, and regulatory bodies. It relies on intermediaries for trust and compliance, with strict controls on transactions, identity verification, credit scoring, and capital flow. Some of the key characteristics include: Regulated access: Only licensed entities can issue money or provide financial services. Delayed settlement: Payments can take days to process. Limited access: Billions of people remain underbanked or excluded entirely. Privacy concerns: Financial data is stored and managed by third parties. While this system offers stability and control, it is also expensive, slow, and often exclusionary. Web3: A New Financial Paradigm Web3 disrupts traditional finance by enabling peer-to-peer transactions without centralized gatekeepers. Through the use of blockchains, smart contracts, and token economies, Web3 makes it possible to recreate many financial services — lending, borrowing, investing, insurance, asset trading — in an open, permissionless environment. Let’s examine some core innovations that connect Web3 to finance: 1. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) DeFi is perhaps the clearest bridge between Web3 and finance. It replaces traditional financial intermediaries with code-based protocols running on blockchains like Ethereum. DeFi platforms allow users to: Lend or borrow assets without a bank Earn yield through staking or liquidity mining Trade tokens on decentralized exchanges (DEXs) Take out insurance via smart contracts DeFi is borderless, available 24/7, and often more efficient than legacy systems. In Web3, liquidity comes from users, not institutions — creating a more participatory economy. 2. Programmable Money and Smart Contracts Smart contracts — self-executing agreements coded on blockchain — allow for automated financial transactions. From recurring payments to complex derivatives, smart contracts eliminate the need for legal middlemen and manual processing. In Web3: Loans can be issued and settled autonomously. Crowdfunding can be trustless and transparent. Payrolls can be distributed instantly to wallets. This “programmable money” concept radically expands what money can do and how it can be managed. 3. Tokenization of Assets Web3 introduces tokenization, where real-world or digital assets are represented as tokens on a blockchain. Anything from real estate, stocks, art, or intellectual property can be turned into tradable tokens, enabling: Fractional ownership Instant global liquidity 24/7 trading without brokers More accessible investing This has massive implications for how wealth is created and transferred. 4. Self-Custody and Wallets Web3 emphasizes self-custody — users control their own funds via crypto wallets (e.g., MetaMask, Ledger) without relying on banks. This aligns with the philosophy of financial sovereignty. While this increases responsibility, it also offers: Greater privacy Resistance to censorship Access to decentralized services This is particularly impactful for populations in unstable economies or under authoritarian regimes. 5. Global Financial Inclusion According to the World Bank, over 1.4 billion people are unbanked. Web3 removes many barriers: No need for formal ID or credit history No reliance on banking infrastructure Mobile and internet-based access With just a smartphone and internet, anyone can participate in DeFi, earn yield, and send or receive payments globally. Web3 has the potential to be a powerful tool for financial inclusion and empowerment. Challenges to Web3 in Finance Despite its promise, Web3’s integration into global finance is not without hurdles: Regulatory uncertainty: Governments are still figuring out how to regulate DeFi and token-based economies. Security risks: Hacks, exploits, and smart contract bugs can lead to massive losses. User experience: Web3 tools can be complex and intimidating for non-technical users. Scalability: Blockchains still struggle with speed and transaction fees during high demand. Volatility: The value of tokens can swing dramatically, making financial planning difficult. Web3 and the Future of Banking As traditional banks explore central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and begin to offer crypto custody, we may see a convergence between Web2 institutions and Web3 innovations. Banks could: Use blockchain for real-time settlement Offer access to DeFi products Integrate digital identity with on-chain records However, the core difference will remain: Web3 empowers the individual, while traditional finance serves institutions. Whether the two models can coexist or compete remains an open question. Philosophical Shifts: From Trust in Institutions to Trust in Code One of the most profound transformations Web3 brings is not technical — it’s philosophical. In traditional finance, trust is placed in human institutions, laws, and regulators. In Web3, trust shifts to open-source code, community governance, and mathematical certainty. This shift has wide-reaching implications: Financial systems become more transparent and audit-able. Corruption and fraud become harder to hide. Trust is earned through algorithms, not authority. Conclusion Web3 is more than just a buzzword or a blockchain upgrade — it’s a new financial operating system. It reimagines ownership, access, and value creation in ways that are more inclusive, transparent, and participatory. While the technology is still maturing, and many challenges remain, the direction is clear: Web3 is reshaping finance at its core — offering not just new tools, but a new vision for how global finance should work in a digitally connected world. For individuals,
6 Improtant latest Crypto News : SEC Drops Coinbase Lawsuit, BNB Chain’s Smart Contract Wallets, Bybit Hack Fallout, Altvest’s Bitcoin Adoption, ECB’s Wholesale CBDC Push : Botslash Daily Crypto News Analysis
