The convergence of traditional finance and decentralized finance (DEFI) is changing the way we look at global financial systems.
As institutional adoption accelerates, permissioned Defi platforms – those blending blockchain efforts with regulatory safeguards – are emerging as a bridge.
This transition brings both opportunities and challenges: regulatory uncertainty, accessibility gaps and technological barriers.
To explore these dynamics, Phillip Alexeev, Chief Growth Officer at Crossfi, moderated a conversation with Jirayut “Topp” Srupsrisopa, CEO of Bitkub, and Stephan Lutz, CEO of Bitmex.
Moderated by:
Phillip Alexeev, Head of Growth at Crossfi
After successful exits in the 3D printing and virtual reality industries, Phillip led the growth strategies of notable Web3 projects including Coinlist and Decentraland. Before joining Cross Finance, he was Head of Growth at Binance.
Interviewees:
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Jirayut (Topp) Srupsrisopa, Founder and Group CEO of Bitkub
Jirayut is one of Thailand’s leading open Bitcoin and blockchain experts with over eight years of industry experience. He founded Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co., Ltd, the largest blockchain and digital assets group in Thailand.
Stephan Lutz, CEO of Bitmex
Stephan played a key role in innovation at Bitmex, a leading crypto derivatives platform, launching one of the most traded crypto market contracts: the perpetual swap. He currently leads the financial growth, expansion and profitability of Bitmex.
Perminée Defi: a gateway to mass adoption
Permissioned Defi is gaining ground as a bridge between the decentralized and regulated worlds.
These platforms aim to address obstacles such as scalability and compliance, while maintaining the innovative edge of blockchain.
“The enabled challenge bridges the gap between the regulated world and decentralized finance,” explained Topp.
Bitkub has grown rapidly by simplifying blockchain tools for everyday users.
“We are focused on creating systems that anyone can use – even in regions with less financial literacy.”
CrossFi uses this technology to connect blockchain with traditional financial systems, making it easier for banks and other financial services to adopt crypto.
By partnering with platforms like LayerZero and designing flexible systems, CrossFI helps break down the technical barriers that often make these integrations difficult.
Regulation as the backbone of trust
As Defi grows, regulatory frameworks are increasingly vital to fostering trust and security.
Lutz also stressed the importance of security as a basis for sustainable growth.
“Safety is at the heart of our operations. We have never lost a single part in our history, thanks to cold storage practices and rigorous internal protocols,” he noted.
In Thailand, regulation has also played a key role in enabling growth.
“The SEC’s licensing framework has given us the clarity to educate users and grow responsibly,” Topp said.
By working within this regulatory structure, Bitkub has become the largest regulated digital asset exchange in Southeast Asia, with millions of users.
For CrossFI, bridging the gap between traditional finance and blockchain technology requires aligning innovation with compliance.
By creating infrastructure that meets regulatory standards, CrossFI ensures that banks and businesses can integrate crypto without sacrificing security or scalability.
This approach builds trust while encouraging adoption by lowering barriers to institutions exploring the crypto space.
Education and accessibility: the keys to adoption
Beyond regulation and security, broader adoption of decentralized finance depends on accessible and user-friendly blockchain technology.
TOPP highlighted the role of education in promoting adoption, particularly in regions where financial literacy remains low.
“At Bitkub, we have focused on humanizing blockchain technology. Our systems are designed so that users do not need to understand the complexities of blockchain to benefit from it,” he said.
Lutz highlighted how platforms like Bitmex simplify the entry point for institutional and retail users.
“We have introduced tools that cater to all levels of traders, from professionals to those just entering the market, with a focus on security and transparency,” he noted.
CrossFi takes a similar approach by prioritizing user-centric solutions that make the integration of crypto and traditional finance seamless.
Its infrastructure includes features such as real-time crypto-to-fiat conversion and tokenized banking, allowing businesses and users to incorporate digital assets without deep technical expertise.
This focus on usability ensures that DeFI can reach diverse demographics and drive global financial inclusion.
The Road Ahead: Collaboration and Innovation
As blockchain adoption scales, collaboration between traditional financial institutions and decentralized platforms will be important.
These partnerships will improve the efficiency, transparency and scalability of financial systems, ultimately enabling wider adoption.
Lutz envisions a future where Defi platforms take center stage in the crypto ecosystem.
“Defi and centralized exchanges can coexist, but the focus will increasingly be on transparency and secure trading environments,” he said.
As more users demand accountability from financial platforms, the importance of regulatory clarity and robust security measures will increase.
Topp also sees crypto playing a transformative role on a global scale.
“By 2028, I expect Bitcoin to become a strategic reserve for many nations, with market capitalization reaching $100 trillion in the crypto ecosystem,” he predicted.
Real-world use cases like remittances and micropayments will continue to drive adoption, solving inefficiencies in legacy financial systems.
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