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Bitwise’s Hunter Horsley has shared a glimpse into what might define the cryptocurrency market in 2027.
In a post on X, Horsley reflected on the institutional shift that happened in 2026, writing, "The story of 2026 will have been that the financial institutions all joined team crypto." Horsley also mentioned a recent X post by Charles Schwab, which said that crypto is playing an increasing role in many Americans’ investment journeys, citing the 2026 Modern Wealth Survey.
The Modern Wealth Survey is an online study conducted for Charles Schwab by Logica Research among a national sample of Americans from August 24 to September 17, 2026.
Charles Schwab’s survey results show that cryptocurrency investors are planning to invest more in the coming months, which will boost adoption. More than half of all respondents (60%) expect to add to their holdings in the next 12 months, compared with ETF owners (56%) and stock owners (52%).
The interest of the participants is driven by the long-term potential. Growth potential and portfolio diversification are the most commonly cited benefits by owners and those interested in crypto. According to the survey, more than half of Americans familiar with cryptocurrency say it is important or essential to building wealth.
Half of those who own cryptocurrency see it as a complement to traditional investments, while more than two in five Americans familiar with cryptocurrency expect it to become a more popular investment; Millennials are the most likely generation to own and be interested in cryptocurrency.
The survey also found that Americans familiar with cryptocurrency are considering a range of ways to participate.
Institutional appetite remains
According to a recent Binance research report, institutional appetite for digital assets appears to be well established. In the EY-Parthenon and Coinbase 2026 survey, 73% of institutions intend to increase their digital asset investments this year. AIMA and PwC find 55% of traditional hedge funds now hold crypto, up from 47% in 2024.
But that demand flows mostly into passive wrappers. Of those surveyed, 81% prefer spot exposure through a registered vehicle. This is seen as a reflection of market infrastructure rather than manager selection.