Standard Chartered Predicts $10T Crypto Boom

In a strikingly optimistic report released Friday, Standard Chartered predicted a massive expansion for the digital assets market. Estimating that crypto’s market capitalization could reach $10 trillion by the end of 2026. This projection would nearly quadruple the current market cap. Setting the stage for one of the most explosive growth periods in the industry’s history. Standard Chartered expects a resurgence similar to 2021’s price surge. Bolstered by mainstream real-world applications of blockchain technology.

The bank’s latest analysis doubles down on prior forecasts. Including a bold $200,000 target for Bitcoin and $10,000 for Ethereum by the end of next year—significant leaps from their current levels of around $76,500 and $2,950, respectively.

Trump’s Win Boosts Crypto Optimism

A major factor driving Standard Chartered’s bullish outlook is the recent U.S. presidential election. Which saw Donald Trump secure a return to the White House alongside Republican majorities in Congress. Trump’s pro-crypto platform has sparked excitement across the digital assets sector. Among his commitments are repealing restrictive financial guidelines like SAB 121. Which limits banks’ involvement in crypto custody, and potentially dissolving the SEC’s strict regulatory stance on cryptocurrencies. Although the bank considers it unlikely, there’s even talk of a U.S. Bitcoin reserve, further stoking investor enthusiasm.

The expected regulatory changes, according to Standard Chartered, could eliminate longstanding obstacles. Paving the way for rapid growth in the crypto space. “The new U.S. administration is likely to bring regulatory changes that are needed to drive the next leg of growth in digital assets,” the bank stated. These adjustments could accelerate crypto adoption. Making it easier for institutions to engage with the market and encourage retail participation.

Decline in Bitcoin Dominance as Altcoins Surge

Despite Bitcoin’s bullish trajectory, Standard Chartered foresees its market dominance shrinking from the current 60% to just 40% of the crypto market by 2026. The bank predicts that altcoins will gain a larger share, propelled by real-world applications that meet consumer demands and foster greater utility.

Among these altcoins, Standard Chartered expects Solana to outperform both Bitcoin and Ethereum. Real-world use cases for tokens in sectors like gaming, decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN), and consumer social products are projected to drive this shift. Tokens that serve functional purposes beyond speculation are poised to benefit more significantly, the bank suggested. “Digital assets that are more exposed to end uses are likely to benefit more,” Standard Chartered wrote, hinting at a potential pivot in investor interest from traditional assets to function-driven projects.

Real-World Applications to Fuel Growth

Standard Chartered highlights a variety of emerging use cases expected to drive this expansion. Gaming, in particular, is a promising sector as blockchain-based games continue to gain traction and attract millions of users. Decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) projects are also gaining momentum, as they use blockchain to create systems like decentralized internet or energy networks. Making physical resources more accessible.

Consumer-focused social products, another area of potential growth, leverage on-chain technology to facilitate digital identities, interactions, and transactions. Tapping into the social media market with blockchain’s security and transparency. The focus on utility-driven projects signals a shift in the industry. Where blockchain and digital assets are moving from hype to practical applications that can transform everyday experiences.

Conclusion

Standard Chartered’s ambitious $10 trillion projection for the crypto market underscores a transformational moment for digital assets, driven by real-world applications and favorable U.S. policies. As regulatory barriers diminish and utility tokens gain traction, the industry is poised to evolve from speculative assets to functional solutions with broad consumer impact. If these predictions hold, crypto’s growth over the next two years could redefine financial markets and introduce a new era of blockchain-driven innovation.