The story of crypto assets is being rewritten. The massive influx of approximately $130 billion last year has made history, but the real turning point has just begun. In 2026, this sector will continue to attract funds, only the players will change.

The days of retail frenzy are gradually fading, and institutional investors are becoming the main force in the next phase. This is no coincidence. The US crypto regulatory framework is accelerating, and key legislation like the 《Clarity Act》 has finally been enacted. The compliance hurdles that once stood in the way of institutions are now melting away. The original risk factors are turning into signals that encourage institutions to take action.

Looking at the capital flows in 2025 makes this clear. In the first half of the year, digital asset treasury companies absorbed over $68 billion, but by the second half, they clearly struggled. Although the venture capital market has seen some recovery, early-stage project funding remains tough. And now? The industry’s most difficult phase of "risk reduction" is about to pass.

Where will institutions focus in 2026? Mainstream crypto ETFs continue to increase holdings, blockchain infrastructure development, corporate mergers and acquisitions, listing opportunities, institutional applications of stablecoins and tokenized assets — these are the most certain directions. Moving from the fringes to mainstream financial infrastructure, this watershed may well occur in 2026.