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The post Zcash Price Prediction 2026, 2027–2030: Privacy Coin Growth Ahead appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Story Highlights

  • The live price of the Zcash token is  $ 415.09553883
  • Zcash (ZEC) may surge to $840 in 2026 amid growing privacy tech adoption.
  • ZEC price could hit $7,060 by 2030 if zero-knowledge upgrades succeed.

In 2025, the cryptocurrency landscape witnessed a tectonic shift as “Privacy Narrative 2.0” took center stage, propelling Zcash (ZEC) from a multi-year slumber into a staggering 1,500%+ rally. While much of the market focused on institutional ETFs for Bitcoin and Ethereum, ZEC quietly outperformed the majors, surging from sub-$40 lows in september to a multi-year peak near $744 by late November 2025. This resurgence was fueled by a unique convergence of institutional interest, high-profile endorsements, and a global pivot toward zero-knowledge (zk-SNARK) technology as a necessity for financial security.

As 2026 is ongoing, the excitement has turned into a high-stakes question: Was the 2025 “Privacy Summer” just a speculative spike, or the first leg of a massive structural repricing? With Zcash currently consolidating around the $510 mark, investors are closely watching to see if the upcoming protocol upgrades, the potential conversion of the Grayscale Zcash Trust into a spot ETF, and the growth of shielded DeFi (Ztarknet) can trigger a repeat performance.

Let’s dive deep into our comprehensive Zcash price prediction for 2026–2030 to determine if ZEC is preparing for its next parabolic run or a long-term period of base-building.

Table of contents

  • Coinpedia’s ZEC Price Prediction 2026
  • ZEC Price Targets For January 2026
  • ZEC Price Prediction 2026
  • ZEC Price Prediction 2026 – 2030
    • ZEC Price Prediction 2027
    • ZEC Price Prediction 2028
    • ZEC Price Prediction 2029
    • ZEC Price Prediction 2030
  • FAQs

Zcash Price Today

Cryptocurrency Zcash
Token ZEC
Price $415.0955

1.45%
Market Cap $ 6,843,148,013.04
24h Volume $ 754,163,357.0058
Circulating Supply 16,485,718.0405
Total Supply 16,485,748.2905
All-Time High $ 5,941.7998 on 29 October 2016
All-Time Low $ 15.9691 on 05 July 2024

Coinpedia’s ZEC Price Prediction 2026

In Q4 2025, ZEC/USD became attractive due to increased interest in zero-knowledge technology. By 2026, ZEC is expected to remain above $380 and $445, with possible short-term consolidation. Successful implementation of Halo upgrades and zk-proof developments could push it towards $840.

The year may see significant volatility after a December 2025 rally, but recovery trends suggest a potential rise to all-time highs, with gains projected near 50%, and possibly over 70% if targeting $840.

ZEC Price Targets For January 2026

As of January, it was positioned around $530-$485 range, but that immediately declined to $358 support by January 10th. The range is compressing, and a symmetrical triangle is the cause for the current price action of ZEC.

For now, a little recovery is seen as it approaches the 20-day EMA band. A catalyst-driven move could significantly start a rally if it flips $480. If it does, then resistance levels are at $560 and $636.

Given that the price is contained within a multi-month pattern, consolidation is also likely. But if it dips below the nearest support, then $290 would be the strong support area.

ZEC Price Prediction 2026

Amid ongoing discussions surrounding financial surveillance, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and the delicate balance between personal freedom and regulatory measures, Zcash (ZEC) has re-emerged as a potential safeguard against regulatory concerns. Throughout 2025, Zcash crypto experienced a notable resurgence as interest in zero-knowledge infrastructure grew globally.

Even it was seen in the fourth quarter of 2025, that ZEC/USD distinguished itself as a particularly compelling asset, reflecting both its performance and the demand demonstrated by investors. 

Looking ahead to ZEC Price Predictions for 2026, it is anticipated that in 2026, ZEC price will likely maintain its position above key long-term support levels, although some short-term consolidation may still occur. 

If Zcash’s promising Halo upgrades, along with new zk-proof optimizations or developments in interoperability, are successfully implemented in late 2026, there is potential for the asset to revisit higher valuation ranges, potentially nearing $840. 

To sustain an upward trend, key support levels are identified around $380 and $445, respectively. The year could witness significant volatility, particularly following the substantial rally observed, which was followed by a temporary setback in early December 2025, yet a recovery was noted by the end of the month, bringing ZEC back to approximately $550.

Furthermore, a symmetrical triangle pattern has emerged, suggesting the possibility of a notable upward movement. Should the rally continue from its current price, there is potential for a recovery to all-time highs with a projected increase of nearly 50%. If the asset targets $840, it could represent gains exceeding 70% in future sessions.

