Barclays forecasts a decline in crypto trading volumes for 2026, largely due to a lack of catalysts to boost investor interest. The report highlights challenges for retail exchanges like Coinbase and Robinhood amid cooling spot market activity and discusses potential regulatory developments that could influence future growth.

Caroline Pham, acting chair of the CFTC, confirmed plans to introduce leveraged spot crypto trading on regulated exchanges as early as next month. This move aims to provide institutional oversight and risk management to crypto trading, which has previously been available mainly on offshore platforms.

The article discusses trends for crypto businesses this year, emphasizing the importance of focusing on product development over trading. It also highlights upcoming regulatory changes that could improve the blockchain landscape by promoting transparency and clear standards.

David Duong discusses the evolution of digital asset treasuries (DATs) beyond the 2025 model, suggesting a shift from buy-and-hold strategies to trading and managing block space as a commodity. He emphasizes the need for clearer regulations to foster institutional adoption and the increasing value of block space in the digital economy.

The U.S. SEC and CFTC announced that registered trading platforms can now facilitate the trading of certain spot crypto assets, marking a shift in regulatory stance and aiming to establish a clearer framework for the crypto market ahead of pending legislation. The agencies are encouraging market participants to engage with them to navigate this new opportunity, highlighting their commitment to support growth in the crypto sector.