Crypto Bull Market: Bitwise’s Matt Hougan Predicts Big Rally Ahead

Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan believes the biggest crypto rally is still ahead. As Cointelegraph reports, he said 2026 will be the “real bull year” for cryptocurrencies. According to Hougan, strong fundamentals like institutional investment and tokenization are “too big to keep down.”

🔥 NEW: Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan says 2026 will be crypto's real bull year.

Fundamentals like institutional investment and tokenization are “too big to keep down." pic.twitter.com/VhyYA4xo7I

— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) November 13, 2025

The Real Bull Market Is Still Coming

Many investors expected 2025 to bring huge gains after Bitcoin’s 2024 halving. But Hougan thinks the real boom will take a little longer. He explained that the crypto bull market is still growing and finding its balance. The next major surge will come once that foundation becomes stronger.

“The excitement is here, but the real story is still building,” Hougan said. He believes that the groundwork being done now, especially in infrastructure and regulation, will create a more stable and lasting bull market in 2026.

Big Players Are Still Preparing

Over the past few years, major financial institutions have shown more interest in crypto. Companies like BlackRock, Fidelity, and Franklin Templeton have launched or expanded their digital asset products. However, Hougan said most of these firms are still in the early stages.

“Many big investors are only beginning to understand how tokenized assets and blockchain settlements work,” he said. Once these systems are in full use, the amount of capital entering the crypto market could be huge.

Institutional adoption takes time, but it also brings strength. When banks, fund managers and governments get involved, it helps crypto gain legitimacy and trust. Hougan believes this slow but steady growth is what will push the market to new highs in 2026.

Tokenization Could Change Everything

One major reason for Hougan’s confidence is tokenization. This process converts real-world assets, like property, bonds or company shares, into digital tokens on the blockchain. Tokenization makes assets easier to trade, track and access globally.

Experts say tokenized assets could bring trillions of dollars into the crypto space. As governments and banks accept this technology, the industry will move closer to everyday use. Bitwise believes 2026 could be the year when tokenized finance becomes mainstream.

Why 2026 Makes Sense

Hougan’s prediction fits with Bitcoin’s usual price cycle. After each halving, Bitcoin usually rises within 12 to 18 months. That pattern suggests the next peak could happen in 2026. By then, regulations should be clearer, and blockchain technology more widely accepted. Matt Hougan’s message is simple, that crypto’s foundation is growing stronger each day. The next crypto bull market may not happen overnight, but when it does, it will be built strongly.