Capital Rotation Amid Market Turmoil
As Bitcoin prices continue to decline, the crypto industry is witnessing a wave of layoffs. However, according to the latest data, total M&A transactions in the crypto sector reached $9.37 billion in the first half of 2026, signaling that capital is not exiting but rather undergoing a structural shift.
Traditional Giants Scoop Up Core Infrastructure
Traditional financial institutions such as Mastercard and Franklin Templeton are accelerating acquisitions of payment rails, custody solutions, and compliance licenses. These deals are squarely focused on stablecoin applications and institutional-grade deployment scenarios, reflecting a clear preference for real-world utility. In contrast, purely decentralized projects and public chains lacking tangible applications are being shunned by capital.
This adjustment may mark a watershed moment for the industry: narratives without application are being squeezed out, while compliant, institutional infrastructure becomes the new focus. (Source: MarsBit)