Cryptocurrency mergers and acquisitions in 2026 are expected to exceed last year's record of $37 billion, with stablecoins and payments becoming hotspots

According to DL News, the cryptocurrency market is expected to surpass the record $37 billion in merger and acquisition transactions set in 2025 by 2026.

Data from Architect Partners shows that publicly disclosed cryptocurrency M&A transaction volume surged sevenfold to $37 billion in 2025, far exceeding analysts' expectations of $30 billion. The number of transactions increased by 74% year-on-year to 356, with 39 transactions exceeding $100 million and 17 transactions exceeding $500 million.

Karl-Martin Ahrend, co-founder of cryptocurrency M&A consulting firm Areta, stated that transaction activity in 2026 will depend on regulatory clarity, interest rates, risk appetite, and valuation attractiveness. Traditional financial institutions are most interested in the stablecoin and payments sectors. The report indicates that more traditional companies are expected to acquire cryptocurrency capabilities rather than build them in-house.