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Crypto has long been treated as a fringe market, better known for speculation than innovation. That era is ending. Regulators and institutions have stopped ignoring crypto and started shaping it, notably through the GENIUS ACT, the first federal framework for U.S. Dollar stablecoins that combine aspects of the stability, backing, and regulatory clarity of U.S. Dollars, with the technological advantages of blockchains. Although improved, crypto remains an emerging and volatile market.

As the use of crypto assets expands, these ten frequently asked questions (FAQ) offer clear, practical guidance on crypto beyond bitcoin in the fast-evolving landscape of blockchain-based assets. Viewed through the lens of opportunity and risk, the FAQ explain stablecoins, utility tokens, and regulatory uncertainty—while highlighting crypto’s core strengths: speed, low cost, and global reach. With new U.S.

The asset management industry is facing significant opportunities and competitive pressures in 2026, driven by greater regulatory clarity, rapid technological innovation, and shifting investor priorities. Digital assets are moving into the mainstream, decision-making is increasingly powered by artificial intelligence (AI), and alternative investments are becoming more accessible to a broader range of investors. At the same time, private equity is expanding its presence in asset management, creating both opportunities and challenges as firms compete for new sources of capital.

After more than a decade of speculation about when digital‑asset companies would finally break into the public markets at scale, 2025 delivered the long‑awaited breakthrough. Crypto‑related businesses didn’t merely test market appetite—they validated it. Investor demand strengthened, regulatory clarity improved markedly, and institutional capital aligned with the sector’s most mature operators (none of which even existed 15 years ago). As 2026 begins, the indicators point toward an even more active year for exits, capital formation, and business expansion.

Cryptocurrency has revolutionized the financial markets but also created tax traps for the unwary investor. Building on proposed regulations issued in 2023, the IRS has increased its oversight of cryptocurrency transactions by requiring brokers, beginning in 2025, to report investor sales and exchanges in connection with such transactions. Taxpayers not complying with these requirements may face penalties based on accuracy of reporting. For federal tax purposes and regulatory compliance, any form of virtual currency is treated as property and not cash.

For charitably minded individuals, cryptocurrency investments—such as Bitcoin and Ethereum—held more than one year may provide a unique opportunity to leverage highly appreciated assets to achieve maximum impact with charitable giving. By donating cryptocurrency to charity, it can also unlock additional funds in two tax-smart ways. For more insights on contributing non-cash assets to charity, listen to the accompanying Giving with Impact podcast.

Without proper planning, digital assets could be lost. For executors, a challenge is often just determining whether digital assets are in the decedent's estate, and then determining the powers and terms for accessing and administering them on the beneficiaries' behalf. An inventory checklist of the broad-based digital footprint is provided as a beginning step in protecting and planning for these assets.

The polarizing and often misunderstood cryptoasset landscape has grown exponentially in recent years. While there are substantial risks associated with these young assets, they continue to grow in importance along with its blockchain technology. This paper reviews some of the space’s pressing issues, considers cryptoassets in a portfolio setting, and offers some considerations of different implementation options.