Crypto in 2026: What to expect and how to choose the right exchange
Fintech
Sebaga Manyeula is a recognised Key Opinion Leader in Africa’s fintech and digital assets space.
Image: Supplied
AS THE global digital asset industry enters a new year, cryptocurrency continues its steady transition from a speculative fringe market to a regulated and increasingly mainstream financial ecosystem.
For investors, businesses and everyday users, the coming year will be defined not by hype but by regulation, infrastructure and informed decision-making.
One of the most significant developments shaping the crypto market this year is the acceleration of regulatory clarity. Governments and regulators across the world are moving decisively to establish frameworks that govern how digital assets are issued, traded and stored.
While regulation was once viewed as a threat to crypto, it is now widely recognised as a necessary step toward long-term stability, investor protection and institutional participation.
Alongside regulation, institutional adoption is expected to deepen. Banks, asset managers and payment providers are increasingly integrating crypto-related products into their offerings, ranging from exchange-traded products to custody and settlement services.
This gradual institutional entry is bringing greater liquidity and professionalism to the market, while also tempering the extreme volatility that characterised earlier cycles.
Another key trend to watch is the rise of utility-driven crypto use cases. Stablecoins are becoming an important tool for payments and value transfer, particularly in emerging markets.
At the same time, the tokenisation of real-world assets — such as property, funds and commodities — is gaining traction, signalling a shift toward practical blockchain applications that extend beyond trading alone.
Despite these advances, volatility will remain part of the crypto landscape. Price swings, particularly in smaller digital assets, should be expected. However, they are now occurring within a more structured market environment supported by better governance, clearer rules and improved market infrastructure.
As the industry matures, selecting the right crypto exchange has become one of the most critical decisions for users. The ease of access to digital assets today should not be confused with a lack of responsibility when it comes to safeguarding funds and complying with the law.
First and foremost, regulation matters. Users should prioritise exchanges that are licensed or authorised by recognised regulatory bodies in their operating jurisdictions. A regulated exchange is subject to oversight, reporting requirements and compliance standards designed to protect client assets and reduce systemic risk.
Security is another non-negotiable consideration. Reputable exchanges invest heavily in safeguarding client funds through measures such as cold storage, multi-signature wallets and independent audits. Increasingly, credible platforms also provide proof-of-reserves or similar transparency mechanisms that demonstrate they hold sufficient assets to cover client balances.
Compliance with know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money-laundering (AML) requirements is equally important. While these processes may seem inconvenient to some users, they play a vital role in protecting platforms from illicit activity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the crypto ecosystem.
Transparency and reputation should also guide exchange selection. Clear fee structures, accessible customer support and a demonstrated track record of responsible operations are indicators of a platform that places user trust at the centre of its business model.
Crypto is no longer merely an alternative financial experiment; it is increasingly recognised as a legitimate and trusted investment class. With stronger regulation, improved security standards and growing institutional participation, digital assets now offer investors diversified exposure to an evolving global financial system.
When accessed through regulated and reputable platforms, crypto provides not only ease of use and efficiency but also transparency and long-term value potential.
For informed users, engaging with crypto today is less about speculation and more about participating responsibly in the future of finance.
* Sebaga Manyeula is a recognised Key Opinion Leader in Africa’s fintech and digital assets space. A passionate advocate for financial inclusion, she is also the founding patron of the Give to Live Foundation, which supports abused women and children across Africa.
** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, IOL, or Independent Media.