a16z Crypto Explains Digital Asset Investment, Citing Privacy as Key Institutional Barrier

a16z Crypto said it invested in Digital Asset after assessing barriers that have limited institutional adoption of crypto technology, including blockchain performance, regulatory uncertainty, and privacy. According to Odaily, a16z Crypto said blockchain performance constraints have largely been addressed, with Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks now offering the scale, speed, and complexity needed for institutional use, and that the U.S. GENIUS Act has taken effect and resolved regulatory issues. The firm said privacy remains a core challenge for institutions moving on-chain because most public blockchains disclose transaction information by default. While public data can support verification, a16z Crypto said institutional financial transactions often require selective disclosure, compliance requirements, and collaboration among multiple parties. It cited examples such as interbank U.S. Treasury trades or repurchase transactions, where counterparties need to share information with each other but should not expose positions, counterparties, or transaction size to the broader network. a16z Crypto said many blockchain projects attempt to make institutions adapt to crypto systems, while Digital Asset aims to make crypto technology fit institutional needs. It added that mature privacy technology is a key breakthrough for attracting institutional participation.