U.S. spot crypto exchange traded funds could attract more than $50 billion in net inflows in 2026, according to new projections from Galaxy Digital . The forecast appears in the firm’s latest annual outlook and builds on the momentum seen since spot bitcoin ETFs began trading in the United States. Galaxy said U.S. spot crypto ETFs pulled in about $23 billion in net inflows during 2025. It now expects that figure to more than double next year as access broadens across traditional investment channels. According to the report, the shift reflects steady normalization of crypto products inside mainstream portfolio construction. At the same time, Galaxy framed the inflow growth as part of a longer institutional adoption cycle rather than a one time launch effect. It said 2026 could mark the first full year when crypto ETFs operate with fewer distribution limits across advisory platforms. Distribution Access Seen as Main Catalyst Galaxy pointed to easing restrictions at wirehouses and large advisory networks as a key driver of higher inflows. As more firms allow financial advisers to recommend spot crypto ETFs, Galaxy expects capital from managed portfolios to rise in size and consistency. In addition, the firm said large investment platforms are gradually expanding the list of approved crypto funds. That process, it noted, increases visibility among traditional investors who previously lacked direct access to spot products through standard brokerage accounts. Galaxy also highlighted product timing. New ETF launches often see strong early demand once distribution opens. The firm expects that pattern to repeat in 2026 as additional spot and non spot crypto products reach the market. Dozens of New Crypto ETFs Expected Beyond bitcoin and ether, Galaxy projects more than 50 U.S. spot altcoin ETFs could launch in 2026. These would be joined by roughly another 50 crypto related ETFs that do not track a single asset, including multi asset and leveraged products. Galaxy linked that outlook to a growing pipeline of regulatory filings. It said more than 100 crypto ETF applications are already in progress and argued approvals could accelerate if generic listing standards are finalized. The firm also tied ETF growth to broader capital markets activity. In the same outlook, Galaxy said it expects at least 15 crypto companies to pursue U.S. IPOs or uplistings in 2026, reinforcing the link between public markets and digital assets as crypto becomes further embedded in traditional finance.
