Year-End Wrap: Bitcoin Closes Below 90K as ETF Filings and Regulatory Shifts Shape 2026

As 2025 draws to a close, the crypto markets are wrapping up a turbulent year. Bitcoin trades around $88,871, well below the October highs, while institutional players position for 2026. Today's episode covers: the complete absence of the traditional Santa rally, Bitwise's massive filing for 11 new altcoin ETFs including Bittensor and Zcash, Grayscale's prediction that regulation-not quantum computing fears-will drive 2026 markets, Strategy's continued accumulation despite stock price challenges, and the dramatic growth in stablecoin infrastructure following the GENIUS Act. We also examine XRP's continued ETF inflows, crypto security breaches totaling nearly $3 billion despite fewer attacks, and what the shifting global liquidity picture means for digital assets heading into the new year. Tune in for a comprehensive year-end market update and what to watch as institutional adoption accelerates in 2026.