Crypto Isn’t Web 3.0 – It’s Capitalism 2.0, Says Industry CEO
Blockchain seen as a full economic overhaul, not just an internet upgrade
Cryptocurrencies and blockchain should not be boxed in as “Web 3.0” – a narrow internet layer for digital ownership – but instead be recognized as a fundamental reboot of capitalism itself, says Mert Mumtaz, CEO of blockchain infrastructure firm Helius.
Mumtaz argues that crypto amplifies the building blocks of capitalism, including free-flowing information, immutable property rights, transparent markets, and frictionless capital movement.
“Crypto’s endgame will be that it fundamentally evolves the most impactful human invention of all time: capitalism. We said crypto was Web 3.0, but that undermines it. It is actually capitalism 2.0.” he said.
The comments come as US regulators hint at seismic changes in traditional markets that align closely with blockchain’s vision of round-the-clock, global capital flows.
US regulators explore 24/7 markets
In a joint statement, the SEC and CFTC floated the idea of always-on financial markets, alongside new frameworks for perpetual futures contracts and event prediction markets.
“Certain markets, including foreign exchange, gold, and crypto assets, already trade continuously. Expanding hours could align US markets with today’s global, always-on economy,” the agencies said.
If realized, such reforms would mark a major step toward digitized capital markets – with tokenization playing a central role.
Tokenization driving financial transformation
Tokenized assets – from equities and bonds to real estate, art, and collectibles – are increasingly being introduced by both blockchain firms and legacy institutions.
The Solana Foundation recently unveiled a roadmap for “internet capital markets” through 2027, while platforms like Robinhood have already begun offering tokenized stock trading in Europe.
Together, these developments highlight how crypto and tokenization are reshaping financial markets far beyond the scope of Web 3.0.
