Banks and fintech companies accelerate digital asset mergers and acquisitions, Citizens Bank predicts intensified industry consolidation

According to ChainCatcher, market sources indicate that a recent research report from Citizens Bank in the United States shows that mergers and acquisitions in the digital asset industry are accelerating and are expected to speed up further. With the passage of the GENIUS Act (stablecoin regulations) and the anticipated introduction of the CLARITY Act (market structure), the U.S. regulatory environment has shifted from "hostile" to supportive, prompting banks, payment processors, and asset management companies to actively integrate blockchain infrastructure.

The report points out that Mastercard is in talks to acquire ZeroHash for up to $2 billion, and an exchange is also close to completing a similarly sized acquisition of London-based BVNK. The complexity of technology, talent shortages, and compliance requirements make acquisitions the most practical expansion path for traditional institutions. The market capitalization of stablecoins has increased from $250 billion in mid-year to about $315 billion, and is expected to exceed $1 trillion. Citizens Bank predicts that by 2030, the tokenization market could generate nearly $100 billion in annual revenue, including trading, custody, and data services.