January 7, 2026 • 55 min read
Executive Summary
2025 ended quietly for digital asset prices, but not for progress.
Beneath the surface, digital assets continued advancing toward mainstream integration, with institutions deepening allocations and regulators developing clearer frameworks. While macro uncertainty persists, structural progress has been meaningful—laying the foundation for the next phase of growth.
Our 2026 Look Ahead examines key tailwinds and headwinds and what these forces may mean for institutional investors in the year ahead. Each member of our Research team shares insights including:
- How transforming monetary policy could unlock capital flows
- Why growing allocations from pensions and other cohorts could signal maturity
- The evolution of market structure through ETPs, derivatives, and tokenization
- Key considerations and innovations, including quantum computing and AI-driven strategies
Discover how these forces may converge to define the next phase of digital assets growth in 2026 and beyond.
The information herein was prepared by Fidelity Digital Assets, National Association (“FDA, NA”) and Fidelity Digital Assets, Ltd (“FDA, LTD”). It is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation, investment advice of any kind, or an offer to buy or sell any asset. Perform your own research and consult a qualified advisor to see if digital assets are an appropriate investment option.
Digital assets are speculative and highly volatile, can become illiquid at any time, and are for investors with a high risk tolerance. Investors in digital assets could lose the entire value of their investment. Digital assets are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or any other government agency, and are not obligations of any bank.
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