Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan believes the long-observed four-year cryptocurrency cycle may be breaking down, suggesting this cycle could be “bigger and last longer” than expected. Traditionally, crypto markets follow a rhythm of three bullish years followed by a correction, often tied to Bitcoin halving events or macroeconomic shifts. 

Hougan argues that despite recent regulatory headwinds, the foundational infrastructure—like stablecoins, DeFi, and tokenization—has quietly strengthened and is now poised to accelerate. He likens the industry to a “coiled spring,” ready to expand rapidly as regulatory barriers are lifted, especially under more crypto-friendly political leadership. 

While he acknowledges the potential for a correction driven by speculative excess, Hougan believes any downturns will be more muted and short-lived than in past cycles. 

Finsum: With maturing markets and a broader, more value-focused investor base, could 2026 bring another crypto winter—or simply the next phase of a longer growth era.

REITs have faced a tough stretch over the past five years, weathering both the COVID-19 pandemic and a sharp rise in interest rates. Despite these challenges, their core purpose remains unchanged: to deliver steady income through rental-generating assets that distribute at least 90% of profits. 

For income-focused investors, REITs function like long-term bonds, offering regular payouts from stable property portfolios. When evaluating REITs, focus on strong sponsors, consistent distribution per unit (DPU) records, and appropriate position sizing based on your risk tolerance. 

 With many Singapore REITs now trading at discounted valuations, the current environment may offer long-term investors an attractive opportunity to lock in 6–7% yields and grow passive income.

Finsum: Timing also matters, you can either build positions gradually or take advantage of market pullbacks to invest more heavily

High-net-worth clients face financial challenges that extend far beyond investing — from tax strategy and estate planning to philanthropic giving and risk management. The tricky part is, they often don’t realize what’s missing until something goes wrong. 

That’s where an advisor steps in — not necessarily as an all-knowing expert, but as a skilled generalist who knows how to ask the right questions and rally the right specialists. The best advisors lead like point guards: coordinating tax professionals, estate attorneys, and insurance experts to keep the client’s entire financial picture aligned. 

They play offense and defense — identifying blind spots, managing risks, and preparing families for wealth transfer long before a crisis hits. 

Finsum: With the right team, proactive mindset, and a client-first playbook, you can position yourself as the go-to strategist for high-net-worth households.