In a world where digital assets are quickly moving from the periphery of finance to the very heart of the global infrastructure, there are few voices that carry as much weight as those who are at the forefront of this revolution at the largest institutions in the space.
We were recently honored to have the opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with our special guest, John Dagostino, who is the Head of Institutional Strategy at Coinbase.
Dagostino joined us to offer some unique and high-level perspectives on the mechanics of the global crypto market. Rather than the usual market chatter, his perspectives are informed by years of experience at the intersection of traditional finance and technology.
One thing that was clear throughout our conversation is that the “Wild West” days of crypto are behind us, and a new, institutional-grade chapter of crypto is being written, and India is right at the forefront.
The story that Dagostino has to tell is one that is more about the “plumbing” of the global financial system than it is about price charts. He describes a world where institutional behemoths are no longer wondering whether they should be in crypto, but how quickly they can get it into their global playbooks.
In today’s economy, digital assets are no more just a “craze” or “rebel” as it was conceived earlier but has now become a vital part of global economic strategies. To take a deeper dive into this 3.0 TV had a conversation with
John Dagostino, Head of Institutional Strategy at Coinbase. In this interview, Dagistino shared insights on the functioning and mechanics of global crypto markets, and the changing perspectives towards this asset class.
Listening to him you can gauge these insights are backed by solid market experience and expertise.
What makes this conversation more interesting and insightful is the take of Dagostino on the global financial system that is not price chart centric. He’s more keen an approach where the institutions are not worried whether they should enter into the crypto markets or not but are looking for integrating it and making it a part of their global strategy
Why India Matters in Coinbase’s Global Strategy
One of the most striking takeaways from our interaction was Coinbase’s unwavering focus on India. Dagostino categorized India as a premier long-term growth market, essential for the next wave of institutional crypto adoption.
The reasoning is two-fold. First, India possesses a unique cultural affinity for technology. In contrast to many Western markets, where existing systems are very entrenched, the Indian economy has a remarkable ability to “leapfrog” over existing technology in favor of digital solutions. Second, the size of the Indian market provides a laboratory for the future of finance.
Considering Coinbase, India is not just limited to retail trading but it has critical importance specially considering the institutional capital eventually reaching the huge tech savvy population leading to change of perspective in value exchange.
From Market Cycles to Macro Forces
Dagostino argues that the days where crypto markets were viewed to be in a bubble, distant to the economic trends are gone. We are now entering an era where crypto is inextricably linked to global macro forces.
From central bank’s interest rate fluctuation to evolving global associations, crypto is now part of the global liquidity pool. Dagostino noted that while market cycles will always exist, the “next phase” of crypto is evolving due to external triggers.
The recent resilience of the market, in spite of the global economic tightening, suggests that crypto has matured into a sophisticated asset class that reacts to the same drivers as gold, oil, or treasury bonds.
Are Instituion behind Shaping Crypto’s Future
There is a common misconception that institutional interest wanes during “crypto winters.” Dagostino debunked this, explaining that long-term capital building is done during market corrections. Institutions operate on five-to-ten-year horizons unlike the short-term price action driven retail sector.
A change is observed where traditonal markets are no longer in doubt about cryptos but can consider it as a compitition.
The ETFs of Bitcoin being successful has proven that there is a huge gap between the demand and supply of regulatory products in digital asset classes.
The giants are now using their clash reserves in creating systems which will build future. Future is created by those who forsew value in technology when others fail to understand it.
2026 & Turnaround of Regulations in Crypto
A significant poit. Of discussion was the duration for clarity in regulations. Dagostino pointed out that 2026 is a clear point of change, especially in the United States. With the Genius Act and the Clarity Act, two pieces of landmark legislation, working their way through the political system, the industry is on the cusp of getting a “rulebook.”
Unclear regulations is major barrier for many institution’s entry in this market. Clarity on these will open ways for secured captial. Joh has faith that 2026 will be the year when this eco-political issue will get settled and digital assets will get recognition as an instrument of economic security and innovation in finance.
USDC & Emerging Trust worthy the Stablecoins
Stablecoins have emerged as the “killer app” of the blockchain world. Specifically, Dagostino highlighted the role of USDC as a pillar of trust in the digital economy. In his view, stablecoins act as a technical wrapper for traditional currency, allowing the US Dollar to move with the speed and efficiency of the internet.
This transformation of liquidity is revolutionary. IIt enables 24/7 instant settlement, eliminating the frictions and “middleman” costs i.e. a hinderence in finance worldwide. With trusted and regulated stablecoins becoming a norm, they will set the terms of cross-border capital flows, making the global financial system more open and comprehensive.
Real-World Asset Tokenization Takes Center Stage
The rise of Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization was one of the most critical points of discussion from the POV of structural shifts. This is the process of taking traditional assets—like real estate, bonds, or private equity—and placing them on a blockchain.
Dagostino views RWAs as the perfect mediators among the centralized and the decentralized world.
By tokenizing these assets, they become more liquid, easier to trade, and globally reachable for anyone. It isn’t just a trend; it’s a fundamental upgrade to how we track and trade value. Institutional players are particularly excited about this because it brings “programmable money” to the massive markets of legacy finance.
Bitcoin in a Macro-Driven World
In response to the global economic uncertainty, Bitcoin’s narrative is also changing. Institutions are increasingly moving away from seeing Bitcoin as a speculative “tech stock” and are instead comparing it to gold.
Where traditonal currency is undergoing massive fluctuations, Bitcoin with its fixed supply can act like digital version of gold. Dagostino pointed out in accordance with the ongoing global political and economic issues and asseta which are out of the prevailing system at the same time can be accessed through regulated mediums will keep growing
What makes India Coinbase’s most significant market in future
Talking about India, Dagostino emphasized why it is Coinbase’s most important future market. The integrated National digital architecture Indian whether Aadhar card or UPI payments systems are already leading globally.
Merging the traditional tech structure with blockchain’s efficacy opens a wide spectrum to grow. India has the talent, the scale, and the necessity for better financial tools. Coinbase’s strategy involves deep integration into this local ecosystem, recognizing that the future of global crypto adoption will be written in the vernacular of Indian innovation.
Blockchain Moves Into the Mainstream
We are moving from a period where blockchain was an “experimental technology” to a time when it is becoming “global financial infrastructure.” Dagostino predicts a future where the average user won’t even know they are using a blockchain.
Just as we don’t think about the protocols that power our emails, we won’t think about the blockchain rails that power our payments. From rewards programs at major retailers to the way we receive our salaries, blockchain is moving into the mainstream by becoming invisible, efficient, and ubiquitous.
What Comes Next for Crypto
As we concluded our interaction, the roadmap for the future was clear. The next cycle of the crypto market will not be defined by memes or hype, but by three pillars: Institutions, India, and Regulation.
The integration of these three forces will create a more stable, mature, and useful ecosystem. For those watching from the sidelines, the message from Coinbase’s institutional playbook is simple: the foundation has been laid, the rules are being written, and the next chapter of the global economy is being built on the blockchain.
At 3.0 TV, we will continue to bring you these exclusive insights as we track the evolution of this industry. The future of finance is here, and it is more global, more institutional, and more Indian than ever before.
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