Why Crypto Markets May Mature by Early 2026
Coinbase has outlined a forward-looking view of the crypto market, arguing that 2026 will reward infrastructure, regulation, and real usage over speculation. The company’s latest Crypto Market Outlook suggests traditional cycle models now offer limited guidance.
Instead, institutional behavior, market structure, and payment utility increasingly shape price action. The report, authored by Coinbase global research head David Duong and research associate Colin Basco, frames crypto as a maturing financial system rather than a retail-driven trade.
Besides revisiting major assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, the report emphasizes structural forces beneath market volatility. Coinbase expects macro conditions to remain supportive,…




