Coin Bureau CEO on Bitcoin in 2026: Cycles, Liquidity and a Divided Market

CoinTelegraph

by Marco Castrovilli

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

In an exclusive interview with Cointelegraph, Nic Puckrin, CEO of Coin Bureau and a prominent crypto YouTuber, predicts that the cryptocurrency market in 2026 will be defined by a stark divide between institutional conviction and retail apathy. He anticipates a "tale of two crypto markets," where major players like institutions and big-money investors remain committed, while individual retail investors show little interest compared to previous cycles. This shift, Puckrin argues, is reshaping the market dynamics and could have significant implications for future trends. Puckrin attributes this divergence to factors such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs), policy changes, and increased institutional adoption, which have dominated headlines but haven't sparked the same level of retail engagement seen in past bull markets. He highlights that while institutional interest remains strong, everyday investors are not participating at the same levels, a trend that could influence market behavior moving forward. The interview also revisits the ongoing debate around Bitcoin's "four-year cycle," a pattern historically used by traders to predict price movements. Many believed this playbook had become obsolete after an unusual run-up before the 2024 halving and the lack of a classic blow-off top. However, Puckrin argues that recent price behavior has caused even skeptics to reconsider their views, suggesting that the cycle theory may still hold relevance. This analysis matters for crypto enthusiasts and investors because it underscores the evolving nature of the market. The growing institutional presence and reduced retail participation could signal a long-term shift in how the market operates, potentially favoring those with deeper pockets and more sophisticated strategies. Meanwhile, revisiting the four-year cycle debate provides traders with new insights into how price patterns might unfold in the future. For readers interested in crypto trends, Puckrin's insights offer valuable perspective on where the market might be headed. His predictions about a bifurcated market and the resilience of the four-year cycle theory provide actionable information for both institutional and retail investors

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/26/2026