The cryptocurrency industry is set to undergo a significant stress test in 2026 as compliance requirements become integral to daily operations. Firms will need to demonstrate real-time adherence in areas such as custody, payments, and reporting. This shift is driven by the increasing interconnection between liquidity and crypto markets, where legal delays and travel regulations are causing cash flow bottlenecks. To navigate these challenges, embedding compliance into core systems is essential. A notable example is JPMorgan's recent $50 million on-chain commercial paper trade, highlighting the importance of integrating compliance into operations. Companies that fail to keep pace with these compliance demands may face operational friction and potential consolidation within the industry.