2026 Crypto Market Forecast: Insight from 21Shares Report

The 21Shares 2026 State of Crypto report offers one of the most comprehensive analyses of the digital asset economy as it enters a new phase of global adoption. Released on December 11, 2025, the report outlines ten evidence-based predictions that highlight how crypto is transitioning from speculative hype to a structurally integrated part of global finance. 

With institutional inflows rising, regulatory frameworks strengthening, and new use cases emerging, the big question becomes: What does 2026 hold for the crypto market?

This article breaks down the most important insights from the report, combining 21Shares analysis with a broader view of 2026 crypto trends, helping investors understand what the future digital economy may look like.

Crypto’s Next Phase: From Cycles to Structural Growth

One of the report’s strongest claims is that Bitcoin’s traditional four-year halving cycle is losing dominance. For more than a decade, the market followed Bitcoin’s rhythm — supply cuts, explosive rallies, and steep corrections.

According to the State of Crypto 2026, this cycle is being overtaken by structural factors:

• institutional inflows

• macroeconomic realignment

• clear regulatory rulebooks

While halvings still matter, they no longer define the market’s heartbeat. Instead, Bitcoin is evolving into a mature macro asset, driven by deeper liquidity and global adoption.

READ ALSO: What to Watch in 2026: Crypto Trends, Regulation and Institutional Adoption

Crypto ETPs Surge Toward $400B AUM

The report highlights remarkable momentum in globally regulated crypto exchange-traded products. After surpassing $250B AUM earlier than expected, 21Shares projects crypto ETPs to reach $400B by the end of 2026.

Key drivers include:

• increasing regulatory clarity across major jurisdictions

• growing demand for institutional-grade crypto exposure

• the rise of physically backed ETPs

• maturing Bitcoin and Ethereum markets

If Bitcoin reaches a $5–6 trillion market cap, even a conservative institutional allocation of 10–15% through ETPs could push AUM well past the projected level. This positions ETPs as the global standard for crypto investment access.

Trillion-Dollar Stablecoin Market in 2026

A major highlight of the 2026 crypto trends report is the explosive growth of stablecoins. After surpassing $300B in 2025, stablecoins are projected to reach $1 trillion in circulating supply by 2026.

21Shares attributes this surge to:

• regulatory progress (Genius Act in the U.S., MiCA in the EU)

• wider adoption in payment settlements

• integration across TradFi and DeFi

• global demand for on-chain dollar liquidity

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent even predicts U.S. dollar stablecoins alone could exceed $2 trillion by 2028. Stablecoins are evolving into the core connective tissue of the digital asset economy, enabling everything from DeFi to cross-border payments.

Prediction Markets as Mass Adoption Catalysts

The report identifies prediction markets as one of the most transformative catalysts entering 2026. Platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi are projected to surpass $100B in annual volumes, fueled by:

• geopolitical events

• heightened global uncertainty

• maturing crypto infrastructure

• increased institutional support

21Shares argues that prediction markets may become one of the largest crypto use cases since Bitcoin and stablecoins, onboarding millions of new on-chain users.

Real-World Asset Tokenization Set for Explosive Growth

Tokenized RWAs (Real-World Assets) have grown from concept to reality, covering equities, bonds, credit, and commodities. In 2025, RWAs reached $35B TVL, but 21Shares predicts this number will exceed $500B in 2026.

Growth drivers include:

• institutional adoption

• demand for secure on-chain yield

• new large-scale tokenization networks

• supportive regulations like the Clarity Act

21Shares also anticipates that the first tokenized IPO will settle on a public blockchain in 2026 — a historic milestone signaling crypto’s transition into financial mainstream.

READ ALSO: Top 5 Solana Ecosystem Tokens to Watch in December 2025

Conclusion

The 2026 State of Crypto report from 21Shares makes one thing clear: crypto is entering a new era of structural maturity. From trillion-dollar stablecoins and booming ETP markets to the rise of agentic finance, prediction markets, and RWAs, the digital asset economy is evolving at unprecedented speed.

For investors, institutions, and builders, 2026 is positioned not as a speculative bubble but as the next foundational chapter in global finance, supported by regulatory clarity, deeper liquidity, and accelerating adoption.

For more in-depth crypto market updates and predictions, check out the latest posts on the Bitrue blog — or explore trading directly on Bitrue’s platform.

FAQ

What is the 21Shares 2026 State of Crypto report?

A research report outlining key predictions and trends shaping the 2026 digital asset economy.

Why are stablecoins expected to reach $1 trillion?

Due to regulatory clarity, global adoption, and increased use in payments and DeFi.

Are prediction markets becoming mainstream?

Yes, they are projected to exceed $100B in annual volume in 2026.

Why are RWAs important for 2026?

They enable tokenization of real financial assets, improving liquidity and accessibility.

How will Bitcoin behave in 2026?

Its market movement will rely more on structural inflows than halving cycles.