Advertise
- Zafar Naik
Zafar Naik
- Reviewed by:
Qadir AKQadir Ak is the founder of Coinpedia. He has over a decade of experience writing about technology and has been covering the blockchain and cryptocurrency space since 2010. He has also interviewed a few prominent experts within the cryptocurrency space.
- Dec 27, 2025 09:46 UTC
-
“Time to Be Important”: Mike Novogratz Issues Wake-Up Call for XRP and Cardano
Mike Novogratz says crypto is moving past hype, and some major tokens may not survive the shift.
XRP and Cardano now face a critical test as the market demands real-world use.
With 2026 approaching, crypto’s next phase could decide which projects still matter.
Crypto’s next phase won’t be decided by hype, and Mike Novogratz is making that clear.
The Galaxy Digital CEO says the market is moving away from story-driven tokens and toward projects that can show real use. In a recent Youtube video from Galaxy’s channel titled “2026 is a Year for Building,” Novogratz warned that tokens like XRP and Cardano (ADA) could lose relevance if they fail to prove practical value as the industry matures.
His message was clear: crypto’s next winners will be built on usage.
Crypto Is Entering a “Prove It” Phase
Novogratz said the market is shifting from “narrative-driven tokens” to “business-driven tokens” – assets that actually do something and can point to adoption, revenue, or visible demand.
That change won’t happen overnight. Instead, he sees a one- to three-year transition period, with 2026 acting as a key checkpoint for the industry.
“I think it’s it is a building year for us and for other crypto companies,” Novogratz said. “It’s time for us to start being important.”
Tokens that remain stuck in vision mode may struggle once the market starts asking harder questions.
Why XRP and Cardano Face Pressure
Novogratz made a clear distinction between Bitcoin and most altcoins. Bitcoin, he said, functions as a macro asset and long-term hedge. Other tokens, including XRP and ADA, are competing as infrastructure – payment rails, financial tools, or utility networks.
In that environment, speed or decentralization alone isn’t enough. What matters is whether people are actually using the network.
Without visible adoption, Novogratz suggested, those tokens risk being left behind as crypto shifts from trading to real-world application.
Wallets and Exchanges Are Becoming Banks
Another major theme was convergence. Novogratz expects wallets and exchanges to evolve into full-scale financial platforms offering stablecoins, tokenized assets, and investment products.
“Everyone’s going to try to build a similar business, which is let me give you a bank and a wallet,” he said.
This shift, he added, will take years, but it will reshape how crypto fits into everyday finance.
2026 Is the Deadline
Novogratz closed with a clear takeaway: the next two years are about building, not marketing.
By 2026, crypto projects will need to show where they matter in the real world or risk fading as the industry grows up.
Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!
Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.
FAQs
Not entirely. Short-term trading will still exist, but long-term capital is increasingly flowing toward projects that can justify their value through usage, not momentum alone.
Early-stage altcoin projects, especially those without clear adoption paths, face the most pressure. Established firms with products, users, or institutional ties may benefit.
Projects that fail to demonstrate relevance risk losing developer interest, liquidity, and long-term investor support as the market reallocates capital to proven platforms.
Trust with CoinPedia:
CoinPedia has been delivering accurate and timely cryptocurrency and blockchain updates since 2017. All content is created by our expert panel of analysts and journalists, following strict Editorial Guidelines based on E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Every article is fact-checked against reputable sources to ensure accuracy, transparency, and reliability. Our review policy guarantees unbiased evaluations when recommending exchanges, platforms, or tools. We strive to provide timely updates about everything crypto & blockchain, right from startups to industry majors.
Investment Disclaimer:
All opinions and insights shared represent the author's own views on current market conditions. Please do your own research before making investment decisions. Neither the writer nor the publication assumes responsibility for your financial choices.
Sponsored and Advertisements:
Sponsored content and affiliate links may appear on our site. Advertisements are marked clearly, and our editorial content remains entirely independent from our ad partners.
Yes 
No 
