Mike Novogratz, CEO of Galaxy Digital, says XRP and Cardano (ADA) must demonstrate meaningful real-world utility by 2026 if they want to remain relevant in a changing crypto market. His comments underscore a broader shift in the industry, where attention is increasingly moving away from speculative narratives and toward projects that can support practical financial and technological use cases.
From hype-driven markets to infrastructure value
In a recent YouTube video, Novogratz argued that the next phase of crypto competition will be defined less by short-term price momentum and more by whether a network can prove its usefulness. In his view, altcoins such as XRP and ADA need to show they can function as real infrastructure, rather than relying mainly on market excitement or legacy brand recognition.
He contrasted that outlook with Bitcoin, which he described as a macro asset. That framing suggests Bitcoin occupies a different role in the market, with its investment case tied more to broader macro positioning than to the application-focused growth story facing many altcoins.
Wallets and exchanges may become broader financial hubs
Novogratz also pointed to a structural change in crypto services, predicting that wallets and exchanges could evolve into comprehensive financial platforms. Instead of serving only as tools for storage and trading, these services may become central gateways for a wider range of everyday financial activity involving digital assets.
Overall, his remarks reflect a more demanding standard for crypto projects as the sector matures. For established names like XRP and Cardano, staying important in the next market cycle may depend less on visibility alone and more on their ability to deliver concrete, usable outcomes.