Big Banks’ Savings Rate Disparity Sparks Crypto Interest
While traditional banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo offer near-zero yields (0.01% APY) on savings accounts, digital asset alternatives gain traction. The 500x gap between legacy banks and fintech offerings mirrors crypto's value proposition: decentralized finance protocols now deliver 5-20% APY on stablecoins like DAI and USDC through platforms such as AAVE and Compound.
This disparity fuels capital migration. Bitcoin (BTC) and ethereum (ETH) wallets increasingly function as digital savings accounts, particularly in regions with banking instability. Exchanges like Coinbase and Binance now offer 4-6% yields on crypto holdings—though unlike FDIC insurance, these carry smart contract risks.
DeFi platforms demonstrate the endpoint of this trend. Projects like Lido Finance pay 3-5% on staked ETH, while Pendle's yield tokenization hits double digits. 'Banks treat deposits as a cost center,' notes Galaxy Digital's Mike Novogratz. 'Crypto treats them as networked value.'