ZEC Price Prediction 2026 – 2030

Year Potential Low ($) Potential Average ($) Potential High ($)
2026 $380 $571 $840
2027 $697 $1394 $2092
2028 $1046 $2000 $3138
2029 $1569 $3108 $4707
2030 $2353 $4700 $7060

ZEC Price Prediction 2027

In 2027, new upgrades like better decentralization and zk-rollup support could push ZEC higher. Most estimates place the price between $697 and $2092, with an average of $1394.

ZEC Price Prediction 2028

The year 2028 may mark a broader wave of adoption for zero-knowledge identity systems globally. As regulatory systems mature, ZEC could benefit as a pioneer in zk-based privacy infrastructure. The projected range of $1046 to $3138, and an average of $2000.

ZEC Price Prediction 2029

The 2029 market cycle could align with Zcash establishing itself as a core infrastructure asset within the privacy space. As per the analysis, we expect ZEC to rally toward $1569–$4707

ZEC Price Prediction 2030

By 2030, if Zcash becomes fast, scalable, and ready for large-scale use, it could hit new highs. The price could reach up to $7060 by the end of the year.

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FAQs

What is Zcash (ZEC) and how does it work?

Zcash is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency using zk-SNARK technology to keep transactions private while still secure on the blockchain.

What is the ZEC price prediction for 2026?

ZEC could trade between $380 and $840 in 2026, depending on zero-knowledge upgrades, adoption growth, and overall market conditions.

What factors influence ZEC’s price growth?

ZEC’s price depends on privacy demand, zk-upgrades, regulatory trends, institutional interest, and adoption of shielded transactions.

How much will Zcash be worth in 2030?

If adoption accelerates and scalability improves, Zcash could reach up to $7,060 by 2030, driven by privacy infrastructure demand.

Is Zcash a good investment?

Zcash can be a good investment for those seeking privacy-focused crypto, but consider market volatility and technology adoption before investing.

Does ZEC have a future?

Yes, ZEC has a strong future potential as global interest in privacy tech and zk-proof systems grows in finance and blockchain.

The post XRP Price Rebounds From Key Demand Zone—A 10% Upswing Could Be Next appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

With the fresh CPI rates matching the expectations, the markets rose out of consolidation. Bitcoin & Ethereum prices are juggling around $95,000 and $3,300, respectively, while the XRP price continues to trade above the key demand zone. It has delivered a sharp rebound and now has entered a decisive point. Now the question arises whether this rebound transforms into a relief rally or just a short-term bounce. 

Can XRP Price Break Out of the Channel?

XRP is back in focus after bouncing from a strong demand base and triggering a sharp rebound. The move comes as broader crypto sentiment steadies, encouraging traders to rotate into large-cap alts. XRP has already pushed higher from its recent lows, but the rally is now at a crucial checkpoint where past sell pressure has repeatedly capped upside attempts. If buyers can sustain momentum, XRP could extend the rebound by another leg. If not, the market may revisit the demand zone before choosing direction.

The daily chart shows XRP trading inside a descending channel, with price recently rebounding after a triple-tap base near the demand zone around $1.77–$1.90. The rally has now reached a key supply pocket and range-high area near $2.24–$2.35, where sellers previously stepped in. A clean push above $2.35 could open upside targets at $2.60 and $2.75 next. If XRP rejects here, downside targets sit at $2.00 first, then $1.90 and $1.77.

XRP Price Prediction 2026: What’s Next for the XRP Price?

XRP has put itself back on the radar, but $2.50 won’t come just because the bounce happened. The market already delivered the easy move—buyers stepped in, and the price snapped higher. Now XRP needs a second wave of demand to keep pushing instead of slipping into a sideways grind. If Bitcoin stays firm and altcoin appetite holds, $2.50 is realistic this month. Until then, the XRP price is primed to trade within a consolidated phase.

The post Singapore Gulf Bank Taps J.P. Morgan for 24/7 USD Clearing Access appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Singapore Gulf Bank (SGB), a fully licensed digital bank regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain, has taken a major step in expanding its global payment capabilities by opening a correspondent banking account with J.P. Morgan. The move grants SGB direct access to J.P. Morgan’s established USD clearing network, strengthening its ability to deliver fast, secure, and reliable cross-border payment services to clients worldwide.

Based in Manama, SGB says the partnership is designed to support businesses and investors that rely on seamless international money flows, particularly across major financial corridors linking the Middle East, Asia, and global markets.

Rolling Out Wire 365 for Always-On USD Clearing

A key highlight of the collaboration is SGB’s adoption of J.P. Morgan Payments’ Wire 365 solution, making it one of the first digital banks in the MENA region to do so. Wire 365 enables USD clearing 365 days a year, removing traditional banking cut-off times and allowing near real-time settlement even on weekends and public holidays.

