Experts name two cryptocurrencies that will reach $ 100 billion in market capitalization this year

Analysts note the potential of two cryptocurrencies — Solana SOL $129.28 Binance-Peg SOL 3.22% Market capitalization $0.14 billion VOL. 24 hours $0.26 billion and Cardano ADA $0.37 Cardano 7.32% Market capitalization $13.4 billion VOL. 24 hours $40.88 million - to reach a market capitalization of $ 100 billion in the first quarter of 2026. The growth is estimated to be possible subject to the implementation of key technical updates and favorable market conditions.

Solana has a current market capitalization of about $ 68 billion and needs about 32% growth to reach the $ 100 billion mark. A key factor may be the upgrade of Alpenglow, which is scheduled for early 2026. It should reduce the transaction confirmation time to 150 milliseconds and increase throughput by 25%. Activity in the field of stablecoin payments and institutional participation in the project’s ecosystem is also growing.

Cardano currently has a market capitalization of approximately $ 12.7 billion and needs to grow by more than 680% to reach the $ 100 billion goal. One of the growth factors may be the development of the Midnight side chain, which is focused on protecting user data. This chain should provide a bridge to the Solana network, which opens up additional opportunities for DeFi tools. Investors are also focused on the possible launch of ADA-based index funds in the United States.

According to analysts, Solana has a much higher chance of reaching $ 100 billion in capitalization in the first quarter, as its current performance and development dynamics are closer to the target level. Cardano, despite its lower starting position, is seen as a medium- to long-term contender, depending on the implementation of infrastructure initiatives.

The growth of these assets may indicate growing interest from institutional investors, who are increasingly assessing large-cap cryptocurrencies as less risky for long-term investments.

The final dynamics of both projects in the first quarter of 2026 will largely depend on the impact of technical updates, the state of the digital asset market, and the progress of regulatory processes in key jurisdictions.