El ascenso de las criptomonedas en el ámbito institucional: ¿Por qué 2026 es el año del superciclo de criptomonedas?

The institutional crypto on-ramp has long been a bottleneck for systemic adoption, but 2026 marks a pivotal inflection point. Regulatory normalization across major markets-driven by the U.S., EU, and U.K.-has created a framework that transforms digital assets from speculative novelties into mainstream financial infrastructure. This shift is not merely incremental; it is foundational, enabling institutional capital to flow into crypto with the same confidence as traditional markets.

U.S. Regulatory Clarity: The GENIUS Act and Market Structure Reforms

The U.S. has emerged as a global leader in crypto normalization, with the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act) serving as a cornerstone. Passed in June 2025, this legislation established the first federal stablecoin framework, mandating reserve requirements and transparency for issuers. By aligning stablecoins with traditional financial instruments, the act removed critical barriers for banks to engage with crypto. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) further reinforced this by confirming that national banks could custody crypto and participate in blockchain networks, a move that catalyzed institutional adoption of tokenized products like money-market funds.

Looking ahead, 2026 will see the implementation of bipartisan crypto market structure legislation, which aims to integrate public blockchains with traditional finance. This includes measures to standardize custody protocols and reduce settlement risks, directly addressing institutional concerns about operational complexity. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has also signaled a more accommodating stance, issuing no-action letters for blockchain pilots and token projects, reducing enforcement risks for innovators.

EU's MiCA Framework: A Blueprint for Global Compliance

The European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) has entered a critical implementation phase in 2025–2026, setting a global standard for crypto regulation. By establishing harmonized rules for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) and token issuers, MiCA ensures transparency, consumer protection, and market integrity. Technical standards such as machine-readable JSON schemas for order books and iXBRL formats for white papers have created a level playing field, enabling institutional investors to navigate the market with confidence.

MiCA's stablecoin regime, which imposes liquidity and reserve requirements, has already spurred institutional demand for Bitcoin and other digital assets through registered vehicles like ETFs. The EU's transitional phase-allowing existing crypto firms to operate under national laws until mid-2026-has provided a buffer for market consolidation, ensuring a smooth transition to a unified regulatory environment.

U.K.'s Balancing Act: Innovation Meets Caution

The U.K. is navigating a delicate regulatory tightrope, with elected officials pushing for digital asset adoption while regulators like the Bank of England maintain a cautious stance. By 2027, the U.K. plans to bring cryptoassets under the Financial Conduct Authority's regulatory perimeter, treating them akin to stocks and shares. This initiative, part of the Financial Services and Markets Act, aims to boost consumer confidence while attracting institutional capital.

In 2026, the U.K. will focus on implementing a stablecoin regime, including temporary holding caps to mitigate deposit outflows. These measures reflect a strategic alignment with global trends while addressing domestic financial stability risks. The U.K.'s ambition to become a "global destination for digital assets" hinges on this balance, ensuring innovation thrives without compromising systemic resilience.

The Institutional On-Ramp: From Compliance to Opportunity

Regulatory normalization has unlocked a new era of institutional participation. Banks now offer custody services, venture capital has rebounded, and large institutions are exploring real-world asset tokenization. The tokenization of real estate, art, and infrastructure-once speculative experiments-is now a scalable reality, supported by clear licensing and risk management standards.

Bitcoin, in particular, has seen a surge in institutional demand, driven by its maturing ecosystem and regulatory clarity. ETFs and other registered vehicles are expected to dominate 2026, with major asset managers launching products that mirror traditional investment structures. This shift is not limited to Bitcoin; tokenized equities, bonds, and commodities are also gaining traction, signaling a broader integration of blockchain into capital markets.

2026: The Supercycle Begins

The convergence of U.S., EU, and U.K. regulatory frameworks has created a self-reinforcing cycle: clarity attracts capital, capital drives innovation, and innovation demands further normalization. By 2026, the institutional on-ramp will no longer be a bottleneck but a gateway.

For investors, this means a shift from speculative bets to strategic allocations. The crypto supercycle is not about volatility-it is about infrastructure. As digital assets become embedded in global financial systems, their impact will extend beyond markets to redefine payments, capital flows, and economic stability.