Blockchain networks have achieved significant advancements in scalability, with transaction speeds increasing from 340 transactions per second (TPS) in 2020 to 3,400 TPS in 2025, according to a16z crypto's 2025 State of Crypto report. This development positions blockchain as faster than traditional financial systems such as Stripe and Nasdaq. COTI CEO Shahaf Bar Geffen highlighted that speed and cost are no longer barriers for institutional adoption, with Layer-2 networks facilitating sub-cent transactions and boosting stablecoin volumes to $46 trillion. Despite these advancements, blockchain's transparency remains a challenge for institutions due to the exposure of sensitive financial data and heightened security risks. While privacy coins like Monero offer anonymity, they lack the compliance features needed by institutions. Emerging blockchains with programmable privacy and selective disclosure are being developed, but broader integration is necessary for widespread institutional adoption.