The World's Largest Asset Manager Turns Crypto and Tokenization into the Main Drivers of the 2026 Market

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset management company overseeing more than $10 trillion in assets, has officially identified cryptocurrency and tokenization as one of the main investment themes shaping market movements through 2026. This announcement is reflected in the 2026 Thematic Outlook report released by the leadership team led by Jay Jacobs, head of the U.S. equity ETF division at the firm.

This strategic move by the world’s largest asset manager indicates that digital assets are no longer viewed merely as speculative instruments but as an integral part of modern investment portfolio diversification. Although the report also emphasizes other trends such as artificial intelligence and energy infrastructure transformation, the inclusion of cryptocurrencies in the list of “mega forces” driving markets in unprecedented ways demonstrates growing institutional confidence in the digital ecosystem.

Crypto Enters BlackRock’s Main Investment Theme List

Among the analyzed asset classes, BlackRock specifically mentions Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and stablecoins as relevant components of the investment landscape in 2026. With Bitcoin currently priced at $88.35K and Ethereum at $2.96K, these leading digital assets exhibit volatility as well as appeal to institutional investors.

The inclusion of these assets by the world’s largest asset manager is not without significance. It reflects a broader recognition that cryptocurrencies have moved beyond the experimental phase and are beginning to be integrated into broader asset allocation strategies. Stablecoins, especially those backed by the US dollar, are seen as an early form of a larger tokenization revolution to come.

Bitcoin Trust Achieves Fastest ETF Growth Record

One of the most concrete signs of institutional adoption momentum is the performance of iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF launched in January 2024. This product has been designated as the fastest-growing ETF in industry history, validating investor demand for Bitcoin exposure within a structured and transparent product.

The net assets under management (AUM) of IBIT have surpassed $70 billion, reflecting market confidence in the product. This success is not just about growth figures but also about how major institutions are beginning to incorporate Bitcoin as part of a more comprehensive thematic investment strategy, rather than just short-term speculation.

Ethereum Dominates Digital Asset Tokenization Ecosystem

Equally important is Ethereum’s role within the evolving tokenization ecosystem. According to BlackRock’s analysis, the Ethereum blockchain holds a dominant position in the tokenization landscape, controlling over 65% of the total tokenized assets in the market. This dominance underscores Ethereum’s advantage in facilitating decentralized applications and robust token infrastructure.

Tokenization—the process of converting real-world assets such as real estate, equity, and traditional financial instruments into blockchain-based digital formats—is predicted to be one of the most transformational trends in the coming decade. With the world’s largest asset manager recognizing Ethereum as the primary beneficiary of this trend, the signal to the market is clear: blockchain technology is no longer on the fringe but the infrastructure of the future.

Strategic Signal for Mainstream Adoption of Digital Assets

BlackRock’s recognition of cryptocurrency and tokenization goes beyond media coverage. It is a strategic statement that digital assets are transforming how investors access and allocate their funds. The report emphasizes that as tokenization adoption increases, opportunities to access various asset classes via blockchain will continue to expand, surpassing traditional instruments like cash and government bonds.

For crypto industry players, endorsement from the world’s largest asset manager provides validation that blockchain technology is not only creating speculative opportunities but also modernizing core financial infrastructure. While regulatory challenges and price volatility remain factors to watch, BlackRock’s positioning toward digital assets indicates that mainstream adoption is no longer a question of “if” but “when.”

The clear message from BlackRock is that cryptocurrency and tokenization have become permanent parts of modern investment strategies, alongside geopolitical shifts, AI-driven computing demands, and other global infrastructure developments. For investors seeking exposure to these trends, the acknowledgment from the world’s largest asset manager offers confidence that they are on the right track to capitalize on the ongoing digital revolution.