2025 wrapped up with crypto prices taking a step back, yet the infrastructure supporting digital assets never looked stronger. ETF approvals continued expanding, regulatory frameworks became clearer across major jurisdictions, and payment rails built on blockchain tech matured significantly—all signals pointing toward a more structured ecosystem.

Now comes the real test in 2026: can institutional capital actually match the enthusiasm that retail traders bring to the market? This question will likely define the market's trajectory over the next 12 months. Institutions moving billions into crypto would fundamentally reshape liquidity patterns and volatility profiles compared to what we've seen before. The foundation's getting built. Whether the big money follows remains the suspense.