Seven crypto trends set to reshape 2026: tokenisation, AI, smart wallets, ZK, cards and UX
Influential figures and institutional shifts point to a turning point for crypto in 2026. The article identifies seven trends likely to shape the next cycle: 1) Tokenisation of real-world assets (RWA) — including stablecoins and asset-backed tokens — driven by institutional interest and a ~300% sector expansion over 18 months, improving liquidity and global access; 2) Private use of AI — algorithms for trading, risk analysis, on-chain monitoring and decentralised AI services; 3) Smart wallets (account abstraction) — smart-contract-based accounts enabling easier onboarding, flexible security, fee payment in any currency and automated flows; 4) Zero-knowledge proofs (ZK) — privacy-preserving verification that supports compliance, enabling regulators and institutions to verify without revealing data; 5) Crypto cards — mainstream payment rails integrating with Visa/Mastercard for seamless fiat conversion, cashback and ATM access; 6) A broader shift toward user experience (UX) — simplifying interfaces to reach mass adoption without sacrificing decentralisation; 7) A paradigm shift away from sole reliance on Bitcoin halving cycles toward external drivers: ETFs, US policy shifts and rising institutional ownership (around 19% of Bitcoin held by funds, corporations and states). The piece frames these trends as mutually reinforcing signs that crypto is integrating with traditional finance, which could support sustained adoption and market growth in 2026. Note: the article is a paid post and not investment advice.
Bullish
The article outlines adoption-focused, infrastructure-level developments that tend to support medium- and long-term demand rather than immediate sell pressure. Key bullish drivers: 1) Increased institutional ownership (~19% of BTC) and launch of ETFs shift capital into crypto, historically correlating with higher price floors and reduced volatility over time. 2) Tokenisation of RWAs and growth (~300%) expands addressable market and on-chain liquidity, attracting institutional flows and creating new use cases for stablecoins and tokenized assets. 3) UX improvements (smart wallets, crypto cards) lower onboarding friction, which widens retail adoption and transactional velocity. 4) AI and ZK technologies reduce operational risk, improve compliance and monitoring, making crypto more acceptable to banks and regulators. Collectively these trends reduce barriers between traditional finance and crypto, increasing capital inflows and utility. Short-term impact: modest to moderate positive sentiment around projects tied to tokenisation, smart wallets, payments rails, ZK and AI tooling may see rallies; however, macro factors and risk-on/off cycles will still drive volatility. Long-term impact: structural demand increase, deeper liquidity, and broader adoption that support bullish fundamentals—similar to past regime shifts when ETF approvals and institutional entry materially raised market capitalization. Caveats: regulatory setbacks, major security incidents, or macro tightening could temporarily negate bullish flows. This analysis assumes continued regulatory accommodation and ongoing product development.