By 2035 , we may see fully-fledged virtual economies complete with their own currencies , financial systems and regulatory frameworks . This trend is closely tied to the development of the metaverse , which , despite some fluctuations in public interest , continues to attract significant investment .

Franklin Templeton Investment ’ s Head of UCITS ETF Product Strategy , Rafaelle Lennox , emphasises the scale of this emerging sector : “ It ’ s too big to be ignored . In the first half of 2022 , over US $ 120bn has been invested in the metaverse , double that of 2021 , from start-ups to large tech companies , venture capital & private equity .”

This trend is already visible in the growing popularity of virtual assets and currencies in online games and platforms . For instance , the in-game currency Robux has become as coveted as pocket money for many children .

As virtual and augmented reality technologies advance , the line between physical and digital assets may blur further .

Monavate ’ s CTO , Mat Peck , explains the natural fit between cryptocurrencies and the metaverse : “ Cryptocurrencies will absolutely be the preferred method of payment as the metaverse grows .

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