Is On-chain Economy just a fad?
You might be hearing the term On-chain Economy pop up more often. Maybe it sounds new, maybe even abstract — like yet another crypto term floating in the wind. But here’s the truth: the On-chain Economy is no longer just an idea whispered by Web3 founders or tech idealists. It’s now being defined, backed, and promoted by some of the world’s most respected financial institutions and thought leaders. This isn’t hype — it’s a signal. Let’s unpack why this matters.
Where Did “On-chain Economy” Come From?
Many assume the term On-chain Economy is some Web3 jargon cooked up on X. In reality, it was introduced and defined publicly by VanEck, one of the oldest asset managers in the United States with over $90 billion in assets under management.
In early 2025, VanEck published a blog titled “What Is the On-chain Economy?”. The article outlined a bold, yet grounded thesis: blockchains aren’t just powering cryptocurrencies — they’re enabling a new layer of the global economy. One where payments, ownership, data, and governance happen on-chain — transparently, securely, and without centralized control.
This wasn’t just an opinion. It was a marker — the beginning of a new conversation about how we build, coordinate, and own in a digital-first world.
"The economy isn’t just going digital—it’s going on-chain." VanEck
Then Came the On-chain Economy ETF (NODE)
VanEck didn’t stop at writing a blog. They went a step further — and put capital behind the vision.
Shortly after, they launched the VanEck Onchain Economy ETF (Ticker: NODE). This exchange-traded fund offers exposure to publicly traded companies building blockchain infrastructure, Web3 services, decentralized data networks, and more.
In essence, VanEck made it possible for everyday investors to bet on the future of the Onchain Economy — not through crypto tokens, but through traditional equity markets.
That move signaled something big:
“This isn’t a side experiment. This is where we believe the future is heading.”
The First On-chain Economy Conference in Europe
In parallel, 2025 also saw the first international conference dedicated to the Onchain Economy, held in Wrocław, Poland. The Onchain Economy Conference brought together academics, founders, policymakers, and blockchain pioneers to explore one shared question:
What happens when entire economies start operating on-chain?
This wasn’t a crypto meetup or a token launch party. It was a serious, policy-and-research-driven event focused on how blockchain infrastructure could reshape everything from supply chains and governance to digital identity and finance.
Why This Isn’t Just Another Tech Hype Cycle
Let’s step back. In the late 1990s, terms like “e-commerce” and “internet economy” felt confusing and futuristic. But they laid the groundwork for the rise of Amazon, Google, and Alibaba — and changed how the world works forever.
Today, On-chain Economy may sound similarly early. But the signs are lining up:
Top asset managers are building financial products around it
Governments are exploring on-chain infrastructure (e.g., CBDCs, digital identity)
Developers are building decentralized applications for real-world use
Conferences, courses, and research initiatives are forming around the concept
Most importantly, the core technologies — smart contracts, stablecoins, DAOs, tokenization — are already here, running at scale. The question is no longer “if” — it’s “how fast.” On-chain Economy is a serious framework — now recognized by global institutions, backed by investment vehicles, and discussed at international forums. It’s the logical next step in the evolution from offline → online → on-chain.
At On-chain Academy, we’re here to help decode this shift — and guide builders, investors, and policymakers toward a future that’s more transparent, more inclusive, and more programmable by design.
Because the next great economic platforms won’t be built on just internet —they’ll be built onchain.
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