Goldman Sachs Ramps Up Crypto Exposure, Eyes Tokenization Opportunities

Goldman Sachs is intensifying its involvement in the digital asset space, according to its head of digital assets Mathew McDermott. Speaking at TOKEN2049 in Dubai, McDermott detailed how the bank is ramping up its trading operations, exploring crypto lending, and pursuing tokenized products that meet real-world use cases. These developments mark a significant expansion beyond Goldman’s previous approach, which avoided direct handling of crypto despite early engagement through derivatives. Expansion of Trading and Lending Since launching its crypto trading desk in 2021, Goldman Sachs has offered cash-settled Bitcoin and Ethereum options, in addition to CME-listed futures contracts. However, the firm has not taken direct custody of the underlying crypto assets.  McDermott confirmed that client demand has grown steadily, prompting a broader push into trading and crypto lending operations. As part of this expansion, the bank is now examining ways to deliver tokenized instruments. Institutional Scale Hinges on Regulation As Goldman Sachs deepens its digital strategy, regulatory clarity remains a decisive factor. McDermott emphasized that scaling institutional activity requires defined rules, particularly for areas like stablecoins and tokenized securities. He noted that without clear regulation, broad participation from large entities remains limited.  Under President Donald Trump’s administration, the U.S. has seen a shift toward policies viewed as more favorable to digital asset innovation. He highlighted that changes in regulatory policy have led to more openness toward innovation in the digital asset ecosystem. He also mentioned how Trump plans to make the U.S. the crypto capital, which would push the need for a broader marketplace.  When designing projects in this space, the executive emphasizes creating utility for institutional use, especially as these technologies scale up, build liquidity, and lead to larger, more efficient marketplaces. When asked about where blockchain could have the most immediate impact in traditional finance, McDermott pointed to stablecoins. Goldman Investing in Bitcoin ETFs Goldman Sachs’ involvement in digital assets also extends to its equity holdings. February filings revealed that the bank held $1.558 billion worth of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds. Specifically, it holds BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust and Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund. The bank reported holding over 24 million IBIT shares, marking an 88% increase from the prior quarter. Meanwhile, in March, Goldman Sachs made its first-ever mention of Bitcoin in its annual shareholder letter. This reference was viewed as a milestone for the firm, which had not previously acknowledged crypto in its formal investor communications. The inclusion followed growing relevance of digital assets across financial markets and signaled a further integration of crypto-related topics in traditional finance discourse.