How Crypto-as-a-Service Is Helping Banks Keep Up With Gen Z’s Crypto Lifestyle

The financial world is transforming as we speak, and the driving force behind these changes is the younger generation, which prefers digital freedom to queuing at banks.

According to CoinLaw, in 2025, the number of crypto users exceeded 580 million, which is 34% more than last year. In addition, more than $89 billion in cross-border P2P payments passed through crypto systems — what was once a niche experiment has now become a global trend.

As a result, for the new generation, “banking” has long been living in their smartphones. Money is turning into crypto assets, and the balance in the app is only part of a broader financial ecosystem.

At the same time, modern users don't just want to see their balance — they want to manage their assets, exchange them, and transfer funds in seconds to anywhere in the world.

That's why neobanks, which combine the simplicity of UX with the flexibility of Web3, are becoming key players in the world of finance. 

Coffee for USDT, Salary in Tokens: The Financial Routine of a New Generation

For millennials and Gen Z, financial identity is now inextricably linked to Web3. Specifically, according to CoinLaw, Gen Z (1997–2012) accounts for 28% of the global crypto community, while millennials (1981–1996) account for about 40%. The most active age group is 25–34 years old: t they represent 31% of all crypto users in 2025.

In other words, these generations have long been looking for something more than just a “no-fee card.” They want direct access to crypto and DeFi: to buy tokens in a few clicks, transfer USDT to friends, or pay for coffee from a cryptocurrency wallet.

Therefore, if a neobank does not offer such features, young people will not hesitate to switch to another one that does. And there are already examples of this: Revolut, Monzo, and Bunq are gradually transforming from fintech banks into real “crypto gateways” for their users.

Therefore, banks must quickly adapt to the new financial reality, as users are already accustomed to buying, storing, and paying with crypto — and increasingly expect the same from their traditional banks.

However, this creates a problem — building your own crypto infrastructure is not just about code and servers, but also licensing, compliance, secure asset storage, and huge cybersecurity costs. For most banks, this means years of development, millions of dollars in investment, and not always obvious profitability.

The Smart Way for Banks to Go Crypto — Without Becoming Crypto Companies

In response to this pain point, the Crypto-as-a-Service (CaaS) model has emerged, allowing banks and fintech companies to integrate crypto services without having to build their own ecosystem.

All technical, licensing, and regulatory aspects are handled by the CaaS provider. The bank receives a ready-made API tool that can be easily integrated into a mobile application. For the customer, everything looks simple: they open the application and buy BTC or USDT in a few clicks — without any complicated procedures.

Over the years of working with startups, I have repeatedly seen that a powerful infrastructure can save a product, while a weak one can easily halt its development.

Therefore, after analyzing providers offering CaaS solutions for integration, I compiled a list of proven platforms that help businesses quickly and safely enter the crypto ecosystem. 

1. Kraken offers access to over 370 crypto assets through modular, low-latency APIs. Businesses can let their clients trade crypto directly via their own platforms, while keeping everything fast and secure. The platform also provides a white-label solution for full brand customization.

• WhiteBIT provides an infrastructure that allows users to deposit, withdraw, buy, and sell crypto for fiat, as well as receive and send assets across different networks. Businesses can store over 300+ supported assets, create custom wallets, access the system via a flexible API and offers a white-label solution for full brand customization.

1. BitGo gives access to 1300+ crypto assets across 40+ blockchains. Businesses can create wallets, buy and sell crypto for fiat, and provide users with trading and staking options. With modular APIs and on/off-ramps, BitGo also offers a white-label solution for complete brand control.

1. Gate.io supports over 300 crypto assets and offers multiple payment methods, unlimited transaction capacity, and easy fund distribution to multiple wallet addresses. Businesses get a one-stop solution for fiat on/off-ramps and a white-label setup to launch branded crypto products.

1. Coinbase provides secure custody, crypto brokerage, and fiat-crypto on/off-ramps. Businesses can also use staking and secured lending services, offering clients a full range of crypto operations under one trusted infrastructure.

From a business perspective, CaaS offers several strategic advantages:

• Fast time to market: integration takes months, not years;

• Expansion of the customer base: especially among the younger generation interested in crypto;

• New sources of revenue: transaction fees, conversions, and customized cryptocurrency products;

As a result, banks remain in the game — maintaining user trust and keeping pace with the digital economy without becoming crypto companies.

In summary, 

the financial world has entered a new phase where crypto is no longer an alternative — it is now the norm. Young people no longer ask whether they should use crypto — for them, it is as familiar as a smartphone in their pocket or a card in Apple Pay.

And while traditional banks are still asking themselves, “Is it time to integrate Web3?”, they are quietly losing a generation of customers — those who will not even open an account with them.

In the next 3–5 years, we will see leading neobanks fully integrate CaaS into their services, and the line between “bank” and “crypto app” will completely disappear.

After all, this is not just about new assets, but about a change in the financial system. And in this reality, as loud as it may sound, it is indeed impossible to survive without crypto.