The financial landscape is evolving rapidly, and at the forefront of this transformation is Grayscale, the world’s largest crypto-focused asset manager. During the Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), contributor Patricia Wu sat down with Rayhaneh Sharif-Askary, head of product and research at Grayscale, to discuss the latest innovations and trends shaping the crypto market. Their conversation revealed critical insights that could influence investors and the future of digital finance.
One of the most notable developments Sharif-Askary highlighted is the introduction of staking into Ethereum and Solana ETFs. Staking has become a powerful income tool within the digital assets sector, giving investors the ability to earn yield on their holdings. “Staking crypto is now an income generating asset class,” Sharif-Askary explained, underscoring Grayscale’s commitment to building compliant, regulated investment products that offer genuine revenue opportunities. With staking rewards reportedly exceeding 7%, investors can expect more diversified income strategies within their portfolios.
Sharif-Askary also shared her outlook on major trends heading into 2026. She anticipates clearer regulatory frameworks surrounding crypto assets, which could pave the way for more robust institutional adoption. This supportive regulatory environment, combined with a favorable macro backdrop, positions Bitcoin to potentially achieve new all-time highs in the first half of 2026.
In a striking observation, Sharif-Askary suggested that the long-standing four-year Bitcoin cycle narrative may lose relevance. “I think that it’s been a self-fulfilling prophecy,” she said, pointing to rising adoption rates across both institutional and retail investor groups. As participation broadens and the market matures, the potential for steadier growth increases, creating space for deeper integration between crypto-native firms and traditional financial institutions.
Another key theme Sharif-Askary addressed was the importance of cross-chain capabilities. Projects such as Chainlink illustrate how interoperability can unlock new layers of utility by enabling communication across different blockchains. She noted that “we will continue to see fast, scalable next-generation layer one blockchains like Solana making strides toward wider adoption.” This cross-chain functionality is essential for making cryptocurrencies practical tools in everyday financial solutions for both individuals and institutions.
The insights shared by Rayhaneh Sharif-Askary at ADFW signal an optimistic future for crypto and financial innovation. With advancements in staking, growing regulatory clarity, and increasing collaboration between blockchain companies and established financial institutions, the investment landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift. For investors looking to position themselves at the forefront of this transformation, staying tuned to these evolving trends will be key to unlocking the long-term potential of digital assets.