2026 could bring a wave of new crypto ETFs, Bitwise CIO predicts
With federal agencies operational again, analysts expect a wave of crypto spot ETFs that could divert capital to large-scale digital assets.
The reopening of the US federal government has re-energized the cryptocurrency sector, with several analysts predicting the launch of several new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as regulators return to full operation.
According to Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise Asset Management, the end of the shutdown may have set the stage for significant expansion of crypto investment products starting in 2026.
The government reopens and clears the way for regulators
Congressional approval of temporary funding has allowed federal agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to resume normal operations, after many procedures had been halted during the shutdown.
For the crypto industry, the government's return to full operations means that regulatory snags can finally unblock, including reviews of applications for new ETFs and the advancement of regulatory frameworks for digital assets.
During the shutdown, crypto companies and asset managers were virtually immobilized, waiting for decisions on paperwork that could not proceed. With the agencies back up and running, the industry is expecting a wave of administrative activity that could redefine the entire ETF landscape.
Why analysts believe 2026 will be the year of 'ETF-Palooza'
Hougan argues that demand for crypto ETFs is far from satisfied. In a recent interview with CNBC, he described the next phase of digital asset adoption as a veritable "ETF-palooza in the crypto world", predicting over 100 new ETFs and ETPs (exchange-traded products) coming in 2026.
He emphasised that the coming boom will not be limited to single-asset products, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. On the contrary, index-based crypto ETFs - designed to provide investors with diversified, passive exposure to the entire digital asset market - are set to become major players.
For investors who do not want to choose between Ethereum, Solana or Bitcoin but want long-term exposure to 'crypto as an asset class', these index products are an ideal option.
The reopening of federal agencies creates the necessary environment for these practices to finally move forward, granting institutional investors access to a growing number of regulated and listed crypto instruments.
Short-term reality: markets remain under pressure
Despite the newfound optimism, analysts warn that current crypto market conditions do not yet reflect the bullish view on ETFs. The price of Bitcoin has fallen below the $90,000 threshold for the first time since April, and many crypto ETFs continue to experience net outflows.
Market dynamics remain influenced by broader macroeconomic factors, in particular interest rate policy and risk sentiment, which continue to impact liquidity and demand.
The return of government operations is certainly a positive signal structurally, but it does not eliminate the volatility that digital assets face in the short term.
Because it's still a crucial transition
The resumption of SEC reviews, the possibility of a renewed legislative focus on regulating digital assets, and the growth of index-based ETPs all contribute to an ecosystem preparing for its next big leap.
For institutional and retail investors alike, the expansion of regulated crypto ETFs represents a way to enter the market without the complexities of self-custody or choosing individual tokens.
If analysts like Hougan are right, 2026 could mark the beginning of one of the biggest growth periods for crypto investment products since the approval of the first Bitcoin spot ETF. The taps aren't quite open yet, but with Washington on the move again, the water level is starting to rise.
The de-escalation agreement between the US and China provides for a 10% reduction on duties in November 2025 and the purchase of 25 million tonnes of soya beans per year until 2028. Benefits for agriculture and crypto.
TRUMP, the meme coin on Solana, soars 42%. The price touches $8.6. Accumulation by large holders, the listing of the Canary ETF and a bullish technical signal fuel optimism for November.
The reopening of the US federal government has re-energized the cryptocurrency sector, with several analysts predicting the launch of several new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as regulators return to full operation.
According to Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise Asset Management, the end of the shutdown may have set the stage for significant expansion of crypto investment products starting in 2026.
The government reopens and clears the way for regulators
Congressional approval of temporary funding has allowed federal agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to resume normal operations, after many procedures had been halted during the shutdown.
For the crypto industry, the government's return to full operations means that regulatory snags can finally unblock, including reviews of applications for new ETFs and the advancement of regulatory frameworks for digital assets.
During the shutdown, crypto companies and asset managers were virtually immobilized, waiting for decisions on paperwork that could not proceed. With the agencies back up and running, the industry is expecting a wave of administrative activity that could redefine the entire ETF landscape.
Why analysts believe 2026 will be the year of 'ETF-Palooza'
Hougan argues that demand for crypto ETFs is far from satisfied. In a recent interview with CNBC, he described the next phase of digital asset adoption as a veritable "ETF-palooza in the crypto world", predicting over 100 new ETFs and ETPs (exchange-traded products) coming in 2026.
He emphasised that the coming boom will not be limited to single-asset products, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. On the contrary, index-based crypto ETFs - designed to provide investors with diversified, passive exposure to the entire digital asset market - are set to become major players.
For investors who do not want to choose between Ethereum, Solana or Bitcoin but want long-term exposure to 'crypto as an asset class', these index products are an ideal option.
The reopening of federal agencies creates the necessary environment for these practices to finally move forward, granting institutional investors access to a growing number of regulated and listed crypto instruments.
Short-term reality: markets remain under pressure
Despite the newfound optimism, analysts warn that current crypto market conditions do not yet reflect the bullish view on ETFs. The price of Bitcoin has fallen below the $90,000 threshold for the first time since April, and many crypto ETFs continue to experience net outflows.
Market dynamics remain influenced by broader macroeconomic factors, in particular interest rate policy and risk sentiment, which continue to impact liquidity and demand.
The return of government operations is certainly a positive signal structurally, but it does not eliminate the volatility that digital assets face in the short term.
Because it's still a crucial transition
The resumption of SEC reviews, the possibility of a renewed legislative focus on regulating digital assets, and the growth of index-based ETPs all contribute to an ecosystem preparing for its next big leap.
For institutional and retail investors alike, the expansion of regulated crypto ETFs represents a way to enter the market without the complexities of self-custody or choosing individual tokens.
If analysts like Hougan are right, 2026 could mark the beginning of one of the biggest growth periods for crypto investment products since the approval of the first Bitcoin spot ETF. The taps aren't quite open yet, but with Washington on the move again, the water level is starting to rise.
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