Why 2025 Will Redefine Crypto Acquisitions: Experts Weigh In

Industry experts have predicted that acquisition trends in the crypto market will intensify in 2025, signaling a new phase of market consolidation and growth.

This comes as the industry is experiencing a notable shift marked by a wave of high-profile acquisitions.

2025: A Game-Changer for Crypto Acquisitions

Recent deals illustrate this accelerating trend. For instance, Stripe closed its acquisition of stablecoin-focused Bridge last month for $1.1 billion. Meanwhile, Robinhood is on track to finalize its $200 million acquisition of Bitstamp, a globally-scaled crypto exchange. 

In addition, BeInCrypto recently highlighted cryptocurrency exchange Kraken’s plans to acquire NinjaTrader, a futures trading platform, for $1.5 billion.

Shortly after, it was reported that Coinbase was in advanced talks to acquire Deribit. It is an options and futures exchange for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).

These are some of the many acquisitions that have dominated the space lately. In the latest X (formerly Twitter) post, Bridget Harris, an associate at Founders Fund, projected the trend would persist. She also pointed out the key factors that will fuel this ongoing momentum.

“More acquisitions incoming driven by 1) fomo + 2) US regulatory clarity,” Harris noted.

Her post sparked a flurry of reactions, with industry voices weighing in on the implications. Adam Lawrence, co-founder of RWA.xyz, suggested that the crypto industry is about to enter a new phase of competition. He referred to it as “The Great Distribution Wars.” 

As regulatory clarity improves, Lawrence predicts that the biggest traditional finance (TradFi) firms will soon make their move into the crypto space, signaling a new wave of competition. In anticipation of this shift, companies within the sector are actively preparing for explosive growth and the challenges posed by these new, formidable entrants. 

“It’s now a battle between tradfi and modern crypto fintechs,” Lawrence wrote.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Ng, CEO of OpenEden, added to the conversation by identifying projects that could receive increased attention amid this shift.

“Projects with strong base layer infrastructure, proven product and sticky customer base along with relevant licenses will be attractive targets,” he claimed.

This outlook comes as the industry observes a shift in the government’s stance towards the crypto space under President Donald Trump’s administration. Overall, the regulatory environment has become more favorable, with the administration taking steps to support the crypto industry’s growth and provide regulatory clarity.