Haciyev Reşit 
Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has detailed its expectations for the future of the crypto market as it enters 2026. David Duong, Head of Coinbase Institutional Research, emphasized that ETFs, stablecoins, tokenization, and increasing regulatory clarity will drive a significant transformation in the market. According to Duong, these developments will substantially accelerate crypto adoption for both retail and institutional investors.
2025: A Structural Turning Point for the Crypto Market
According to Duong, 2025 marked a major turning point for the crypto market. The launch of spot ETFs made it easier for investors to access the market in a regulatory-compliant way, while companies building and expanding crypto asset treasuries laid the groundwork for faster institutional participation.
In addition, stablecoins and tokenization solutions became more deeply integrated into core financial system processes. These developments show that the crypto ecosystem is no longer driven solely by price movements, but is also maturing in terms of infrastructure and institutional structure—seen as signs of growing long-term stability in the market.
Duong expects this momentum to accelerate further in 2026:
- An increase in ETF approvals will broaden investors’ regulatory-compliant access to crypto.
- Stablecoins will play a larger role in DvP (delivery versus payment) mechanisms.
- Tokenized collateral will gain wider acceptance in financial transactions.
According to Duong, these elements will reinforce one another, creating strong synergy within the crypto ecosystem and moving the market toward a more robust infrastructure.
Regulation: A More Predictable Market
On the regulatory front, the United States is clarifying the framework for stablecoins and market structure through the GENIUS Act, while Europe is implementing the MiCA regulation. Duong notes that these developments will create a more predictable environment for institutional investors and highlights that crypto is no longer a niche investment area, but is becoming an integral part of the global financial infrastructure.
Duong also stresses that demand for cryptocurrencies is no longer driven by a single trend. Macroeconomic conditions, technological advances, and geopolitical developments are all influencing the market simultaneously, while the capital base is becoming more long-term and less speculative in nature. This shift is seen as a key indicator of the crypto market’s maturation process.
Assessment
According to Coinbase’s outlook, 2026 will be a year in which adoption in the cryptocurrency market accelerates, with ETFs, stablecoins, and tokenization solutions playing a more active role. Regulatory clarity and institutional participation are expected to move the market toward a stronger infrastructure, while the balance of risks and opportunities for investors will take on new dimensions.
You can also freely share your thoughts and comments about the topic in the comment section. Additionally, don’t forget to follow us on our Telegram, YouTube, and Twitter channels for the latest news and updates.