Traditional financial firms are embracing crypto in 2026, moving from skepticism to active product offerings across banks, brokerages, and exchanges.

SpaceX is anticipated to debut on Nasdaq with a potential raise around $75 billion and a $1.7 trillion valuation, which could set a record for the largest IPO ever.

Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala has continued increasing its exposure to BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF for a fourth straight quarter, while Bitcoin ETFs collectively hold about $100 billion in assets even amid market downturns.

Stablecoins are enabling tokenized public equities, with Kraken planning to offer tokenized IPO shares to retail investors to broaden access.

Megatrends like stablecoins, tokenization, AI, and extended-hours trading are converging to create a more digital, global, and around-the-clock investing environment.

Institutional skepticism is fading amid macro uncertainty and regulatory delays, with large buyers showing conviction in Bitcoin’s long-term value, including notable purchases such as 1,550 BTC for $101 million.

Nasdaq is pursuing extended-hours trading as part of integrating crypto markets with traditional markets, moving toward a 24/7 trading landscape.

There is a broad industry trend of banks and brokerages meeting rising demand from retail investors, institutions, and high-net-worth clients for crypto access.

Stablecoins have proven investor appetite for blockchain-based versions of traditional assets, suggesting tokenized or digital public equities may follow.

Industry leaders predict that nearly all traditional financial services firms will offer crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, signaling a major 2026 storyline.

Nasdaq expects forthcoming trillion-dollar IPOs, including AI-related tech listings, to be absorbed without major regulatory changes.

Coinbase’s John D’Agostino notes ongoing institutional buying of Bitcoin near $60,000, driven by sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and other large investors buying the dip.