With this capability, SGB can now receive and credit incoming USD payments without interruption. This significantly enhances service availability and offers clients greater flexibility to manage liquidity, optimize cash flows, and meet payment obligations without being constrained by standard banking hours.

Strengthening Omnichannel Settlement Capabilities

The new correspondent banking relationship complements SGB’s existing network of global payment systems, including its proprietary real-time settlement infrastructure, SGB Net. By combining traditional global payment rails with its advanced digital infrastructure, SGB aims to provide more comprehensive omnichannel settlement solutions.

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According to the bank, this integrated approach allows clients to manage global liquidity more efficiently while benefiting from improved speed, certainty, and security in cross-border transactions.

Supporting Cross-Border Capital Flows

The partnership is particularly relevant as capital flows between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and Asia continue to expand. Improved USD clearing capabilities can help facilitate investment flows, trade financing, and treasury operations for corporates and institutions operating across these regions.

“Joining J.P. Morgan’s global network allows us to offer clients a convenient route for USD clearing and ensures their capital moves with the speed, certainty, and security required in today’s global economy,” said Ali Moosa, Executive Vice Chairman of SGB.

Backed by Global Financial Strength

J.P. Morgan Payments processes more than $10 trillion in payments daily across over 160 countries and 120 currencies, bringing deep scale and reliability to the partnership. SGB, meanwhile, offers banking, digital asset management, and stablecoin settlement services, backed by Whampoa Group and Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat. Together, the collaboration signals a push toward more continuous, always-on cross-border banking infrastructure.

Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!

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FAQs

Does this change how quickly businesses can move USD funds across time zones?

Yes. Always-on clearing reduces delays caused by weekends or regional banking hours, which is especially useful for firms operating across the GCC, Asia, and the U.S. This can lower operational friction in treasury and trade workflows.

Are retail customers directly affected by this development?

The impact is mainly indirect. While the setup targets corporates and institutions, improved backend settlement can lead to smoother international transfers and better service reliability for end users over time.

How could this influence competition among digital banks in the MENA region?

It raises the bar for infrastructure expectations. Other digital and regional banks may face pressure to secure similar correspondent relationships or always-on clearing capabilities to stay competitive.

What are the next practical steps after opening a correspondent account?

The focus typically shifts to onboarding clients, optimizing compliance and risk processes, and scaling transaction volumes. Over time, this may enable new payment products or expanded treasury services built on continuous settlement.

The post Best Crypto to Buy 2026: Why Analysts Predict Digitap ($TAP) at $2 by Midterms appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The 2026 crypto outlook is entirely different from previous cycles. Meme projects and speculative tokens are no longer in focus as traders search for utility-based altcoins to buy with working products, high upside potential, and a large target market. 

Among the available cryptos to buy in 2026, the Digitap ($TAP) crypto presale is emerging as a standout. The financial superapp is already available on iOS and Android with full omni-bank functionality. Its delivered utility and unique market positioning have prompted analysts to suggest a $2.0 valuation by midterms.  

The Market Is Rotating Toward Utility And Capital Protection

The broader crypto market has entered a phase in which capital is no longer allocated to speculative tokens that have not delivered meaningful value to users. Investors are placing more weight on capital protection and downside buffers. Projects without clear utility are struggling to hold attention. Dogecoin, for example, is down nearly 60% this past year.

Shiba Inu, the second-largest meme token by market cap, is likewise down nearly 60%. This is likely because the environment favours infrastructure over experimentation, with a focus on utility and portfolio defense as opposed to hoping for speculative moonshot multipliers. 

As a result, many analysts believe the next wave of outperformers will come from utility-backed crypto presale projects. These are increasingly viewed as the best cryptos to buy for those positioning early while reducing exposure to pure hype. 

Among the available sectors, payments, settlement, and banking are beginning to stand out. Users always need to move money, pay bills, and manage liquidity. Tokens tied to these functions are less dependent on hype cycles, with relevance regardless of the current market phase.

Digitap: A Global Omni-Bank With Flexible Access

Digita is positioned as a full omni-bank that integrates crypto and fiat in one system. Users can spend, transfer, swap, and store value through a single app. The platform is already live, which removes the execution risk seen in many early-stage projects. This is the risk that the platform won’t actually deliver anything to investors. Another defining feature is Digitap’s tiered KYC structure.

Users can select different access levels depending on their needs, from minimal onboarding to advanced offshore-style banking features. This flexibility supports a global user base, including freelancers, remote workers, and small businesses. It means there is no real ceiling as the app is immediately available for anybody, regardless of their location. 

