Crypto
This Popular Cryptocurrency Could Soar by 177% in 2026, According to Wall Street Analyst Tom Lee
Key Points
-
Ethereum is the leading platform for developers who want to build decentralized software applications, which are popular in areas like gaming and finance.
-
Ether, which is Ethereum’s native cryptocurrency, set a new record high during 2025, but it ended the year in the red.
-
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.
Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue »
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.
Should you buy stock in Ethereum right now?
Before you buy stock in Ethereum, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Ethereum wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004… if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $488,222!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005… if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,134,333!*
Now, it’s worth noting Stock Advisor’s total average return is 969% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 196% for the S&P 500. Don’t miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
See the 10 stocks »
*Stock Advisor returns as of January 10, 2026.
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.
Crypto
Best Crypto Recovery Law Firms in 2026: Leading Cryptocurrency Lawyers for Asset Recovery, Fraud Investigations and Digital Asset Disputes
Introduction
Cryptocurrency fraud has become one of the fastest-growing forms of financial crime worldwide. Investment scams, fake trading platforms, wallet compromises, pig-butchering schemes, recovery scams, phishing attacks, and hacking incidents continue to affect thousands of investors and businesses every year.
As digital assets have become increasingly mainstream, the demand for specialist cryptocurrency lawyers has grown significantly. Unlike traditional financial disputes, crypto-related matters often involve blockchain analysis, digital evidence, international jurisdictions, cryptocurrency exchanges, compliance considerations, and highly technical investigations.
The best crypto recovery law firms combine legal expertise with a deep understanding of blockchain technology, financial crime, digital asset tracing, and cryptocurrency investigations. Some specialise in assisting individual victims, whilst others focus primarily on institutions, exchanges, funds, and large-scale commercial disputes.
This guide highlights five law firms that have established reputations within cryptocurrency recovery, digital asset investigations, blockchain disputes, fraud prevention, and financial crime matters.
1. Crypto Legal
Website: https://www.cryptolegal.uk
Why We Selected Crypto Legal as Our Top Choice
Crypto Legal stands out because it combines specialist cryptocurrency lawyers, blockchain forensic investigators, intelligence analysts, compliance professionals, and digital asset experts within a single organisation.
Unlike many traditional law firms that outsource technical investigations to third parties, Crypto Legal performs blockchain investigations and forensic analysis internally. This allows legal and forensic teams to work together throughout a matter, providing clients with both legal expertise and technical blockchain intelligence.
Established in 2017, Crypto Legal has operated as a crypto-native legal and forensic practice since the early stages of the digital asset industry. The firm specialises in cryptocurrency fraud investigations, blockchain forensics, digital asset tracing, AML compliance, financial crime prevention, Web3 advisory services, and cryptocurrency-related disputes.
The firm has accumulated more than 70 industry awards and recognitions and has been recognised by organisations including the European Legal Awards, Legal Insider, Leaders in Law, and the Digital Economy Council of Australia.
Particularly impressive is Crypto Legal’s multidisciplinary structure, which combines legal professionals, blockchain investigators, forensic analysts, intelligence specialists, compliance experts, and cryptocurrency professionals under a single framework.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Cryptocurrency fraud investigations
- Blockchain forensics
- Digital asset tracing
- Asset recovery support
- Financial crime investigations
- AML compliance
- Exchange disputes
- Cryptocurrency scam investigations
- Web3 legal services
2. LegalByte
Website: https://www.legalbyte.io
LegalByte has developed a strong reputation for cryptocurrency fraud investigations, cybercrime matters, blockchain tracing, hacking incidents, wallet compromise investigations, and investment scam cases.
The firm focuses heavily on matters involving stolen cryptocurrency, fraudulent investment platforms, phishing attacks, exchange disputes, recovery scams, and digital asset tracing exercises.
LegalByte’s experience in both legal and forensic aspects of cryptocurrency investigations makes it particularly suitable for individuals and businesses seeking specialist assistance following hacking incidents or suspected fraud.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Cryptocurrency theft investigations
- Blockchain tracing
- Hacking incidents
- Investment fraud
- Recovery scam investigations
- Cybercrime matters
- Wallet compromise cases
- Financial crime investigations
3. Mishcon de Reya
Website: https://www.mishcon.com
For very large and complex cryptocurrency disputes, Mishcon de Reya is one of the most recognised names in the market.
The firm has been involved in several high-profile digital asset and fraud-related matters and possesses substantial experience handling sophisticated commercial disputes involving digital assets, fraud, asset preservation, injunctions, and cross-border litigation.
