Regulated ICOs Could Spark the Next Crypto Bull Run in 2025, Says Bitwise CIO
- Why Regulated ICOs Are Gaining Traction in 2025
- Coinbase’s Token Platform: A Game-Changer for Crypto Fundraising
- From Chaos to Compliance: How ICOs Evolved
- 5 Reasons Why 2025’s ICOs Could Outperform Traditional IPOs
- The BEST Token ICO: A Case Study in Modern Fundraising
- Risks and Rewards: Navigating the New ICO Landscape
- FAQ: Your Questions About 2025’s ICO Revival
The crypto market might be on the verge of a new bull cycle, and regulated Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) could be the catalyst. According to Bitwise’s Chief Investment Officer, Matt Hougan, the relaunch of ICOs under stricter rules—like those on Coinbase’s new token platform—could redefine crypto fundraising. This time, transparency and compliance are front and center, offering retail investors early access to tokens at lower valuations. From the lessons of the 2017 ICO boom to today’s regulated frameworks, here’s why 2025 might be the year of the ICO comeback.
Why Regulated ICOs Are Gaining Traction in 2025
Remember the wild west of ICOs in 2017? Projects raised billions overnight, but scams and regulatory crackdowns left the market in shambles. Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape looks entirely different. Platforms like Coinbase are reintroducing ICOs with guardrails: mandatory disclosures, anti-speculation measures, and investor protections. The first major test is the upcoming BEST token sale, running from November 17-22, 2025. Unlike the free-for-all of the past, these regulated ICOs aim to balance innovation with accountability—a shift that could attract institutional capital and retail investors alike.
Coinbase’s Token Platform: A Game-Changer for Crypto Fundraising
Coinbase isn’t just dipping its toes into ICOs—it’s rebuilding the model from the ground up. Their new platform enforces:
- KYC/AML checks to weed out bad actors
- Vesting schedules to prevent pump-and-dump schemes
- Price transparency via fixed-price sales or Dutch auctions
Hougan compares this to "Goldman Sachs meets Kickstarter," where startups can raise capital faster than traditional VC rounds while giving everyday investors a fair shot. Early data from Coinmarketcap shows that tokens launched under this model have 30% less volatility post-listing compared to 2017-era ICOs.
From Chaos to Compliance: How ICOs Evolved
The 2017 boom was a cautionary tale. Projects like BitConnect collapsed, and the SEC shut down hundreds of unregistered offerings. But buried in the wreckage was a kernel of truth: blockchaindemocratize access to capital. The difference now? Regulations like Europe’s MiCA and clearer SEC guidance under Chairman Gary Gensler have created guardrails. "It’s not about stifling innovation," says Hougan. "It’s about ensuring projects deliver real utility—not just hype."
5 Reasons Why 2025’s ICOs Could Outperform Traditional IPOs
- Retail participation: Unlike IPOs reserved for institutional investors, ICOs let small holders buy in early.
- Liquidity advantages: Tokens trade 24/7 globally, while IPO shares face lock-up periods.
- Community building: Token holders become evangelists—just look at Ethereum’s early adopters.
- Regulatory clarity: Projects know the rules upfront, reducing legal risks.
- DAOs as a new model: Tokenized governance aligns incentives between teams and investors.
Case in point: The BEST token sale includes staking rewards and governance rights—features rarely seen in traditional equity offerings.
The BEST Token ICO: A Case Study in Modern Fundraising
Scheduled to conclude on November 28, 2025, the BEST token sale exemplifies the new ICO playbook:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Platform | Best Wallet (multi-chain Web3 wallet with 500K+ users) |
| Purchase Methods | ETH, USDT, or credit cards via BTCC and Coinbase |
| Key Perks | Early access to future token sales, compounded staking rewards |
Risks and Rewards: Navigating the New ICO Landscape
Even with regulations, risks remain. The BTCC research team notes that:
- Only 1 in 5 ICOs from 2024 met their roadmap milestones
- Projects with doxxed teams had 3x higher success rates
- Tokens with clear utility (e.g., staking, governance) outperformed speculative ones by 47%
As always, DYOR—but now there’s actually data to research.
FAQ: Your Questions About 2025’s ICO Revival
Are regulated ICOs safer than the 2017 version?
Marginally. While scams still exist, platforms like Coinbase VET projects for legal compliance and viability. Think of it as the difference between buying stocks on Robinhood versus a penny stock boiler room.
How do I participate in the BEST token sale?
Through Best Wallet’s app (iOS/Android) or partner exchanges like BTCC. Sales close November 28, 2025.
Could ICOs really replace traditional IPOs?
Unlikely to replace entirely, but they’re carving a niche. For crypto-native projects, ICOs offer faster fundraising and global reach—something even the NYSE can’t match.
