Institutions Hold a "Cautiously Optimistic" Outlook for 2026, With the "Crypto Market Structure Bill" as the Focus of Attention

BlockBeats News, January 10, a team led by Goldman Sachs analyst James Yaro pointed out in a report: "We believe that an improved regulatory environment is a key driver for continued institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies, especially for both buy-side and sell-side financial institutions. At the same time, new application scenarios for cryptocurrencies beyond trading are also developing." The report specifically mentioned the long-awaited U.S. market structure bill currently advancing in Congress, viewing it as a critical catalyst.

Goldman Sachs analysts warned that the bill needs to be passed in the first half of 2026, as the U.S. midterm elections in November could cause delays in the process.

Other individuals have echoed Goldman Sachs' predictions for bitcoin and the crypto market. Jim Ferraioli, Director of Crypto Research and Strategy at Charles Schwab Financial Research Center, commented in an email: "Following the sharp sell-off at the end of 2025, the pace of institutional adoption may slow in the first half of this year, but the passage of the 'Clarity Act' could accelerate the entry of true institutional investors."

The anticipated wave of positive crypto legislation has already prompted bitcoin bulls to raise their price forecasts for 2026. Youwei Yang, Chief Economist at Bit Mining, stated: "2026 could be a strong year for bitcoin, with potential interest rate cuts and a more inclusive regulatory attitude toward the crypto sector providing support." He predicts that the price of bitcoin could reach as high as $225,000 in 2026, but also pointed out: "With ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties, market volatility may intensify."