Entry barriers have been made as low as possible, without sacrificing security or privacy. The platform has undergone two smart contract audits from Coinsult & SolidProof. Transactions are private, with 24/7 stealth mode and bank-level encryption for transfers.   

It balances compliance with user preferences to cater to a huge market and remain within the ambit of the relevant legal jurisdictions. 

This is a unique offering and comes at a time when billions of people cannot get access to financial services, and many more have had their accounts closed without warning. 

$2.0 Analyst Target Based On Adoption And Utility

Analysts pointing to a potential $2.0 valuation are focusing on addressable markets rather than short-term price action. Digitap targets large segments such as global remittances, underbanked users, and crypto payments.

Even limited adoption across these sectors can result in huge multipliers, which is partially why the crypto presale has already seen over $4M of whale investment.  

The token structure is also proving attractive to investors, with a fixed 2B $TAP supply to prevent value dilution. A 50% platform profit distribution encourages long-term price appreciation and user engagement. Users can earn as they spend at Visa-compatible terminals worldwide, with earnings deposited directly into their accounts. 

The current price for $TAP is $0.0427, rising in the next round to $0.0439 and at each round thereafter. This price predictability reassures investors and provides a means of portfolio stability. While the market trades sideways, $TAP will continue to rise steadily before listing on an exchange, after its fundraising is completed. 

And if Digitap becomes a staple in the payments industry like Wise or Revolut, it could far exceed its $2.0 target. It has already delivered the technology as an omni-bank offering deposits, withdrawals, payments, transfers, invoicing, payroll, 24/7 support, global IBANs, staking APY, tiered KYC, and more. The main hurdle left is mass adoption.  

Why Digitap Is Viewed As The Best Crypto To Buy For 2026

Digitap stands out for combining early-stage pricing with a mature product. Users can already interact with the platform, while investors gain exposure before broader adoption. This is an exceedingly rare balance and explains why whales seeking discounted altcoins to buy have already allocated $4M to the newly launched crypto presale. 

$2.0 might be the floor, not the ceiling, for $TAP — it could become the best crypto to buy in 2026 if it gains global adoption. There are very few viable contenders in the omni-bank arena, while billions remain underserved by legacy finance. 

Discover how Digitap is unifying cash and crypto by checking out their project here:

  • Presale: https://presale.digitap.app
  • Website: https://digitap.app 
  • Social: https://linktr.ee/digitap.app 
  • Win $250K: https://gleam.io/bfpzx/digitap-250000-giveaway 

The post Can Dogecoin Price Break Higher as ETF Momentum Builds? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Dogecoin (DOGE) has stepped into 2026 with a powerful narrative behind it, yet the price action tells a far more restrained story. 

While headlines around U.S spot Dogecoin ETFs and institutional interest continue to stack up, Dogecoin price performance has failed to mirror the excitement.

At press time, Dogecoin price is trading at $0.1401, with an intraday uptick of over 2%, replicating that bulls are trying to gain dominance.

Dogecoin Price Struggles to Clear Key Resistance Again

Dogecoin’s price chart structure remains weak. For the past few sessions, Dogecoin has faced rejections multiple times from the trendline barrier of $0.1550. 

This level has now evolved into a psychological hurdle, a barrier that bulls must decisively break to revive upside momentum.

Despite an intraday price uptick of over 2%, DOGE price has been unable to sustain higher highs. This suggests that bears still hold their shape.

The current price action shows small doji and longer wicks which highlights hesitation on both sides. The momentum indicators typically align with this setup by flattening out, reinforcing the idea that neither buyers nor sellers have full control. 

As direction remains unresolved but increasingly sensitive to any strong catalyst, patience remains the key. For bulls to gain dominance, DOGE price must surpass the key hurdle of $0.1600, which may open the doors to retest the major hurdle of $0.1800-$0.1900 ahead.

DOGE Gets ETF Exposure, Still Waits for Real Demand

Recent developments around Dogecoin ETFs have added fresh credibility to Dogecoin’s long-term outlook. This week, 21Shares officially announced the launch of its spot Dogecoin ETF after receiving approval from the U.S SEC to list the product on Nasdaq under the ticker TDOG.

Notably, this marks the third spot DOGE ETF to enter the regulated U.S market, expanding institutional-grade access to the memecoin.

Despite the regulatory greenlight and growing availability, capital inflows have yet to scale meaningfully. For now, the ETF story strengthens Dogecoin’s legitimacy, but sustained demand will be key for price follow-through.

Final Thoughts

Despite the price consolidation, Dogecoin’s trading activity remains steady and continues to respect the 20 day EMA support. A confirmed breakout above $0.1600 would trigger an upward momentum and may push DOGE toward $0.1800 ahead.

