Digital asset treasuries increasingly rely on in-kind contributions, with sponsors using their own crypto instead of cash, shifting risk to retail investors (Suvashree Ghosh/Bloomberg)

The trend of digital asset treasuries relying on in-kind contributions reflects a broader shift in the financial landscape, where companies are adapting to changing investor appetites. This is similar to findings in an Apple-funded study that revealed developers did not pass on App Store fee savings to users, indicating a pattern of risk and cost absorption by consumers. As crypto markets evolve, retail investors must navigate these complexities, which are compounded by the lack of transparency in funding structures, raising concerns about their financial exposure.