Crypto M&A activity is expected to surpass last year's record $37 billion in 2026, with stablecoins and payments becoming hot topics.

 the crypto market is expected to surpass the record $37 billion in M&A transaction volume in 2025 by 2026.

Data from Architect Partners shows that publicly disclosed crypto M&A transaction volume in 2025 surged 7 times to $37 billion, far exceeding analysts' expectations of $30 billion. The number of transactions increased 74% year-on-year to 356, with 39 exceeding $100 million and 17 exceeding $500 million.

Karl-Martin Ahrend, co-founder of crypto M&A advisory firm Areta, stated that transaction activity in 2026 will depend on regulatory clarity, interest rates, risk appetite, and valuation attractiveness. Traditional financial institutions are most interested in stablecoins and the payments sector. The report points out that more traditional companies are expected to acquire crypto capabilities rather than build them in-house.