While a drop below the immediate support zone of $0.1320 may push DOGE to retest the recent lows of $0.1200.

The post The Elon Musk Effect: Trader Turns $466 Into $180K as PsyopAnime Explodes appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Elon Musk followed the @PsyopAnime X account and the Solana-based meme token shot from $1 million to $17 million market cap in under an hour. The token peaked above $26 million before pulling back.

On-chain data shows traders made serious money on the move. One trader invested $1,653.44 three days ago and now holds $220,100 worth of the token. That’s a 130x return. Another buyer got in at $466 and is sitting on $180,400 in unrealized gains.

What Is PsyopAnime?

PsyopAnime began as an X account and grew into a creative collective that produces AI-generated satirical anime shorts. The project built a following through its content before launching a token on Solana.

The token currently trades at $0.01504 with $15.05 million market cap.

Crypto Community Reacts

The Musk follow sparked immediate reactions across crypto Twitter. Ben Crypto posted about the rally:

“I’m digging this $PsyopAnime run. $1M to $17M mc today due to Elon following the @PsyopAnime X account. If Elon were to actually engage with their tweets going forward… That would pump the entire meme coin sector.”

Musk has moved meme coin markets before. His posts have triggered major price swings in Dogecoin and other tokens over the years.

What Traders Are Watching Now

The big question is whether Musk engages further. A follow is one thing. A reply or retweet could send the token much higher.

That said, meme tokens like PsyopAnime carry real risks. These assets can deliver big returns, but they also come with high volatility and little regulatory clarity.

For now, traders are watching Musk’s next move.

The post UK’s First Bitcoin & Gold ETP Goes Live appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

On January 13, 21Shares’ Bitcoin Gold ETP (BOLD) began trading on the London Stock Exchange, marking the UK’s first exchange‑traded product that blends Bitcoin and gold in one fund. The ETP uses a volatility‑based monthly rebalance to adjust exposure, aiming to give Bitcoin’s growth potential while keeping gold’s stability. The underlying assets are 100% physically backed and held in cold storage. BOLD’s strategy and strong past performance appeal to investors after the UK opened retail access to crypto ETPs, though risks remain high.

The post Polygon’s Fee Growth Hits $1.7M Fueled by Polymarket appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Polygon has earned over $1.7 million in fees in 2026, driven in large part by Polymarket’s 15-minute high-frequency prediction markets, which introduced transaction fees that reward liquidity providers and increase network activity. On one day, these markets contributed up to $100,000 in fees. Polygon also achieved a throughput of 16.67 million gas per second and $1.45 million in revenue over the past week, marking a 171% week-over-week increase, signaling growing adoption, stronger on-chain activity, and the ecosystem’s expanding utility.

The post Exclusive Report: Crypto Market Predictions 2026 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

The crypto market enters 2026 at a crucial point, no longer triggered by hype, but instead by institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and the smooth integration of digital assets into traditional finance systems. While Bitcoin finished 2025 near flat despite a bullish year for traditional assets like gold and silver, institutional adoption surged, ETF inflows totaled $23 billion, and stablecoin legislation became law. These developments position 2026 as the year when crypto switches from a side bet to a core part of the financial ecosystem, though price volatility and execution risks remain significant.

Bitcoin Price Prediction 2026

Bitcoin price prediction 2026 shows short-term uncertainty, while still pointing to strong confidence in its long-term potential. Institutional forecasts diverge sharply, with JPMorgan projecting $170,000, Standard Chartered targeting $150,000, and Tom Lee of Fundstrat calling for $150,000–$200,000 by early 2026, increasing to $250,000 by year-end.

Also read: Bitcoin Price Prediction 2026, 2027 – 2030: How High Will BTC Price Go?

More cautious views, highlighted by Fidelity’s assessment that Bitcoin faces a “year off” within its four-year cycle, suggest consolidation between $65,000 and $75,000. Bloomberg Intelligence’s bear case pushes toward $10,000 if liquidity tightens materially.

Options markets currently price roughly equal odds of Bitcoin trading at $70,000 or $130,000 by mid-2026, and equal odds of $50,000 or $250,000 by year-end, a massive volatility band showing uncertainty about monetary policy, leverage conditions, and the sustainability of recent ETF demand.​

Ethereum Price Prediction 2026 by Major Analysts 

Ethereum faces significant volatility. Our ETH market prediction estimates cluster between $4,500–$7,000 for 2026, with bullish cases pushing toward $11,000 by year-end as RWA tokenization and decentralized finance expansion accelerate.

Bitcoin and Ethereum Price Predictions

Tom Lee projects ETH trading between $7,000–$9,000 early 2026, influenced by tokenization and institutional demand for stablecoin settlement layers. He predicts that ETH price could touch $20,000 by the end of 2026.

BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes has shared similar views. Speaking with Lee on the Bankless podcast, Hayes stuck to his $10,000 Ethereum target.

Standard Chartered has also turned more bullish, raising its Ethereum target to $7,500 and lifting its 2028 estimate to $25,000.

Meanwhile, Joseph Chalom, CEO of Sharplink, believes Ethereum’s total value locked could grow 10x in 2026. However, some analysts remain bearish on ETH price forecast 2026. Crypto analyst Benjamin Cowen says Ethereum probably won’t reach new all-time highs next year, pointing to the current state of Bitcoin’s market and overall liquidity conditions as key reasons.

Crypto ETF Inflow Could Touch $40 Billion 

The approval of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in 2024 created a regulated institutional onramp. 2025 saw $23 billion in net inflows; Bloomberg Intelligence’s senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas projects 2026 could reach $15 billion in a conservative base case or surge toward $40 billion under favorable conditions.  

Crypto ETF Inflow Projection

Galaxy Digital and other institutional forecasters expect inflows exceeding $50 billion as wealth management platforms remove restrictions and add crypto to model portfolios. Bitwise expects ETFs to buy more than all of the new Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana coming onto the market in 2026. In other words, ETF demand could be stronger than new supply. This might help support prices through simple supply-and-demand pressure.

Crypto ETF Inflows and DeFi TVL Growth Trajectory (2024-2026) 

Bitcoin ETF assets under management are expected to reach $180–$220 billion by year-end 2026, up from approximately $100–$120 billion currently. The critical drivers are Fed rate cuts (expected throughout 2026), approval of additional altcoin ETFs (likely for Solana, XRP, and others), and potential public allocation announcements from major pension funds or sovereign wealth funds.

Assets under management across all crypto ETPs are expected to surpass $400 billion by year-end 2026, doubling from roughly $200 billion currently. Over 100 new crypto ETFs are anticipated to launch, including 50+ spot altcoin products following the SEC’s approval of generic listing standards.

Top altcoins show different risk-return profiles influenced by institutional adoption, regulatory clarity. Solana (SOL) is seen as the leading smart contract alternative to Ethereum, with 2026 price predictions ranging from $195 (average) to $325+ (bullish). Traders Union forecasts point toward $210–$270 by mid-2026 with potential for $412 by 2029.

2026 Altcoin Price Trends

The bullish view depends on Solana’s Internet Capital Markets growing from about $750 million to $2 billion. This is because more institutional capital markets activity moves on-chain and as the ecosystem shows it’s move beyond meme-driven trading.

Solana’s DeFi total value locked is currently around $9.19 billion, making it the fastest-growing alternative ecosystem after Ethereum, which still leads with about $71 billion.

XRP (Ripple) faces the highest forecast spread. Standard Chartered, the most bullish institutional voice, projects XRP reaching $8 by end-2026, representing 330% upside from current levels. This target assumes continued institutional adoption in cross-border payments, ETF inflows, and SEC commodity classification.

However, more conservative analysts project $3–$5, citing execution risk and competition from stablecoins and CBDCs. AI-driven forecasts diverge: ChatGPT projects $6–$8 under a $10 billion ETF inflow scenario, while Anthropic’s Claude forecasts a more aggressive $8–$14 range. XRP has already accumulated $1 billion in ETF inflows, validating institutional interest in regulated exposure.​

2026 Altcoin Price Prediction Ranges (Conservative to Bull Case) 

Cardano (ADA) and Dogecoin (DOGE) face more muted 2026 trajectories. ADA is projected between $1–$2, depending on smart contract adoption acceleration and developer ecosystem growth. Even with its large retail fan base, DOGE is expected to trade between $0.20 and $0.40 unless there are major upgrades to the network.

DeFi Market to Hit $200 Billion in 2026

Decentralized finance is experiencing institutional validation. Total value locked (TVL) approaching $150–$176 billion in late 2025 is projected to reach $200+ billion by early 2026, pushed by institutional participation in lending, borrowing, and stablecoin settlement. This represents a recovery from the $50 billion trough following the FTX collapse in late 2022, a remarkable 4x expansion in less than three years.​

Ethereum remains the leader in Defi activity, controlling approximately 68% of total DeFi TVL ($71 billion as of December 2025). Liquid staking has emerged as the strongest segment, reaching $44.8 billion on Ethereum alone and growing 4% year-to-date with peak growth of 33% observed in August–September 2025. Top protocols include Lido ($27.5 billion TVL), Aave ($27 billion), and EigenLayer ($13 billion), showing concentrated value capture in permissionless lending and restaking.​

Decentralized exchanges are expected to capture more than 25% of combined spot trading volume by year-end 2026, up from 15–17% currently, as no-KYC access and lower fee structures appeal to market makers seeking reduced friction.

