According to WonderFi CEO Dean Skurka, as regulatory clarity continues to unfold in Canada, the country’s financial institutions are showing increased interest in cryptocurrencies. Skurka, who spoke at the Blockchain Futurist conference in Toronto, noted an uptick in institutional trading on the exchange in contrast to retail investors.
Skurka explained that this growing institutional interest, which he pointed out is largely unaffected by market sentiments, is due to the increasing clarity in regulations. He also highlighted that this clear regulation has resulted in a shift in their client base.
It’s noteworthy that major crypto exchanges such as Bybit and Binance have exited the Canadian market due to stringent regulations. On the other hand, Skurka views these regulations as a boon for WonderFi, asserting that the clear regulations have paved the way for an increase in activity. In addition, companies offering crypto services to institutional audiences have been dwindling, bolstering WonderFi’s position in the market.
There is, however, the other side of this equation. While clear regulations may have boosted institutional interest, they have also raised the cost of operating a crypto exchange. This has caused several platforms to go bankrupt, leaving long-term holders with fewer service options.
Skurka goes on to suggest that these increased costs are leading to necessary market consolidation. He emphasized that his company is seizing this opportunity to bring various platforms together. With an aim of creating a clear market leader, WonderFi has been acquiring smaller Canadian crypto exchanges, including Bitbuy and Coinberry in 2022, and announced a merger with Coinsquare and Coinsmart in April 2023.
Skurka’s perspective suggests that the trend of institutional interest could continue thanks to the regulatory direction Canada is heading towards. He believes that as the infrastructure becomes more established, institutional participants will take it more seriously.
Ultimately, proof will come with time. While the regulatory landscape might be promoting institutional interest, it may also be stifling for smaller platforms. One thing that’s clear is that cryptocurrency is edging closer to becoming mainstream as it gains acceptance among institutional investors.
Source: Cointelegraph
