Global regulatory clarity, the expansion of tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), and deeper integration between Web2 and Web3 are expected to shape the blockchain industry in 2026, according to Volodymyr Nosov, founder and CEO of WhiteBIT, the largest European cryptocurrency exchange by traffic.
Despite ongoing cybersecurity challenges and a shortage of blockchain developers, the sector continues to move toward broader adoption. Citing Chainalysis data, Nosov noted that the number of digital asset holders worldwide has surpassed 600 million.
He said 2026 is likely to be a defining year for regulation, as more leading jurisdictions implement clearer frameworks for digital assets, potentially opening the door for more conservative financial institutions.
“We are witnessing the solidification of bridges between traditional finance and decentralized technologies. Most large players have already diversified their portfolios through crypto ETFs, and this trend will only intensify in 2026. New instruments will emerge, making crypto an inseparable part of the global economy,” Nosov stated.
Nosov also highlighted the growth of the real-world asset tokenization market. The tokenization of real estate, securities, and other physical assets is becoming more accessible to investors, increasing liquidity in traditional markets. The asset tokenization sector, valued at $2.08 trillion in 2025, is projected to reach $3.01 trillion this year and $18.74 trillion by 2031.
He added that blockchain infrastructure is increasingly being adopted by established financial institutions. In the fall of 2025, the London Stock Exchange Group completed its first transaction using a blockchain-based system.
Saudi Arabia has also entered a strategic partnership with WhiteBIT to tokenize its stock market and develop infrastructure for central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). More than 130 countries are currently exploring the implementation of CBDCs.
Security and privacy central concerns as the market develops
“Security remains the primary challenge. At WhiteBIT, we understand that software vulnerabilities often stem from a lack of qualified talent in the market. That’s why we’re investing in our own IT team and development. Strong internal expertise is the only path to stability amidst constant cyber threats,” Nosov emphasized.
Nosov also pointed to barriers that could slow mass adoption, such as limited financial literacy, market volatility, and trust concerns.
He referenced OECD data indicating that more than 60% of people familiar with cryptocurrencies cannot explain the basic principles of blockchain or smart contracts. While countries such as El Salvador and Singapore have begun integrating blockchain education into school curricula, WhiteBIT has partnered with the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in Ukraine to launch a certified blockchain course.
Volatility remains another factor, with Bitcoin (BTC) continuing to reflect broader macroeconomic conditions and investor sentiment in traditional markets. As a high-risk asset, cryptocurrencies are often sold off first during market corrections, and Nosov described the current market environment as a temporary downturn that began last autumn.
Finally, he noted that trust remains a challenge due to past hacks, platform collapses, and security breaches that have affected both retail and institutional confidence. He said the industry must prioritize transparency, strong security standards, and regulatory compliance to move forward.
Despite these obstacles, Nosov said 2026 could mark a period when cryptocurrencies become more deeply integrated into everyday financial activity.
Featured image via WhiteBIT.
