Bitcoin, DeFi and Tokenized Assets to Drive Crypto’s Next Phase, ARK Says
By 2026, Bitcoin, decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, and tokenized real-world assets are expected to lead crypto innovation, though regulatory clarity will be critical for mainstream adoption. ARK Invest projects the digital asset market to reach $28 trillion by 2030, with Bitcoin accounting for $16 trillion (70% market share). Bitcoin’s institutional adoption is rising, with U.S. ETFs and public companies holding 12% of supply. Tokenized assets could hit $11 trillion, representing 1.38% of global financial assets, driven by offerings like BlackRock’s BUIDL fund and tokenized gold. DeFi revenues reached a new high of $3.8 billion in 2025, with ultra-lean platforms achieving high profitability and more protocols earning over $1 million monthly. Experts agree further growth in DeFi and tokenized assets relies on regulatory decisions about custody, compliance, and investor protection. Bitcoin’s volatility continues to decline, outperforming major altcoins on a risk-adjusted basis. Bitcoin recently traded near $90,000 amid geopolitical news, reflecting ongoing uncertainty. ARK’s broader report also analyzes trends in AI, autonomous vehicles, and energy. Prediction markets currently see crypto, not AI, as the likelier next financial bubble.
