Recently, during an interview, the head of digital asset research at a well-known asset management firm made an interesting observation—digital assets are gradually and irreversibly evolving from a niche experiment into the foundational layer of the financial system. He even boldly predicted that 2026 might be the year when more people realize this.

He used a vivid metaphor: "Container Moment." Just as standardized metal containers once revolutionized global trade by reshaping ports, logistics, and entire supply chains, the financial sector is now undergoing the same transformation.

It sounds grand, but in reality, these changes are happening quietly. Although the price trends in 2025 seem uneventful, throughout that year, the industry has been laying a solid foundation behind the scenes—focusing on infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and institutional workflows. Regulated products, custody solutions, institutional strategies—these seemingly boring elements are paving the way for real breakthroughs.

What best illustrates this? Last year, almost every major bank announced plans to develop some capability in the digital asset space. It’s hard to imagine this just three or five years ago. And there’s a subtle shift this year: no one in the market is shouting "Bitcoin is dead" anymore. This change may seem small, but it actually symbolizes broader acceptance and confidence.

So don’t be fooled by this year’s price performance; the real story isn’t on the K-line, but in every quiet infrastructure upgrade.