Top 7 Altcoins Banks and Institutions Are Investing In

In 2025, some of the world’s largest financial institutions are not only warming up to crypto, they’re diving in. While Bitcoin remains the bedrock of digital assets, altcoins are capturing increasing interest from both banks and institutions. 

From real-world asset tokenization to decentralized finance (DeFi) innovations, altcoins are proving they’re more than just speculative plays. Let’s take a look at the top 7 altcoins that banks and institutions are betting on, how they’re engaging with these assets, and how you can mirror these strategies by investing in crypto through a Crypto IRA. 

7 Altcoins That Institutions Are Watching (or Buying) 

1. Ethereum (ETH): Ethereum remains the most widely adopted smart contract platform and is a staple in institutional portfolios due to its staking model, scalability upgrades, and its role in powering decentralized apps.

Some involved institutions with Ethereum technology are Galaxy Digital and BNY. 

2. Solana (SOL): Fast, efficient, and increasingly the backbone of decentralized exchanges and NFTs, Solana is a hot pick for institutions looking for scalability.

Notably, Franklin Templeton and Citigroup, two of the world’s most prominent financial institutions, have announced strategic initiatives to build financial services on the Solana blockchain, solidifying its reputation as an institutional-grade network.

3. Ripple (XRP): XRP is gaining steady traction among U.S. financial institutions as a tool for streamlining cross-border payments. Major players like PNC Bank and American Express use Ripple’s blockchain to enhance international transaction speed and efficiency. Frankenmuth Credit Union and Cross River Bank have also integrated XRP into their services, reflecting growing institutional interest in its practical utility. As adoption expands, XRP is positioning itself as a key asset in the modernization of U.S. financial infrastructure.

4. Chainlink (LINK): Chainlink is rapidly becoming the go-to infrastructure for banks and capital markets seeking secure and scalable blockchain solutions. Through its Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP), Chainlink has partnered with leading institutions such as SWIFT, DTCC, BNY Mellon, Citi, and ANZ to pilot real-world tokenization and interoperability use cases. These initiatives include cross-chain settlement of tokenized assets, delivery versus payment (DvP) mechanisms, and trade finance solutions. Chainlink’s proven oracle technology and secure data infrastructure enable traditional financial players to confidently engage with Web3 systems, bridging the gap between legacy markets and decentralized networks.

5. Cardano (ADA): With a research-driven approach, Cardano offers a sustainable, secure, and scalable blockchain that institutions find appealing, especially in regions with emerging financial infrastructure.

With Sygnum Bank, offering staking services for the cryptocurrency. Cardano’s reputation is growing as a stable, proof-of-stake blockchain with real-world use cases. While most adoption to date has occurred in Europe, Cardano’s energy efficiency, academic rigor, and scalable infrastructure are making it increasingly attractive to institutions globally, including those in the U.S. exploring sustainable blockchain investments.

6. Avalanche (AVAX): Avalanche is positioning itself as a leading blockchain platform for institutional-grade decentralized finance (DeFi) and asset tokenization. Through its highly scalable infrastructure and customizable subnets, Avalanche enables financial institutions to launch private or public blockchains tailored to their regulatory and operational needs.

Notably, JPMorgan and Apollo Global have participated in pilot programs with Avalanche in collaboration with Onyx by JPMorgan and the Monetary Authority of Singapore to explore real-world asset tokenization. With strong momentum in capital markets, Avalanche is fast becoming a preferred choice for banks and financial service providers seeking compliant blockchain solutions for the next wave of digital finance.

7.  SUI: Sui has rapidly emerged as a leading Layer 1 blockchain platform attracting institutional attention for its innovations in decentralized finance (DeFi), real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, and Bitcoin-based DeFi (BitcoinFi). Financial institutions such as Franklin Templeton are exploring integration with Sui for its robust RWA tokenization capabilities, supported by partnerships such as the one with Ant Digital Technologies. Notably, regulatory filings for SUI ETFs by Cboe BZX and 21Shares, along with the launch of the Grayscale Sui Trust, demonstrate a growing institutional investment appetite.

Sui’s high-performance architecture, native stablecoin support, and strategic collaborations position it as a powerful gateway for traditional finance to enter Web3 ecosystems.

The Crypto IRA Advantage: Invest with Added Tax Benefits 

If banks and billion-dollar funds are getting exposure to altcoins, why shouldn’t you? 

Enter the Crypto IRA, a retirement account that allows you to invest in cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Solana, and Chainlink, while enjoying the same tax advantages as a regular IRA. 

Benefits of a Crypto IRA with BitcoinIRA¹

• Tax-Deferred or Tax-Free Growth (depending on Roth or Traditional structure) 

• Secure Storage through leading custodians 

• 24/7 Trading Platform with over 75+ cryptocurrencies 

• Institutional-Grade Security² with multi-signature wallets and $250M+ insurance coverage 

With financial giants finally entering the crypto game, there’s never been a better time to align your retirement strategy with the future of digital finance. 

The Future of Finance Is Decentralized and You Can Be Part of It 

From smart contract leaders like Ethereum to rising stars like SUI, the world of altcoins is no longer on the fringe. Banks and institutions are finally recognizing what early adopters have known for years: crypto is here to stay, and the most exciting innovation is happening beyond Bitcoin. 

Whether you’re new to crypto or a seasoned investor, a Crypto IRA with BitcoinIRA gives you the tools to take control of your financial future, while enjoying the same benefits institutions are now chasing. 

Open your Crypto IRA account with BitcoinIRA today and start investing in the altcoins shaping tomorrow’s economy.