Ethereum's blockchain-based settlement systems are increasingly being adopted by Wall Street institutions as a viable alternative to traditional clearing processes. These systems enable atomic settlement, finalizing trades in seconds, which reduces counterparty risk and operational costs. The adoption has been bolstered by the launch of Ethereum ETFs in July 2024, with corporate treasuries reportedly holding $14–15 billion in ETH. Experts like Joseph Chalom and Sreeram Kannan emphasize Ethereum's potential as a public infrastructure platform, supporting programmable finance through smart contracts. This shift is driven by the demand for faster, cost-effective settlement solutions and the ability to innovate new financial products. As institutions continue to explore tokenized assets, Ethereum's infrastructure could become the backbone of future settlement systems.