Crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are poised for significant growth in 2026, with analysts anticipating over 100 new ETF filings and substantial net inflows into these investment vehicles.
Senior Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas predicts a base scenario of $15 billion in capital flows in 2026, potentially reaching $40 billion if market conditions are favorable. He mentioned that the US Federal Reserve is “likely” to reduce the interest rate in 2026, which could drive inflows toward the higher end of this estimate, as reported to Cointelegraph.
ETFs have also become a crucial support for Bitcoin (BTC) prices, Balchunas noted, emphasizing that Bitcoin ETF holders remained resilient during recent market downturns, while long-term Bitcoin enthusiasts, often referred to as “OGs,” contributed to recent selling pressure. He stated:
“Out of the assets, only 4% exited during this recent 35% drawdown; 96% of the assets held firm. There were even some weeks with inflows. Overall, that’s impressive because a 35% drop mirrors the experience of equities in 2008.”
“That’s considerable to handle, and it demonstrates their strength,” Balchunas commented. He attributed the steadfastness among ETF investors to improved financial literacy and a focus on long-term investments.
Balchunas pointed out to Cointelegraph that one key area to monitor in 2026 is the increased allocation of crypto ETFs by institutional players, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, registered investment advisors, and endowments. “That’s where the substantial capital is,” he remarked.
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Regulatory clarity and policy shifts to stimulate new ETF offerings in 2026
The anticipated surge in new ETF filings for 2026 is expected to be driven by US crypto regulations, as stated by Fabian Dori, chief investment officer at Sygnum Bank, in his comments to Cointelegraph.
Should US lawmakers approve the CLARITY Act, a comprehensive bill aimed at establishing a crypto market structure, it would pave the way for a multitude of new crypto ETFs in 2026, according to both Dori and Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise.
“In light of the potential passage of the CLARITY Act, we anticipate that new filings will extend beyond BTC and ETH,” Dori mentioned, adding that “staking yields present significant demand, and rule-based indexes or basket products could represent a new frontier.”
Balchunas noted that the number of altcoins with ETFs in the US could see a twofold increase in 2026, thus inviting those digital assets into flows from traditional financial markets.
These altcoin ETFs are likely to be joined by a wave of crypto-related, income-generating ETFs or other types of crypto investment funds, Balchunas indicated.
According to forecasts shared by Bitfinex analysts with Cointelegraph, total assets under management (AUM) in crypto ETFs could potentially double to $400 billion by the close of 2026.
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