Coinbase ‘cautiously Optimistic’ On 2026 As Crypto Nears...
Coinbase Institutional says clearer regulation, stablecoin growth and shifting macro conditions could mark a turning point for crypto markets in 2026.
After a year of unexpected turbulence for crypto markets, 2026 could mark a turning point driven by regulatory clarity, accelerating stablecoin adoption and an improving macroeconomic backdrop, according to a new outlook from Coinbase Institutional.
In its 70-page report, Coinbase Institutional said digital assets have evolved “from a niche market to an emerging pillar of global market infrastructure,” even as price volatility and uneven liquidity defined much of 2025.
Looking ahead, Coinbase’s institutional arm expects clearer global regulatory frameworks to provide stronger policy guardrails, supporting innovation and long-term market maturation.
Rather than another retail-driven boom-and-bust cycle, 2026 is framed as a year of institutional integration and regulatory maturity, with clearer rules enabling deeper participation from traditional financial players.
In the United States, Coinbase Institutional pointed to landmark policy developments, including progress on stablecoin legislation such as the GENIUS Act and momentum toward a broader crypto market structure bill, as key factors shaping the next phase of adoption.
These efforts are expected to influence everything from risk management and compliance standards to institutional portfolio strategies.
Stablecoins remain one of crypto’s most established use cases, with Coinbase Institutional projecting significant expansion in the years ahead. Its model forecasts that the stablecoin market could grow to about $1.2 trillion by 2028, driven by increased use in payments, settlement, payroll and cross-border remittances.
Still, the outlook stops short of outright optimism. Coinbase Institutional described its macroeconomic expectations as “cautiously optimistic,” arguing that while economic growth may remain uneven, the US economy has shown greater resilience than recent data implies.
Persistent inflation risks and the timing of potential interest rate cuts remain key variables that could influence crypto market recovery heading into 2026.
Source: CoinTelegraph
