
- Bitwise CIO predicts end of four-year crypto cycle.
- 2026 expected as strong growth year for Bitcoin.
- Institutional adoption and regulatory clarity seen as key drivers.
Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan asserts that the traditional four-year crypto cycle is obsolete, predicting substantial Bitcoin growth in 2026 due to diminishing halving effects and increased institutional involvement.

This forecast marks a potential shift in market dynamics, suggesting long-term investment opportunities amidst growing institutional confidence and regulatory improvements.
Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer of Bitwise Asset Management, asserts the traditional four-year crypto cycle is outdated. He predicts 2026 as a pivotal year for Bitcoin growth, driven by institutional adoption and clearer regulatory frameworks.
Hougan’s analysis highlights declining halving influence and increased market liquidity. He emphasizes that institutional investments and regulatory clarity will be primary growth engines. The well-documented tweet reflects optimism for the digital asset market.
The cryptosphere sees substantial impacts, with institutional inflows hitting $30 billion since early 2024. This figure illustrates a shift towards sustained accumulation over speculative actions, evidencing increasing market maturation.
Financial implications include significant capital inflows projected at $420 billion by 2026. Such growth underpins a shift from traditional cycles towards sustained long-term growth in the Bitcoin and broader crypto markets.
“The famous four-year bitcoin cycle belongs to the past… The best for BTC is yet to come. Massive institutional adoption and regulatory clarity will be the main drivers. The technical halving effect is steadily diminishing as the market matures and liquidity increases—2026 could be the real inflection point.”
Bitcoin’s value dynamics involve rapidly evolving metrics, marked by recent high price levels near historical peaks. Investor optimism steadies the market as institutions tailor strategies around a more mature crypto landscape. For insights on these strategies, Kyle Chasse shares insights on DeFi developments.
Potentially, regulatory developments will cement crypto’s financial landscape, invoking historical trends of institutional investment shifts. The narrative aligns with an evolved market outlook, indicating consistent growth beyond speculative peaks.