{"id":1875,"date":"2025-12-15T10:28:10","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T15:28:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.decentralnetwork.org\/news\/?p=1875"},"modified":"2025-12-15T10:28:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T15:28:11","slug":"barclays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.decentralnetwork.org\/news\/barclays\/","title":{"rendered":"Barclays Warns 2026 Could Be a Slow Year for Crypto Trading"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Barclays — *Image source<\/em>:Reuters<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Barclays is taking a cautious stance on the cryptocurrency market heading into 2026, warning that the sector could face a quieter year as retail trading activity continues to cool. In a recent year-end research note, the bank described 2026 as a \u201ctransitional\u201d period for crypto, with falling spot trading volumes and fewer short-term catalysts likely to weigh on exchanges and trading platforms.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
According to Barclays, retail participation \u2014 a key driver of past crypto booms \u2014 has been steadily weakening. Spot trading volumes, which generate a large share of revenue for major exchanges, are expected to trend toward a down year in 2026. Analysts said it is unclear what could reverse this slowdown in the near term, especially as market volatility has faded and fewer new traders are entering the space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Platforms that rely heavily on retail users, such as Coinbase and Robinhood, are feeling the pressure. Barclays noted that earlier bull markets were fueled by sharp price swings and speculative enthusiasm, which encouraged frequent trading. That environment has changed, with calmer markets offering fewer incentives for retail investors to actively trade crypto assets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bank also pointed out that crypto markets <\/a>often need strong triggers to spark renewed activity. Past surges followed major developments, including the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds in March 2024 and a rally after a pro-crypto outcome in the U.S. presidential election later that year. Looking ahead, Barclays sees few comparable events on the horizon that could drive a similar spike in trading through 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coinbase received special attention in the report due to its dominant position in the U.S. market. While the company is working to diversify its business \u2014 expanding into derivatives trading, tokenized equities and other services \u2014 Barclays lowered its price target on the stock. The cut reflects shrinking spot trading volumes and rising operating costs, even as Coinbase invests in long-term growth and makes strategic acquisitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the regulatory front, Barclays sees potential, but not immediate relief. The bank highlighted the proposed CLARITY Act in the U.S., which aims to define whether digital assets should be regulated as securities or commodities and clarify the roles of the SEC and CFTC. Clearer rules could support compliant product launches and innovation, particularly in tokenized assets. However, Barclays cautioned that any benefits would likely take time to show up in earnings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tokenization remains one of the most talked-about long-term opportunities in crypto. Barclays noted growing interest from both crypto-native firms and traditional players, with companies like BlackRock and Robinhood already rolling out pilot programs. Still, the bank stressed that tokenized assets are unlikely to make a meaningful financial impact in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Overall, Barclays sees 2026 as a year of adjustment rather than expansion. With retail trading fading and few near-term growth drivers, crypto firms may spend the year focusing on compliance, infrastructure, and building the foundations for the next phase of digital finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also Read:\u00a0Cardano Struggles Below Key Levels as ADA Stays Range-Bound<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Barclays is taking a cautious stance on the cryptocurrency market heading into 2026, warning that the sector could face a … <\/p>\n
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