21shares released “The State of Cryptocurrencies in 2026: The Next Chapter in the Digital Asset Econ

Zurich, December 11, 2025 — One of the world’s leading providers of exchange-traded products for cryptocurrencies, 21shares, today released its latest “Cryptocurrency Status Report.” The report includes ten bold predictions made based on evidence, looking ahead to 2026, when digital assets will enter a new stage of development.

This report examines how 21shares’ predictions for 2025 have been validated over the past year. Institutional adoption, clear regulatory frameworks, and innovative products are all working together to drive market growth. The report also offers forward-looking insights into the market, which is currently supported by structural capital inflows, macroeconomic adjustments, and clearer regulatory guidelines. The report covers key themes for the next phase of development, from the steady growth of Bitcoin and the ongoing ETP momentum, to the trillion-dollar stablecoin market, the revitalized DeFi ecosystem, and the rise of alternative finance. The predictions for 2026 are based on the fundamental advantages that the cryptocurrency market holds within the global financial system.

Some of the key predictions include:

● Bitcoin has ended its traditional four-year cycle: For over a decade, the cryptocurrency market has followed the pattern set by Bitcoin’s halving cycles: a programmed reduction in supply every four years, leading to price increases and periodic corrections. Halvings remain important, but their marginal impact is diminishing over time. This indicates that Bitcoin is moving towards maturity as a macro asset. The four-year cycle no longer determines market trends; structural capital inflows, macroeconomic adjustments, and clear regulatory frameworks are more crucial now.

● 到2026年底，全球加密货币ETP的规模将超过纳斯达克100指数ETF：加密货币ETP已成为传统投资者获取数字资产的主要途径。我们去年预测加密货币ETP的资产管理规模将超过2500亿美元，这一预测已经实现，我们预计这一增长势头将加速，并在2026年达到4000亿美元。全球范围内对加密货币友好的监管框架正在不断完善，这使得加密货币ETP成为机构级投资的全球标准。如果比特币市值达到5-6万亿美元，即使只有10-15%的比特币通过ETP进行配置，其总资产规模也将超过4000亿美元。

● 稳定币供应量将达到1万亿美元：2025年稳定币供应量已超过3000亿美元，我们预计2026年流通量将增长3.3倍，达到1万亿美元。随着美国《天才法案》(Genius Act)和欧洲《货币信息与应用法案》(MiCA)等监管措施的推进，稳定币在全球范围内的普及率正在飙升。事实上，美国财政部长斯科特·贝森特(Scott Bessent)预测，仅美元稳定币的供应量到2028年就可能超过2万亿美元。稳定币显然正在成为传统金融(TradFi)和去中心化金融(DeFi)之间的连接纽带，并将继续为链上的一切应用提供动力。

● 预测市场将成为推动数百万用户上链的重要催化剂：It is predicted that the market will continue to grow and develop in 2026. It will transform global uncertainties into one of the largest application scenarios for cryptocurrencies, following Bitcoin, stablecoins, and DeFi. It is expected that the annual trading volume of platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi will exceed $100 billion. Factors driving this trend include geopolitical developments, the maturity of crypto infrastructure, as well as coordinated regulations from regulatory bodies.

The total locked value of tokenized real-world assets will exceed $500 billion: In the fields of stocks, bonds, credit, and commodities, tokenization is rapidly moving from concept to reality. With the support of institutional adoption, demand for returns, and the launch of large-scale networks, we believe that the total locked value of tokenized real-world assets will increase from $35 billion in 2025 to over $500 billion by 2026. The Clarity Act is a key driver of this growth. This legislation grants banks and asset management companies the authority to issue and host tokenized tools on public blockchains. Additionally, we expect the first tokenized IPO to be completed on a public blockchain by 2026.

“We are witnessing cryptocurrencies moving from being peripheral to becoming core infrastructure in finance. Data shows that the adoption of cryptocurrencies is accelerating worldwide, with increased liquidity and clearer frameworks. Whether it’s stablecoins worth $1 trillion or tokenized assets worth $500 billion, their development is structural. The industry isn’t just growing; it’s clearly becoming an indispensable part of the global financial system,” said Adrian Fritz, Chief Investment Officer at 21shares.

“This ‘State of Cryptocurrency Report’ outlines the development history of the cryptocurrency industry, as well as our expectations for its future growth in the coming year,” said Elias Endingga, Head of Global Research at 21shares. “From the widespread adoption of cryptocurrency ETPs worldwide, to the increasing use of stablecoins in payment settlements, to emerging trends like prediction markets, it’s clear that the industry continues to innovate and attracts new participants.”

“State of Cryptocurrency” was developed by 21shares’ research team as part of the company’s broader commitment to investor education.

With approximately 21 shares available, 21shares is one of the world’s leading providers of cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETPs). The company offers the largest portfolio of physical-backed cryptocurrency ETPs in the market. Its mission is to make cryptocurrencies more accessible to investors and to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance. In 2018, 21shares launched the world’s first physical-backed cryptocurrency ETP. Over the past seven years, the company has accumulated extensive experience in developing such products. Its cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds are listed on some of the world’s largest and most liquid stock exchanges. With a professional R&D team, proprietary technologies, and deep experience in the capital market, 21shares strives to provide innovative, transparent, and cost-effective investment solutions.

21shares是FalconX的子公司，FalconX是全球最大的数字资产一级经纪商之一。21shares独立于FalconX运营，同时战略性地利用FalconX的资源和覆盖范围，以加速实现自身使命并释放新的增长潜力。