5 Major Changes in the Crypto Market in 2026: The End of the Cycle Theory, BTC Enters the Infrastructure Era

If we were to sum up the crypto world of 2026 in one word, it would be: handover. From investment products to asset classes, from speculation to infrastructure, from a retail game to an institutional standard.

Based on the latest market data and on-chain trends, here are 5 signals that could reshape the industry landscape.

1. DAT 2.0: From “Fun” to “Mainstream”

Last year, a bunch of brand companies suddenly rebranded themselves as “Bitcoin Treasury Companies” (DAT), from liquor merchants to sunscreen brands, resulting in chaos—poor management, low valuations, and angry investors.

2026 will be different. Real DATs operating by BTC standards will be revalued by the market. Those who just hoard coins and do nothing—burning the CEO’s private jet expenses—will see their stock prices align more closely with their actual BTC holdings. Management must prove they can create value for shareholders, rather than just being a “precious metals fund.”

2. Stablecoins Everywhere

USDC and USDT are no longer just trading pairs. By 2026, they’ll permeate traditional finance—corporate treasury, cross-border settlement, payment processing. The advantage is simple: instant settlement, zero intermediary fees.

But there’s a catch: too many copycat stablecoin projects will flood the market, leading to a shakeout—bad coins will be eliminated, and top issuers will dominate.

3. The End of the Bitcoin Cycle Theory

This is the most noteworthy prediction.

The four-year cycle theory is dead.

Why? Today’s market is different—institutional participation is off the charts, retail sentiment no longer dominates, and traditional capital has entered the scene. This means:

• Lower volatility
• Longer holding periods
• Growth becomes gradual and sustained
• BTC gradually evolves from a “trading tool” to an “asset class”

Imagine BTC existing like gold—stable, reliable, globally allocated. This appeal to traditional investors, in turn, will drive up demand.

4. US Investors Granted Access to Offshore Liquidity Markets

Loosening policies and friendlier regulation mean US capital will gradually be allowed into global crypto liquidity pools. It won’t happen overnight, but you’ll see: more compliant custody solutions, offshore platforms improving compliance, and stablecoins acting as cross-border bridges.

The beauty of USD stablecoins is this—they’ve achieved what regulators couldn’t for years: allowing US capital to connect with international markets in a clear, traceable way. This is crucial for price discovery.

5. Product Complexity Upgrades

BTC-related bonds, equities, and derivatives are about to enter the “fancy tricks” era. Not just spot ETFs, but expect to see:

• BTC-backed structured products
• Options strategy ETFs (generating actual yield rather than pure price speculation)
• Staking yield products
• Derivatives deeply integrated with traditional risk frameworks

Institutions that once rejected digital assets will enter the space because the products are finally “formal” enough. BTC’s role is shifting from a “gambler’s playground” to “financial infrastructure.”

Underlying logic: Institutions have already entered in 2025; 2026 is the year they reprice, redesign financial products, and incorporate BTC into standard risk frameworks. The death of the cycle means more stable growth.