PwC: Institutions have passed the "reversal point" in adopting cryptocurrencies, and integration will accelerate by 2026

One of the Big Four accounting firms, PwC, recently released the “2026 Global Cryptocurrency Regulatory Report,” which clearly highlights a key turning point: institutional adoption of cryptocurrencies has passed the “point of reversibility.” This means that digital assets are now deeply embedded in core financial processes of traditional finance, making their development path difficult to reverse. The industry focus is shifting from “whether to adopt” to “how to integrate.”

This conclusion sets the tone for the 2026 crypto market. For institutions and individual investors seeking compliant and efficient participation, understanding this trend and choosing reliable platforms is more important than ever.

1. What is the “point of reversibility”? Deep integration into traditional financial arteries

The “point of reversibility” as defined by PwC refers to the stage where an institution’s involvement in the crypto market has reached a critical threshold beyond which it cannot revert. The report notes that digital assets are no longer confined to exchanges or speculative trading but are increasingly used in core financial operations such as payments, settlements, treasury management, and balance sheet management.

This “functional shift” means that once cryptocurrency systems are embedded into an institution’s operations, they become difficult to detach. Stablecoins and tokenized cash equivalents are circulating within corporate transfers, cross-border payments, and corporate treasury activities, tightly intertwining traditional finance with blockchain infrastructure. This deep integration is the underlying logic of “irreversibility.”

2. Stablecoins: From trading targets to key bridges in financial infrastructure

One of the main drivers pushing institutions past the “point of reversibility” is stablecoins. PwC observes that stablecoins are increasingly used for actual payments and settlements, not just as trading instruments. This marks a fundamental shift in their role from “experimental crypto products” to “embedded financial tools.”

This trend is confirmed by mainstream finance. Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle, the issuer of USDC, stated at the Davos Forum that the global banking system is accelerating the adoption of stablecoins, with institutions moving from pilot phases to production deployment. He predicts that the compound annual growth rate will remain high and notes that the banking industry’s focus is no longer whether stablecoins are part of the financial system but “how quickly they can be deployed.”

3. Clear regulation and market maturity: paving the way for institutional entry

The premise for institutions to participate deeply is a gradually clearer regulatory environment. Another PwC report indicates that as global legislation progresses from draft proposals to laws, cryptocurrency regulation in 2026 will shift from “debate” to “enforcement,” bringing more defined rules to the market. Although compliance costs may rise, a clear regulatory framework also fosters new products, smoother banking channels, and attracts broader institutional participation.

Meanwhile, the crypto market itself is showing signs of increasing maturity. Leading global exchanges like Gate, with over 4,300 crypto assets, strong liquidity (with 24-hour spot trading volume ranking among the top three worldwide), and over 12 years of secure operation experience, provide reliable infrastructure for institutional and individual investors.

4. Market pulse: Key asset data overview as of January 23, 2026

Against the macro backdrop of irreversible institutional adoption, market performance remains a key focus for investors. Below are the latest data for some core cryptocurrencies on global markets like Gate as of January 23, 2026:

• Bitcoin (BTC): As a market indicator, Bitcoin’s price fluctuated between $89,433.7 and $90,051.1, demonstrating consolidation near the $100,000 mark.
• Ethereum (ETH): As the core platform for smart contracts and decentralized applications, Ethereum is priced at $2,977.92, with its ecosystem’s ongoing development being a focus for institutions.
• GateToken (GT): As the platform token of Gate exchange, GT’s latest price is approximately $9.95, with a market cap exceeding $1.14 billion, reflecting market recognition of the platform’s ecosystem value.

(Note: The above prices are sourced from public market information for reference only; investment should be cautious.)

5. Looking ahead: Seizing opportunities in the irreversible wave

PwC’s assessment aligns with the views of top investment firms like ARK Invest. In their “2026 Major Innovations” report, they state that public blockchains are entering a new phase of large-scale deployment, with stablecoins and digital wallets increasingly embedded in traditional financial infrastructure.

It is foreseeable that 2026 will be a year of accelerated integration between cryptocurrencies and traditional finance. For investors, this means:

1. Strengthening long-term logic: Continuous inflow of institutional capital and deepening of foundational applications build a more solid value base for the market.
2. Infrastructure is king: Choosing compliant, secure, and asset-diverse trading platforms like Gate is a prerequisite for effective participation in this transformation.
3. Focus on practical value: Investment emphasis should shift further toward fields and projects with real-world applications, such as payments, settlements, and asset tokenization.

The train of institutional crypto adoption has already crossed the “point of reversibility” and is speeding toward mainstream finance. In this irreversible wave, early layout and rational choices are key to capturing the long-term dividends of the digital asset era.