What to Expect by 2026

In a press release, Yan Siu, CEO of Animoca Brands, shared his views on the future of cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin has now solidified its role as “digital gold,” becoming a benchmark for those seeking a store of value in the cryptocurrency world.

However, the true driver of innovation and utility in the sector is represented by the altcoin market. These tokens, often linked to DeFi, gaming, or NFT projects, offer tangible functionalities and attract an increasingly large audience.

The evolution of altcoins closely mirrors the relationship between the global stock market and gold: although no company has a market capitalization comparable to that of gold, the overall value of stocks far exceeds that of the precious metal. Similarly, the altcoin market, with its steady growth, promises opportunities both among already launched tokens and those newly issued.

This dynamic echoes the post-dotcom era, when tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft strengthened their positions after the crisis, suggesting that in the crypto world we will also witness a resurgence of solid and innovative projects.

The Future of Cryptocurrency Regulation: Towards Greater Regulatory Clarity

The increasing regulatory clarity is a key factor for the adoption of cryptocurrencies by companies. In the United States, the GENIUS Act has provided an initial legal framework for stablecoins, while the Clarity Act – expected to be approved by 2026 – promises to clearly define the jurisdictions between the SEC and CFTC regarding digital assets.

This regulatory change could trigger a genuine wave of tokenization among American businesses, both large and small, facilitating the entry of new players and capital into the sector.

Institutional Adoption: A Growing Future for Cryptocurrencies

The introduction of crypto ETFs marked the beginning of a phase characterized by increasing institutional adoption. In this context, Real World Assets (RWA) and stablecoins are set to lead the narrative, offering more democratic and accessible financial solutions.

Financial inclusion, one of the foundational goals of cryptocurrencies, thus becomes increasingly tangible, thanks to the ability to access advanced financial services through simple digital wallets, even for those excluded from the traditional banking system.

Liquid Investments: A New Funding Cycle

After the dotcom crisis, the market saw the emergence of new investment opportunities in liquid assets. Today, in the Web3 world, the trend is to invest in already listed tokens with a certain level of liquidity, rather than focusing exclusively on new launches. This shift requires more sophisticated analytical skills and offers significant advantages, such as the ability to maintain exposure to long-term growth without sacrificing liquidity.

Tokenized funds represent a fundamental tool in this new financing cycle, allowing investors to access growth opportunities while maintaining the necessary flexibility to navigate a rapidly evolving market.

Tokenization: Everything Becomes an Asset

Tokenization is transforming everything into a new asset class: from physical goods to intangible assets like intellectual property, royalties, and advertising spaces. Although today these assets are still fragmented across different blockchains and marketplaces, estimates suggest a potential value of up to 30 trillion dollars within the next decade.

The adoption of institutional regulatory frameworks, such as the European Union’s MiCA regulation, makes the tokenization of RWAs particularly appealing for banks and asset managers, prompting them to engage with public blockchains. Furthermore, new generations are embracing cryptocurrencies as a reference asset class, just as they did with the Internet and social media in past years.

To reach this audience, strategies will necessarily need to integrate tokenization.

The Invisible Integration of Blockchain in Everyday Life

Just as digital music has become an integral part of our daily lives, blockchain will progressively integrate into digital services until it “disappears” from the end user’s view. Today, services like prediction markets use crypto infrastructures without the user necessarily being aware of it, as long as the service provides added value.

This evolution is also reflected in the gaming world, where in-game assets in the form of NFTs and financial products accessible via stablecoins or RWAs are becoming increasingly common. By 2026, we will witness a shift in the audience: from “crypto natives” to “crypto curious,” with a greater focus on value and utility rather than mere entertainment.

More favorable regulation will allow for open discussion about the value of tokens, clearly distinguishing between those intended for pure entertainment (such as memecoins) and those with real utility. The approval of the Clarity Act will accentuate this trend, penalizing tokens lacking concrete value.

The Era of Financial Literacy: Understanding to Invest

The adoption of cryptocurrencies is already helping to resolve financial inefficiencies, such as reducing remittance costs and providing access to new yield opportunities. In the future, financial digitalization will encompass increasingly broader sectors, from student loans to consumer credit, eventually reaching unsecured credit.

This transformation will require an increase in financial literacy: just as in the ’90s companies had to acquire digital skills to survive, today understanding digital financial dynamics becomes essential to seize the new opportunities offered by tokenization.

Those who fail to adapt risk being left behind, just like the companies that couldn’t grasp the Internet revolution.

Tokenize or Die

The future of cryptocurrencies is already here. Tokenization, institutional adoption, clear regulation, and increasing financial literacy are redefining the landscape of investments and financial services.

Companies that fail to adapt to this new paradigm risk losing relevance, while those who can seize the opportunities offered by blockchain and digital assets may become key players in the next economic revolution.