The cryptocurrency market is seeing dynamic shifts across multiple fronts, with key regulatory actions and technological advancements shaping its future. From the U.S. SEC’s reversal on a major lawsuit against Coinbase, to BNB Chain’s upcoming hard fork aimed at enhancing smart contract capabilities, the industry is in a state of flux. Additionally, the aftermath of the Bybit hack has raised concerns around centralized exchange security, while institutional adoption continues to grow with firms like Altvest embracing Bitcoin. Meanwhile, central banks are making strides toward their own digital currencies, with the European Central Bank advancing its wholesale CBDC plans. Together, these developments illustrate the evolving nature of crypto markets and regulatory landscapes. 1. U.S. Senators Push for SEC to Rethink Crypto Staking in Exchange Funds U.S. senators are urging the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to reconsider its stance on staking within exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Specifically, lawmakers have expressed concern over the exclusion of staking activities in crypto ETFs, pointing out that it harms innovation in the cryptocurrency market. Staking, particularly within Ethereum and other PoS (Proof of Stake) protocols, plays a crucial role in securing blockchain networks while offering additional rewards to token holders. The senators are arguing that staking in ETFs should be allowed, particularly since it aligns with decentralized principles and contributes to the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem. While the SEC has historically resisted including staking in ETFs due to concerns about unregistered securities offerings, the lawmakers point out that staking protocols such as Ethereum’s are well-regulated and provide a legitimate way for investors to earn rewards. The letter penned by the senators reflects growing bipartisan support for embracing crypto activities that could potentially enhance blockchain security and reward holders, thereby adding value to these networks. This type of regulatory shift could be a significant step toward legitimizing crypto ETFs and fostering broader institutional adoption of digital assets. Despite the SEC’s reservations, including staking within ETFs could potentially boost investor confidence by offering more transparent and regulated avenues for exposure to cryptocurrency assets. This change could open the door for institutional investors to more easily interact with crypto markets and further integrate digital assets into traditional financial systems. However, it remains to be seen how the SEC will respond to the growing call for a more inclusive regulatory environment for staking, and whether this move will trigger broader policy shifts in the U.S. toward cryptocurrency adoption. Market Impact: If this proposal gains traction, it could significantly impact the crypto market by accelerating institutional involvement in staking, potentially increasing liquidity and market stability. Staking integration within ETFs may also open new investment avenues, especially for risk-averse institutional investors. 2. Bybit Hack Update: Reasons Behind the Breach and How It Affects the Crypto Market The Bybit exchange, a major player in the cryptocurrency sector, was recently targeted by hackers in a sophisticated security breach that compromised user funds. This breach exposes ongoing vulnerabilities in centralized crypto exchanges, which are more susceptible to attacks compared to decentralized platforms. The incident highlights the need for stronger security protocols to protect user assets, especially in light of growing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies. Bybit’s quick response, including freezing compromised accounts and launching investigations with cybersecurity experts, shows its commitment to safeguarding user funds, though the hack raises broader concerns about the security of centralized exchanges. Centralized exchanges, which are tasked with handling user funds and transactions, have often been the target of hackers due to their large liquidity pools and single points of control. This breach serves as a reminder to both traders and institutions that they must carefully consider security when selecting platforms to interact with digital assets. The hack also adds to the ongoing discussion about the risks associated with using centralized platforms versus decentralized alternatives, which rely on smart contracts and distributed ledgers to enhance security. The hack’s impact on the market sentiment has been noticeable. Following the breach, many traders are reassessing the risks of trading on centralized exchanges, which could lead to a temporary decrease in trading volumes on Bybit and similar platforms. This heightened risk awareness might shift investor preferences toward decentralized exchanges (DEXs), which do not hold user funds and are less vulnerable to hacking. If the breach continues to affect Bybit’s reputation, the broader crypto market might see an increase in regulatory scrutiny of exchange security practices. Market Impact: This hack could trigger a wave of caution among crypto traders and investors, leading to decreased trust in centralized exchanges. Consequently, we may see increased adoption of decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions and platforms that prioritize user control and security over centralized models. 3. BNB Chain Sets Mid-March Pascal Hard Fork Date to Bring Native Smart Contract Wallets BNB Chain has announced the date for its upcoming Pascal hard fork in mid-March 2025, which will introduce native smart contract wallets on the network. This upgrade is designed to improve the functionality and flexibility of BNB Chain, bringing it closer to Ethereum’s ecosystem in terms of transaction capabilities and wallet integrations. The Pascal hard fork will introduce new features such as spending limits, batch transactions, and multisignature support, which could improve the overall user experience and enhance the network’s scalability. Additionally, it aligns BNB Chain with Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade, which is aimed at improving transaction efficiency and data handling across blockchain networks. The decision to implement native smart contract wallets is seen as a key step in BNB Chain’s ongoing efforts to attract more developers and decentralized applications (dApps) to the platform. The introduction of these advanced wallet features will likely attract both retail and institutional investors, further legitimizing BNB Chain as a serious player in the blockchain space. With its rapidly growing ecosystem and significant adoption by meme coins and DeFi projects, the BNB Chain is positioning itself as an alternative to Ethereum, and this update may bolster its competitive edge. By introducing this new functionality, BNB Chain is not only enhancing its usability but also improving its security model. Smart contract wallets offer greater control over digital
