Dragonfly’s Haseeb Qureshi Outlines Crypto Outlook for 2026

Haseeb Qureshi, managing partner at Dragonfly, predicts 2026 will favor established crypto infrastructure while select high-growth sectors reshape the industry. In a Dec. 29 post on X, he emphasized durability, distribution, and real-world adoption over rapid experimentation, reflecting investor reassessment after volatile cycles.

Markets and Blockchains
Qureshi expects Bitcoin (BTC) to finish 2026 above $150,000, even as its market share declines, signaling growth elsewhere without threatening its role as the market anchor. He remains skeptical of newer fintech-branded blockchains, citing limited wallet engagement, stablecoin flows, and tokenized asset adoption. Ethereum and Solana, he predicts, will continue to outperform due to robust, composable infrastructure.

Corporate adoption will deepen, particularly in payments and financial services, with at least one major tech company launching or acquiring a crypto wallet. Avalanche and select rollup frameworks are well-positioned to benefit.

DeFi, Payments, and Stablecoins
DeFi markets are likely to consolidate, with dominant venues capturing most trading, while product innovation reshapes derivatives and liquidity mechanisms. Stablecoin supply is expected to grow, with new payment rails driving adoption in emerging markets.

Regulation, Prediction Markets, and AI
A U.S. crypto market structure bill is expected, though some sectors may remain dissatisfied. Prediction markets will expand, and AI adoption will focus on developer tools and security.

Qureshi disclosed investments in many of the assets he discussed.