Bitcoin, decentralized finance, and tokenized assets will drive the next phase of the crypto market, according to a new report from ARK Invest. The firm says these areas are moving from speculation into real use within global capital markets.
In its “Big Ideas 2026” report, ARK forecasts the digital asset market could reach $28 trillion by 2030. Bitcoin could make up about 70% of that total, or roughly $16 trillion, helped by ETF growth and corporate treasury adoption.
ARK notes that Bitcoin is becoming a mature institutional asset. U.S. ETFs and public companies now hold about 12% of Bitcoin’s total supply, up from less than 9% in early 2025.
The report also highlights a shift in decentralized finance. Value is moving away from blockchains themselves and toward applications that generate fees. Some DeFi platforms are now rivaling fintech firms in revenue efficiency and assets under management.
Tokenized real-world assets are another major focus. ARK projects these markets could reach up to $11 trillion by 2030, as assets like bonds, funds, and commodities move onto blockchains.
Experts say regulation will be key. Industry leaders warn that DeFi and tokenized markets cannot scale without clear rules on custody, compliance, and investor protection.
ARK adds that Bitcoin’s volatility is falling, while its risk-adjusted returns continue to outperform other major cryptocurrencies. Together, these trends suggest crypto is becoming a functional part of modern financial markets, not just a speculative asset.