Crypto-backed loans are predicted to exceed $90 billion, with on-chain dominance increasing as institutional players leverage DeFi protocols over centralized exchanges for more efficient capital deployment. On-chain borrowing rates are expected to remain below 10% with low volatility, supported by institutional capital and arbitrage with declining offshore rates.​

On the other hand, Prediction markets have emerged as a major growth category, with Polymarket approaching $1 billion in weekly volume and expected to consistently exceed $1.5 billion in 2026. These markets support everyday price discovery for regular traders and give institutions tools to manage risk, but they’ll also face closer regulatory scrutiny around insider trading and market manipulation.

Stablecoin Adoption To Surge Following Regulatory Clarity 

Stablecoins are becoming a hot topic in 2026. The passage of the GENIUS (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins) Act in July 2025, taking effect January 2027, establishes regulatory clarity by requiring issuers to maintain 1:1 backing in short-term treasuries or currency, comply with KYC/AML rules, and disclose reserve composition monthly.

This framework has boosted TradFi partnerships, with nine major global banks: Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, Bank of America, Banco Santander, BNP Paribas, Citigroup, MUFG, TD Bank, and UBS exploring stablecoin launches on G7 currencies.​

Global Stablecoin Market Cap Growth Trajectory (2024-2027) 

The stablecoin market has expanded from approximately $120 billion at end-2024 to $309 billion in late 2025, a 158% increase in one year. The market is dominated by Tether (USDT) at $187 billion and Circle (USDC) at $77 billion, with new players including PayPal Stablecoin (PYUSD, $3.8 billion) and emerging TradFi competitors.

Stablecoin Market Forecast

JPMorgan projects the stablecoin market reaching $500–$750 billion by 2026 under a conservative base case, with bull-case scenarios reaching $1–2 trillion by end-2026 or Chinese New Year 2027. Citi’s research projects base-case issuance of $700 billion and bull-case issuance of $1.9 trillion.​

Stablecoins are predicted to overtake ACH (Automated Clearing House), the legacy banking transaction system, in transaction volume by 2026. Galaxy Digital predicts that top-three global card networks (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) will route more than 10% of cross-border settlement volume through public-chain stablecoins in 2026, though consumers will see no change in user experience, with stablecoins operating invisibly as back-end settlement rails. Stablecoin supply is expected to grow at 30–40% compound annual growth rate, boosting transaction volumes significantly.​

Stablecoin and RWA Demand Rise

Recent institutional entries show this trajectory: Western Union launched a US Dollar Payment Token on Solana; Sony Bank is developing a stablecoin for integration across its ecosystem; and SoFi Technologies introduced SoFiUSD on Ethereum for efficient bank-to-bank settlement. This consolidation around TradFi partnerships positions 1–2 dominant stablecoins per region as preferred settlement rails, accelerating adoption through familiarity and network effects.​

On the other hand, Real-world asset tokenization is breaking into mainstream capital markets. Fortune 500 companies: banks, cloud providers, and e-commerce platforms are launching corporate Layer-1 blockchains that settle more than $1 billion in real economic activity annually and bridge to public DeFi for liquidity discovery.

Major banks will begin accepting tokenized equities as collateral equivalent to traditional securities. The SEC is expected to grant exemptive relief (potentially under an “innovation exemption”) enabling non-wrapped tokenized securities to trade directly on public DeFi chains, with formal rulemaking commencing in H2 2026.​

Cryptocurrency Adoption: Institutional, Corporate, and Sovereign

Institutional adoption is accelerating rapidly. Seventy-six percent of global investors plan to expand digital asset exposure in 2026, with 60% expecting to allocate more than 5% of AUM to crypto. Over 172 publicly traded companies held Bitcoin as of Q3 2025, up 40% quarter-over-quarter, collectively holding approximately 1 million BTC (roughly 5% of circulating supply).

Also read: Global Crypto Adoption Report 2025

On the other hand, the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency granted conditional approval for five national trust bank charters tied to digital assets: BitGo, Circle, Fidelity Digital Assets, Paxos, and Ripple. This moves stablecoin and custody infrastructure inside the federal banking perimeter, providing institutional-grade compliance and risk management. Sovereign adoption is expected to accelerate as well in 2026 as Brazil and Kyrgyzstan have passed legislation enabling Bitcoin purchases for national reserves.

Regulatory Clarity Increases Under Trump Era

The shift from “regulation by enforcement” to explicit rule-setting represents a strong turning point. The GENIUS Act establishes federal stablecoin standards; the House-passed CLARITY Act addresses market structure and jurisdictional clarity; and regional frameworks (EU’s MiCA, UK standards, Singapore’s MAS stablecoin regime, UAE guidelines) are creating compliant, scalable environments for institutional participation.

