In a recent interview with Benzinga, Pascal St-Jean, President and CEO of 3iQ , shared the company’s long-term strategy to grow digital asset adoption and build infrastructure for a decentralized financial system.
St-Jean outlined a three-phase approach that moves beyond short-term product launches and focuses instead on expanding access, strengthening networks, and transitioning toward on-chain financial operations. As one of Canada’s leading digital asset managers, 3iQ continues to shape the future of finance with both vision and execution.
What is 3iQ’s Three Phase Strategy?
The plan is simple in structure but ambitious in scope. According to St-Jean, 3iQ’s master plan is already underway, starting with investment infrastructure, expanding to institutional engagement, and ultimately culminating in fully on-chain financial systems.
Fueling Adoption and Network Security Through ETFs
The first phase is focused on increasing adoption and securing blockchain networks. 3iQ is doing this by offering regulated investment vehicles, including ETFs that support not only asset exposure but also the underlying infrastructure of proof-of-stake networks.
A prime example is the 3iQ Solana Staking ETF (TSX: SOLQ, SOLQ.U) , launched on the Toronto Stock Exchange in April 2025. The ETF gained 31 percent in value within weeks and has already attracted attention from institutional investors such as ARK Invest.
“The first phase is about increasing adoption and securing networks. Staking, mining infrastructure, and ETFs are the foundation,” said St-Jean.
The emphasis here is on building bridges between investor capital and the real operational needs of crypto networks. By combining regulated access with hands-on support of infrastructure, 3iQ ensures its products benefit both holders and protocols.
Engaging Institutions and Financial Educators
In the second phase, 3iQ is turning its focus to financial institutions. The goal is to help banks, asset managers, and allocators understand how to engage with digital assets effectively.
“We’re working closely with institutions around the world. Phase two is about bringing them into the ecosystem through education and access,” said St-Jean.
This phase is especially important for broader adoption. Many traditional financial players remain cautious due to a lack of regulatory clarity and operational experience. 3iQ is addressing this by offering guidance and developing products that meet institutional standards.
These efforts are not limited to Canada. St-Jean hinted at global collaborations already in motion, reinforcing 3iQ’s position as a knowledge partner as much as a product issuer.
Transitioning On-Chain for a New Financial Future
The final and most transformative phase of the plan is to shift operations and financial systems on-chain. This means going beyond ETFs and structured products toward a decentralized, open, and globally accessible financial ecosystem.
“It’s not about the next ETF,” St-Jean said. “It’s about enabling a global, distributed financial system that is built on-chain and designed for long-term impact.”
This phase reflects a broader trend in the industry. As blockchain networks mature and infrastructure becomes more reliable, the opportunity to migrate core financial functions on-chain is no longer theoretical.
For 3iQ, this means building and participating in systems where transparency, accessibility, and programmability are native features. It also aligns with the company’s track record of being first to market while staying aligned with regulatory best practices.
Why This Strategy Matters
3iQ has been a consistent innovator in digital assets. It was one of the first firms in North America to launch regulated Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. With the recent launch of the Solana Staking ETF (TSX: SOLQ, SOLQ.U) and the 3iQ XRP ETF (TSX: XRPQ, XRPQ.U), 3iQ continues to lead in offering products that align market demand with network utility.
But this three-phase strategy takes things a step further. It shows how product development, institutional education, and on-chain transformation can work in tandem. The vision is long-term, but every phase is already being executed.
Pascal St-Jean made it clear that this is not about chasing trends. It’s about preparing the foundation for the next generation of finance—one where investors, institutions, and networks are aligned.
Final Thoughts
The digital asset space is evolving quickly, but 3iQ’s strategy offers a clear blueprint for sustainable growth. By helping secure blockchain networks, educating institutions, and building toward a fully on-chain ecosystem, the company is addressing today’s challenges while laying the groundwork for tomorrow’s infrastructure.
In an industry often defined by hype and short cycles, this kind of structured, forward-thinking approach stands out.
Watch the full interview with Pascal St-Jean here: https://youtu.be/i4cOhEvyzpo