OPINION

Trump Signals That Decentralization Is the Future of Finance

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Townhall.com.

When President Donald Trump hosted his much-anticipated press conference last week, he spoke about a variety of topics — from the crypto economy to come in the United States to the long-needed innovation required for economic national security. 

His words drew attention to the ongoing revolution in the financial world that has been quietly reshaping markets for years. 

As digital assets visionary Olivier Roussy Newton, the CEO and Chairman of BTQ Technologies, DeFi Technologies, and Co-Founder of Valour, says, President Trump has recognized that the future of finance will be decentralized. 

This revolution is not about innovation for innovation’s sake but about laying the groundwork for a more secure, transparent, and accessible financial future by integrating decentralized technologies into the traditional financial system.

Roussy Newton’s view is grounded in the underlying principles of DeFi and post-quantum cryptography, two areas in which he has established himself as a key figure. In his view, the timing is right for transforming finance. 

In today’s landscape, crypto is no longer merely a speculative asset but a force that can fundamentally reshape how economies operate in the U.S. and already internationally. 

According to DeFi Pulse, the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector has grown rapidly. The total value locked (TVL) in DeFi protocols surpassed $60 billion in early 2025. That’s up from just $1 billion in 2020. Already, 65 million Americans own crypto, and 67 percent of those expect to purchase more in the year ahead, according to a 2024 survey by the Pew Research Center. 

DeFi applications, which use blockchain technology to enable peer-to-peer financial transactions without intermediaries, have expanded significantly. As of 2023, DeFi transactions accounted for over $80 billion in transaction volume, demonstrating a steady rise in adoption, despite the volatility in crypto markets.

President Trump’s comments on crypto also addressed the broader political tensions around digital finance. 

On one hand, the skepticism surrounding cryptocurrencies from traditional financial institutions and government bodies is nothing new. Former SEC Chairman Gary Gensler and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (among others) framed crypto as a “wild west” of speculative investment. 

On the other hand, Trump’s acknowledgment of crypto’s growing relevance points to the undeniable rise of this financial sector. His remarks show that, while government officials and politicians may be slow to fully embrace decentralized finance, they cannot afford to ignore it any longer.

As the U.S. regulatory battles over the future of crypto seemingly dissipate, the world is watching with bated breath. In this environment, the roles of central banks, the Federal Reserve, and even financial watchdogs are evolving. 

According to McKinsey & Company, global investments in blockchain technology were projected to exceed $12 billion by 2025, signaling the growing importance of decentralized technologies within the global economy. 

While the conversation may still be in its infancy — with crypto assets currently treated as a contentious financial frontier — many have already begun moving the conversation forward into actionable strategies for the future.

Roussy Newton’s own work goes beyond simply advocating for DeFi. He’s actively shaping its development, particularly with his focus on post-quantum cryptography, a critical and often overlooked facet of the digital asset ecosystem. 

Through BTQ Technologies, Roussy Newton has worked to bridge the gap between emerging blockchain technologies and post-quantum security. The integration of DeFi with quantum-resistant cryptography is a powerful and timely innovation, one that can make financial transactions both decentralized and ultra-secure. 

Roussy Newton's work isn't just about offering solutions for today; it’s about creating a safe and secure system, one resilient to shocks and that can evolve as the digital landscape itself changes. 

As of 2024, over 70 percent of blockchain developers reported they were already working on blockchain applications that will be compatible with quantum-resistant technologies in preparation for future threats.

But it's not just about technical solutions.

Roussy Newton’s work with DeFi Technologies and Valour underscores his belief that the true potential of DeFi is in its ability to offer financial sovereignty to individuals worldwide. 

In a world where traditional finance often excludes or exploits certain communities, DeFi provides an opportunity to democratize access to capital, lending, and investments. 

According to World Bank estimates, 1.7 billion adults globally remain unbanked, making decentralized finance a viable solution to providing financial services to the underserved. DeFi, with its accessibility and low-cost transactions, presents a pathway to financial inclusion on a global scale.

Roussy Newton envisions a world where the decentralized economy is not a niche but the mainstream, empowering everyone, regardless of geography, wealth, or status, to participate in a truly open financial ecosystem. 

A 2024 report by CoinDesk suggests that DeFi adoption among global institutions is expected to increase by 35 percent over the next three years, driven by the need for more inclusive and efficient financial systems.

As the Trump administration’s stance on crypto continues to evolve and as Congress debates the best way to regulate these new financial technologies, it is crucial to consider what the future might hold. 

A fragmented approach — with politicians embracing parts of the crypto ecosystem while still clinging to outdated regulatory frameworks — could hinder the true potential of digital finance. 

Alternatively, entrepreneurs like Roussy Newton offer a compelling roadmap for integrating decentralized technologies into a future-proof financial ecosystem.

In the end, the future of decentralized finance will likely look very different from the financial systems we know today. Whether driven by entrepreneurs like Roussy Newton, who are pushing the boundaries of technology, or by regulators attempting to manage a rapidly changing landscape, one thing is certain: The revolution is already underway. 

According to PwC, over 25 percent of global financial services are expected to leverage blockchain technologies by 2027, further solidifying the rise of decentralized finance.

For those ready to embrace this brave new world of finance, DeFi is not just a buzzword; it’s a new way of thinking about how we exchange value.

And as we move further into the digital age, the work of pioneers like Olivier Roussy Newton will likely play a defining role in shaping the future of finance itself.

Duggan Flanakin is a senior policy analyst at the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow who writes on a wide variety of public policy issues.