Bernstein Predicts Crypto Growth Amid 2026 Market Shift

Gautam Chhugani, a Bernstein analyst, reports medium to long-term upside potential for crypto in 2026, recommending a focus on crypto stocks during market pullbacks.

Driven by tokenization and fintech growth, Chhugani predicts significant opportunities, including a projected TVL increase to $80 billion and Bitcoin’s target price of $150,000.

Bitcoin’s Future and Market Implications

Chhugani’s analysis indicates the rapid expansion of tokenization and a positive outlook for Bitcoin, setting the stage for potential economic implications.

Bernstein’s Gautam Chhugani anticipates an upsurge in the crypto industry in 2026, proposing that tokenization will dominate in what he calls the “super cycle”. Bitcoin is projected to hit $150,000 by 2026, with a potential 2027 peak of $200,000.

Stablecoin supply could see a 56% rise, potentially reaching $420 billion, supported by payment platforms such as Block and PayPal. RWA tokenization’s Total Value Locked (TVL) might double, growing significantly from the current $37 billion.

Bitcoin’s Historical Momentum with Forecast

Did you know? In a similar market cycle, Bitcoin’s 2017 surge was driven by increasing institutional interest, reaching $19,783, while 2026 forecasts an even more substantial growth potential.

Recent data from CoinMarketCap shows Bitcoin trading at $92,019.56, with a market cap of $1.84 trillion and a 24-hour volume of $50.23 billion. Over the last 24 hours, Bitcoin experienced a 2.30% decrease, despite a 4.31% gain over the past week.

Coincu research analysts foresee tokenization impacting traditional financial systems and driving innovation through regulatory advancements. Adoption could accelerate, particularly in fintech and equity markets, reinforcing cryptocurrency’s role in future economies.