21Shares Forecasts Cryptocurrency Growth and Market Shifts by 2026

21Shares has published its 2026 Cryptocurrency Status Report, highlighting significant predictions for Bitcoin and global cryptocurrency assets.

The report suggests a maturation of Bitcoin and substantial growth in cryptocurrency assets, reflecting significant market integration into global financial systems.

Bitcoin Matures into Macro Asset: 21Shares Predicts Future Shifts

21Shares, the leading crypto ETP issuer, has released its 2026 report predicting Bitcoin’s shift from the cyclical four-year pattern to a mature macro asset, influenced by structural capital influx. According to Adrian Fritz, Head/CIO of Research & Strategy at 21Shares, “Regulatory clarity and institutional rails (ETPs, compliant custody, onshore venues) are key to sustained inflows.” The firm’s Chief Investment Officer, Adrian Fritz, emphasized major growth in tokenization and institutional crypto engagement.

Cryptocurrency ETP assets are expected to rise from over $250 billion to $400 billion, surpassing the Nasdaq 100 ETF trajectory. The report also foresees stablecoin supplies expanding 3.3 times by 2025. The comprehensive analysis aligns with ongoing industry trends towards regulatory clarity and framework establishment.

Reactions from industry insiders highlight a general optimism toward these projections. Comments emphasize the strategic position of Bitcoin as a macro asset and the potential unlocking of institutional liquidity through regulation. Adrian Fritz stated that these trends further integrate cryptocurrencies into global financial systems.

Tokenization Surge: Real-World Assets Predicted to Exceed $500 Billion

Did you know? The predicted growth of tokenized real-world assets to over $500 billion marks a significant shift from a historical $35 billion benchmark, emphasizing the expanding influence of tokenization on global financial systems.

Bitcoin’s current price stands at $90,067.86, with a market cap of 1.80 trillion USD and a market dominance of 58.55%, according to CoinMarketCap. Despite a 2.86% dip over 24 hours, trading volume reached $70.63 billion, experiencing an 8.73% increase, reflecting active market participation.

Insights from the Coincu research team indicate that regulatory clarity could facilitate a surge in institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies. Historical trends suggest a potential paradigm shift, where regulatory frameworks might ignite further institutional engagement across new decentralized finance sectors.