Crypto Adoption Set to Accelerate in 2026

According to Coinbase's head of research, David Duong, the forces driving crypto in 2025, such as regulation, ETFs, stablecoins, and tokenization, will only get stronger in 2026. This momentum is expected to accelerate crypto adoption, with clearer regulations and the emergence of new corporate balance-sheet vehicles.

In 2025, spot exchange-traded funds created regulated access to crypto, and tokenization and stablecoins moved deeper into core financial workflows. Duong expects these forces to compound in 2026 as ETF approval timelines compress, stablecoins take a larger role in delivery-vs-payment structures, and tokenized collateral is recognized more broadly across traditional transactions.

Global crypto adoption has been steady over the last few years, ranging from 10.3% in Q1 2023 to 9.9% in Q1 2025. Clearer global frameworks were a key development in 2025, driving crypto's transformation from a niche market to an emerging pillar of global market infrastructure.

The US has pivoted toward stablecoin oversight and market-structure clarity with the GENIUS Act, while Europe consolidated its Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation, better known as MiCA. Duong believes that policy clarity, institutional architecture, and broader participation are converging to make crypto part of the financial core.

The investor base has also become more diverse, with a broader cross-section of allocators and end-users reshaping overall demand. Demand no longer hinges on a single narrative but reflects the interplay of macroeconomics, technology, and geopolitics, and is increasingly anchored to a long-term, strategic thesis informed by crypto's increasing integration into mainstream finance.

Crypto Adoption Trends

The steady adoption of crypto over the last few years is a significant trend. With the emergence of new corporate balance-sheet vehicles and the increasing recognition of tokenized collateral, crypto is becoming more integrated into mainstream finance.

Regulatory Developments

The US and Europe have made significant progress in regulating crypto, with the GENIUS Act and MiCA providing clearer frameworks for stablecoins and crypto-assets. This regulatory clarity is expected to drive further adoption and innovation in the crypto space.

Investor Base

The investor base for crypto has become more diverse, with a broader range of allocators and end-users. This shift in demand is driven by the increasing integration of crypto into mainstream finance and the recognition of its potential for long-term growth.

Future Outlook

Duong believes that if the industry delivers quality products, regulatory stewardship, and user-centric design, the next wave of innovation can reach everyone, everywhere, all the time. With the convergence of policy clarity, institutional architecture, and broader participation, crypto is poised to become a key part of the financial core.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the forces driving crypto in 2025 are expected to accelerate adoption in 2026. With clearer regulations, emerging corporate balance-sheet vehicles, and a more diverse investor base, crypto is becoming increasingly integrated into mainstream finance. As the industry continues to innovate and deliver quality products, the potential for long-term growth and adoption is significant.