The Tokenization Supercycle: Unlocking Crypto's $150K Bitcoin Potential in 2026

The crypto market is on the cusp of a transformative phase driven by tokenization-a technological and financial revolution poised to unlock Bitcoin's $150,000 price potential by 2026. As institutional capital floods the sector and regulatory frameworks evolve, tokenization-driven infrastructure is reshaping capital markets, real-world asset (RWA) integration, and cross-border finance. This analysis explores how strategic investment in tokenization infrastructure and equities can position investors to capitalize on this supercycle, leveraging insights from leading market analysts and regulatory developments.

The Tokenization Supercycle: A Catalyst for Growth

Tokenization is no longer a speculative concept but a foundational pillar of the crypto ecosystem. Bernstein's 2026 market analysis underscores that tokenization will drive the next leg of crypto's growth, spanning stablecoins, capital markets, and prediction markets. The firm maintains its Bitcoin price forecast of $150,000 by 2026 and $200,000 by 2027, citing institutional adoption and infrastructure maturation as key drivers. Grayscale echoes this optimism, predicting 2026 will mark the end of the four-year crypto cycle, with Bitcoin surpassing its previous all-time high in the first half of the year.

The integration of blockchain into traditional finance is accelerating. The Depository Trust Company (DTC) received a landmark SEC no-action letter in December 2025, enabling it to tokenize select securities-including U.S. Treasuries, Russell 1000 constituents, and ETFs-on approved blockchains. This initiative, set to launch in the second half of 2026, represents a critical step toward mainstream adoption, offering 24/7 access to tokenized assets and bridging the gap between legacy systems and decentralized infrastructure.

Strategic Investment in Tokenization Infrastructure

Investors seeking to harness the tokenization supercycle must focus on infrastructure equities and platforms enabling this transition. Key areas of opportunity include:

1. Tokenized Equities and RWAs:
   DTC's pilot program allows participants to tokenize highly liquid assets, stored in whitelisted wallets with real-time settlement capabilities. This innovation reduces friction in capital markets and creates new liquidity pools. For example, tokenized ETFs tracking the S&P 500 or Nasdaq-100 could attract institutional investors seeking programmable, on-chain exposure to traditional assets.

2. Institutional-Grade Platforms:
   Companies like Coinbase (COIN), Robinhood (HOOD), and Circle (CRCL) are central to the tokenization ecosystem. Bernstein identifies these firms as key beneficiaries of the supercycle, given their roles in stablecoin issuance, trading infrastructure, and custody solutions. Similarly, JPMorgan and Citi are expanding crypto settlement capabilities, signaling broader acceptance of tokenized assets in traditional finance.

3. Mining and Blockchain Infrastructure:
As Bitcoin's price surges, mining activity is rebounding. Firms like Core Scientific and Bitfarms stand to gain from increased demand for hashing power and energy-efficient operations.

Leading Equities and Market Positioning

The tokenization supercycle is creating clear winners in the equity market. Coinbase and Robinhood, with their user-friendly trading platforms and institutional-grade custody services, are well-positioned to capture growth in tokenized assets and stablecoin transactions. Figure (FIGR), a fintech firm specializing in real-estate tokenization, exemplifies the RWA trend, leveraging blockchain to enhance liquidity in traditionally illiquid markets.

Meanwhile, Grayscale's institutional ETPs are facilitating the flow of traditional capital into crypto, further aligning with the supercycle's trajectory. As on-chain value locked in tokenized assets is projected to double from $37 billion in 2025 to $80 billion in 2026, companies offering custody, settlement, and compliance tools will dominate the value chain.

Regulatory Clarity and Macroeconomic Tailwinds

Regulatory progress, such as the U.S. SEC's no-action relief for DTC and the anticipated bipartisan crypto market structure legislation, is reducing uncertainty for investors. These developments align with the Trump administration's executive order on digital assets, which prioritizes innovation while maintaining investor protections. Additionally, macroeconomic demand for alternative stores of value-driven by inflationary pressures and geopolitical instability-positions Bitcoin and tokenized assets as strategic hedges.

Conclusion: Positioning for the $150K Milestone

The tokenization supercycle is not merely a crypto phenomenon but a reimagining of global finance. By investing in infrastructure equities and platforms at the forefront of this shift, investors can align with the forces propelling Bitcoin toward $150,000. As Bernstein, Grayscale, and industry leaders emphasize, the next 12–18 months will define the sector's trajectory. Those who act now-targeting tokenization-driven infrastructure, institutional-grade platforms, and RWA innovators-stand to reap outsized rewards as the supercycle unfolds.