Definition ∞ Asset class convergence describes the blurring boundaries between traditionally distinct investment categories. This phenomenon sees digital assets like cryptocurrencies exhibiting characteristics previously associated with commodities, currencies, or equities. It reflects a growing recognition of digital assets as legitimate components within a diversified investment portfolio.
Context ∞ The current state of asset class convergence is a key discussion point in financial news, as institutional investors increasingly allocate capital to digital assets. A critical debate involves regulatory frameworks, which struggle to classify these hybrid assets adequately, impacting their legal treatment and market access. Future developments will likely involve the creation of new financial instruments that explicitly span traditional and digital asset classes, further integrating them into the broader economic landscape.