Cryptocurrencies have long since moved beyond fringe investments. They’re now a regular part of boardroom discussions and finance strategies. Crypto adoption in corporate finance remains select, but the trajectory appears to be clear, with digital assets influencing how businesses assess liquidity, risk, and innovation.
The shift isn’t about chasing trends, but responding to real changes in how value is stored, moved, and accounted for. CEOs don’t need to become blockchain experts overnight, but can benefit from a grounded understanding of what cryptocurrency means for their organizations. Lots of info can be found on sites like Binance, Forbes and Bloomberg to start the learning process.
Treasury strategy
Some large companies are experimenting with holding crypto on their balance sheets. This isn’t mainstream practice but the visibility of those who have done it has made crypto a talking point in treasury discussions.
In some cases, holding crypto is a bet on long-term asset appreciation. In others it’s about diversifying treasury holdings or hedging against fiat currency devaluation. Some firms have explored stablecoins for more predictable use cases like cross-border payments and supplier settlements.
Volatility remains a concern, and for companies with narrow margins or those operating in heavily regulated industries, holding crypto assets is sometimes seen as risky. In sectors with strict compliance standards – finance, healthcare, and energy – firms may be wary of breaching unknown or newly interpreted rules.
President Trump’s pro-crypto cabinet may provide more certainty on crypto, though some experts have warned about the timeframe of any major shifts. Alexandra Canal, founder and general partner of Innovating Capital, a long-term bitcoin holder, talked to Yahoo Finance about “progressive crypto regulation”. Canal predicted, “the underlying fundamental behavior for a lot of that to actually make its way and permeate through the market, it’s going to take years”.
Payments and settlements
One of the more practical uses of crypto in corporate finance is in payments. Stablecoins and blockchain-based rails can move money faster, especially in cross-border contexts. These solutions remove traditional intermediaries and reduce transaction fees and processing times. Businesses in emerging markets, or those across jurisdictions, can improve efficiency.
That said, adoption is still in its early stages. Compatibility with existing ERP systems, accounting workflows, and banking relationships is a hurdle. But it’s becoming more common for fintech providers to use blockchain options alongside legacy payment rails.
Accounting treatment
Under current standards in many jurisdictions, cryptocurrencies are not treated as cash or cash equivalents. They’re often classified as intangible assets, leading to asymmetrical accounting outcomes. This treatment can result in impairment charges if the asset’s value falls. For volatile assets, this distorts earnings and complicates performance reporting.
CFOs should work with auditors and advisors to understand the evolving guidance. Some standard-setting bodies are reviewing crypto classification and changes may emerge in the next few years. Transparency in disclosures is always key, and consistency in valuation policies remains essential until clearer guidance emerges.
Strategic M&A and investment
Crypto-related businesses (exchanges, infrastructure providers, fintech platforms) are increasingly being considered in M&A strategy. These entities may gain more interest from boardrooms as crypto continues to grow in the mainstream.
For companies looking to expand their digital capabilities, investing in crypto can offer speed to market. Due diligence is critical – many crypto firms operate in lightly regulated environments with unconventional governance models. Evaluating these targets requires a thorough approach with all legal, technical, financial, and reputational aspects considered.
Decentralized Finance and lending models
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) platforms have allowed for new models of borrowing and lending. Most DeFi activity is retail-focused, but some corporate treasurers are observing these developments. The idea that a company might borrow against its crypto holdings without going through a bank is provocative, as is the notion of earning yield by lending idle assets in decentralized markets. These practices aren’t yet standard, but the fact that they’re technically possible may change conversations in strategy.
For risk averse companies, the priority isn’t experimentation but education. Understanding how DeFi works, the risks, and the infrastructure helps prepare them for future scenarios, even if their participation may be years away.
Preparing without overcommitting
Crypto adoption in corporate finance may not be uniform but the trendlines are worth watching. For CEOs, the goal isn’t necessarily to act quickly but to avoid being caught unprepared. That starts with building internal knowledge, establishing frameworks for evaluating crypto opportunities, and ensuring the organization is ready to respond.
Workshops, cross-functional task forces, and ongoing monitoring are inexpensive ways of staying informed. Collaborating with external experts and industry peers can bring more perspective.
Last word
Crypto’s volatility has some experts doubting its potential status as an asset class, but there is growing interest. It’s a slowly maturing component of the financial system. Edward Jones, CEO of Penny Pennington, told the Opening Bid podcast, “There is not a fundamental value that stands behind crypto — however, it is becoming an innovation in our marketplace associated with blockchain innovations. That is a very real thing and will have a positive impact on our industry and on investors.”
For corporate leaders, the question isn’t so much whether to pay attention, but how much and how soon. Well-prepared CEOs will be the ones to stay informed, ask questions, and know when to seize an opportunity.
