Bits + Bips: 2026 Crypto Predictions: BTC & ETH Hit Record Highs, Stablecoins Go Big - Unchained Recap

Podcast: Unchained

Published: 2025-12-31

Duration: 1 hr 10 min

Guests: John D'Agostino

Summary

The episode covers predictions for the crypto landscape in 2026, highlighting potential all-time highs for Bitcoin and Ethereum, significant growth in the stablecoin market, and the possibilities of major crypto hacks.

What Happened

The episode kicks off with John D'Agostino predicting that a major global brand, such as Disney or Amazon, might launch its own stablecoin by 2026. This could reshape the financial landscape, as stablecoins are poised to capture significant net interest income and could grow the market to $600 billion by the end of 2026.

Austin Campbell raises the possibility of stablecoins being banned in at least one major foreign nation, citing geopolitical tensions and regulatory challenges. Meanwhile, Chris Perkins warns of a potential $2 billion hack in 2026, which could involve nation-state actors like North Korea's Lazarus Group, potentially triggering a policy overhaul.

Despite these challenges, Bitcoin and Ethereum are expected to reach new all-time highs. D'Agostino suggests that the current political climate, with a pro-crypto stance from the Trump administration, could help facilitate these gains, although clarity in legislation remains unlikely due to ongoing complexities.

The episode also explores the future of altcoins, with predictions of a negative return for the space in 2026 due to TradFi capturing more value. However, Solana is seen as a potential winner, with speculations about its adoption for on-chain equities by major U.S. exchanges.

NFTs are anticipated to play a crucial role beyond JPEGs, with applications in tracking ownership of cars, luxury goods, and other unique items. The state of California is reportedly experimenting with putting driver's license information on Avalanche as an NFT, highlighting the potential for real-world applications.

Chris Perkins believes 2026 could see a significant rise in M&A activity, especially as crypto companies that have performed well go public. Traditional finance remains skeptical, but there are signs of interest, as evidenced by rumors of MasterCard acquiring Zero Hash.

Finally, the episode touches on the political landscape, predicting that the Democrats might win the House in 2026, but this could harm their chances in the 2028 presidential election. The growing financial nihilism among younger generations, investing in high-risk assets, also emerges as a key theme shaping the future of crypto.

Key Insights