Expected interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve, talks around fiscal stimulus, and the possibility of a more dovish Fed Chair taking over in May 2026 could all give a boost to risk assets including crypto.

At the same time, regulation is becoming more structured. Governments are increasingly viewing blockchain networks through a national security lens instead of just financial innovation. Concerns about sanctions evasion, illegal activity, and state-backed actors are creating a clear split between regulated, institution-friendly crypto markets and offshore platforms operating on the edges.

This is likely to favor institutional-grade platforms and compliant assets, while putting pressure on privacy-focused tokens and unregulated exchanges.

Market Derivatives and Options Trend in 2026

On January 1, 2026, over $2.2 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum options expired. Bitcoin dominated with $1.87 billion in notional value trading near the $88,000 max pain level, while Ethereum accounted for $0.33 billion.

This highlighted the beginning of significant derivatives activity in 2026, with notable concentration in March and June maturity dates. It suggests traders are positioning for both short-term volatility and massive upside through H1 2026.​

Conclusion

2026 is the year when the cryptocurrency market achieves robust things. For example, stablecoins become payment solutions; real-world assets migrate on-chain; institutional capital flows increase; and regulatory frameworks welcome rather than restrict crypto adoption.

Bitcoin price targets remain wide ($50,000–$250,000 by year-end), but institutional adoption and ETF demand create massive support floors. Ethereum could reach $7,000–$11,000 as DeFi and tokenization expand. Solana, XRP, and other altcoins prepare for 2–4x growth this year.

However, managing risk remains essential, as regulatory changes, reduced leverage, economic shocks, or technical failures at major platforms could quickly erase gains. Still, 2026 strongly appears to be a turning point, shifting the market’s focus from hype toward building a long-term potential in the crypto market.

The post Sell Pressure Fades as Bitcoin Price Consolidates Above $91,000—Is $100K Next? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News

Bitcoin price is holding steady after a brief rebound, but the market still lacks a decisive trigger. BTC is consolidating above $91,000, while traders keep a close watch on whether the range turns into a breakout or another rejection. Volatility remains compressed, suggesting a larger move could be building as liquidity clusters around key levels. With risk sentiment turning highly reactive and positioning tightening, the big question is whether Bitcoin can build enough momentum to retest the $100,000 zone in the near term.

Sell-side Risk Ratio Cools as Holders Slow Down Profit-Taking

The next clue comes from Glassnode’s Sell-side Risk Ratio, which tracks how much profit or loss investors are realising relative to Bitcoin’s market cap. In simple terms, it shows whether the market is seeing heavy distribution (aggressive selling into strength) or lighter selling (holders choosing to sit tight).

On the chart, the Sell-side Risk Ratio has dropped toward the lower band after spending much of 2024–2025 oscillating at higher levels. Historically, the bigger spikes in this metric have aligned with periods of strong profit realization and overheated moves, while dips toward the lower zone have appeared during cool-down phases where sell pressure eases and the market builds a base.

This supports a constructive consolidation thesis: if holders aren’t rushing to realize profits, BTC often needs a fresh demand catalyst to push higher—but it also reduces the odds of an immediate, seller-driven collapse. The risk is that low selling pressure can still mean low urgency from buyers, which keeps BTC choppy until the price breaks key resistance with volume.

Will Bitcoin Price Reach $100K This Month?

The Bitcoin price has been closely consolidating within a tight range for the past weeks following a recovery from the interim lows around $80,000. The price is struggling to clear the resistance zone between $91,600 and $93,500 as it is facing constant bearish pressure. Despite this, the volume remains within the average, suggesting considerable trader participation, regardless of the sluggish behavior of the BTC price.  

The weekly price action of BTC reflects the growing momentum of bulls as the rally continues to trade along the rising trend line. This line has been acting as a strong support since 2024, and a rebound from this zone suggests the upcoming rally could be more explosive than before. The weekly MACD is preparing for a bullish crossover, and the weekly RSI has just begun to rise. This indicates there is more room for the bulls to thrive, and hence the upper target for the Bitcoin (BTC) price rally is much ahead than $100,000.

Is Bitcoin (BTC) Price Heading Towards a New ATH?

As seen in the above chart, the price is consolidating within the rising expanding channel and has rebounded from the support. In the previous rebounds, the price has surged towards the resistance. Therefore, the Bitcoin price is believed to rise, but to mark a new ATH, the token is required to clear 2 important resistance zones. After the current one, it needs to surge above the price range between $106,800 and $109,600. A rise above this range may push the levels above $110,000 and later the ATH price levels.