Crypto
Cryptocurrency’s Next Chapter: ETF Outflows and Fintech Solutions – OneSafe Blog
The cryptocurrency market is in a state of flux, particularly as Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs face a wave of significant outflows that raise eyebrows regarding investor confidence. Meanwhile, fintech startups are stepping up to the plate, especially in areas like crypto payroll and solutions powered by stablecoins. Let’s delve into how these trends are redefining the landscape of digital assets and what they may signify going forward.
ETF Outflows: A Sign of Caution?
Recent reports indicate that there have been substantial outflows from spot Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) ETFs, amounting to around $188.6 million. This suggests that investors are treading carefully amidst ongoing regulatory uncertainties, which could lead to a reassessment of positions in these major cryptocurrencies. BlackRock’s IBIT, for example, experienced a record single-day outflow of $91.37 million, which has undoubtedly sent ripples through the market.
The implications of these outflows are immediate and significant. Investor confidence is shaken, and the market dynamics are in flux. While BTC and ETH ETFs are seeing withdrawals, the Solana ETFs are drawing inflows, hinting at a dichotomy in investment behavior. This outflow trend may set the stage for increased volatility in key market assets.
Stablecoins: The New Frontier for Institutions
Despite the aforementioned outflows, institutional interest in stablecoins is on the rise. More and more, investors are seeking safer, low-volatility options. Stablecoins like USDC and USDT are increasingly seen as attractive alternatives. This isn’t just a retreat from cryptocurrencies; it’s a strategic pivot toward more stable financial instruments.
The growing acceptance of stablecoins is evident in various sectors. Businesses are utilizing them to facilitate international payments, benefiting from low fees and quick settlements. This trend underscores the evolving nature of cryptocurrency, positioning stablecoins as a viable alternative to traditional fiat currencies.
Crypto Payroll: A Fintech Revolution
Fintech startups are leading the charge in innovation, especially in the sphere of crypto payroll solutions. By opting for stablecoins to compensate employees, these companies are streamlining their payment processes while hedging against the risks of cryptocurrency volatility. It’s a way to attract tech-savvy talent while navigating regulatory complexities.
This move toward crypto payroll is particularly advantageous for startups operating in a global marketplace. With stablecoins, these companies can handle cross-border payments efficiently, thereby cutting costs and improving operational efficiency. This trend points to a larger movement towards adopting digital currencies in daily business operations.
The Case for Blockchain in Cross-Border Payments
The rise of stablecoins carries significant implications for cross-border payments. Traditional methods, such as SWIFT, are often burdened with high fees and protracted processing times. Blockchain technology, on the other hand, allows for almost instantaneous transactions at a fraction of the cost. This is particularly beneficial for businesses involved in international trade, enabling them to conduct financial operations smoothly.
Moreover, the adoption of crypto payroll solutions is gaining traction in various sectors, including gaming and streaming. Companies are increasingly offering salaries in cryptocurrencies, tapping into a trend that appeals to younger, tech-oriented employees. This innovative approach not only boosts employee satisfaction but also positions businesses as forward-thinking competitors.
Regulatory Challenges Ahead
As the cryptocurrency landscape shifts, so too does the regulatory environment. Fintech startups are adapting by developing user-friendly platforms that emphasize compliance and risk management. By utilizing stablecoins and regulated platforms, businesses can navigate the complexities of the changing regulatory landscape while enhancing their operational capabilities.
The integration of decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions is also becoming more prominent, providing SMEs with alternative financing avenues as regulations tighten. This approach allows businesses to access capital while remaining compliant with new regulatory frameworks, setting the stage for success in a fast-evolving market.
Summary: A New Era for Cryptocurrency
The recent outflows from Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs mark a crucial juncture in the cryptocurrency market. However, the rise of fintech innovations, particularly in stablecoin adoption and crypto payroll solutions, offers a glimmer of hope for the future. As businesses maneuver through regulatory challenges and shifts in investor sentiment, the integration of digital currencies into everyday operations is likely to gain momentum.
In summary, while the current landscape may be filled with uncertainty, fintech startups are showcasing adaptability and resilience, paving the way for a new chapter in cryptocurrency. By embracing innovation and focusing on compliance, these companies are not only weathering the storm but also shaping the future of digital assets.
