As we look toward the future of cryptocurrency, a notable trend is emerging: major technology companies are preparing to launch their own crypto wallets in 2026. This move indicates a deeper commitment to blockchain technology and aligns with the increasing exploration of blockchain infrastructure by Big Tech and Fortune 100 firms.
Haseeb Qureshi, managing partner at Dragonfly, suggests that this shift is just the beginning of a larger trend towards blockchain adoption, particularly in sectors such as payments, custody, and settlement. With such initiatives on the horizon, the crypto landscape could be set for dramatic changes.
Bitcoin Price Expected to Reach $150,000 by 2026
Qureshi has offered an optimistic forecast for Bitcoin’s future, projecting that its price could skyrocket to $150,000 by the end of 2026. Interestingly, he also anticipates a decline in Bitcoin’s market dominance over this period. Despite an increasing integration of blockchain technology into traditional financial systems, Bitcoin might occupy a smaller portion of the market yet still experience substantial price appreciation.
In a recent tweet, Qureshi elaborated on this outlook, stating, “It’s that time again – as 2025 comes to a close, it’s time to drop 2026 predictions.” He emphasized that while Bitcoin could exceed the $150k mark, a decline in its dominance is expected. This perspective marks a contrast to other forecasts, such as those from Galaxy Digital, which have chosen to remain ambiguous due to prevailing global economic uncertainties.
Qureshi’s confidence in Bitcoin’s potential growth reflects his belief that its rising price will serve as a critical catalyst for the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem. He remarked, “Bitcoin’s role in the market will evolve, but its price will likely hit new highs as adoption increases.”
Growing Stablecoin Market to Reach $500 Billion
The stablecoin market, currently valued at $312 billion, is also positioned for rapid growth, with predictions indicating it could inflate to approximately $500 billion by 2026. Qureshi expects that with new players entering the market, Tether (USDT), which presently holds a dominant share, will see its influence diminish to around 55% as competition intensifies.
This influx of stablecoins highlights a growing interest in cryptocurrencies as viable alternatives to traditional fiat currencies. As the market diversifies, stablecoins will likely play a crucial role in mainstream cryptocurrency adoption.
Major Tech Firms and the Rise of Blockchain Integration
The push from major tech firms to delve into blockchain technology does not stop at wallets; these entities are exploring both public and private blockchain networks to develop controlled ecosystems that integrate seamlessly with existing financial frameworks.
Qureshi notes that fintech companies are increasingly focused on creating their own permissioned blockchains and leveraging tools like OP Stack, Orbit, and ZK Stack. However, he is skeptical about their ability to compete with established public blockchains like Ethereum and Solana, which have already cemented their dominance through user adoption and liquidity.