However, the firm primarily serves corporations, financial institutions, funds, high-net-worth individuals, and large commercial clients. For smaller retail recovery matters, specialist crypto-native firms may often be more suitable.
Where a matter involves significant sums, multiple jurisdictions, extensive litigation, or complex fraud structures, Mishcon de Reya remains a notable option.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Commercial fraud
- Digital asset disputes
- Asset preservation
- Cross-border disputes
- High-value litigation
- Financial crime matters
4. Andersen
Website: https://www.andersen.com
Many cryptocurrency investors are unaware that losses arising from hacks, scams, thefts, or fraudulent investment schemes may have tax implications depending on their jurisdiction and circumstances.
Andersen is one of the world’s leading tax advisory firms and has developed substantial expertise in cryptocurrency taxation, digital asset compliance, tax reporting, and crypto-related tax planning.
Whilst Andersen is not a cryptocurrency recovery firm, its expertise can be highly valuable following a loss event. Investors should understand whether losses may be reportable or potentially deductible under applicable tax frameworks.
For this reason alone, Andersen deserves consideration within any discussion relating to cryptocurrency recovery planning.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Cryptocurrency taxation
- Digital asset tax planning
- Tax compliance
- International tax matters
- Crypto reporting obligations
- Tax treatment of digital asset losses
5. CMS
Website: https://www.cms.law
CMS is one of the largest international law firms operating within the blockchain and digital asset sector.
Unlike specialist crypto recovery firms, CMS focuses more heavily on regulatory advisory work, financial services, fintech, digital asset compliance, commercial matters, and institutional legal services.
Although the firm is not primarily known for cryptocurrency recovery or blockchain investigations, its extensive international presence and expertise in financial regulation make it a valuable option for businesses, exchanges, fintech companies, and institutional participants operating within the digital asset sector.
Its inclusion highlights the importance of regulatory compliance and legal risk management in preventing cryptocurrency disputes before they arise.
Key Areas of Focus:
- Financial regulation
- Fintech advisory
- Digital asset compliance
- Commercial law
- Blockchain projects
- International legal services
Final Thoughts
Cryptocurrency recovery often requires far more than legal advice alone. Successful outcomes frequently depend upon a combination of blockchain forensics, digital asset tracing, intelligence gathering, fraud analysis, regulatory expertise, and legal strategy.
For individuals and businesses seeking specialist assistance with cryptocurrency fraud, scams, asset tracing, hacking incidents, or blockchain investigations, firms that combine legal and forensic capabilities generally offer the most comprehensive approach.
Among the firms reviewed, Crypto Legal stands out for its unique integration of legal services and in-house blockchain forensic expertise, whilst LegalByte remains a strong specialist option for hacking incidents, fraud investigations, and cryptocurrency-related cybercrime matters.
Disclosure: This content is provided by Crypto Legal. Insider Monkey’s editorial team doesn’t review the content provided by third party contributors for accuracy.
Crypto
El Salvador Adds to Bitcoin Reserve Again as Daily Buys Push Stack Past 7,680 BTC
Key Takeaways
Buying the Dip, Every Day
El Salvador has once again added to its Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, summing up its strategy in four words, i.e. “Buying the dip, every day.” The latest buy continues a routine that has become a defining feature of President Nayib Bukele’s economic policy.
The country’s reserve now stands at 7,687 BTC, valued at more than $510 million, according to recent counts. Bitcoin.com News reported that El Salvador has been treating market weakness as an invitation to add to the national stack, scooping up coins even as bitcoin slid close to $66,000.
Between January and April alone, authorities added more than 1,600 coins, consistent with a long-running policy of acquiring close to one bitcoin per day regardless of short-term volatility.
That steady, mechanical approach, often described as dollar-cost averaging at the national level, has allowed the country to keep growing its holdings without trying to time the market. Each purchase is small, but the cumulative effect has pushed El Salvador into the ranks of the largest sovereign bitcoin holders.
The IMF Standoff Explained
The buying persists despite friction with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) because under a $1.4 billion financing agreement, the IMF has urged El Salvador’s public sector to halt bitcoin accumulation, and the fund has repeatedly questioned how the country reconciles its purchases with the deal’s terms.
Last year, El Salvador passed an IMF review even as it continued to expand its holdings, leaving observers puzzled over how both can be true at once.
Bukele has shown no sign of backing down as he has long insisted the country will not sell, framing its conviction with the mantra that 1 BTC = 1 BTC regardless of the U.S. dollar’s price. The government’s position is that the reserve is a long-term bet on bitcoin’s appreciation, not a trading position to be unwound during downturns.
