SMFG, a major Japanese financial conglomerate, has made a significant investment in Hashed Ventures’ Fund III. This move signals growing confidence from traditional finance giants in the potential of blockchain technology and crypto-related ventures. The SMBC Nikko Securities division, a key subsidiary of SMFG, invested in this venture capital firm, showcasing their commitment to exploring and potentially capitalizing on the burgeoning cryptocurrency ecosystem. This development comes amid a broader trend of institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, with banks, asset managers, and corporations actively engaging in various ways, from offering crypto-related services to investing directly in digital assets. SMBC Nikko’s investment reflects this growing wave of institutional capital that brings legitimacy, resources, and long-term potential to the market.