Crypto Market Outlook in 2026 According to Latest Analysis from Barclays

Updated

December 16, 2025

Gambar Crypto Market Outlook in 2026 According to Latest Analysis from Barclays

Jakarta, Pintu News – Barclays recently released a report predicting a decline in crypto trading activity by 2026. The report highlights the decline in spot trading volumes and the pressure faced by platforms such as Coinbase and Robinhood. The year is expected to be a transitional period, with few catalysts that can drive market growth.

Decrease in Spot Trading Volume

According to a Barclays report by Crypto.news, crypto spot trading volumes are expected to decline by 2026. This is due to reduced participation from retail traders and a lack of attractive price action for new investors.

Retail-focused platforms like Coinbase and Robinhood are feeling the impact, as spot trading volumes are a major source of revenue for them.

Barclays points out that previous bull cycles were often fueled by high volatility and speculative demand. However, those dynamics have weakened significantly, with a reduced number of active traders and a lack of price movements that could attract new investors.

Regulation and Tokenization as Long-Term Expectations

The report also highlighted potential progress in regulation in the United States as a possible positive factor. Barclays referred to the CLARITY Act bill which aims to define whether digital assets fall under securities or commodities law and clarify oversight between the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

While clearer regulation may encourage the launch of compliant products, the bank warns that the benefits are likely to emerge gradually. On the other hand, tokenization continues to attract interest from both native crypto companies and traditional financial institutions, although this is still considered a long-term growth opportunity that will not yet have a significant impact on revenue in 2026.

Impact on Coinbase and the Broader Market

Coinbase, as one of the major crypto exchanges in the US, received special attention in Barclays’ analysis. Although the company is expanding into derivatives trading, tokenized equities, and other initiatives, Barclays has lowered its price target for Coinbase stock due to declining spot volumes and rising operational costs.

Additionally, despite a more favorable political environment for digital assets following the latest US elections, Barclays states that much of the optimism seems to already be reflected in the market. Legislative advances, including the CLARITY Act bill, require Senate approval and may face legal challenges before having any practical impact.

Conclusion

Barclays describes 2026 as a transitional year for the crypto sector, with companies focusing on long-term investments in compliance, infrastructure and tokenized finance amid declining retail activity and limited short-term growth drivers.

FAQ

What does Barclays predict about the crypto market in 2026?

Barclays predicts a decline in spot trading volumes and overall crypto trading activity in 2026, with few catalysts for market growth.

Why is crypto spot trading volume expected to decline?

The decline was due to reduced participation from retail traders and a lack of attractive price action for new investors.

What role does regulation play in the crypto market outlook according to the Barclays report?

Clearer regulations, such as those proposed in the CLARITY Act bill, may encourage the launch of compliant products, but the benefits are expected to emerge gradually.

What impact has the drop in spot trading volume had on Coinbase?

Barclays has lowered its price target on Coinbase shares, citing declining spot trading volumes and increased operational costs as the main factors.

Are there any positive factors that could drive crypto market growth in the future?

Tokenization and advances in regulation are considered long-term growth opportunities, although a significant impact on revenue in 2026 is yet to be seen.

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*Disclaimer

This content aims to enrich readers’ information. Pintu collects this information from various relevant sources and is not influenced by outside parties. Note that an asset’s past performance does not determine its projected future performance. Crypto trading activities have high risk and volatility, always do your own research and use cold cash before investing. All activities of buying and selling bitcoin and other crypto asset investments are the responsibility of the reader.

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