2026’s Top 3 Crypto and Travel Rule Predictions

As the ecosystem enters 2026, both regulation and market dynamics are moving into a more mature phase. Clearer legislative frameworks, wider implementation of the Travel Rule, and increasing institutional engagement are reshaping how crypto is adopted, governed, and trusted.

In this blog, we outline our predictions for 2026, including the growing oversight of DeFi, the expansion of stablecoin and CBDC use, and Bitcoin’s continued role as the market anchor.

2026’s Regulatory Predictions

1. A Sense of Stability Leading to Trust and Growth

With pro-crypto legislation such as the CLARITY Act, GENIUS Act, and comprehensive stablecoin frameworks in the US, MiCA and the TFR in full effect, and the Travel Rule live in multiple jurisdictions, we anticipate a sense of stability in the ecosystem. 

This stability is expected to create greater trust, attracting institutional investment and further integrating crypto into traditional banking systems, for example, CBDCs and stablecoins. 

With CBDCs, we believe that many banks will transition from pilot programs to live implementations. Examples include the Digital Pound and DREX (Brazil’s CBDC). 

Moreover, as stablecoin regulations expand globally, stablecoin usage is expected to increase, thereby transitioning them from speculative instruments to trusted payment options. Additionally, according to the 21Shares’ State of Crypto 2026 report, stablecoin supply could grow from $300 billion to $1 trillion, while tokenised assets may surge beyond $500 billion, reflecting expanding real-world utility.

2. An Increase in Checks for DeFi Platforms 

The global decentralised finance market size has grown exponentially due to the mass adoption of crypto and DeFi’s elimination of centralised financial institutions. In fact, the DeFi market is forecasted to grow from roughly $21 billion in 2025 to over $230 billion by 2030. 

Source: Grand View Research: Decentralized Finance Market (2025 - 2030)

However, due to their peer-to-peer nature, DeFi platforms often fall outside the scope of most regulatory frameworks and can pose certain risks to users. 

We predict that due to this rapid growth, for example, on gaming platforms, where tokens are used for in-app purchases, regulators will focus on the swift development of controls and checks to safeguard users.

Furthermore, we expect DeFi platforms will likely adopt on-chain identity attestations, AI-driven risk management, and enhanced smart contract audits to meet AML and compliance requirements.

2026’s Digital Asset Trend Predictions

3. Bitcoin Will Remain the Market Anchor and Reach New Heights

Bitcoin is expected to remain the undisputed market driver in 2026. Having already crossed the USD 100,000 milestone, some enthusiasts predict BTC will soar to USD 250,000. 

On the other hand, more conservative institutions such as Standard Chartered, VanEck, and Bloomberg Intelligence warn that macroeconomic forces will ultimately dictate whether Bitcoin surges toward new highs or faces sharp corrections. However, these institutions still expect to see a substantial upside, with 2026 forecasts clustering between USD 120,000 and USD 200,000. 

Source: Kraken: Bitcoin Price Prediction

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