Rob Hadik, general partner at Dragonfly Capital, published a comprehensive set of forecasts for the crypto market in 2026, focusing on stablecoins, DeFi, infrastructure, and the capital market. He believes stablecoins will be the key driver of the next phase of industry growth, influencing payment methods and products within the payment ecosystem.
Key Crypto Market Forecasts for 2026
Hadik outlined several predictions primarily related to payments and the integration of cryptocurrencies into traditional services. Below are his main points regarding stablecoins and their role in payment infrastructure.
- Growth of stablecoin-based card payments to $100 billion by the end of 2026 (up from $3.5 billion annually currently);
- Visa will begin regularly disclosing stablecoin data, considering the segment as a factor in stock growth;
- Stablecoins could be used in 25% of cross-border B2B payments, compared to the current 3%;
- By the end of 2026, at least 30 well-known fintech institutions, banks, and corporations may launch their own private stable assets;
- At least 2 of the 6 largest global e-commerce platforms will implement crypto or stablecoin payments at checkout.
These points highlight a shift from speculative uses toward practical applications of stablecoins in payments and embedding tokens in client products. For a more detailed analysis of stablecoin integration with traditional financial services, see the stablecoin outlook and TradFi integration discussed in related materials.
Changes in DeFi and Trading Segments
Regarding DeFi and trading markets, Hadik expects significant changes, especially in prediction markets and the behavior of major players. He forecasts a multiple increase in trading volumes and open interest while maintaining the dominance of key platforms in this segment.
- Prediction market trading volumes could increase tenfold, with open interest growing fivefold;
- Continued dominance of Polymarket and Kalshi in the prediction market;
- Major hedge funds and at least one public corporation will confirm using prediction markets for trading and hedging.
The growing interest in prediction markets and their institutional use reflect changes in the role of decentralized tools and derivatives in the overall market structure — related ideas on crypto derivatives are explored in the 2026 crypto derivatives review.
Infrastructure and Investment Trends
Hadik also addresses infrastructure and the capital market, noting potential major deals and shifts in the real-world asset (RWA) class. This includes anticipated IPOs and M&A events, as well as product development based on real assets.
- Possible acquisition of a major L1/L2 network along with its developer structure;
- Real-world asset market (RWA) growth more than doubling, outpacing some segments;
- Expectations of over 12 crypto company IPOs and the first major M&A deal involving traditional financial firms outside the stablecoin segment.
Why This Matters
Although most of Hadik's forecasts relate to payments, DeFi, and corporate products, these changes also impact the infrastructure miners operate within. If realized, widespread stablecoin adoption and increased ecosystem activity could alter transfer schemes, transaction demand, and fiat on/off ramp availability.
Additionally, the strengthening role of prediction markets, IPOs, and potential M&A could lead to new services and regulatory shifts, indirectly affecting access to services, exchanges, and payment gateways. Direct impacts on mining hardware or mining efficiency will be indirect and depend on a combination of market factors and regulation.
What Should Miners Do?
Miners with 1–1000 devices should take pragmatic actions focused on risk minimization and maintaining flexibility. Below are specific steps to prepare for possible ecosystem changes.
- Monitor stablecoin adoption in payment solutions and e-commerce integration — this may simplify fiat operations and payment acceptance;
- Maintain liquidity reserves and track electricity expenses to withstand short-term profitability fluctuations;
- Keep miner and pool software up to date, and manage placement density and cooling to reduce operational risks;
- Follow corporate and market news on IPOs and infrastructure deals — new services and partners may expand withdrawal options and business services;
- Maintain contacts with reliable payment and exchange services to have alternative withdrawal channels if market conditions change.