As the first U.S. Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) ETFs approach their second anniversary, Galaxy Digital has issued an optimistic forecast, predicting that future inflows will surpass those seen in 2025.
Institutional Adoption Set to Accelerate
In a 2026 outlook report covering 26 key areas, the firm projects that net inflows into U.S. spot crypto ETFs will exceed $50 billion. This follows a strong 2025, which recorded net inflows of $23 billion.
Galaxy Digital expects these figures to accelerate in 2026 as institutional adoption grows. Key drivers include wirehouses easing restrictions on advisor recommendations and Vanguard’s anticipated launch of crypto funds. Inflows for BTC and ETH ETFs alone are forecast to exceed their 2025 levels.
Beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, Galaxy Digital anticipates a wave of new crypto ETFs, particularly spot altcoin products.
Galaxy Digital Predicts Over 100 New Crypto ETFs
The firm estimates that more than 50 spot altcoin ETFs, along with another 50 diversified crypto ETFs, will launch in the U.S.
Following the SEC’s recent approval of generic listing standards, the rollout of spot altcoin ETFs is expected to gain significant momentum in 2026. In 2025, over 15 spot crypto ETFs were launched for altcoins like Solana (SOL), XRP, Hedera (HBAR), Dogecoin (DOGE), Litecoin (LTC), and Chainlink (LINK).
Galaxy Digital expects other major assets without current filings to soon follow. In addition to single-asset products, the market is also likely to see the introduction of multi-asset and leveraged crypto ETFs.
Over 290 Crypto Companies Poised for U.S. IPO
Beyond ETFs, Galaxy Digital predicts that more than 15 cryptocurrency companies will pursue initial public offerings (IPOs) or uplistings in the U.S. Over the past year, 10 crypto-related firms, including Galaxy itself, successfully went public or uplisted.
The firm notes that more than 290 crypto and blockchain companies have completed significant private funding rounds since 2018, putting them in a position to seek U.S. listings as regulatory conditions improve.
Potential candidates for IPOs or uplistings in 2026 are believed to include CoinShares, BitGo (which has already filed), Chainalysis, and FalconX.
At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading at $87,480, representing a 30% pullback from its all-time high in October and a 3% decline over the past month. Similarly, Ethereum is trading at $2,930, which is 40% below its all-time high, also with a 3% drop over the past 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Galaxy Digitals 50 Billion Crypto ETF Forecast
Q1 What exactly is Galaxy Digital forecasting
A Galaxy Digital a major cryptofocused financial firm has predicted that if approved US spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs could attract around 50 billion in new investor money within their first year of trading
Q2 What is a spot cryptocurrency ETF
A A spot ETF is a fund that trades on a traditional stock exchange and directly holds the underlying cryptocurrency Its share price is designed to track the live spot market price of the asset
Q3 How is this different from the Bitcoin ETFs we already have
A The US currently has Bitcoin futures ETFs which hold contracts betting on Bitcoins future price A spot ETF would hold actual Bitcoin which many investors see as a more direct and simpler way to gain exposure
Q4 Why would a spot ETF attract so much money
A It provides a familiar regulated and convenient way for everyday investors and large institutions to invest in crypto without having to manage private keys use crypto exchanges or set up digital wallets
Q5 Is this 50 billion guaranteed
A No its a forecast It depends on two major factors 1 The SEC actually approving these ETFs and 2 Strong investor demand materializing Its an educated estimate based on analysis of similar markets and investor flows
Q6 What are the main benefits for a regular investor
A Key benefits include
Ease of Access Buy and sell through your existing brokerage account
Regulatory Oversight Subject to traditional market rules and protections
Security No risk of losing your crypto from a forgotten password or hack of a personal wallet
Liquidity Expected to be easy to trade during market hours
Q7 What are the potential downsides or risks
A Risks include
Market Risk You still own an asset tied to BitcoinETH which is highly volatile
Fees ETFs charge management fees which can eat into returns over time