Key Insights for the Crypto Market
- •The conclusion of the "Trump Year" in crypto, characterized by overestimations of political impact, as stated by Yat Siu.
- •The year 2026 is anticipated to prioritize structural growth, focusing on compliance and utility tokens.
- •Increased institutionalization is expected to foster significant liquidity benefits within the market.
Transition to a Structure-Driven Phase
The period often referred to as "The Trump moment" for cryptocurrency, which was marked by overestimated political impacts, has tapered off in 2025. Yat Siu, the co-founder of Animoca Brands, has indicated that 2026 will instead emphasize structural growth, driven by a focus on compliance and utility tokens, which is expected to pave the way for greater institutionalization.
Yat Siu, a prominent figure and co-founder of Animoca Brands, has stated that the "Trump moment" in the cryptocurrency space has now concluded. He anticipates that 2026 will usher in a new phase characterized by structural developments.
This transition towards a structure-driven phase is a significant development for the evolving cryptocurrency landscape. It is expected to provide the clarity and stability necessary for broader market maturity and diversification.
Focus on Compliance and Utility Tokens
Yat Siu, an executive at Animoca Brands, noted that the "Trump Year" of 2025 was influenced more by political overestimations than by tangible advancements in the market. The upcoming period in 2026 is poised for significant structure-driven developments, with a strong emphasis on compliance and institutionalization.
This shift involves crucial adjustments within the industry, concentrating on the development and adoption of utility tokens and fostering greater institutional engagement. Animoca Brands, under the leadership of Yat Siu, is planning a reverse merger IPO with Currenc Group, a company listed on Nasdaq, to enhance its public market exposure.
These strategic moves could have a considerable impact on market liquidity, particularly as institutional involvement grows. This expansion may lead to potential gains across various altcoin markets. Furthermore, anticipated regulatory actions, such as the Clarity Act, are set to define the market structure in the United States, potentially offering support for clearer token classifications.
Reflecting on the past year, Yat Siu commented on 2025's "Trump year," grading it as a "B-/C+". This assessment highlights the challenges encountered and the transitional opportunities that lie ahead for the industry.
From a financial perspective, these developments are expected to contribute to broader market liquidity and facilitate the rise of Real World Assets. The implementation of structural regulations could lead to more clearly defined industry boundaries, which would aid in stabilizing the overall crypto market landscape.
Yat Siu's predictions underscore the necessity for the market to pivot from a focus on speculative assets towards more utility-driven models. This strategic approach has the potential to guide the future cryptocurrency landscape toward more sustainable growth trajectories, supported by regulatory clarity and increased institutional adoption.