Highlights

Haseeb Qureshi of Dragonfly predicts that 2026 will see important developments in the crypto market. Established blockchain infrastructures are expected to outperform newer ones, although there will be considerable volatility and surprises. Key growth areas include developer-focused platforms and payments infrastructure, especially in emerging markets.

Sentiment Analysis

• The article maintains a largely optimistic outlook, emphasizing potential growth in key sectors like payments and infrastructure.
• Skepticism is evident regarding newer blockchain networks, hinting at a balanced sentiment overall.
• Market predictions are ambitious yet grounded in historical performance, reflecting a strategic yet cautious optimism about the industry's future.

Article Text

Haseeb Qureshi, the managing partner at Dragonfly, a venture firm specializing in cryptocurrency, shares his predictions for the year 2026. According to Qureshi, the year 2026 will likely reinforce long-standing trends within the crypto markets rather than usher in a reset. Despite the presence of volatility and unpredictability, Qureshi believes that established blockchain infrastructures, such as Ethereum and Solana, are positioned to outperform newer networks.

Qureshi is particularly optimistic about the future of payments infrastructure and the expansion of stablecoins, primarily dollar-denominated ones. He anticipates that these developments will aid in integrating cryptocurrencies into everyday transactions, especially in emerging markets. According to Qureshi, new payment networks will likely drive adoption more effectively than previous cycles, helping to bring stablecoins into widespread use.

Regarding market structure, Qureshi foresees a shift toward consolidation in decentralized finance (DeFi), anticipating that only a few dominant platforms will prevail. He predicts that trading innovations, particularly in areas like derivatives and liquidity, will reshape trading behaviors. However, Qureshi also warns of the potential reputational risks associated with these advancements, including the possibility of insider trading controversies within DeFi ecosystems.

Regulation and political factors will also play a significant role in shaping the crypto landscape in 2026. Qureshi expects U.S. lawmakers to make significant headway on market structure legislation, although he notes that the industry might not fully align with the eventual outcomes. Additionally, he anticipates increased political scrutiny, particularly around crypto projects linked to U.S. politics, which could result in adverse reputational effects.

In his post, Qureshi also touches on the future of prediction markets, where he expects rapid growth as cultural acceptance increases, even as legal ambiguities persist. He sees artificial intelligence (AI) impacting the industry significantly, especially in enhancing developer tools and security measures.

The evolution of crypto markets over the next few years, according to Qureshi, will be marked by significant advancements in infrastructure and payments sectors. He suggests that these sectors, along with strategic regulatory frameworks, will drive the next wave of crypto adoption and innovation. Qureshi openly disclosed his investments in many of the assets he discussed, emphasizing his vested interest in their potential success.

Key Insights Table