Trends in Digital Assets in 2020, analyzed by cryptocurrency experts

The cryptoverse is no stranger to a diverse set of trends, some of which have gone on to have long-lasting effects, others not so much. And just like in life, change is the only constant. 2019 is no exception to this phenomenon, and industry experts have vetted trends that they observed in 2019.

• Continuous experimentation and successes/failures

The crypto space is still largely in its infancy. Therefore, a majority of its aspects are in the proof of concept/trial and error phase. A lot of the work going on is still speculative and experimental. There is often a lack of cooperation, even with regards to universally liked ideas. Everybody wants to do it themselves, with their unique twists. Hype gets to the point of unsustainability, and it comes crashing down, putting people back at square one.

• Downward trends in ICOs and IEOs

The days of IEOs (initial exchange offerings) and ICOs (initial coin offerings) appear to be numbered. The ICO explosion that resembled the Wild West is a thing of the past. There is a school of thought which purports that ICOs and IEOs will always be around, but are witnessing a downward trend as smart investors realize that there is no legal protection and security backing this token.

• Running your nodes

Spiking Popularity in comparison to 2014 and 2015, the consensus has shifted. Earlier, custodians were viewed as prerequisites for mainstream bitcoin acceptance. The present consensus is witnessing a marked change towards self-custody.

• Privacy

Privacy has always been a central focus but, it’s more important now than ever before. Multi-signature complexity on the part of custodians is witnessing an upward trend, with instances of such projects witnessing an increased number of transactions.

• Well-regulated security type tokens

Security tokens are set to be the next big thing within the blockchain industry. This is the rationale behind Blockstream’s collaborative efforts with several security token offering platforms. Blockstream is conducting discussions with new exchanges currently in the launch phase, but the consensus is that it will take 1—2 years before they are mainstream. Analysts predict that the STO explosion might not happen until sometime in 2021.

• Lightning network

Lightning networks have witnessed progressive advancements over time. The economy surrounding it is witnessing drastic growth, as several services and apps are tying into the lightning network.

• Institutional adoption

With the upcoming 2020 U.S. presidential elections, there is increased potential for the institutional adoption of crypto.

• The Outcome of the economic crisis

The ongoing economic crisis is expected to have a major role by forcing existing cryptocurrencies to “grow up” and fix a lot of issues for the existing financial systems. This is expected to have its effects on everybody, so it’s not only about organizations but also about individuals.

• Prepping for the bitcoin boom

Another “bull cycle” is predicted in 2020. Bitcoin is raring to go, while everybody undergoes significant turmoil and change.

• Bitcoin Maximalism

Last but not least, bitcoin maximalism is a long-term aspect that appears to be gaining steam recently. Described as a “philosophical, and incredibly active” movement, bitcoin maximalism is a trend where currency turns into a win-or-lose market. Industry analysts predict that there will be one currency at the end, left as the last man standing, with the prospects for a multi-currency universe decreasing by the day. This is reflected in a lot of major companies turning “BTC exclusive” with them openly proclaiming that they will not be working with other currencies in the future.