Davos Forum and the Future of Finance: Crypto Does Not Replace Banks, But Accelerates Banking

For many years, the crypto community has talked about the “bank overthrow revolution.” But at Davos, a more realistic message was conveyed: the future of finance is not about elimination, but about integration and mutual enhancement.\nRecent comments from CZ at the “New Financial Era” roundtable show a significant shift in industry mindset. Crypto is no longer just a rebellious story against the system; it is gradually becoming a supporting infrastructure for that system.\nCrypto Payments: The Hidden Infrastructure Behind Familiar Experiences\nThe reality must be acknowledged: after more than a decade, using Bitcoin to buy coffee still hasn’t become widespread. Crypto payments at the end-user level have not reached mass adoption as expected.\nBut that doesn’t mean failure.\nThe most feasible model in the future is not “crypto replacing bank cards,” but:\nUsers still swipe cards as usualBusinesses still receive USD, EURBut the clearing and settlement process is handled via blockchain\nIn other words: the experience remains unchanged, the infrastructure changes.\nBlockchain can help:\nFaster cross-border paymentsLower intermediary costsIncrease transparency and traceability\nCrypto doesn’t need to appear front-facing. It can become an “accelerator” for the traditional financial system.\nDigital Asset Tokenization: Transition from Startup to National Infrastructure\nAn interesting point is the discussions on asset tokenization at the government level.\nTokenization means converting real assets—such as real estate, infrastructure, bonds, resources—into tokens on the blockchain, allowing:\nFractional ownershipTrading instantlyTransparency of cash flows\nFor example: a country can tokenize a highway project or an energy system. Domestic and foreign investors can buy small parts of these assets, and the government can raise capital faster without complex financial structures as before.\nIf implemented on a national scale, tokenization can:\nUnlock trillions of USDT in liquidityIncrease capital allocation efficiencyReduce investment barriers\nThis is a very important shift: crypto is no longer just about meme coins or short-term speculation but is moving closer to a real financial infrastructure role.\nAI and Crypto: A Natural Partnership\nAnother promising perspective is the relationship between AI and crypto.\nIn the future, AI will not just be a tool but can become an “autonomous economic agent.” These AIs will:\nRent serversBuy dataPay API feesAutomatically optimize operational costs\nThey will need a payment system:\nOperate 24/7Borderless processingHandle small transactions at low cost\nTraditional banking systems are not designed for this scenario. Meanwhile, crypto naturally fits the automated machine-to-machine transaction environment.\nIf this scenario becomes reality, crypto could become the “base currency” of the AI economy.\nTraditional Banking: Not Disappearing, But Evolving\nAn irreversible trend is the decline of physical branches.\nWith eKYC, digital signatures, and online transactions, fewer people need to visit branches. However, this does not mean banks will disappear.\nBanks still have significant advantages:\nCustomer relationshipsBrand trustStrong legal systemsRisk management experience\nWhat will change is the operational model. Banks will:\nIntegrate blockchain into their payment systemsProvide digital asset custody servicesCollaborate with crypto platforms instead of competing\nThe game is not about “who wins who,” but about “who adapts faster.”\nLegal Challenges and the “Supervision Passport” Idea\nOne of the biggest barriers for crypto remains the fragmented global legal landscape.\nThe “supervision passport” idea—meaning a license recognized across multiple countries—could be a more practical approach than building a global regulatory agency.\nThis model:\nRespects national sovereigntyReduces compliance costsFacilitates global expansion for businesses\nIf cross-recognition is achieved, the crypto industry will enter a much more mature stage than today.\nConclusion: The Future Is Integration, Not Overthrow\nThe new generation of finance will not be a scenario of “crypto defeating banks.” Instead, we will witness:\nBanks integrating blockchainGovernments experimenting with asset tokenizationAI using crypto for automated transactionsCross-border payments processed through decentralized infrastructure\nCrypto does not need to replace the old system to succeed. It only needs to become an infrastructure layer that helps that system operate better.\nAnd in financial history, technologies that serve as infrastructure—though less visible—are the ones that change the world most profoundly over the long term.