Crypto’s back in the spotlight and this time, it’s got a powerful ally. Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump, the self-proclaimed “crypto president,” signed an executive order eyeing a bold move: forcing the Federal Reserve to open its doors to crypto banks.
Fast projects like Best Wallet Token are gearing up to take flight. With promises of faster cash flow, lower fees, and new markets, could this push finally make crypto the lifeline it’s been hyped to be?
By 2023, 40% of small-to-medium businesses in the U.S. were already accepting crypto payments. Over 27 million Malaysians are using it now, reports Statista, and small to medium businesses are starting to take notice. Why? It promises faster payments, reduced fees, and an opportunity at new markets. PwC predicts that blockchain can contribute $1.76 trillion to the economy by 2030, and SMEs can benefit from a portion of this.
But trust is the big issue. Is crypto finally ready for small business after years of wild volatility and scam headlines? Experts weigh in, and it’s not a straightforward answer.
The comeback case
Crypto has a positive narrative to share with SMEs, and the experts are making their voices known. Shopify’s APAC Director of Marketing, Robin Marchant, puts it succinctly: “It’s a payment option for faster transactions and lower fees—no chargebacks, just quick cash flow.” Shopify’s been enabling merchants to accept crypto since 2018 through platforms such as Coinbase, and it’s only grown since. Carly Eva Benci, who runs Crypto Carly, attests: “It’s instant—cash flow improves, saves time chasing invoices.”
She’s seen it work for all types of tradies to importers sending money overseas. Kevin He, Cloudtech Blockchain CEO, gets under the bonnet of why it feels secure: “Immutability and decentralization build trust—transactions can’t be counterfeited, and anyone can see them.”
Marella et al.’s 2020 study gives a nod to this—Bitcoin’s transparency is a trust magnet. Gartner’s backing it with dollars too, pegging blockchain at $360 billion by 2026. For SMEs, that’s real money on the table.
The risks holding it back
Hold the hype – crypto’s still got thorns. Prices can drop rapidly; imagine selling a $10,000 service in Bitcoin, then watching it reduce to $8,000 overnight. Kevin He admits, “Most currencies aren’t insured like cash,” and that stings when markets shudder. Scams are another dark stain as Aussies lost $205 million to crypto scams way back in 2022, the ACCC says, and 2025 hasn’t wiped that slate clean.
Regulation’s lagging behind too; it’s a wild west out there without a safety net if it all goes south. Chainalysis says illicit activity’s down to 0.15% of transactions, but that’s still a risk a small business might not want to take.
Stablecoins like USDC offer a way out – less rollercoaster, more steady ride, but new regulations coming mid-2025 may introduce compliance costs. It’s safer than it used to be, but not bulletproof.
What’s next for SMEs
Crypto’s resurgence is genuine, although it is not yet plug-and-play. Lachlan Feeney of Labrys once commented it’ll be “crazy” not to be instrumental in blockchain before long, and 2025’s vindicating him. Smart contracts could handle payroll in a snap, or tokenized assets could fund your next project – PwC sees 40 million jobs tied to this by 2030.
Robin Marchant advises, “Start small and test a platform like Coinbase.” Big banks like ANZ are jumping in, and tools are getting friendlier. But you’ve got to prep as over 3% of Americans still don’t trust crypto, per Pew Research 2024, and SMEs can’t afford that gap.
Education is the answer; research your coins, pick a solid one, and keep your wallet safe. Crypto’s back for SMEs doing it correctly—it’s a tool, not a gamble.
This article explores emerging trends in cryptocurrency and is not financial advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult professionals before making investment or business decisions.
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Crypto’s getting a White House boost. Our experts dive into the potential benefits and risks that come with adopting this digital currency. News, crypto Dynamic Business
