Solana and Cardano Target $100 Billion Market Valuation by Early 2026
Written by Ohris M. Greyoon, Blockchain & Crypto Expert
Source: Coinmarketcap
Updated: Dec 26 2025- Solana Upgrade Prospects: Solana is set to implement the Alpenglow protocol upgrade in 2026, enhancing transaction finalization speed, which could propel its market valuation from approximately $68 billion to $100 billion, thereby strengthening its competitive edge in decentralized finance.
- Deepening Institutional Engagement: Two U.S. banks have begun managing USD Coin transactions via Solana, while Visa is enhancing its stablecoin operations on the platform, indicating a significant integration of traditional finance with digital currencies, which boosts market confidence.
- Cardano's Growth Potential: Currently valued at $12.7 billion, Cardano could unlock nearly $95 billion in decentralized finance liquidity through a bridge with Solana's Midnight side chain, aiding its ambition to reach a $100 billion market cap.
- Favorable Regulatory Outlook: The U.S. CLARITY Act may provide clearer commodity classification for ADA, and successful moves towards Cardano ETF approvals could have substantial implications for ADA's market position.
About the author
Ohris M. Greyoon
Ohris M. Greyoon holds a Master’s in Computer Science from MIT and has 10 years of experience in blockchain technology and cryptocurrency markets. A pioneer in decentralized finance (DeFi) analysis, he leads Intellectia’s Crypto News, offering cutting-edge insights into digital assets.
