Crypto mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are projected to surpass $37 billion in 2026, exceeding last year's record-breaking transactions, according to industry experts. Karl-Martin Ahrend, co-founder of crypto M&A advisory Areta, anticipates increased deal activity driven by factors such as regulatory clarity and valuation attractiveness. Traditional financial institutions are particularly interested in stablecoins and payments sectors. In 2025, crypto M&A deals surged to $37 billion, a sevenfold increase from previous years, with 356 transactions recorded. Notably, 39 deals exceeded $100 million, and 17 surpassed $500 million, highlighting the involvement of well-capitalized strategic buyers. The overall crypto market also reached a new high of $4.3 trillion in October 2025, with venture investments doubling to over $20 billion. Looking ahead, Ahrend expects M&A to remain robust even in risk-off scenarios, as major exchanges and infrastructure players possess strong financial positions. However, potential challenges include regulatory changes, Federal Reserve policy shifts, and broader market volatility. Early 2026 is expected to provide clearer insights into U.S. regulatory directions.