The IMF, for its part, has argued that some of El Salvador’s reported accumulation amounts to shuffling existing coins rather than net new purchases, a characterization the government disputes. The opacity around exactly how and when coins are added has made the precise reserve figure difficult to pin down, even as the trend line points steadily upward.
A Long-Term Bet
El Salvador became the first country to adopt bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, and although it later adjusted that status under IMF pressure, Bukele has kept the reserve growing. The strategy has drawn both criticism and imitation, with other governments and corporations studying the model of steady, programmatic accumulation.
The approach has also reshaped how the country talks about its finances, given officials now report bitcoin alongside traditional reserves, and Bukele frequently uses unrealized gains on the stack as a talking point during market upswings. Either way, the reserve has become a central part of the nation’s economic identity.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see whether the IMF tolerates El Salvador’s trajectory or escalates its objections, thereby helping determine how far Bukele can push his bitcoin experiment.
Crypto
Crypto’s Courtside Takeover: Digital Assets in Pro Tennis
Courtside advertising suddenly looks quite different. The traditional mainstays like Rolex and BMW and luxury car brands are still out there on the digital hoardings, of course. But they are increasingly sharing space with various cryptocurrency platforms and blockchain networks. It’s an interesting visual contrast for a sport that has historically been very particular about its aesthetic, pointing to a broader shift in who is funding global sports entertainment.
This presence goes much deeper than simple baseline signage. Running a modern tennis tournament requires substantial capital and organizers have found a willing partner in the tech sector.
These blockchain firms have moved quickly from the margins of the internet straight onto the umpire chairs. While seeing digital asset companies backing a sport famous for its strict traditions can feel unexpected, it simply demonstrates how quickly these platforms have integrated into mainstream commerce.
A New Opportunity for Career Longevity
Then you have the players. A few years ago, a top-tier pro would retire and immediately sign a deal to commentate or sell luxury SUVs. Now, newer athletes are signing deals to take portions of their prize money in digital tokens. It makes sense if you look at it from their perspective.
An active career in tennis is notoriously short – one bad knee injury during a slippery slide on clay can end a livelihood – and diversifying into volatile digital assets feels like a calculated risk when you already live a high-stakes lifestyle. They pitch these platforms to fans who are stuck sitting in traffic on their morning commute, dreaming of hitting a clean backhand down the line.
Evolution of Fan Interaction
Naturally, marketing teams had to find a way to drag the average fan into this ecosystem. Enter the era of fan tokens and experimental NFT drops… for a minute or two. Every major tournament seemed convinced that fans wanted a digital JPEG of a tennis ball that granted them the right to vote on the pre-match warm-up music, rather than cheaper stadium food or cleaner bathrooms.
Most of these experimental projects eventually settled into a quiet, heavily discounted corner of the internet, but the underlying infrastructure remained intact. People got used to the terminology, downloaded the apps, and stopped viewing digital wallets as a niche hobby for the tech bros of the major cities around the world.
A Broader Shift
This entire courtside takeover did not happen in an isolated sporting vacuum. Audiences became comfortable with digital transactions through casual everyday utility, not by reading dense technical whitepapers. Whether someone bought a digital skin in an online video game, tried to time a speculative market swing, or spent an evening exploring how people use alternative assets at crypto casinos to avoid traditional banking delays, the familiarity grew organically.
When people are already utilizing alternative currencies to fund their hobbies or pass the time online, seeing those same financial logos plastered across the net at a Masters 1000 event stops looking strange. It blends into regular, mundane reality.
We probably will not see the sport abandon its traditional roots entirely. Wimbledon will keep its strawberries and cream, and players will still bow to the royal box. But the digital asset money has settled into the clay. It pays for the prize pots, it funds the lower-tier challenger circuits that struggle to survive, and it keeps the digital scoreboards running. The bright tech logos are now as much a part of professional tennis as bad line calls and broken rackets.
-
Illinois4 minutes agoIllinois has already broken the record for number of tornadoes in a year — and it’s only June
-
Indiana6 minutes agoHamilton County teen is youngest delegate at Indiana Republican convention
-
Iowa12 minutes agoReynolds orders flags lowered for funeral of Iowa Sen. Julian Garrett
-
Kentucky22 minutes ago
Louisville celebrates Juneteenth with parade honoring history and culture
-
Louisiana27 minutes agoFrom ‘not pageant people’ to Miss Louisiana stage: Addison J…
-
Maine34 minutes agoMaine gubernatorial candidates trade barbs on first day of general campaign
-
Maryland37 minutes agoMaryland governor celebrates Juneteenth in historically-Black Montgomery County community – WTOP News
-
Michigan42 minutes agoWest Michigan celebrates Juneteenth