Financially Settled Ether (“FET”) Futures
| Vendor | Front Month | M25 Contract |
|---|---|---|
| Activ Financial / Options Technology | FET/*.CF | FET/25M.CF |
| BarChart | Y9*0 | Y9M5 |
| Bloomberg | FET = FTEA Curncy | FET = FTEA Curncy |
| CQG | FET? | FETM25 |
| DevExperts | /FETM25:XCBF | /FETM25:XCBF |
| DTN IQ | @FET | @FETM25 |
| DTN ProphetX | @FET | @FETM25 |
| Factset | FET.1-USA | FETM25-USA, FETM25-CBF |
| Interactive Data / ICE | F2:FET1C | F2:FETM25 |
| LiveVol | N/A | FETM25 |
| Morningstar | FET0Y | FETM25 |
| PICO | FET/M5 June 2025 | FET/M5 June 2025 |
| Silexx | N/A | FET/M25 |
| Six-Group | FET | FET5M or FETM5 |
| TradeStation | FETM25 | FETM25 |
| Trading Technologies | FET Jun25 | FET Jun25 |
Financially Settled Bitcoin (“FBT”) Futures
| Vendor | Front Month | M25 Contract |
|---|---|---|
| Activ Financial / Options Technology | FBT/*.CF | FBT/25M.CF |
| BarChart | Y7*0 | Y7M5 |
| Bloomberg | FBT = FXBA Curncy | FBT = FXBA Curncy |
| CQG | FBT? | FBTM25 |
| DevExperts | /FBTM25:XCBF | /FBTM25:XCBF |
| DTN IQ | @FBT | @FBTM25 |
| DTN ProphetX | @FBT | @FBTM25 |
| Factset | FBTC.1-USA | FBTCM25-USA, FBTCM25-CBF |
| Interactive Data / ICE | F2:FBT1C | F2:FBTM25 |
| LiveVol | N/A | FBTM25 |
| Morningstar | FBT0Y | FBTM25 |
| PICO | FBT/M5 June 2025 | FBT/M5 June 2025 |
| Silexx | N/A | FBT/M25 |
| Six-Group | FBT | FBT5M or FBT5M |
| TradeStation | FBTM25 | FBTM25 |
| Trading Technologies | FBT Jun25 | FBT Jun25 |
Crypto
This Popular Cryptocurrency Could Soar by 177% in 2026, According to Wall Street Analyst Tom Lee
Key Points
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Ethereum is the leading platform for developers who want to build decentralized software applications, which are popular in areas like gaming and finance.
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Ether, which is Ethereum’s native cryptocurrency, set a new record high during 2025, but it ended the year in the red.
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Wall Street analyst Tom Lee thinks Ether could soar in the early stages of 2026, and he chairs a company that owns over $13 billion worth of coins.
Cryptocurrencies had a tough year in 2025, with most popular coins and tokens suffering losses. Not even the industry leaders like Bitcoin and Ethereum(CRYPTO: ETH) were spared, ending the year down 5% and 11%, respectively.
But 2026 is here, and Wall Street analyst Tom Lee recently came out with a set of very bullish forecasts. He thinks Ether, which is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network, could soar to $9,000 per coin early in the year, implying a potential upside of 177% from where it’s trading as I write this.
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Lee founded Fundstrat Global Advisors, but he’s also the chairman of BitMine Immersion Technologies(NYSEMKT: BMNR), which owns approximately $13.4 billion worth of Ethereum, so he certainly has some skin in the game. How realistic is his latest forecast?
Image source: Getty Images.
What is Ethereum?
Ethereum is a platform where people develop decentralized software applications, which are increasingly popular in industries like gaming and financial services. These apps are governed by smart contracts, which are pieces of computer code that live on the Ethereum blockchain. They typically can’t be changed, so no person or company can manipulate the app’s core set of rules, ensuring it stays decentralized.
The Ethereum network itself is also completely decentralized. Instead of using one large data center, it’s hosted on thousands of nodes (computers) all over the world that store an updated copy of its blockchain. Therefore, the network won’t be compromised even if some nodes go down, and that’s how Ethereum has boasted 100% uptime over the last decade.
Ether is like the fuel that makes the Ethereum network function. Every time a person activates a smart contract by using an app, or even transfers a crypto token built on Ethereum, they incur a fee that is payable in Ether. Therefore, the larger the network grows, the more demand there is for Ether, and the more valuable the coin becomes (in theory).
Thousands of decentralized apps have been built on Ethereum so far. Uniswap, for instance, is a popular exchange where people can trade their cryptocurrencies for other cryptocurrencies. Pricing and execution is handled entirely by smart contracts with no intermediaries, creating a lightning-fast and cost-effective experience. Users don’t even need to create an account, because they can connect their crypto wallets directly to Uniswap and immediately start transacting.
How realistic is Lee’s target?
Tom Lee thinks decentralized apps will take over the financial industry, and as the largest platform of its kind, he’s betting Ethereum will lead the transition. The world’s largest asset manager, BlackRock, is already exploring plans to tokenize some of its exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by moving them onto the blockchain, where they can trade more efficiently compared to using traditional stock exchanges.
That is just one example suggesting Lee could eventually be right. But the growing adoption of stablecoins — many of which are built on Ethereum — is another sign. These cryptocurrencies are designed to maintain a stable value (hence their name), and they can be sent anywhere in the world practically instantly. Therefore, they are far more efficient than traditional payment rails that often take several days to move money across borders.
According to Cathie Wood’s Ark Investment Management, over $15 trillion in payment volume was processed using stablecoins in 2024, which was more volume than both Visa and Mastercard processed.
But could all of this send Ether soaring by 177% to $9,000 per coin in the early stages of 2026? I’m not so sure. Ether climbed to a record price of $4,946 per coin in 2025, which was a win for investors, but it was the first new high in four years. Plus, the coin has already lost 32% of its peak value, so I’m not sure if it can muster enough momentum to almost triple in value in the next few months like Lee predicts.
With that said, $9,000 per coin would give Ether a market capitalization of around $1.08 trillion, so it would still be much smaller than Bitcoin, which has a market cap of $1.85 trillion. Therefore, I wouldn’t rule out Lee’s target, especially if the decentralized revolution continues to gather momentum, but I would certainly be cautious about the timing. Plus, it’s important to remember Lee chairs the BitMine Immersion Technologies company, which owns 4.1 million Ether coins, so he has a vested interest in putting forward highly bullish targets.
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Anthony Di Pizio has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin, Ethereum, Mastercard, and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends BlackRock. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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