Schwab Crypto Report 2026: Why Most Value Stays Locked at the Base Layer
Analysis of the Schwab Crypto Report 2026. Discover why market value remains concentrated in networks rather than infrastructure or consumer products.
Think the real money in crypto is in the newest viral app? Think again. While flashy user-facing products grab the headlines, the actual wealth is accumulating far beneath the surface. According to the latest Schwab Crypto Report 2026, the vast majority of market value remains concentrated at the foundation of the ecosystem.
Decoding the Schwab Crypto Report 2026: The 3-Layer Framework
Schwab simplified the complex crypto landscape into 3 distinct layers: networks, infrastructure, and products. Their research indicates a significant valuation gap where the base layer consistently outperforms its upper-tier counterparts.
- Networks Layer: The foundational protocols like Ethereum or Solana that provide the basic rules and security.
- Infrastructure Layer: The tools and services—think wallets and oracle networks—that bridge the gap between protocol and user.
- Products Layer: The DeFi apps, NFT platforms, and games that consumers actually interact with.
The Persistence of Network Dominance
It's a common misconception that value flows to where the users are. However, Schwab highlights that networks act as 'digital sovereign states.' Because every product and piece of infrastructure must pay a 'tax' (gas fees) and follow the rules of the underlying network, the base layer naturally captures a disproportionate share of the total market cap.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
In 2026, the Hainan Free Trade Port is disrupting the traditional Hong Kong-Singapore duopoly. Boards are shifting from geography-based to jurisdiction-based strategies.
South Korea's facial recognition payment market hits a new high as Toss Facepay reaches 1 million users in 2026. Discover how AI and 3D tech are making wallets obsolete.
Streaming hit a record 49.2% of US TV viewing in December 2025, fueled by Netflix's 'Stranger Things'. Explore the data behind the decline of traditional TV.
US tech stocks fell as Morgan Stanley warned of slowing IT hardware demand. Analysts cite concerns over AI infrastructure returns and corporate spending.
In 2026, the Hainan Free Trade Port is disrupting the traditional Hong Kong-Singapore duopoly. Boards are shifting from geography-based to jurisdiction-based strategies.
South Korea's facial recognition payment market hits a new high as Toss Facepay reaches 1 million users in 2026. Discover how AI and 3D tech are making wallets obsolete.
Streaming hit a record 49.2% of US TV viewing in December 2025, fueled by Netflix's 'Stranger Things'. Explore the data behind the decline of traditional TV.
US tech stocks fell as Morgan Stanley warned of slowing IT hardware demand. Analysts cite concerns over AI infrastructure returns and corporate spending.