Crypto’s real-world adoption in 2025 and what builders should expect in 2026
2025 was a year of major shifts for crypto and not just in headlines, but in what actually matters for builders: fundamentals, real-world use cases and…
S1E9233m
Stablecoins took over crypto in 2025: Here’s what the data says about 2026 (feat. Chainalysis)
S1E91 • Jan 12, 2026 • 36m
2025 marked a turning point for crypto not in price cycles or hype, but in how the industry is actually used, regulated and understood.
In this episode of Byte-Sized Insight, we’re joined by Matthias Bauer-Langgartner, Head of Policy for Europe at Chainalysis, to break down what really happened in crypto in 2025, using data, not headlines.
We dig into how 2025 became the year of the stablecoin, how stablecoins now dominate on-chain activity and crypto crime, why illicit crypto flows surged even as adoption went mainstream and how crypto crime has taken on a more geopolitical dimension. The conversation also goes into how regulators, particularly in Europe, have matured in their approach, what MiCA changed on the ground and what crypto companies should be preparing for as they head into 2026.
You don’t want to miss it!
(00:08) Welcome to Byte-Sized Insight + 2026 series kickoff
(01:20) Introducing Matthias Bauer-Langgartner and Chainalysis
(03:47) Where the global crypto industry stands in January 2026
(04:40) On-chain growth and the rise of stablecoins
(05:58) Stablecoins overtake Bitcoin in transactional volume
(09:02) Why regulators focus on stablecoins first
(11:06) Institutional adoption and MiCA’s impact in Europe
(13:18) Are European regulators more confident after 2025?
(17:38) Who really has leverage in crypto now?
(19:49) Crypto Crime Report 2025: record illicit flows
(21:44) Nation-state crypto crime and sanctioned stablecoins
(23:17) Why stablecoins dominate illicit activity and why that matters
(28:15) Top policy, crime, and security trends for 2026
(32:10) Cybersecurity, DORA, and real-time on-chain monitoring
(34:27) Advice for crypto companies entering Europe in 2026
This episode was hosted and produced by Savannah Fortis, @savannah_fortis.
Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.
If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.
More episodes
UK crypto regulation is coming: Inside the FCA’s sweeping new consultation
The UK is taking a major step toward fully regulating crypto markets.This week on Byte-Sized Insight, we break down the Financial Conduct Authority’s sweeping…
S1E9019m
Can ESMA Fix MiCA?: Europe regulated crypto first, now it considers a central regulator
Europe was the first major region to roll out a comprehensive crypto framework, but now it’s rethinking how that framework is enforced.In this episode of…
S1E8913m
The first U.S. state to buy Bitcoin: Why is Texas going all in?
Texas just became the first US state to purchase and hold Bitcoin, and it did so during a market downturn, while many institutions and state treasuries were…
S1E8814m
Crypto turbulence in 2025 explained: A practical guide to navigating market volatility
The crypto markets have been battered over the past several weeks with Bitcoin sinking from six-figure highs to the low-$80Ks, more than a trillion dollars…
S1E8728m
Bitcoin drops fear spikes: Should we be afraid, and is it still an asset “for everyone” (feat. Natalie Brunell)?
Bitcoin plunged below $90,000 this week, hitting a six-month low and sending fear across the crypto community. Extreme bearish sentiment, weakening…
S1E8629m
About the hosts
Cointelegraph