In a recent outlook for 2026, Coinbase identified four pivotal trends that are expected to drive global cryptocurrency adoption: crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs), stablecoins, the tokenization of assets, and clearer regulations. According to David Duong, head of investment research at Coinbase, these factors, which gained momentum throughout 2025, are poised to compound and further enhance the crypto landscape in the coming year.
Duong noted that 2025 marked a significant advancement in adoption, largely due to the introduction of spot ETFs, which provided a durable and regulated means of accessing cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. He emphasized that corporate entities have begun leveraging digital asset treasuries (DATs) as regulated vehicles to hold crypto, thereby integrating these assets into their financial structures. This trend is anticipated to encourage more corporations to normalize cryptocurrency as part of their balance sheets.
Additionally, stablecoins have markedly demonstrated their significance by facilitating trillions of dollars in transactions across exchanges and decentralized finance (DeFi), despite holding a market cap in the low hundreds of billions. Duong explained that as regulatory frameworks solidify, stablecoins are likely to play an increasingly vital role in various financial operations, including delivery-versus-payment (DvP) mechanisms, daily financial transactions, and cross-border trade.
Tokenization, particularly of real-world assets (RWAs), remains relatively small in terms of financial value but is gaining traction. Financial institutions such as banks, asset managers, and fintech companies are exploring blockchain technology for enhanced collateral and settlement processes.
Coinbase’s analysis suggests that the market’s demand for crypto has expanded beyond the initial group of early adopters and speculative investors, moving towards a more diversified profile. This evolution is seen as a precursor to growing institutional participation in 2026, fueled by clearer regulatory landscapes in key jurisdictions.
Overall, the forecast by Coinbase underscores a pivotal moment for cryptocurrency as it transitions from niche adoption to more widespread acceptance, supported by the intersecting influences of ETFs, stablecoins, tokenization, and regulatory clarity.
